For the past few months, Aelir had been training regularly under the supervision of Old Gurkant. His ability to sense aura, his basic reflexes, and his sword control were improving day by day. Each morning began with early training, followed by light drills and aura-focusing exercises in the afternoons. Afterwards, the two would return to their work at the inn.
That day seemed no different from the others; as the morning sun fell on the inn's back garden, Aelir and Gurkant had started their usual routine. But before long, Gurkant suddenly stopped, having sensed a strong and dense aura coming from inside. Thanks to his battle experience, he immediately recognized this aura as a signal of danger.
— "Be careful, Aelir," he whispered. "This is not the kind of aura an ordinary human could emit."
Moving silently through the inn, Gurkant located the room where the aura originated and carefully listened in.
"Count on me when it comes to Cedric Espera. I'll take care of this matter with ease… And once it's done, nothing will stand in our way anymore."
By eavesdropping, Gurkant discovered a plot to attack Count Espera. This confirmed the warning in Cedric Espera's letter. A treacherous attack — this was indeed a very serious matter. Without delay, he returned to Aelir and explained the situation.
Aelir asked, "So what do we do now? Just let him leave?"
Gurkant replied, "Yes. There's no way he planned this alone. We'll let him go and find out who he meets."
Aelir understood and fell silent. Soon after, the two prepared themselves and lay in wait.