They stopped in front of a dark, massive wooden door at the end of the corridor. This was clearly the Clan Leader's personal study.
A deep, resonant voice came from within: "Come in."
Eira opened the door, and she entered first, followed by Aurelion and Brynja.
The room was very different from Roric's study. It was larger and more... personal.
The walls were lined with oak bookshelves reaching to the ceiling, filled with books and parchment scrolls.
In one corner, a large stone fireplace burned silently. Above the fireplace hung a massive wolf skull. In other corners of the room stood several crystal orbs glowing.
Near the center was a large desk, also covered with maps and documents but appearing more organized. And at that desk, his back to the fireplace, sat Viggo Silverfang in his armchair.
Eira and Brynja bowed slightly in unison. "Clan Leader."
Aurelion also bowed his head, imitating them.
Viggo slowly raised his head. A warm smile appeared on his face.
He gave Eira and Brynja a brief nod, then his eyes turned to Aurelion. "Welcome," he said.
He gestured to a smaller armchair opposite him for Aurelion. "Sit, son."
As Aurelion silently settled into the armchair, Eira turned to her father. "Clan Leader, with your permission, I will attend to my other duties." Viggo nodded his approval. Eira gave Aurelion a final smile and Brynja a brief nod before leaving the room. Brynja, meanwhile, began to wait silently at the door.
Viggo turned back to Aurelion. "You haven't been here for a long time, son. You returned early last time, and we didn't even get to talk."
Brynja flinched slightly at Viggo's words. The Clan Leader's reference to the one hour time limit she had imposed made her uneasy.
Aurelion, however, played his role masterfully. "My apologies, Clan Leader. I was focused on my personal training, so I couldn't visit much."
Viggo's smile widened. "Well done, son. Such discipline at this age... is commendable. Training is important." He leaned back. "So, were you pleased with your visit last time?"
"Yes, Clan Leader.I was very impressed by your clan. Especially the Ranking Battles... Your warriors were very impressive."
"Yes, yes, they are. Silverfang warriors are known for their speed and discipline."
Then his smile faded slightly, his eyes fixed on Aurelion, silently studying him for a few seconds. Those calm, wise gazes were sharper now.
"Is something troubling you, son? From your energy... yes, it seems to be fluctuating... I understand you're a bit tense. If it's something caused by us, you can relax..."
Aurelion blinked in surprise. "How did he know?" he thought inwardly. This man's intuition was incredible.
"No, Clan Leader," Aurelion said. "It's not because of you. But yes, there is indeed a problem." He took a deep breath.
"My three friends from the orphanage... have been adopted by the Frost-Axe, Ursine, and White Frost clans."
The calm expression on Viggo's face froze instantly. His hand went to the silvery beard on his chin.
For a moment, he leaned back in his chair, his gaze lost in the distance.
Then Viggo's eyes returned to Aurelion. He leaned forward slightly.
"What do you know about this matter, son?"
"Not much, Clan Leader," he said honestly. "I was going to continue my personal training, but it was interrupted by an invitation letter sent to me by the Frost-Axe Clan." He paused.
A slight disdain appearing on his face. "The letter stated that my friend Lyra was with them and that I could visit their clan whenever I wished to see her. Politely..."
"Later I got curious and went to the orphanage. There I learned that my other friends were also gone. My friend named Kael was adopted by the Ursine Clan, and my friend named Elara by the White Frost Clan. Both of them this morning, while Lyra was adopted two days ago."
Viggo's eyebrows rose. "White Frost?" he repeated, clear surprise in his voice. "Strange... White Frost is usually a reclusive clan. They rarely interfere in others' affairs."
Aurelion nodded. "Elara is a Forest Elf. Her mother... I think she could use magic. Perhaps that's why?"
Viggo thoughtfully stroked his beard again. "Hmm... Could be. The Forest Elves' special connection with nature and White Frost's interest in energy... Yes, that could be the reason. The intentions of the other two are likely different, but the White Frost Clan might indeed have taken your friend named Elara for this reason." Then his eyes returned to Aurelion. "So... did you visit your friends?"
"No," Aurelion said instantly.
"Why not, son?" .
A cold smile reappeared on Aurelion's lips. "Because that would be foolish, Clan Leader. If I had gone, then their move would have worked. I would have played into their game."
This time, an open expression of appreciation appeared on Viggo's face. He chuckled lightly. "Well done, son. Your logic is sharp. So, have you encountered any warriors or individuals from these clans before?"
Aurelion thought for a moment, scanning his mind. He hadn't had any direct contact with anyone else. "No," he said.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes," Aurelion said without hesitation. Then he leaned forward slightly. "But I think this has something to do with me, Clan Leader. I understand that clans try to recruit individuals they see potential in. They've mentioned this to me before. But... even if I am thought to have potential, i am just a seven years old child. Why would they go to such lengths, to take children who are barely eight years old, who haven't even begun to use their energy, with such effort? Don't these clans have more important things to do? This... this seems very absurd."
"Perhaps it's not absurd, son," he said slowly. He raised his finger and, without speaking, pointed directly at the center of Aurelion's chest. "Energy... leaves a trace behind every time it's used. It might be a very faint trace, yes. Most people wouldn't even notice, but this trace only disappears completely over time." He paused. His eyes meeting Aurelion's surprise ones again.
"And at the same time, even if you don't actively project that energy out of your body... can be... felt by those experienced or sensitive to energy, like me, son."
Aurelion's eyes widened. The pieces in his mind were falling into place. It all made sense.
Viggo saw the look of realization on the child's face. He smiled faintly. "Perhaps it might be absurd for them to take your friends like this for an ordinary seven years old child, but for a seven years old child who can use his energy... no son, that's not absurd at all."
Aurelion quickly recovered from his surprise. So his energy could indeed be felt, it left a trace. This information was both unsettling and enlightening. But who had noticed it first?
"But, i haven't had any direct interaction with any of these clans before. That I can use energy... apart from Mistress Linnea, Roric, and Chief Instructor Harkan, only you should know, Clan Leader." His eyes turned questioningly to Viggo. "How can this be noticed by other clans?"
Viggo fell into deep thought for a moment, his fingers finding his beard again. "True. The energy trace is faint, usually requiring close contact or special sensitivity..." His gaze focused on Aurelion again. "Perhaps..."
Just as Viggo was about to formulate a theory, a flash of insight struck Aurelion. That pink eyed, sinister Dark Elf... Vespera. "Damn woman!" he thought inwardly, clenching his teeth. But he wasn't going to tell Viggo that.
"Actually..." he said thoughtfully. "I seem to recall seeing a few Frost-Axe clan warriors looking at me intently when I was walking around the city before. Perhaps then?"
"Could be, son. You mentioned your friend named Lyra was taken by them two days ago. Your other friends were taken today, and you received an invitation letter from the Frost-Axe Clan today... Yes, this seems too planned to be a coincidence. So your friend Lyra has settled into her new life. So the Frost-Axe Clan must have been the first to notice you and perhaps spread this information."
Aurelion nodded in agreement. "They're making the first move. If they are aware of my visit to you, they wouldn't want to confront you, Silverfang, alone. They must have shared this information with other clans. The Ursine Clan, due to their old rivalry with Silverfang, would already be eager to join this plan. The White Frost Clan, most likely, joined this plan because of Elara being a Forest Elf and her potential energy affinity. The Frost-Axe Clan, by sharing this information instead of keeping it secret, has both gained allies and strengthened the plan. So," a look of appreciation appeared on his face, "they are not greedy, but they are clever."
"Yes, son," he said, a mixture of approval and amusement in his voice. "Most likely, events unfolded exactly as you described. We were already suspecting that the Frost-Axe Clan had been meeting more frequently than usual with other clans, especially Ursine." Viggo's eyes met Aurelion's, and at that moment, due to their mental accord in this game, they both smiled involuntarily.
"I like clever children, son, well done," Viggo said, the smile still on his face. Then his expression grew serious. "But... what is your plan? Now that you've figured all this out, you must have thought of your next step. Did you come here to ask for my help?"
The smile on Aurelion's face vanished, replaced by resolute expression again. "I don't think you can deal with three clans at the same time, Clan Leader. Besides," he added, his voice a little lower, "I don't have the face to ask such a favor from you."
"Moreover, my coming here, seeking refuge with the Silverfang Clan or expecting help from them... if they are watching me, it already shows them that what they did didn't work, that they couldn't draw me to their own clans. They are officially inviting me to their clans by force, but no one can force me to do anything." His eyes locked directly onto Viggo's.
"If they dare to use my people against me... I will make them regret it. Perhaps I'm not strong enough right now," that smirk reappeared on his face, "but I can make them regret it by doing the exact opposite of what they want."
Viggo let out a hearty laugh at these words. "Hahaha! That's the spirit I like, son!" he said, "You know, you don't need to wait for a move from them to do some things."
Aurelion bowed his head slightly. "Thank you, Clan Leader. Truly, thank you. But... if I do something on my own right now, I would be disrespecting Captain Roric in his absence. I am under his protection, and they already disrespected him by doing such a thing in his absence. I shouldn't do the same."
Viggo was very impressed by Aurelion's mature attitude and the respect he showed for Roric.
"Absolutely. That... is the right way of thinking, son. It would be best for you to speak with Captain Roric when he returns." He stood up. "But rest assured. If you need anything in this matter, information, support, or just to talk... you don't need to hesitate to tell me. My door is always open to you. And I'll be honest with you. I want to see you in our clan, in Silverfang. But this isn't just because of the potential you carry on your shoulders... It's also because of this iron will, this sharp intellect, this character of yours."
These words were perhaps the greatest compliment Viggo could offer, but for Aurelion, it was only proof that he had gained a powerful ally in this complex game.
Aurelion slowly stood up. Viggo also stood opposite the child. Aurelion, without hesitation, extended his hand. Viggo grasped that small hand with his own large, calloused one.
When the handshake ended "By the way," Viggo said, his voice lighter now, almost curious. "Don't misunderstand me, son. I'm asking this purely out of personal curiosity."
He leaned forward slightly. "Could you... show me what you can do with your energy?"
Aurelion paused for a moment, then looked into Viggo's eyes. "Everything's already out in the open," he thought. "Refusing this would be more absurd."
He nodded slightly. He slowly raised his left hand. And then, he directed that energy outwards from the center of his palm.
Chit... Chat!
White blue sparks began to dance again in his palm, flashing and disappearing for brief moments!
Viggo's blue eyes widened in astonishment. He was clearly impressed. "You... I wasn't expecting this, son."
Aurelion maintained the sparks for a few more seconds, his eyes curiously watching Viggo's reaction. Then he cut off the energy.
Viggo had composed himself. "This... is lightning manipulation," he said, his voice still slightly surprised. "There are many different manipulations, son. Some are more basic, like just concentrating energy or projecting it outwards. Others, like controlling elements, shaping them, are more complex and difficult." He looked at Aurelion. "Can you perform other manipulations?"
Aurelion shook his head. "No. This is all I can do for now."
Viggo thoughtfully stroked his beard. "Usually, people start with simple manipulations, like just concentrating energy like a shield or creating a little heat, and as they master them, they move on to more difficult ones. For you to directly turn to such a... chaotic and powerful element... Yes, what you did is truly impressive."
He gave Aurelion a serious look again. "But I'm telling you this for your own good. Don't show this to anyone right now. If the other clans not only feel your potential but also see that you can do this, they might become much more aggressive towards you."
Aurelion nodded in understanding. He was aware of the danger.
"Clan Leader. You are experienced. In your opinion... how was it?"
"It's clear you're still a novice in controlling your energy," he said honestly. "You're using your energy inefficiently. Those sparks are bright but... scattered. And," he paused for a bit, as if searching for the right word, "it's like you don't have enough understanding."
"Understanding?" Aurelion frowned.
"Yes," Viggo said. "Take fire, for example. A skilled fire manipulator doesn't just create flames. They understand the nature of fire. How it spreads, what feeds it, what it fears... They pour that understanding into their energy. Your sparks, on the other hand, are powerful but... soulless. As if you're just imitating the power of lightning but haven't fully grasped its essence, what it means."
"That's why I was surprised," Viggo added. "Usually, it's very difficult to perform a manipulation successfully without this understanding. But you succeeded... I suppose your energy, by its nature, is quite compatible with lightning manipulation."
Aurelion listened carefully to these words. The nature of his energy... Compatible with lightning...
"Think long and hard about this understanding," Viggo advised. "What does lightning mean to you? Just destruction? Or a sudden enlightenment? A power, or a focused will? What does it mean to you? Think about these things, feel them. After that, perhaps then you can turn these sparks into real lightning." Noticing Aurelion listening with utmost seriousness, he added: "Of course, your Core also needs to develop son. This will take time."
Aurelion just nodded. His mind was filled with new information and thoughts.
"Well then, son," Viggo said, changing the subject. "That's enough for today, I suppose. You can walk around our clan a bit if you like. If you want to see the surroundings, would you like me to assign someone to guide you?"
Aurelion politely shook his head. "Thank you, Clan Leader, but I think I've been outside enough for today. I need to focus on my personal training again." He paused, then added. "Besides... I also need to think a little about that understanding you mentioned."
Viggo smiled understandingly. "Of course, son. As you wish. Let me see you out." Viggo walked towards the door and gave Brynja a brief nod.
Then they left the room together. Then Viggo turned to Aurelion. "Remember, my door is open to you."
Aurelion bowed his head again. "Thank you, Clan Leader."
Aurelion passed by Viggo and walked with Brynja the way they had come, towards the exit of the manor. His mind was churning with the events of the day, and now, there was one more matter he needed to attend to