However, I do not go through with them, I close the gate after they are through. Then I realize that I forgot to tell Lin that the elves would be coming straight into the cabin. I quickly grab the communication amulet and ask Stillwater to go receive the four elves.

With that dealt with, I make my way over to the mansion and sneak inside. Since this is the mayor's mansion there should be quite a few valuables. After a quick scan of the building I make my way to the stairs and head up.

I make my way to the office on the second floor, where a human is trying to open a safe. Since I have no idea if the human is guilty or not, I simply knock him out. Then I rip open the safe and put all the gold inside it into my ring, but there is more inside.

There is a pile of papers and when I take a look at them I find that they are deeds. Looking through the stack there are deeds to about twenty buildings in the city. While they are probably extremely valuable, to me they are pretty worthless.

Leaving the deeds in the safe I move over to the desk and push it aside. Under the desk is a panel that I raise to reveal a second safe which I also rip open. Inside I find a decent collection of gems and jewelry, which all get shoved into my pouch.

There are several items around that look like antiques, but just like the deeds, I have no way to sell them. Ignoring everything else I make my way out onto the balcony and drop shapeshift. Jumping off from the balcony, I take to the sky and fly back to the ship.

As I come in to land on the bridge I have the idea to add a landing balcony to my cabin. It should be fairly easy to do while I am making the modifications to the ship. I just have to make sure that it can handle my weight, but that shouldn't be too hard.

Besides, it will make a nice place to get some sun without having to mingle with the elves. When I land on the bridge I find Stillwater and Strongrock, but none of the girls. I would assume that the girls took the elven women I rescued somewhere quiet.

Stillwater says "Welcome back, Ash. Good job, as always."

Strongrock says "Ash, thank you! I owe you more than I can express!"

"Don't worry about it. I am just doing what I promised. Stillwater, let's get underway."

Stillwater says "Alright. Heading to the island next, right?"

"Yeah. I will be gone for a few days to collect more materials. Contact me if anything comes up."

Stillwater says "Alright."

I head back to the cabin and the first thing I do when I enter is apologize to Lin. I really should have warned her that the elves were going to appear through the gate. She is the only one awake, it looks like she has been waiting for me to return.

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Lin says "It's alright. I wasn't too surprised. After all, you brought me here the same way. Although, after what was done to those elves I am ashamed to be a human."

"I know how you feel. The worst part is that there are also human slaves treated the same way. That noble that wanted you this morning, it turns out he was the mayor. He was also the owner of the three elven women."

Lin says "In that case, I am even more glad that you killed him!"

"So am I, and I am glad I made it painful."

Lin says "So, when are you leaving for the island?"

"Probably in the morning if nothing else comes up. How is your meditation going?

Lin says "It is good. My mana pool is about seventy percent pure mana. I am almost there."

"Then you should finish it while I am gone. So before I go I will teach you the next step."

Lin says "What's that?"

"Using pure mana for a basic spell. The trick is moving the pure mana through your body to fuel the spell. I suggest starting with creating fire, not only is it easier, this room is proof against fire."

After explaining it I move the mana through my body while she watches. After demonstrating it a few times, I move my mana into her body and guide her mana. Letting her watch and feel how the mana moves in her own body is the best way I can teach her.

Lin says "So, you just move the mana and it acts like a spell? How do you determine the spell effect?"

"It is all based on your intention. You need to create and maintain a clear picture in your head of what you want to happen. Concentration is the most important part of this type of magic. If you lose focus, anything can happen."

Lin says "I understand! I will keep to simple spells to practice my concentration."

"Also, you are not limited to your hands. You can release the mana through any part of your body. You should practice that too."

Lin says "Any part? That doesn't sound very practical."

"If you want to jump, isn't it easier to cast the spell through your feet? If someone grabs you from behind and pins your arms, if you can't cast through your back, what are you going to do?"

Lin says "Hm, alright I see your point. I will practice!"

"You should also practice moving the pure mana around through all of your mana channels."

Lin says "The reason?"

"One, for practice moving mana. Two, to condition your mana channels to handle pure mana."

Lin says "Okay, I understand! I will do as you say. master."

"I thought I told you not to call me master?"

Lin says "It is hard not to when you are acting like one! Besides, I like calling you that!"

"Well, it makes me uncomfortable. If you need to call me something other than Ash, you can call me teacher."

Lin says "Alright, teacher. Is there anything else you want me to work on?"

"No, that should be enough. I should only be gone a few days. There is plenty of fuel for the fire and raw meat in the chest over there. Is there anything else you need?"

Lin says "What about me, Nala, and Albion?"

"Oh, I didn't think of that. I will just leave the food pouch with you."

Lin says "Then what about you?"

"I will just put some food into my pouch. I won't need much for just three days. In fact, I could not eat at all and I would be perfectly fine."

Lin says "Really? With as big as you are, shouldn't you require a lot of nutrients?"

"Yes, but I can use mana to fuel my body."

Lin says "Oh! Is that something that I can learn too?"

"Yes it is. However, it won't work as well for you as it does for me. My body is enhanced and optimized, while yours isn't."