Things have been boring and un-eventful for the past three days. I have no idea what to do with myself other then to meditate. I refuse to absorb that energy again for now but I can still practice immersing myself in that flow state.

Its a new term I've coined for that realm of floating clouds. I think that the different colors correspond to different elements of mana. Classifying them as sub-divisions might be more appropriate.

The pain in my abdomen is unbearable and agonizing. The worst of it rears its head in the middle of the night. A constant headache dogs my heels through the entire day. I think it is a direct result of sleep deprivation.

Gale Satin visits me everyday. He asks about my health and makes sure that I'm eating my food. I would be quite grateful to him if he didn't have any ulterior motives.

I haven't met Ake, Shera, Moon or Kogo ever since I've been relocated here. Although there aren't any guards preventing me from leaving I just can't. I'm too injured.

I need to learn some form of healing spell. If they exist. I'm sure they do even though I haven't seen it yet.

It is about time for my so called benefactor to meet me. He walks into the room and I feel an instant revulsion. This just feels so limiting. I can't help but think back to my nights in prison. A meaningful and free life. That had been my aim.

I suppress my inner turmoil and greet him with a warm smile on my face. I do hope its warm. "I have something for you today." He hands me a manual. It looks similar to the one I got from Moon but instead, it has a different title and the illustrations are different.

I form a bitter smile, "I can't read." The air freezes over for a second and I see a distinct flash of disdain travel through Gale's eyes. He rubs the tiny stubble on his chin.

"It wouldn't be a problem for me before this damned war started but now it'll be harder to get you a teacher. My knights know how to read but I can't assign them here. I'll see what I can do. Just keep it on you for awhile."

"What is this manual for?" Is he just going to leave me with it without any explanation.

"It guides you on how to obtain the [Mana Storage] skill."

I pull my face into a bitter smile and hand the manual back to him. "I can't take this, you've done more than enough for me."

Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

"No, nonsense. I intend to have you in my Armed Guard once this damned war is over. You need to know how to perform basic skills for that right?" He hands the manual back to me and before I can say anything he gets out of his seat.

"I have to go take care of defensive preparations."

"When do you think the invaders will be here?"

"By noon tomorrow."

I draw in a sharp breath and Gale doesn't seem to be that much pleased about it either. He turns around and leaves. I feel an immense pressure as the door closes. I need to get stronger.

Status

-[Skills]-

[Contract]

[Create Will]

[Meditate]

[Mana Sense]

[Mana Intake]

I have a new skill. [Mana Intake]. I think eating that weird cloud was [Mana Intake]. I shouldn't intake mana anytime soon. Not until I learn Mana Storage.

I grasp the manual in my hand and flip it open. Only if Shera was here. I look out the window and I don't even know where I am. I can see the City Lord's residence and its flags floating up in the air.

It is an eagle with its wings spread apart. It has a griffin's tale. The Kingdom of Juned named after the first King Juned. Legend had it that he slayed the undead inhabiting this land with a band of seven warriors. Juned and the Seven Warriors.

That's the basic gist of what I've learned from Gale these past few days. The Undead regard this land as their rightful land. That's the basic reason for this war. The reason I could get away with asking such basic questions is because I'm an uneducated commoner in Gale's eyes.

The more I feel his contempt for 'commoners' the more I understand that he wants something from me.

I flip through the manual a few more times and just sleep. I wake up to the rhythmic swish of a broom cleaning the floor. Its the elven maid. I haven't started a conversation with her since the day I've been here.

Am I afraid to approach a woman after all this time? How could that be? It is a bit embarrassing that I shit on my bed once and she had to clean me.

I should be fine as long as I don't address her ears. "What do you think of Mr. Gale?"

She turns her eyes up at me and glares, "I think he's fine. He doesn't mistreat us or get handsy with us. He keeps to himself most of the time."

That's a good answer. Don't bad-mouth your employer behind his back. I don't think it'll be worth it but I ask her anyway. "Do you know how to read?"

She just shakes her head. I thought so.

"I know somebody who does. Is there any way to call them up here?"

"Who is it? I'll try to get them here."

"Her name is Shera. She was in the same camp as me before I came here. The duke's manor. Do you know about it?"

She shuts her mouth and her lips form into a think line. I think she might be a little distressed by my request. "I don't think I can get them."

"Is it too far from here? or are you not allowed to go there?" I can feel a sinking pit in my stomach. This might not be good.

"No, they were thrown down into the dungeons because they caused a giant ruckus when you were being escorted here."

"What do you mean, the dungeons?"

"The manor has a dungeon down in the basement. Master Gale throws in disobedient fools or thieves in there."

"Did they try to steal something?"

"Yes." What were they trying to steal?

I shrug my shoulders. "I wasn't that close to them anyways."