"The way you get or increase your Elemental and Energy is the same. Through training, no shortcuts. They go hand-in-hand on most occasions. If you have a large pool of Elemental Energy you are bound to have huge Elemetal Aura."
"Why do they have to go together? You mentioned that they have separate functions, right?"
"Because you will die if they are not at the same level. Yes, they do have separate functions. But with one not having enough to support the other, both functions will fail to do their duties, right?" asked Mavislin, tilting her head.
"You have too much of Elemental Energy and you try to use it at one go, you'll tucker yourself. And if your Aura is smaller than your Elemental Energy pool, your body will convulse and die without having the spell finished."
"On the flip side, you would die a slow death during combat. You'd be able to resist a lot of attacks but you won't finish the duel if you can't overpower your opponent with your attacks. Sure, you can use physical attacks but your enemy will likely kill you with something else."
Bryan had thought that his physical combat was his best. It was the go-to method for those who lived in the streets. But of course, that was up against humans. Mages are different, in terms of endurance and power.
As he realized how important it was to know the basics, he understood the reason why Mavislin kept asking him for his background.
"Well, we will expand about it when we get back. For now," said Mavislin, going towards Rie, who was still out.
She then flicked the butterfly's forehead. The girl woke up in a panic, realizing that she was bound.
"Calm down. We are not here to kill you. Hopefully..." said Mavislin, eyes darting elsewhere when saying the last part.
"With you using my face to stamp the floor, I would think otherwise! And what's with the 'hopefully'?!" yelled Rie as she glared daggers at Mavislin.
"I'd slice your tongue if you don't stop screaming like that," bellowed Mavislin as her eyes glowed red.
"As if! I'm being kidnapped here!" screamed Rie as she wiggled around.
"I need you alive to tell me what is going on. But if I can't get anything out from you," said Mavislin, getting closer to Rie.
The Valkyrie gripped thin air as the Emerald Wave Sword appeared in her opened palms.
"I'll dispose of you instantly."
Rie gulped as she saw the outline of the infamous Ancient Relic. But she refused to say a word. Two things were hanging by the balance for Rie. If she confesses and explains to them what was going on, she might get killed by her boss. And her child wouldn't get the support he needs.
The second one would be that she risks keeping quiet and test Valkyrie's temper. She'll end up dying as well. And she'll be leaving her baby alone to the foreign world. She hated being abandoned so she won't be letting him live alone But she was so torn.
As Mavislin was getting impatient, she raised the sword and prepared to give the death sentence.
"Wait! Maybe, we'll give her some time? And probably untie her?" asked Bryan, showing a rare form of kindness.
Mavislin paused and craned her neck to see Bryan's face with confusion in her look. If this was a comedy, Bryan would've started laughing.
"You. Want me. To untie. The enemy. That nearly killed you?" asked Mavislin, blinking her eyes.
"Yes. I don't think she is comfortable in that position."
"Have you forgotten what she wanted to do to you while you were holding me? Are you weak in your upper stories? I don't expect her to be comfortable either. I need her to speak the truth, about what is going on here."
"Yea, but I don't think she would answering any question if you are going to torture her!" protested Bryan, pointing at the bounded butterfly.
"If she continues to be silent, that would be a great idea. Besides, Valkyrie can heal at alarmingly high speeds."
"Boss! Please don't. If not, we won't get what we need. Just, give her some time to calm down. And she will talk."
"If I do, will you let me live?" asked Rie, finally opening her mouth.
"Yes. But you are welcome to challenge me if you want an early grave," spat Mavislin, looking at Rie's pathetic position.
"I need to live. For the sake of my child. I want him to grow up like a normal child. I don't want him to get involved with any Magecraft. He is fully human, but he is in critical danger," explained Rie, looking at Mavislin with determined eyes.
"So, will you cooperate with us?" asked Mavislin, shaking her sword slightly.