Upon reaching Marona's place, her initial reaction was one of frustration. "How could you be so foolish, Senior? I warned you not to venture out of the city, but you ignored me," she scolded, her eyes flashing with anger. "You and that one-handed fool are walking through the city every day, painting a target on your backs. If you won't value your own life, at least value Lucas's."

Silas, recognizing the seriousness of her tone, interrupted before she could continue. "Yes, Marona, I should have heeded your warning. But the city is no safer either."

Sighing deeply, Silas added, "Now that the cat is out of the bag, there's no point in hiding the truth."

Marona's expression grew even more serious. "What's the plan now?"

Silas nodded, acknowledging her question. "You know who sent these mercenaries, right?"

Marona's eyes narrowed. "Yes, the Megenthores. They've learned about you."

"I'll need a favor from you, Marona," Silas said, his voice low and earnest. "I'm seeking refuge in your part of the black market. But be cautious; you're going against the Megenthore clan."

Marona, unfazed, replied, "If you didn't know already, I'm already at odds with the Megenthores. So don't worry. But you should be aware of who will be coming after you."

Silas's face darkened. "Yes, my clan brother—Thoren the Thunder."

Marona nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "I see. But don't worry too much; I have a plan."

Turning to Lucas, Marona's expression softened. "Oh, my sweet Lucas, you look so wounded and bruised. Here, take this mana potion."

Witch making powerful potion AI genertaed | Premium AI-generated image [https://img.freepik.com/premium-photo/witch-making-powerful-potion-ai-genertaed_776894-2075.jpg]

Lucas hesitated. "But we've already had one. This will only heal minor cuts."

Marona's eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief. "These are failed potions. I let my guards use them. But you know, even failed potions can be surprisingly effective."

Lucas was taken aback as he drank the potion. Almost immediately, he felt the internal and external wounds start to heal. His AI beeped softly.

"Internal and external wounds healed 70%. Caution: Further consumption may reduce vitality permanently."

Lucas understood the trade-off for quick healing. He bowed and thanked Marona.

Marona waved him off dismissively. "Don't worry about it, child. Just give me two mana stones when you can."

Lucas was shocked by the daylight robbery but understood the value of the potion. After a brief conversation, Silas and Lucas left for their new home.

Marona had arranged a medium villa for them at the back of the black market. Lucas quickly realized that Marona was a significant figure in Almera, someone not to be trifled with.

Courtyard of the Mysterious Medieval Castle | Premium AI-generated image [https://img.freepik.com/premium-photo/courtyard-mysterious-medieval-castle_954355-269.jpg]

As the days drifted by in their new villa, the simple yet spacious home quickly became a sanctuary for Lucas and Silas. The villa, though modest, featured a large courtyard that offered a sense of tranquillity. Silas, seeking safety from the mercenaries and the looming threat of Thoren, decided to invite Meluis to stay with them.

When Meluis arrived, his frustration was evident. "Why did you invite me here? I've already told you I can't stand that potion dealer," he grumbled. "She's a wicked person."

Silas motioned for Meluis to sit. "This was the only way, Meluis. The Megenthores have already sent mercenaries to kill us, and they might strike again. We need to keep ourselves safe until Thoren arrives."

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Meluis raised an eyebrow. "Until what? Do you have a plan? You can still run, you know."

Silas sighed, his weariness showing. "I'm getting old and don't have many years left. But I have a plan that ensures our victory."

Meluis, though still doubtful, agreed to stay. As he did, Lucas arrived with a bright smile. "Hey, Uncle Meluis, long time no see! I'm glad you came."

Meluis grinned back. "Why wouldn't I come? Did you think I'd die that easily?" He then produced a large object wrapped in fine cloth. "Lucas, this is for you. Open it."

Lucas's eyes widened with amazement. "Really?"

Meluis teased, "Do you think I'm lying?"

Silas laughed, "Oh, you are."

Meluis pretended to be offended. "Watch your mouth, old man."

The three of them laughed heartily, the recent scars from battle fading away in their shared joy. Lucas carefully unwrapped the cloth to reveal a sheathed sword, perfectly sized for him. The blade was sharp as an eagle's claw and as shiny as a unicorn's horn, with intricate runic carvings meant to amplify Aura.

A close up of a sword with a glowing blade on a black background generative ai | Premium AI-generated image [https://img.freepik.com/premium-photo/close-up-sword-with-glowing-blade-black-background-generative-ai_900958-56430.jpg]

Silas's eyes widened in surprise. "This must be worth at least 20 mana stones. Where did you get it?"

Meluis, with a mock frown, replied, "It actually cost me 25 mana stones. And before you ask, I bought it with my life savings."

Lucas gazed at the sword, touched by Meluis's generosity. "Thank you, Uncle. Why did you spend so much?"

Meluis chuckled, "In my old age, I can't spend that much on women anymore."

Lucas, overcome with emotion, hugged Meluis. The older man was taken aback but quickly returned the embrace. "Now, now, don't make me an emotional fool. I don't do this often," Meluis said, though his eyes softened.

Lucas smiled, feeling a profound sense of gratitude. He vowed to repay the kindness and love of those like Silas, Marona, and Meluis, who had supported him through thick and thin. The sword was more than just a weapon; it was a symbol of their unwavering support and his determination to honor it.

After receiving the sword, Lucas eagerly asked Meluis to begin his training. However, Meluis declined without hesitation. "Take some rest for a few days. We'll start the training then," he said firmly.

"But I feel fine, Uncle," Lucas protested.

"No," Meluis insisted. "Let your body recover, and I need time to heal my wounds as well."

During these rest days, Lucas focused on tempering his aura and mana, steadily approaching the milestone of breaking through the 10 mana points. The next day, to alleviate Lucas's boredom, Silas decided to take him to explore the black market.

Lucas's initial perception of the black market was far too small; it was at least ten times larger than he had imagined. They stuck to the areas under Marona's influence and were accompanied by her guards. Silas, who had previously shielded Lucas from the darker aspects of the black market, believed it was time for Lucas to face these realities, so he would be better prepared.

Their first stop was an armoury where Lucas purchased some arrows. Next, they visited a fine restaurant known for its rejuvenating vitality food. As they walked, Lucas was confronted with the harshness of the black market: a naked eunuch displayed outside a brothel, his balls and cock were castrated and slave collar on display. A slate next to him read: "New arrival aura knight. Fulfil your wild desires by fucking an aura knight."

Lucas's heart sank as he recognized the eunuch as the leader of the black-robed men who had helped them. Confused and shocked, he turned to Silas. "Grandpa, isn't this the leader of the black-robed men? Why is he here?"

Silas replied calmly, "He paid the price for his betrayal to Marona. He took money from the mercenaries to delay us in aiding and not warn us about the ambush. Now he will face death daily. Marona is kind, but she's also ruthless in her justice. Sometimes, I fear her."

Everything started to fall into place for Lucas. The dots connected: why the black-robed scouts hadn't found the ambush and why they were late to the fight.

As they continued, Lucas noticed a young girl, about the same age as the innkeeper's youngest daughter, Betha, beaten and begging on the side of the road. He immediately thought of Betha and felt a pang of guilt for not saying goodbye before leaving the inn.

Lucas approached the girl and started to hand her a gold coin. But Silas intervened, "I wouldn't do that if I were you. Once you give her this coin, she'll be robbed and possibly killed."

Lucas had not considered this. Silas then approached a nearby food shop, handed over a few coins, and instructed the shop owner to feed the girl daily, warning him sternly against any deceit.

The girl's eyes filled with tears as she said, "Thank you… young....aaa." Her innocence showed as she used the wrong form of address. Lucas gently patted her shoulder and said, "Don't worry. You can eat at this shop for a few months. Don't cry."

With a grateful smile and tearful eyes, the girl nodded.

As they headed back to the villa, Lucas felt a deep longing to say a proper goodbye to the innkeeper daughter. He missed them and wanted to express his gratitude for their kindness.

For next day, Lucas planned to visit them, but Silas was adamant. "It's not safe, Lucas."

Despite Silas's several refusal, Lucas persisted, "Please, Grandpa. Let me go. I promise I'll take uncle Meluis and the guards with me."

Silas, seeing the earnestness and kindness in Lucas's eyes, sighed. "Fine. But we'll all accompany you to the inn."

Silas had been wrestling with his decision, but witnessing Lucas's kindness amidst the darkness of their world gave him a sense of relief. It reassured him that Lucas still has a kind heart in place.