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.
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.
"Well, those two skills are from different beasts, but I was told they're likely to have a synergy."
Pointing at the orb with a blue star, she added, "Also, this skill seems to be of the evolvable type, so it's of high quality too."
Actually, skills aren't really evolvable—except in specific situations—but some seem to conceal hidden abilities, and if someone comprehends them enough, they can reveal a new ability.
"Captain, you really don't have to explain," Jules said with a subtle smile. "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!
To assure her that he was satisfied, Jules stated, "These skills along with my magic skills should take me quite far–remember I'm still a member of the main family!"
Hearing Jules's words made Freya smile. "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"?' Jules raised an eyebrow but let it slide. "You should know best—experience shapes people."
Freya nodded her head in understanding. "Ah, you have a sword to use, right? I heard your mother got you one."
"Oh, yes. She did." Looking enthusiastic, Jules said, "Don't tell me you're thinking of handing me a sword too?"
"Well, no. There should be a limit to how many things we give you. It'll spoil the whole 'leaving with honor' thing…but…"
"But?" Jules repeated with anticipation.
"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 the past flashed through Jules's 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."
The mana being exuded from Jules body was a book that told Freya, who was 5 sub-stages above him, all about his control.
'This ring will be very useful! I already have some ideas about it...'
Jules pocketed the ring for the meantime and 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 before she left him.
'Ah, 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.
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!"
Then he 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 him a brief salute, Jules took a deep breath as he walked to the Leviathan members.
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.
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.