"Hey, don't be so gloom now Cloud. I already apologized didn't I? You see this is all for the sake of science. I have to chop your finger to get a sample of your bones. You would understand me right? Look, your finger is now good as new. No harm done." That bastard Eleazar explained.

No harm done? He chopped my damned finger off without my consent! Not only am I drenched with my own blood when I gawked at the bleeding stump where my pinky finger was supposed to be, now my freshly grown digit feels so raw at any form of moving it hurts like hell!

"No harm done my ass. Couldn't you at least tell me in advance of what you're going to do before dismembering me?" I said angrily while trying to find a position where my finger won't get exposed since even a slight breeze would make it hurt a lot.

"Now, now. No need to be angry. What would it change if I tell you that I am going to chop your finger then? Knowing it beforehand would just make you nervous and might make me miss my target and cut a larger part of your hand if you flinched." Although he tries to sound like he is sorry, in truth is not sorry at all. His voice sounds unapologetic as he pokes the bone of my chopped finger with a strange apparatus, scanned it with another equipment, and then proceeded to extract the marrow when it looks like it didn't work.

"Yeah keep telling yourself that. You bastard just suddenly thought of chopping my finger to see what is inside and proceeded with it on the fly didn't you?" I said in an accusing tone. In which Eleazar just stayed silent. He then proceeded to pretend he was busy to avoid answering which means it is a yes.

"Well, what is done is done. At least you wouldn't try to cut me open and harvest my organs for your experiment wouldn't you?" I asked, which prompted a cough from the bastard.

"What the hell old man? You really plan to cut me open?" I asked in outrage.

"Well as you can see Cloud" he started, his voice calm and tries to pacify me. "You wouldn't be in any danger. I just need a small sample and since I will use my magic to heal you back up after processing the cut organ, the percentage of you dying is close to zero."

"How small is that chance?" This old man is crazy.

"Not that high. Just a little bit of 25% chance of dying due to complications. Not even worth worrying your little head." He said, trying his best to convince me.

"So I have a 1 out of 4 chance of dying? How in the hell is that close to zero?"

"Well it is closer to zero than 50% isn't it?" he then laugh, finding his joke funny.

This sadist! "Is there any other way to complete your experiment without cutting me open?"

"So far I wasn't closer to solving your curious case than when I began. Truly vexing. The more answer I find, the more mysteries your body unfolds. For example, your body is quite resistant to blunt and have some resistance to elemental damage, but I still don't know what cause the phenomenon. You see, mana could be used to make your body resistant to damage." His face is troubled as he ponders on the mystery that is my body.

"You got all that from poking me with those strange glowing objects? You keep getting samples of my blood and skin but I don't even know what you are expecting to happen exactly." For days he did that and I don't even have the slightest clue what it does.

"Silly hero. These are not just strange objects. These lab equipment are the fruit of all the research and knowledge I accumulated for years." He puffed up his chest with pride. "This one emits charges of electricity from this mananite crystal, the intensity of the charge can be adjusted by twisting the handle." He declared while holding the rod. So that is why I get shocked when he sticks that to my body. "This ball right here can see your elemental alignment by glowing into colors specific to the element. Unfortunately when you hold it only shows all black. This one here---" He continued to showcase his different equipment like a geek showcasing his games and toy collection.

"How about that knife? You cut my finger like butter with that. Is it also enchanted?" So fast I couldn't even react.

"This knife here," He paused while holding the bloody knife. "Is a really sharp knife." What the hell old man. All that suspense for nothing. "We just recruited a really good weapon smith who makes really sharp weapons. So I ordered this knife here, just in case I need it."

"Yeah, just in case you want to cut me." I said begrudgingly as he just stood there, unapologetic.

"By the way old man, you have a lot of invention. How did you find all the time to research and invent all of these things? Did you buy them from other inventors?"

"Hahaha… surely you jest young hero. Mages are selfish bunch. They don't share their knowledge unless you give them something better in return."

"So what did you give them? Gold? Your other inventions?" The old man does seem that he is stacked with gold. After all, he is an Arch mage.

"Nothing." He stated.

"What do you mean nothing?" I was baffled.

"Yeah, I gave them nothing. I grew up poor you know. I don't have anything to offer those high and mighty mages. That is when mind magic is convenient." He smiled as he clearly reminisce on his past.

"So you just look into their minds and stole their idea? But how did you even do that? Do mages not have defense against mind magic?" This old man is hardcore as hell.

"Yes they have defenses. But there is always a way, no matter how hard. Besides, I had a lot of practice with it in my youth." He winked.

"How? Tell me." Now I am really curious. This old man have inventions from simple lab equipment, to

"Ah ah ah… it's a trade secret young hero. I will say no more."

He then started to check on the samples once more. This old man. He really seemed obsessed in knowing everything he can that he would even stoop to stealing from others. I bet his hobby is reading other people's memory.

"You're thinking rude thought again aren't you Hero? I know that you are thinking that I only care about acquiring as much knowledge as I can regardless of the people I might hurt in the process. All knowledge should be shared to other people. Indeed, some knowledge are dangerous if fallen to the wrong hands. But hoarding it when it can improve the way of life of people is crime on itself. But don't worry, violence is always the last thing I want to use in order to gain insight from others. So I want to make a deal with you."

"Ok, I'm listening." I gave him my full attention. What could this old man possibly offer?

"So how about this. Give me your full cooperation with the experiment, and I will make sure that the experiment is safe. Also I will grant you one favor from me. Anything within my means, I will grant you."

"Ok. So how about you let me, Vash and his family go free after your experiment?" I asked.

"Can't do that. Not even I, nor the other officers have the authority to grant you what you seek." He answered sadly.

"How about just Vash and his family?" I followed up.

"No, General Romulus and Knight Captain Artemesia will surely be against that." He declared.

It figures. "How about releasing just me?"

"Now that is much more impossible that what you wish for earlier, since it will be the Prince who will be against that." He shakes his head as he answer

I was a bit confused so I asked. "I thought you're command is in a council basis?"

"Tsk, Tsk, Tsk" he clicks his tongue and waves his hand. "The officers and the representatives of various groups and factions are pitching in their ideas, like a council. But it is still the Prince who will get the final say on the matters."

What? Why put a man who puts his emotions influence his actions in a position that makes the final decision? What a recipe for disaster.

"Hey… Stop that. You are thinking negative thoughts about the Prince, aren't you?" His sudden said.

"What the hell old man. Are you sure you are not reading my thoughts?" I was surprised with his sudden statement.

"Ha! No. Not reading your mind, but your thoughts are quite apparent just by looking at your face." He stated smugly.

"Am I really that obvious?" I asked. I was sure I wasn't showing any emotion earlier. I guess my poker face is not that good.

"Don't be discouraged young hero. It is not because you are bad at hiding your emotions. But because I am good at reading them. I have years of practice on people of the highest level you know." he laughed.

Sometimes I forget that the man possesses one of the highest position in this country as the Arch mage. "Well, if you can't grant me those earlier wish, what favors can you grant?"

Eleazar suddenly stood. His body is overflowing with energy greater than what I felt when I met Kaizer in the Void. The only difference between them is that instead of crippling despair, I feel overwhelming courage while being exposed to his aura. With a booming voice he decrlared. "Hero Cloud, I grant the best gift anyone could receive! The gift! Of Knowledge!"

Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

Why am I not surprised?

"Why the disappointed look young hero? Don't dismiss my gift just yet. What is more important in this world than knowledge? Especially for you, a person clearly not from this world." He declared.

"I guess your mind magic is so strong if you could see that far back into my memories." I'm actually impressed. There are at least hundreds if not thousands of years I was trapped in the Void and still he was able to catch glimpse of my memory of my home world.

"Curious aren't we? So will you accept my terms? Your cooperation for my knowledge?" he asked.

"You've been answering my questions for days now even without me accepting an agreement." I retorted.

"Yes I did, it has been a long time since I have conversed with someone with the patience to listen through my long winded lectures. Besides I like sharing what knowledge I have without needing to cast magic against them. But I could stop answering them starting now if you don't accept my proposal. Even though I can do experiments on you even without your approval, I would appreciate it if I have your cooperation and consent. It makes things a lot easier you know. So, will you?" He said as he put his hand in front for me to shake.

Well at least it is a bit better than getting experimented on without anything in return, so with a large sigh, I shook his hand in acceptance.

"Isn't that hard now, is it? So Cloud, what do you wish to know?" he asked as he turn back to his experiments.

Suddenly a guard burst through the door.

"Oh… The prisoner is still here." This guard is rude. "Arch mage Eleazar." He bowed when he spoke to the old man. "The Prince has ordered me to inform you to come see him as soon as you finish your, "Experiment" for today."

"Thanks for informing me. Please inform Prince Arthur that I will be there as soon as I can." Eleazar answered.

"By your leave." The soldier once again bowed before exiting the room.

After the guard left, Eleazar went back to his experiment.

"Well, I guess we have to finish this experiment soon. The prince is pretty irritable these days. Especially when you killed his brother, and we don't want to add another reason for him to hate you more."

"Yeah, why does he hate me? Indeed I killed his brother. But isn't he your enemy? You guys should thank me. From the looks of it, Kaizer would've whooped your asses if I didn't kill him."

"Well, I don't think I should tell you." Eleazar shifted in his seat. His face shows that he is conflicted.

"Hey, you promised to answer my questions. We shook on it." I stated.

"I know." He answered. "I know I said to you that knowledge should be shared. But there are secrets that shouldn't be shared for it may cause danger to others. This is one of them. You don't need to know more than you already have. For both our sakes."

We both fell silent as Eleazar continued to work on his experiment. After a few minutes, he asked a guard to escort me back to my cell and ordered him to go get me something to eat, since we skipped lunch once again.

When I got back to the cell, I saw that Vash is absent from their jail cell again leaving only Neera and Anna. Alfaro is still asleep in his cell, but no one gives a fuck about him.

When Anna saw me come back, she told me that her Papa went out with the guards once more. I don't know why they took him out again, they have just interrogated him yesterday. I wonder what is going on.

My train of thought was cut when Anna took out her potato dolls and asked me to play.

Well there is nothing for me to do till my food arrives. In the meantime, I guess I just have to entertain this sweet little girl.

"Once Eleazar comes here, do what I ordered you to do. Make sure no one sees you. Am I understood?" I ordered the kneeling Pariston. "You are the only one I can trust with this mission. Do not fail me."

"Yes your Majesty. I shall not fail you." He replied.

"Take this prisoner back to his cell while you're at it. Also ask the chef to cook something tasty for him and his family. He deserves it. Go!" I quickly added.

"By your leave, your Majesty." Pariston then stood and escorted the prisoner back to his cell.

Good. The pieces are falling in their place.

Once Pariston and the Prisoner left the room, I was alone once more. They were right. Minutes feel like hours when you are waiting for something. I feel like I have been sitting here all day waiting for the old man to arrive. Where the heck is he?

How long would Eleazar make me wait? I ordered a soldier to pick him up ages ago. I bet he is still with that Cloud once again. Both of them busy chatting instead of fulfilling my requests. What nerve? He already stole my brother from me, now he is even taking away the old man?

I was so distracted by my thoughts that I didn't hear one the guard call me.

"My Prince" the guard said while kneeling. "The Arch Mage Eleazar is at the door. Requesting to be in your presence."

"Let him in." I ordered the guard as I walk back and sat at my chair.

The guards open the door of the War room and let Eleazar in. He continued to walk towards me and stopped to bow a few meters away from me.

"I have answered your summon my Prince. Please forgive my delay. I was in the middle of an experiment when your messenger came and I was unable to come immediately since the specimen will be wasted if not attended properly. Once again, I apologize." If only this old man is not close to my heart, I would've reprimanded him harshly.

No. it is because of that bastard Cloud. There is something about him that piqued the old man's attention. If only he did not come here, the old man would be by my side helping me, giving me important advice with how to lead, instead he is cooped up in his laboratory doing god knows what.

"It's fine old man. But would it kill you to drop in here from time to time? I am also requiring your help on the happening in this fortress too." I said.

"This old man truly apologize from the bottom of my heart my Prince. I was so occupied in trying to decipher the mysteries of the Void that I was blind at my responsibility towards you, your majesty. Please punish this old man for his mistake." My heart breaks at seeing the old man, my last friend and confidant, kneeling so low that his head is touching the ground.

"Don't fret. I won't punish you for something as little as this old man. Just, don't forget to visit me here sometimes ok?" I held him up and looked him in the eyes.

"Yes my prince. This old man wouldn't make the same mistake twice." He gave me another bow.

"So, how is the search for the mysterious surges of energy? The surges that I felt today lasted for a couple of seconds now instead of a split second." I declared.

"Oh yes. The apparatuses that I installed were able to narrow down the possible places where it originates. The surges possible focal point in somewhere in area of the prison and cafeteria. I suggest posting our people who are capable sensors in the area around it." Eleazar advised.

Near the prison huh? "Is it possible that one of the prisoners are responsible for the surges?"

"That is impossible My Prince. The cells are carved with runes that acts like anti-magic aura. A person inside the cell should not be able to use his or her mana. I also carved an extra rune that absorbs any magical attacks so the surge should not be able to originate there." He explained.

"Ok ok. So let's cross out the prison then. Later, please go ahead and assign some of your mages and Captain Artemisia in surveying the area around the cafeteria." I ordered him.

"By your will, your Majesty." Eleazar bowed and he started to head towards the door.

No, I must delay him some more. Enough for Pariston to do his work. "Hey now old man. Don't go just yet. You have just come here. Come, tell me some stories about your experiments."

With a smile on his face, Eleazar then went ahead and shared one of his long winded stories about his experiments while I order one of the soldiers to get some food for us. Once the food is set, I continued to listen to his stories. Although I have to hear more irritating stories about his work with that bastard. I have to endure until Pariston finish his mission. When I felt I bought enough time, I interrupted his story.

"yes, yes. Very interesting old man. But I remember I have something to do. Before you go, go grab something to eat. Based on how you wolfed down almost everything in the table, you must've forgot to eat your meals once again. How many times do I need to remind you? You must take care of your health. You are not that young anymore." I scolded him.

"Yes, my prince. This old man would not forget." He stated.

As I stand up and walk beside him as he walks towards the door he then asked.

"My prince, a word please before I go find my apprentices and Lady Artemisia."

"Hmm… Speak."

"I hope you don't get angry your Majesty. It is about Cloud."

Hearing his name once again really makes my anger flare. I ordered all of the soldiers out of the room before letting Eleazar continue.

"Ok old man. Let's hear it. What do you want to speak about the little "Hero"?" I try to say normally but hint of my anger is still slipping through my voice.

"I know how close you are to your brother. I know that when you approved with the elves in using their magic to hijack his magic and teleport your brother here instead, is not to ambush your brother. No, you wanted to have a last chance to speak with him. One more chance to change his mind and walk the path of the righteous once more, and if you fail, you either stop him with your own two hands or die trying." He declared.

I stood silent as I continue to hear his speech.

"I know you think Cloud has robbed you of that chance. But my Prince. Please open your eyes. Your brother is too far gone to the path of darkness. He will no longer hear what you will say. He already killed your brother and father. Do you really think he won't also try to kill you and slaughter what is left of your loyal subjects? I don't think so. Cloud killing your brother just saved the lives of not only you, but also those who believe in you. Surely he doesn't deserve being treated harshly?"

"You know how close I am with my brother. I let you see that in my memories. Kaizer, no, Reginald is the only one who treated me like a human being since I was born. The rest, they think of me as a murderer who killed his own mother during child birth. Me, a babe, who's only sin was to be born. I was treated as an outcast by my own father. Shunned by my second oldest brother. All the other people avoid me like plague, not wanting to be seen in my presence unless they earn the ire of my "Just" father. What is "just" in condemning a child to a life devoid of love? Every day I do my best in everything I do, hoping that if they see me doing good it might change their mind and love me. But as days go by, the hope slowly die as I came to accept that I would never get the love that I wished for all my life."

Those days I wished to die just to end the loneliness.

"But everything changed when Reginald finally came back from his study from the countryside. He approached me, unafraid of what our father might say. He hugged me and told me "it's good to see you again brother, truly years goes by so fast. As if it was only a day ago when you are but a little babe. Look at you now. You are now a little boy."

"For the first time in my whole life, someone showed me kindness. For the first time in my life someone treated me not as a monster, but a human being. For the first time in forever I was not alone. For the first time in forever I felt that I was loved."

"He taught me all he knew in swordsmanship; he comforts me when I cry after getting scolder by father for something I didn't do. He was the father I never had, he was my bestest friend. He is my idol. He is my hero. But most importantly, he was my brother."

"So don't go tell me to just let it go and move on. If I could just forget all of these feeling that I feel, I would. But I can't. You would know. You tried." I stated. I can feel tears start to fall as I can't hold my feeling back for much longer.

"I do apologize for my incompetence my Prince. I tried all that I could. But your feelings for your brother was just too strong. I am afraid that if I erase it from your memory will cause irreparable damage. It might cause you to go crazy if you don't die outright."

"Yes. So don't tell me to just forgive him. You know I can't. By the way, we don't need him. What use is a man without mana be in the incoming battle? Even if he dies it won't change anything." I bit my lip as my tongue slip.

"What are you saying your Majesty? Surely you're not planning to get Cloud killed, do you?" he asked alarmingly.

"Of course not. I was just speaking my mind. Don't mind me and go back and carry out my instruction. The culprit behind the surges needs to be found. Also go find Merida. I need her update on another missing patrol. Tell her to go to my quarters. I am tired and need to get some rest while waiting for her." I concluded our meeting and Eleazar bowed then started to exit the door.

Once Eleazar was out, I ordered one of the guards outside to find Pariston and send him to me. I then ordered the other to bring the traitor to me once more and told them to hurry.

God damn it. I was too emotional. The plan must be executed as soon as possible. Eleazar is not slow to not suspect that I am planning something. I just hope Pariston did his job perfectly.