Jules looked between Freya and the box in his hands, a stunned look fixed to his face.
Then, he proceeded to open the second box, revealing a similar orb with a blue burning star with specks of other colors within.
These were skills that had remained in a beast's core after it was slain.
With a smile, Freya said, "Consider this as a celebration for things turning better."
"It turned out well," Jules added, replicating her look.
Freya sighed before explaining.
"Honestly, I was aiming to get you a Heart—even if it was a Grade 3—but you're leaving soon, and with the war declaration, it's harder to obtain items like that now.
"I was able to get this much due to how things turned out.
"But with your Artifact, this skill, and the Bloodline traits, you should do well—You'll also be given monetary support."
Pointing at the orb with a blue star, she added, "I'm giving you a single evolvable-type skill so you wouldn't waste time trying to understand multiple ones."
Strictly speaking, skills don't evolve—at least not like people think. Some rare skills just hide dormant traits that can awaken under the right conditions.
"Captain, you really don't have to explain," Jules said. "I know the worth of this, and I'm very grateful."
This is exactly why I like her! She's a family woman, and she's also my strongest partner!
In this world, Freya was one of the three people he was comfortable with!
Freya pointed at the orb with black energy and said, "That one's for your partner. It should complement his current skill and make him more helpful on the quest."
Hearing this, Jules's lips twitched. I'm yet to tell her I plan to go with Ryan.
His reaction put a smile on Freya's face as she said.
"What? It's not hard to guess. He's your only option."
Jules was stunned. "What are you trying to imply?"
Freya smirked. "That you've only got one friend."
Jules groaned inwardly. Since when did she become a tease?
Shifting the topic, Jules asked, "How's his condition? Mother mentioned he's able to move now."
"I already told him about the situation. He has decided to stay with his parents before you depart."
Damn! I was so busy I forgot to do that!
Freya raised her brow as she said, "I also asked him about the information of the enemy you told me about..."
Oh, no.
To convince Freya to go along with his plan, Jules cited information from the novel about the traitor's supporting organization outside the clan, claiming Ryan had overheard it while eavesdropping.
Jules was supposed to meet Ryan and hint at him to lie, but he was unable to do that.
As Jules's face remained a calm smile, Freya concluded her statement, tilting her head to look at him well.
"He initially didn't tell me anything relating to it, but after I asked specifically, he claimed you instructed him not to tell anyone and claimed his mind was jumbled."
Huh... Jules was clueless on where this was going. He could only chuckle dryly.
"Ah... that guy, he should have known you were on my side! He's so oblivious..."
Freya remained silent for some seconds, before sighing and putting her hand on his shoulder.
She said, "You've really changed, Jules. And I'm glad it is for the better… for the most part."
Hey, what do you mean "for the most part."
Without waiting for him to reply, she added, "Honestly, I have my doubts... But please, remember your roots. The world is dangerous, so please be aware of yourself."
She doesn't trust me completely... Jules opened his mouth slightly, but a reply didn't come out.
"Oh, I have one more thing for you." Freya removed a white ring she wore, and handed it to Jules.
"This ring's been with me since I joined my first squad—your father gave it to me."
Memories of Jules's father flashed through his mind, making him turn a bit somber.
"Now, I'm giving it to you. It conceals your presence well when you're not using mana, but it becomes less effective the higher stage you attain.
"It's better than giving you items that improve your mana control. Our family's control is naturally exceptional, and yours seems to be even better.
"It also has our family emblem on it—I use it to remind myself what I fight for."
Accepting the ring, Jules forced a smile as he expressed his gratitude. "I'll use it well."
After that, Freya gave Jules some advice that she believed would be helpful to him in the outside world.
It was a short three minute talk and she reminded Jules to rest properly before she left him.
Ahh, this is why I wanted to leave early…Technically, I even know more about the outside world than the Captain! But oh well, it's good to know people care now.
As more time passed, Jules began to like certain aspects of this world.
Because he wanted to enjoy it more, he was going to survive all that was coming and grow stronger—then he'd be free to explore the things he liked.
Firstly, his aim was to become the Heir once more.
- - -
An hour to dawn the next morning, the building Jules and his family lived in was active.
A group of leviathans had arrived that morning to guide Jules out of the town based on Freya's instructions.
Jules, dressed in a black long-sleeved shirt and brown pants, had leather armor along with a black hunter's boot.
His sheathed silver sword was fastened to his belt with a brown traveling bag strapped over his shoulders.
He wore a silver ring with a blue emblem of a blade stabbing into a sea-creature etched on its glistening surface.
His longsword was wrapped in clothing and was fixed well in his backpack.
Jules, escorted by his mother, sister and Anatalia, walked to the gate of the building's compound.
Patting his sister's head, their golden eyes locked as he said, "I'll make sure to bring something for you when I return."
Julie smiled and said, "Okay!"
Jules then turned to Anatalia, the blonde haired girl with blue eyes, and was briefly speechless.
He barely knew her, and didn't quite know what to say. Still, he nodded with a polite smile.
"Hum, please keep my sister safe."
Anatalia was startled by his words and looked to the ground as she replied. "Ah- O-okay…"
Julie pursed her lips as she said, "I'll keep myself safe…and mother too. I'll do it on your behalf!"
Jules let out a soft chuckle, "You do that then!"
His sister reached out and tugged his sleeve gently. "Promise you'll come back?"
Jules crouched slightly to her level and ruffled her hair. "Not even the Divine could stop me."
Jules then turned to his mother.
She had a gentle gaze as she smiled and brought her hand to Jules's face.
"My darling, you look all grown up… Be safe, alright?"
"I will be." Jules replied as he made a move to hug her.
At the very least…I experienced what it was like to have a mother.
Releasing his mother, Jules stepped back and bowed to his mother, his sister, the onlookers and to the Evanava's family building.
"May Noctharis be with you." His mother said, holding back tears.
"Amen. Await my return. Goodbye."
Then, he turned around, glanced towards a high floor of the building and saw Freya.
Flashing a brief salute, Jules took a deep breath as he walked to the Leviathan members and Ryan, who was already with them.
They were all sitting on white lizards with green scales, each as big as a war-horse.
Jules sat on one of the lizard's backs along with its rider and waved as he set out.
Ryan, sitting on a beast close to him, mouthed. "Fuck you."
What? Before Jules could respond, the beast Ryan was on moved forward.
In the town, many people who had heard the news of Jules's exile woke up early to see him leave.
People stood at the edge of the streets watching him go.
Some expressed happiness at letting the unfit Heir go while those who were moved by Jules's actions or respected the Evanava family bowed.
From various corners of the town, the Elders and elites of the clan paid attention to Jules's departure with floods of thoughts and emotions.
This moment would be marked in the history of books of the Noctharis Clan.