The aroma of freshly cooked breakfast filled the air, and Isabella and Aizel sat contentedly at their corner table, savoring each bite.

The restaurant was a cozy little place with only a few customers and a calm mood that made them feel at ease. The low chatter of other diners and the sound of cutlery hitting plates occasionally broke the silence.

"So, what's the plan for tonight?" Aizel asked.

"I will visit that old man's place once again to get information about where the slaves are kept. We will sneak there and try to rescue my sister and the other kids," Isabella said.

"So, we are gonna get into the fight,"

"I hope we can be as sneaky as possible.

"Remember, one thing I have learned and know is that nothing ever goes as planned. Today might become our last day in the kingdom if our identities are revealed. We might have to be on the run tomorrow.

"And you are still going to help me?" Isabella stared at Aizel; her fingers crossed.

"No, I am not helping you. I am helping the kids to escape from there, that's all."

"Huh... what difference does it make?"

"A lot for me, I am going back to the room. Come back when you have the information,"

Isabella couldn't help but chuckle as Aizel left for the inn. She quickly finished her breakfast and stood up from the table, ready to head to the old man's place.

Meanwhile, on the way back,

Aizel's mind was full of questions as he walked back to the inn. He didn't know why he was helping Isabella, especially since he knew it was dangerous.

Even though he wanted the money, he couldn't get rid of the uneasy feeling the old man's warning had given him.historical

He pondered over his situation, trying to understand why he was walking on thin ice.

He had no problems with the Rosewell family anymore, and he had even completed the task of clearing Fangspire Mountain that the princess had assigned him.

He was also almost certain to take part in the Interkingdom Tournament. So why then?

As for the money and magic crystals, Aizel had tried to create them with his imagination, but he had failed.

Perhaps they couldn't be created due to certain properties involved, or maybe it was because of his core grade.

"How nice it would be when I will be able to create money and magic crystal," he pondered.

"Aizel, what are you doing?" Suddenly, Alora's voice rang in his mind.

"Nothing, just spending some time till night; I have a mission to complete."

"Okay, I wanted to inform you that in 1-2 years, the mana will arrive in your world,"

"WHAT! That soon?"

"Yes, I have informed Shelly of everything,"

"How did she react?"

"Well, for starters, she was shaken and kept murmuring that this wasn't possible, but now she is okay. She is with me in the apartment, watching a series with me."

"Should I come and visit her?"

"No leave it; she has calmed down and is ready to train and face the challenges when the apocalypse arrives."

"Okay, make sure to keep her safe, Alora."

"Don't worry, and what do you want to do with that, Irene?"

"We will inform her and her boyfriend, along with her friend, when the time comes. I think right now we should not involve them."

"Do you really want to help them? This isn't like you."

"Yeah, I know. But she has helped me a lot, it's the least I can do for her."

"Okay, bye then."

"Now back to the situation,

"Is this because of Vespara? No, she knows about Alora, and she is scared of her. She won't do anything stupid.

"Or because I am her student and she is somehow in trouble with someone? She has already asked for my help when the time comes. What does she want to do? What past does she have?

"Definitely, in novels and manga, characters like that have a tragic past or story. I should ask her once I return. This situation seems important. I want to be ready for whatever comes my way," he thought.

Aizel went to his room and found nothing to do. He chose to go to sleep and cast a small loop so that he could train in his dreams.

Meanwhile,

Daisy and Vespara sank into the soothing water of the lake, letting their stressed muscles relax.

Daisy felt a newfound strength coursing through her body, having absorbed the energy from the lake and advanced to the second level.

She couldn't help but feel happy when she found out she had reached Grade II.

"It's good for you. You have become stronger,"

"Can I absorb more energy?"

"Don't bite more than you can chew. Your core will be ineffective if you keep doing this.

"You might be able to reach Grade III once more, but your power and strength of magic will remain at Grade II. What's the point of doing that?"

"Sorry, I just wanted to help Aizel,"

"I know, don't worry. I will make sure to train you day and night so nothing will happen to you in the tournament.

"While I make sure the kids remain safe here with me," Vespara replied.

"You won't be going to the tournament?"

"No, only the Sword Emperor, the royal family, and the nobles will head to the central kingdom. I have to make sure to keep the kingdom safe with others, making sure no one attacks or causes any problems during that time."

"There are others? Like on the level you're at?"

"One grade lower," Vespara said.

"There are many hidden mages too. Every kingdom keeps some trump card hidden,"

"What grade is the King?" Daisy asked, and her interest kept growing.

"Now, don't go overboard Daisy, let's head out and return back. I have a guest who is waiting for me,"

"Oh sorry. let's head back then,"

Daisy and Vespara both felt better when they got out of the lake. Once they were dressed, they left the cave and started heading back to Felgura City.