Zigmund stared at Sarey, thinking of what would she even think about this all since this whole talking part was her desired idea. Now, he was forcing her to choose between what Allan wanted and what she wanted. It was kind of bad on his part as a father.

Sarey contemplated for a few moments, ignoring Zigmund's stare at her efforts as she thought of Allan's own matters. This whole exchange was her idea but was not as if she planned this for an extended period of talk. In fact, it all mattered on Zigmund's willingness as much as Sarey's forcefulness, so hearing Zigmund forcing the situation away wasn't unexpected at all. She was unsure if it was worth it to forget about this matter, but considering the worth of Zigmund's willingness, it wasn't a bad trade.

The business was all about it, and she learned it from Terg and Pedro.

“So?” Zigmund insisted, becoming to eat again.

In a minute, Sarey agreed after thinking that she would find a way to question him on some other occasions, while the matter of Auction was also something that intrigued her.

“Fine...” She said, swaling her pride and effort. “But father, I still want a third and last session out of this talking that I wanted from you. Call it thrice and it shall be over. How about it, father? It almost feels like you are chickening out of hits because you are afraid.”

“You...” Zigmund hesitated, feeling that her words were like thorns to his face. “I am not wrong in my vision. But being afraid is not my forte per se. I am not getting much out of it myself, so consider it your luck, or call me being generous. Talking is one thing, and business is another. Am I not in a charge of selling your work, Allan?” he asked, sounding somewhat sincere but Sarey could discern the excuses he was all so familiar with.

Though, Allan didn't hear it, so he asked. “How long do I have?”

“20 days before the auction starts. There will be some time to travel through. It could take a day or so.” Zigmund explained.

“How trustworthy is it to sell my stuff in the Underground Market, or is the Auction itself a bit different than usual stuff? You said it is plenty important so I suppose lots of interest is going to be in that place.”

“Well...” Zigmund sighed, thinking about it himself. He wasn't all that familiar with such things himself, with only a few auctions he visited himself. Considering the worth and degree of the Underground Market, it should be quite a big deal, but nothing that he shouldn't manage. “I believe it will be enough for whatever you want or care about. Be it in the buying or selling. I guess.”

“You guess?” Allan stopped eating, contemplating things for a couple of moments. “If it's in 20 or so days, can you tell me later about more details? A few days should do. I think I have some things to do today or tomorrow, so let's wait.”

“I have no issue with it Allan, but one thing is more important than the others. If you are selling, you need to show stuff for it. It's a mandatory statement with almost any business. Having face, value, and worth is an important aspect to show in the auction. I still have to call an appraisal from some shop that has affiliations to the Underground Market. Then, we will see how much you can offer, give or think about. What do you think?” Zigmund asked, furrowing his brows as he rested his interconnected hands on his chin

“Wait, father.” Sarey stopped Allan just as he wanted to tell something. “I also have some say in this matter. The auction should be a fairly big deal as far as I can tell. Isn't it the best way to sell Allan's work, to begin with? Have you not seen his pieces? Wait... You didn't because you weren't interested in anything for the past dozens of days anyway! If you would, you wouldn't even think of some appraisal or this auction. Hmph!” Sarey argued after finding his words rather counter-productive. Suddenly, he cares about Allan's work? What a rollercoaster of promises...

In truth, the whole idea of Allan, paying back, was just some small aspect that Zigmund thought very little about. He had no issue with money in general, and it was all caused by Allan's own ideas and willingness.

After all, if he wanted to forge, it was easy, but what then? His work would become what? A useless thing laying in a corner of the forge? Forging was a business and that much Zigmund knew, but after finding out about some stuff and the war, he completely forgot about it. It was that simple, but one thing stood among the rest.

One big issue that still made him hesitate. And that was the hidden treasures of world-shaking value hiding in the forest beyond their house. Just the value of a few jewelry pieces that Zigmund took out of it without anyone's concern, paid for the whole forge. Then, he even got some spare gold as a pleasant fee from Rengiward of the Maine Company.

“Heh. I guess you are right, Sarey. I didn't consider it all that much before, and I am sorry for that.” Zigmund sighed, apologizing, yet his word didn't carry that caring tone that Sarey hoped for. “I plan to change some of this along with this potential auction. Consider it as something that should be interesting and could solve Allan's desires or whatnot. Selling stuff shouldn't be that hard.”

Sarey looked at him bewitchingly, not forgetting about the promises or the things around the forging. She didn't spend hours watching Allan work for nothing. Although she shouldn't hold some meaningful priorities, and according to Zigmund they should be none of her concern.

Now, on the other hand, Zigmund's words carried plenty of reason for her to voice. The topic of the Underground market piqued her interest quite a bit since she only heard rumors about it and in one instance where Terg spoke of it in vague terms. Something along the line of messed up place, where money holds all value while men have none.

It was about right, yet Sarey remembered it ever since.

Alas, to carry those words out, she had to accept Zigmund's try to get out of this predicament.

“Is talking that hard for you?” she asked as she got up from her seat. Frowning and clutching her firsts on top of the table, she would even smash it to annunciate her feeling, but it wasn't worth it.

“Is it worth hearing the unnecessary words?” Zigmudn argued, not carrying much about talking.

“Ehm. Ehm.” Allan cleared his throat. “Talking. It is a basic thing for understanding. On the other hand, arguing is about two people thinking their truth holds more value than the other's.”

“What sort of meaning does that hold?” Zigmudn asked, furrowing his brows.

“That you should talk, father!” Sarey landed back on a chair, having enough of the meal so she crossed her arms to get Zigmund most attention.

She still thinking about the Auction, but she paid more attention to the potential of today's journey to the Diary. This? This was a thing she decided to quench her interest. She didn't even expect it would go this far, let alone talk about a lofty Underworld auction that shouldn't be ordinary according to her knowledge.

Were there even mortal craftsmen who would have treasure worth to be same, or better than the treasure behind the stars? That was at least what Sarey thought of Allan's underlining meaning of his desire. Though, she plans to ask about it later today. Why else would he ask about Immortal treasures that were beyond the stars, or were extremely limited in this world? He must be interested in making something himself, right?

Sarey was thinking through the values like a mortal who found a mountain of gold before looking at his barren and haggard clothes.

Values and worth. It was all about it. The Auction, that is. Treasures that would be there could still be incredibly valuable, even if they wouldn't be beyond the stars. That was jsut common sense, yet she also knew one thing. The world of the Underworld worked behind the riches and values beyond commonsense, making the potential of Immortal treasures that much more enticing. Of course, there would be immortal stuff behind the scenes or directly represented in the main auction.

It was a matter of politics, dramas, and struggles of many organizations who will fight over them. Of course, within the means of the Auction and rules of the organizers.

Underground Market had a reputation of 100 years not for a show. It was a place filled to the brim with important figures from the whole continent. For an auction to happen 4 times a year, it was obvious that valuable things would be sought out. Even kingdoms and nations of the surroundings around the Tricloud Region would send a representative to seek what could be there.

The Underground Market of the Tricloud Region was, after all, a part of the Underground Association. An organization spanning the whole continent, and perhaps beyond the stars themselves. That was at least what Sarey knew, even without Zigmund's knowledge. Terg was the cause, as well as her persuasion and curiosity.

Hearing Zigmund continuous silence, Allan was no longer holding back after hearing their arguments. It was becoming harder to stomach with this nice breakfast. “Talk is a talk. No need to get upset over it. Sarey can decide later about this, after you, and I will come to a full understanding. Today, is not a good day for that, even though I did brink it up. Sorry for that.” Allan made a quick bow, feeling that Sarey was also becoming irritated, yet that was his guess.

“As long as she agrees,” Zimgund said, not even looking at Sarey. “I will do my best.”

“I....” Sarey tried to speak, yet Allan didn't let her do that.

“THEN!” he slammed the table gently, even though his voice went quite higher than normal. “I am up for this auction alongside potential purchases of whatever is necessary. I hope to have your help regarding that, mister Zigmund. Please contact some appraisals and if things will go well, I will make more weapons for selling. Is that alright with you?”

“No problem at all. I see problems somewhere else. In a particular chair.” He chuckled, noticing Sarey's outgrowing anger. She even tossed a piece of bread at him, which he easily dodged. “I will send a message or come here with someone I know. You will have 20 days to work through this since I bet it should be interesting enough.” Zigmund said with an unbothered expression.

With these last words, he got up from the chair to no longer be a target of Sarey's other bread attack. Next time, she could take a potato, or a knife, even. That wouldn't end well.

Even though they all talked, most already finished their meal. Some more than others, but with the weight and potency of today's talking, it didn't appear an appetite was something easy. At least Allan finished everything, while Sarey and Zigmund didn't. Though, not like they minded it all that much with their father-daughter discussion.

Zigmund had nothing planned for today, so he figured a good nap from the sumptuous breakfast would work the best.

He left with no further questions, bread, or request coming his way, which left Sarey and Allan alone. Both were a little annoyed, but for different reasons.

Sarey leaned forward, grabbing Zigmund's meal to eat it herself. “See what I can give up for you?” she whispered as she got closer to Allan.

“Is it a competition to be tolerant of each other?” He asked in return.

“You think so? He is jsut an old fool. I want to know more. That's it.”

“Forget it then.” Allan sighed, trying to find some bread as a snack. It was in a bowl, conveniently placed to his right. “This Underground Market seems like a bit deal though. I didn't expect him to mention something like that, let alone offer to take me there. It seems fishy. Have you heard about it?” Allan asked before giving her a try to counter back.

“Hmmm. I did, but I had never had the desire to look for such places,” she replied, leaning back to the chair in a try to calm down. This conversation with Zimgind ended up as quite a disaster but it seemed she wasn't all that upset about the results. It was just another failure among dozens or hundreds. Not a big deal.

“Anyway, Allan. Do you even think this whole Auction thing is something good for you? The stuff around 36 should be plenty interesting and much more valuable than some Market within mortal lands. After all, the Diary of the Body is extraterrestrial and 36 is a real Immortal. Think about it. If you are interested in Immortal material, he is the best offer even though...” Sarey hesitated because of a sudden recollection of the ridiculous treasure in the close forest. Though, she didn't voice it yet, since she promised Zigmund not to talk about it.

“...I think. A lot.” Allan said nodding and unnoticing her pause that hid quite a huge topic. “I have my reasoning to do what I do. I will tell you about them after we visit the Auction and see the broader world. Well, not technically, but there will be interesting things for sure. How about that, or it will happen sooner? I still have a lot to think about, you know, so maybe in a day or two, I will have a different opinion. It isn't bad. It's called growth.” Allan reasoned.

“Fine. Fine. You don't have to force me all that much, unlike what I do with my father. I agree with what you want since 36 can at least talk, unlike someone...” Sarey sighed, finding nothing wrong with Allan's simple reasons.

So, Sarey got up and began to clean the kitchen after she finished her cold breakfast. Allan was left pondering over the possibilities of the Auction and his own reasons he talked about Immortal treasures. Mainly, it was quite simple. He wondered if this world can have materials within Clayton's lists. He had them etched within his mind since long ago. Even when his inability to look at his Spy Diary was a thing.

This was an opportunity he was looking for. A topic that should be the start of the greater forging since his first try at mixing was already good enough. Using Clayton's forging technique, he may create weapons that should be sought out well outside the ordinary. That was at least considering the topic of the energy-infused blades, but those were the stuff of legends. Yet, such a legendary thing was created by Clayton, so what to make of it?

Clayton must be quite a ridiculous figure, and more skilled than Allan even understood. He didn't even know the premise of such blades. How much would they cost even? Well, it was a price to be imaged, but Allan did know a few different things. Such as the forging processes of a couple of energy blades, along with the names of the materials to make them. They were etched in his mind, but also in his diary, so if worst came, he may ask Sarey to look for them there.

Of course, this all also involved the mixing in general, since Clayton's work all worked around it to some extent. Although, Allan didn't understand it all that well in the past, let alone right now.

Such possibilities of improvements and a future were Allan's greatest hope. Experiments and taste of it were the first steps towards it, and he knew it. With the topic of the Auction, it was time to get a taste of the touch of some powerful people, but who knows? Allan may someday reach a similar status to the people that run the Underground Market.

Allan was certainly not afraid of the Auction, nor anyone there. He was fed up with being afraid, or feeling hopeless. Thus, he feared nothing but his lack of ability and worth, so he held all plans to change that.

“This was a rather unexpected harvest, yet the day is still before me. I will do my best until the 20 days are up! For me and my path.” He promised to himself.

Outside of the kitchen, in Zigmund's office.

He wasn't sleeping or napping on his chair as expected. Instead, he was whimpering crouching down on his knees, and wished he would curse out of his mind. He agreed to something terrible and it was his damned mistake.

“Shit. Shit. SHIT!” he mumbled, almost shouting. “That freaking woman will there be as well!? I bet she will... That paper was a direct invitation and I have no idea how to get there as well. Fuck. Why could I just not notice that paper? No! I should have remained silent, but Sarey made a fool of myself since yesterday. You idiot of a man! Fool!” Zigmund cursed on his knees, striking the ground with his forehead. He felt rather miserable about this and it was no one's fault but his own.

However, he was already thinking about possible ways to get out of this predicament. It was still 20 days until then, so it was enough time to figure out something. For all he could care, he could disguise himself as a guard in armor or some other way so he could not get recognized.

“Yes. Yes! I had to figure it out!” He thought of some bright ideas for a possible solution. It was rather a strange predicament to have, but considering his other, worst worry, it was nothing.

The convoy, along with interesting figures will come here within 20 days. General Embody will come, and Zigmund was quite intrigued why everything happened the way it did. That issue still lingered in his mind, although, he wished it would have never even started to begin with.

Back in the kitchen, Sarey finished her clean-up. Patting Allan on his shoulder with both hands she wondered if he was still in deep thought.

“So?” She asked. “Are you that worried about this Underground, or are you thinking about today?”

“Do you wanna know?”

“Can I guess?”

“Sure.” Allan nodded.

“It's underground for sure!” Sarey smiled, nodding to herself in a self-righteous manner. “It's about forging and it is quite important to you. It must be that.”

“Well, you are not wrong, nor right. I guess it all comes down to the summoning and the auction is still a long way away.” Allan answered.

“So you... You don't expect much from going to the Diary? It sounded interesting. I would go if I could, but 36 said I can't.”

“You are fearless, that's why.” Allan chuckled getting up from the chair to change his mood. “Anyway. I don't want to train, but not like it's my choice. Let me do some stretches and exercises to warm up, and then we will do the summoning. I am sure 36 will have better news if today will be great or not.”

“Right... Summoning. I agree, so let me prepare as well.” Sarey agreed, disappearing to her room to prepare herself while Allan did the same, in his own way outside.

This was a preparation for a minor thing that immortal families wouldn't consider to be meaningful, but it was nothing but important for mortals.

Yet the prose of importance led to an important question. That was the Diary as a whole. The One's treasury had a scale outside of ordinary Immortal families, so one would wonder what rewards could lay within the Trials.

It was a topic of strength that mattered in such things. That was at least the basic sense of the word "Trial" in Immortal realms. One could get better rewards than others, depending on their strength.

That was one minor, yet very important thing that 36 left out within his wordy explanations. It was also because of his not-so-bright knowledge of the rules and things that were provided to him, but that was a problem of something else.

Wisher did, of course, know about the undeniable rules, but he had no chance or desire to speak about them until the very last moment when they talked. It was too bad, that the personalities of those lofty beings weren't up to the task. Each was an old monster, so it was no wonder they got lost in their own heads or egos.

In the following hour, Allan changed into a short robe-like shirt that was tucked into classic fabric trousers by a thin rope. It was a regular martial uniform. The kind that Clayton forced him to wear when he forced him to train.

Sarey got him a rather durable set and wearing new clothes always refreshed his mood. Allan was always quick-to-destroy things, and clothes especially.

By now, he was waiting outside, below a tree while stretching and doing some quick exercises to warm up. He had his shaft, as well as spear and glaive by his side. Those three were the tip and toe of his work, and he wanted to get familiar with them all at the same time.

Spear was highly versatile, and the majority of the things with it could be done one-handed, as well as with two-handed grips. Glaive had more swing power in general but was harder to wield and get used to. Especially if it was heavy as his custom-made one. As for the staff, it was in his longest use, so Allan knew how to wield it with quite a proficiency.

Adding it together, Allan holds one base structure of weapons. Each had some resemblance to the other. all of them were long, with shafts and points. Allan never liked swords, so that may be why. He liked to make them though, but wielding them was always lackluster and kind of empty. With those 3, he always had both hands at work, making it more intricate and delicate. Thus, he liked it quite a lot.

However, he was nowhere near mastery, as Zigmund had plenty of ways to defend against whenever Allan tried in their spars.

While Allan was finishing the 5th set of pull-ups, Sarey arrived. Walking to the backyard with a bag around her shoulders, wearing the same robe uniform she got as a gift, she was ready by all means. This was easily her favorite clothing that she owned for high-action activities. Spars or training was so much better with this easy-to-move and nice robe-like uniform.

She wondered quite a few times what it was made of, or if there was something special about them. She even asked Zigmund about it, but he shrugged his shoulders and acted in rejection.

In truth, he also had no idea what it was, even though it was a gift from his older brother. Although he had some guesses since his own set of old uniforms was also not from normal kinds of materials.

It was military uniform, after all.

“All ready, Allan?” Sarey asked, walking toward him with seriousness and apprehension.

Allan stopped. “Yes, Yes. Let's go.” He released his grip, landing from the pole to the ground with easy and light steps. Taking his staff that rested beside the tree trunk to his, Allan secured the rest of the weapons across his beck. It added quite some weight to him, but he did not mind this at all. A simple fabric cloth secured them both, while staff will never leave his hands, or so he believed.

With that said, Sarey led him through the forest and unkept paths toward the wild valley of rocks. They both knew this place quite well at this point.

“This doesn't feel like I am going to the training at all...” Allan muttered, clutching Sarey's hand as they reached the shades of the cliff. Sarey didn't lead him to the middle which was their usual spot, since they both had other things to care about with 36's summoning.

Taking a seat on some shattered boulders within the shade of the cliff, Allan took a casual resting position while Sarey will do the rest. There were also nearby trees and bushes which were within the corners and around the otherwise rocky valley. Nature was always able to go its way, especially the grass or batches of bushes that seem to be able to grow in the toughest conditions. It made Allan think of them as himself. He was a small bush, growing in the darkness, yet he will still grow.

He kept thinking of it, as his hand involuntarily clutched a couple of leaves and even the grass itself. In a few decades to centuries, perhaps the whole valley will be a forest once again, or a straight-up jungle where trees would become wild, overlooking the tall cliff which may also be gone, thanks to the constant falling rocks and continuous crumbling and corrosion.

“Are you nervous?” Sarey jolted Allan from his reverie, as she took a seat across from him.

“About what specifically?” Allan asked.

“Going to the unknown world, isn't it exciting?” She said with unhinged excitement. Allan can imagine she said it with a bright smile and not least a bit of worry.

“Exciting and terrifying,” Allan replied sternly. “Both could describe my current feelings,”

He clutched the staff with both hands which rested between his legs. Glaive and Spear were on the ground, resting by a wall a handful reach away from him.

“Do you want to smash some rocks to calm down?” Sarey tried to ease his mood. She recalled one thing. This wasn't even an important yearly examination, yet he was so nervous. This could not go unnoticed by her.

“No. Hell no!” Allan suddenly shouted, letting go of his fear or nervousness. “Let's do it. Slash my palm.” then, he pointed his arm forward, almost punching Sarey in her face or chest.