The crackling sound of fire from the hearth was the only thing that could be heard in the room followed by Reigies' soft, steady breathing. Beside his unconscious self was the black cat. Despite having a small bed made for him, for some reason, the shapeshifting creature would teleport back to the bed beside Reigies. And so everyone haad let it be.

The rain pouring outside paired with the strong wind and rumble of thunder was similar to Requiel's current state of mind. It was in chaos. As he leaned forward to reach for Reigies' hand, there was a knock on the door.

"My lord, it's Rowen. I have come to check on the young lord." His voice resounded in the room as he opened the door and peeked inside.

"I see." Requiel replied with a nod. He then stood up to give Rowen, the physician, some space to check on his son.

He watched as Rowen approached the bed and brought out from his bag an orb similar to what he had brought yesterday. Only this was of a smaller size and had a small amount of sand inside it. This artifact is called phiend. A tool used to determines one's aura stability unlike the other orb , phona. Phona is used to determine one's aura and ability to weild it.

"Pardon me." Rowen says in a hushed voice as he leaned forward and reached for Reigies' right hand. He laid the hand atop the phiend and in an instant, the sand inside the tool started glowing in blue. Slowly, the little particles that's grouped started floating and dispersed in a clamed manner as if it were dancing with Reigies' breathing as its music. Seeing this, a smile formed on Rowen's lips followed by a sigh of relief.

"The young lord's aura is calm and is in a good condition." He said, his eyes not leaving phiend.

"I can see that." Requiel replied. "What I want to know is if his body can handle the aura he possesses."

Rowen removed Reigies' hand from the phiend and gently laid it back to its original position. As he raised his head to look at the duke, he smiled. However, his smile came with worry and this didn't escape Requiel's sharp gaze.

"Drop everything." He demanded, his voice sounding a bit sharper than ususal.

"Fortunately, from what I have observed, the young lord's body is able and can handle the aura he has. However, as you have mentioned, his mental state isn't that strong enough. I have stayed with the young lord the whole night and had noticed his flow of breathing would change from time to time. It is normal that we have nightmares from time to time. But your grace, the young lord's nightmares seems to have an effect with his aura. I have not used the phona as it would be dangerous to use it while he is unconscious so I had used the phiend for it can also determine ones color of aura."

Rowen paused and took in a deep breath with confusion visible on his face. "The phiend changed colors several times and everytime it does, the sand would be chaotic. One moment it's orange then blue, then red, yellow and blue. I was afraid that the color of blue would turn into a darker shade. Fortunately it didn't." There was a moment of silence as Requiel waited for Rowen to continue. "My lord, I have only heard of this as a theory but this is my first time witnessing something like this."

"What do you mean?" This time, Requiel was also confused.

"I have heard from the knights and from you how the young lord was able to make a barrier big enough to enclose at least five meters in diameter of land. And you have mentioned how the young lord and young miss didn't recall of anything that had occured during the last two days of their disappearance. It is not impossible that both didn't have any recollection of what had happened because they really didn't have any memory to remember."

"You're saying that they've been unconscious for two days straight, right?"

"It seems that you have already thought of that, my lord."

Requiel nodded. "The only thing that confuses me is how? Using an aura for three consecutive days whilst unconscious is suicide with a body like that." He said, motioning his hand at his son. "Not to mention, this is the very first time he is weilding one."

Rowen's gaze shifted from the duke to the young lord. His lips then pursed in a thin line before speaking once again. "It is possible that they had travelled through time."

Requiel's face instantly crumpled. "My son is no mage." He firmly said.

Family Atlante is a family of knights. None in history was there an event where an Atlante made pact with a mage. Even if there were, there would be conflicts within the family. From the very first knight that had been bestowed upon with Havien, the sword that represents hope and prosperity, and the last name Atlante, every generation had preserved the power of the family. There were proposals from a family of mages before, but it is said that they refused for they didn't want their blood to be tainted with mana.

"My lord, it is no secret that a mage's mana, a knight's aura and a priest's divine energy can function the same way. The only difference is their sources. People just refuse to accept that fact out of pride. Forgive me for my latter sentence." He then slightly bowed his head and continued. "As you may already know, it is possible for a mage to travel in time. Though this is a dangerous thing to do and that only those who are in their first tier are able to do so. The same goes with ones who weilds an aura and possesses a divine power. However, unlike mages who has already proven such thing, there is nothing written in researches or history books of a knight and priest being able to do it for they have refused to do so, believing that it is such a disgrace to their power." Rowen couldn't help but chuckle. "I mean, technically, mages are scholars with powers. They are hungry for knowledge."

Requiel couldn't agree more. He himself has an old friend working at the mage's tower and would only see him once or twice a year since he entered that tower. However, he couldn't deny the fact that mages are of a great help when it comes to developing the kingdom. From street lamps, house lamps, communication and even transportation.

"Anyways, as I was saying." Rowen continues. "There is a study by mages that states whatever mana can do, aura and divine power can also do. Of course, depending upon the level of your power. In this case..." He trails off as his gaze once again lands on Reigies. "Well, in this case, it seems that the young lord is more powerful than you are, my lord. But a great power comes with either a good or bad consequence." His gaze then went back to Requiel who was now staring at his son, a worried expression plastered on his face. "Forgive me, my lord, for this is the limit of my knowledge. What I had conlcuded is a mere theory based on what I had seen and heard."

A long silence followed as Rowen was in a deep thought. He was having an internal conflict with regards his idea in which he thinks the duke would refuse. As he lowered his gaze, he noticed the black cat that's lying beside the young lord. He had witnessed its shapeshifting but was still confused of its relationship with the young lord. It was then that he remembred something that he had read from a book years ago. He was about to speak when Requiel spoke first.

"You have mentioned that my son possesses greater power than me, meaning he's wielding a darker shade of blue aura, maybe a black one even. Solut, the most powerful aura known. At that age?" Requiel scoffs then trembles at the idea of his son's body withering due to his tremendous power. "If that's the case, then is it possible that, that shapeshifting creature balances Reigies' aura?"

"My lord, I--"

"Because if not, I refuse to accept the fact that my son holds a great power within him at that age and is still alive."

"My lord--"

"The only logical explanation to that would be his aura is slowly eating him away! Tell me, how am I supposed to seal of ones' aura if it is more powerful than I am?!"

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"My lord, please calm down." Rowen's voice was firm yet full of concern. "I know what you are worried about. I know how much you don't want things from the past to happen once again. I am not certain but as to what we have had witnessed yesterday, the creature was able to calm the young lord's chaotic aura. That being said, the creature is able to balance the young lord's aura and par it with what his body can handle. Most especially now that his mental state is not on its better state. The only way to confirm these theories is to involve a mage of a higher tier. It may be a bit too much but--"

"Then go and contact the mage tower. Tell them that I invite their deputy headmaster to visit my estate." Requiel turns to leave.

"P-pardon? The deputy headmaster? I heard that he rarely leaves the tower more than the headmaster itself. Would that mage--"

"Just mention in your letter that I, Requiel Atlante, requests of his presence as soon as possible." And with that, he left closing the door, not sparing Rowen a chance to speak anymore.

Thus, their conversation leaves a certain man behind a desk filled with piles of parchments, papers and books sighing out of irritation. He was in the middle of solving a formula he's been working on for the past two months when a knock on his door interrupted him. He had instructed everyone that he shan't be disturbed as he was doing his research and formation of new spell. Yet, some fool had dared to knock and open his door despite his warnings.

"S-sir, a letter from Duke Atlante has arrived. The messenger states it is very urgent matter." A meek voice had said before he could stand and yell from his desk.

"Atlante?" He asks, his eyes narrowing at the petit woman standing by his door. She had her head bowed as she held an envelope in her hand, trembling. With a flick of his finger, the letter disappeared from the woman's hand and appeared in the mage's right hand. He then flipped it to make sure that the seal came from house Atlante.

"Leave." He says after confirming it.

The woman then left in haste, unintentionally slamming the door shut. But Lucas, the mage, could care less. His focus was now on the missive before him.

"How unusual of that guy." He mumbles as he opens the letter with the knife that suddenly appeared and disappeared after using it. He was slightly disappointed to not see that familiar scribbles of letter he was looking forward to see after a long while. After reading the letter he stood up from his seat and stomped his way towards his door. He then grumbled and whispered inaudible words before opening the door.

The smell of ink and paper tickled Requiel's nose. Without him looking up from the paper in his hand, he knew instantly who had dared slam his door open without knocking.

"I see that you have recieved the letter." He says as he settle the paper on his desk and look up. Standing by the door was an irritated Lucas. His deshivled black, silky robe and long silver hair and red shot eyes indicates how busy he had been. "How long have you been up?" Requiel asks, his brows creasing.

Lucas scoffs after closing the door. He then disappears and re-appears, now sitting on the couch not far from Requiel's desk.

"I could ask the same thing, you fool." Lucas leaned back and rose a brow at his old friend. "The letter said that Duke Atlante would like to have a private meet with the deputy headmaster of the mage's tower. I wonder why is that." He then tilts his head to his right. "Is it because of his daughter whom he had requested for me to brainwash?"

Requiel clicked his tongue, not liking the way Lucas was looking at him. "I know how much you didn't like doing that to a child, alright? I didn't have a choice. I just... I didn't want to see her empty expression." He then averted his gaze in which Lucas rolled his eyes.

"Karma I guess." Lucas shrugs.

"Enough of that." Requiel sighs. "I didn't call you here to talk about my daughter. It's about Reigies. Would you mind checking on him?"

Lucas frowns. "I'm a mage, Requiel. Not a physician."

For a moment, both stared at each other. After awhile, Requiel stood up, motioning for Lucas to follow him. With a groan, Lucas followed him. A few servants greeted them and would give Lucas confused gazes. They didn't know they have a guest, not to mention it being the deputy headmaster of the mage's tower. However, considering their young lord and young miss' situation, they shouldn't have been surprised. As the two climbed the stairs, Lucas couldn't help but wonder what happened when they passed by the tainted glass window that's being fixed. But despite his curious mind, he managed not to ask and rather focus on Requiel's back that seemed to be less broad than what he remember.

As they approach the two adjacent doors, Lucas' frown deepened. He came to a halt that also made Requiel do so when he noticed it. He turned to look at him.

"What?"

"I think I'm getting why you want me to check om your son." Lucas said, displeased by the heavy force he suddenly felt as they walked.

"Your sensitivity towards aura never ceases to amaze me." Requiel chuckled as he continued walking and stopped in fron of Reigies' room. Before opening it, he turned his head to the opposite door where Catherine was. The same with his son, his daughter was still unconscious. The physician said that there's nothing wrong with her but to Requiel, something doesn't sit right. If her unconsciousness was only due to shock, she should have been up by now and yet...

With a sigh, he opened Reigies' room. It was then that Lucas spoke once again.

"Your son seems to be in a dire situation compared to your daughter."

"Whatever do you mean by that?"

"As what I have said." Lucas shrugged and walked pass by his friend. As he approached the bed where Reigies laid, he couldn't help but frown upon noticing an unfamiliar black cat. His gaze then went from it to Reigies then back to it. "Now that's intriguing." He then looked up and turned to Requiel. "Care to explain what in the world happened here?"

"I'd rather we sit as I speak." Requiel motioned for the seat near the bed in which Lucas took while he sat on the bed.

Requiel let out an exasperated sigh as he told the story of what had happened the whole week. From the temple intruders to finding his children with a shapeshifting creature to their current situation. He also told him of what Rowen, the physician has, has said to him last night.

"I applaude your physician. He's smart, I must say." Lucas complimented. His gaze then went to Reigies' peaceful face. "Truthfully, as we came close to your son's room, I felt an energy similar to yours, only it is stronger. Even now, the energy is quite overwhelming. As you already know, us mages, most especially those of high tier, are sensitive to mana, aura and divine energy. This is the very first time am encountering this kind of energy. Even the headmaster would feel overwhelmed by this."

His gaze then landed on the creature beside Reigies. "And you're correct with the connection of your son and this creature. This is a very, very rare occurence, just so you know. Well, in fact it had been only a theory until now..." He paused and fixed his posture. Crossing his arm, he continued to stare at the creature. "There was a study regarding mana imbalances. And similar to an aura, this is when its wielder doesn't know how to use it or is too weak to use it. In some cases, their power will eat their life source. Well, you are well aware of that already."

Requiel's jaw clenched at that as memories of past events surfaced in his mind. He then shook his head, forcing the memory out of his head.

"That's what most are taught in academies. However, to us who stays in the tower, there's a theory in which could and would have saved those who are incapable of handling their mana or aura. A second body."

"And I heard experiements were conducted several times but failed."

"It's not like we have proper subjects to use, do we?" Lucas rolled his eyes. "Just like what I have said, this kind of situation is rare. But to your family, I think it is hereditary."

Requiel didn't disagree. Considering how his father and great-grandfather had died, he somehow knew that someday, he too might experience the same thing.

"Yet, how strange. If you look back to your predecessors their aura would grow and consume their body at a certain age. Ranging from early thirties to forties. Your son is only--Ah!" Lucas snapped his fingers that startled Requiel.

"What is it?"

"His mental state!"

Requiel's brows furrowed. "I'm not sure if I am coping up."

"Your physician, Albert--"

"It's Rowen."

"Whatever his name is." Lucas grumbled. "Anyways, your physician has mentioned that the phiend would chnage colors and that the sand in it would be in chaos as it did. That indicates his unstable mental state which is caused by his nightmares. But that nightmare, we have no control of."

"I get that part. But I don't see the relation of it with Reigies' aura."

Lucas gave Requiel a look of disbelief. He then groaned. "Maybe it's because you lack rest that your brain isn't functioning well. Anyways, my point is that the trigger towards your son's unusual powerful aura is his nightmares that you have mentioned. Another trigger is the situation they were in before you found them. His will to escape that situation has caused for his aura to force its limits to the point that it exceeds his own capability. This shapeshifting creature may even be a creation of his own power. Like what I have mentioned earlier. A second body. It is to balance whatever his body can't handle. I don't know if you're getting what I'm saying but yeah. That's all there it is."

He then stood up and stretched his body.

"Now, if you'll excuse me."

"Where are you going?" Requiel blocks Lucas' way.

"Where else? Back to my place. I still haven't finished my research you know."

"But my son-"

"He'll be fine. He's just getting used to his power. Besides, if something happens, you have that vessle beside him."

"What about his nightmares?"

Lucas stompped his foot on the ground, irritated that he's being held up by this overly worried father before him.

"Duke Atlante, may I remind you that I am a mage not some dream fairy or whatever. If his aura goes on a berserk and that creature beside him is of no use-" He stopped mid sentence as if realizing something. "Now that I think about it. I think your son's situation is more interesting than what I am currently working on." Lucas' face brightened in which Requiel didn't really like.