"You shouldn't do that."
"Why not?"
Amabilis asked curiously.
"Well, you already know how strong my master is. I promised her I wouldn't tell anyone… you see… she doesn't want people to see her in a weak state."
"Ahh… I see, I see. Then I better not let her know that I know."
"That's right, that's right. Better not let her know,"
Avner added again.
"Even though it's very sad, my master is sick. I always wanted to learn from a skilled mage like you, dear cousin, but I couldn't do that before because… well, you know the reason why."
Avner tried to sound more depressed toward the end of the sentence to make his cousin pity him—and it worked.
"Ah, poor you… Alright."
Amabilis stood up from his seat, which made Avner follow his action.
"You shouldn't stop training just because your master can't train you. You've worked very hard to come this far."
Amabilis put his hand on Avner's shoulder and looked at him with determination in his eyes.
"Alright, I'll train you until your master gets better."
Avner's plan to manipulate his cousin was a success.
"Thank you, cous. You really are the best. You are the only one who understands me."
"That's what I'm here for."
Avner and Amabilis went to the training ground together.
"Alright, so tell me—what have you done with Nephthys so far?"
"I found my inner element."
"Wow, that's great. You've really come far."
"I know, and I did all of that in such a short period of time."
Avner couldn't help but brag.
"That's right. I'm really proud of you."
Exactly. That's how it should be. I've come a long way in a short period of time. My master should give me some credit too—but why doesn't she?
"So, what is it?"
Avner was lost in thought for a second, but came back after hearing his cousin's question.
"Ah. It's fire."
"Alright, then try to make some fire."
"Alright."
Avner held both his hands in the air, trying to create flames.
"….."
"….."
But the fire never came.
"Ah! That's right."
Avner suddenly remembered something.
"Yes? What is it?"
Amabilis was excited to hear the answer.
"Nephthys used her chakra."
"What exactly does that mean?"
Amabilis was a little confused about what Avner was trying to say.
"Well… it was something like… she used her own chakra to pull out mine or something like that. She didn't tell me the details."
"Alright… I think we can do that…."
"Yeah, I mean, how hard can it be, right?"
"Hahaha."
"Hahaha."
***
"So, how is the investigation going?"
"We didn't find anything new. We are still standing in the same spot."
Miyeon couldn't help but sigh. Nothing was going well today.
"Maybe I can help you with that."
An unknown voice was heard from behind.
"And who may you be?"
One of the investigators asked.
"Wait, maybe I know who that is."
Miyeon jumped into the conversation.
"Aren't you… Nephthys?"
"That's right."
"Commander, you know her?"
"That's right."
"She is Avner's tutor."
"Oh, I see. So he's got a new one already. This kid is changing them like socks—but I must admit, this time he got himself a nice pair of socks."
"Caleb, watch your mouth."
Miyeon warned him after seeing how disrespectful he was becoming.
"Yes…"
The worker could do nothing but obey.
"Nephthys, what brings you here? Did that punk do something, perhaps?"
Miyeon's first thought was that Avner had gotten into trouble again.
"I can deal with Avner on my own, but that's not why I am here."
"Then what is it?"
Nephthys then placed the golden plaque on the table.
"Oh my god."