Clay helped gather sticks and leaves while Fiona set about preparing a small fire. Len took a moment to inspect their surroundings, ensuring they were safe from any potential threats.

Once the fire crackled to life, the group settled around it, the warmth providing a sense of comfort as the cool evening air began to creep in. Finn, exhausted ffrom the day's events, leaned back against a tree and was the first to succumb to sleep, his head lolling gently to the side.

Clay glanced over at Fiona, who watched Finn with a mix of concern and curiosity. "Do you think he'll be alright?" she whispered.

"I hope so," Clay replied. "But he looks worn out. It's been a long day for him."

Fiona frowned. "Len, do you think you could help him? He seems... different. Like he carries a heavy burden."

Len, sitting across the fire, nodded slowly. "He has much on his shoulders, that's for sure. The expectations of his family weigh heavily on him."

Clay tilted his head. "What do you mean? I noticed he stutters when he talks. Is it related to his family?"

"Yes, in a way. Finn has two older brothers who are successful green aura swordsmen, known throughout the region. They've always been seen as strong and capable, while Finn has always been... well, he has always been the weakest of the bunch."

Fiona frowned. "That must be tough for him."

"It is," Len confirmed. "With every achievement his brothers gained, Finn felt the pressure to measure up. Over time, the stuttering developed into a habit, a way for him to cope with his low self-confidence. It's like he feels he must apologise for existing."

"I wish there was something we could do to help him," Fiona said. "I mean, we can be friends with him. Maybe that will help him feel more confident!"

Clay smiled. "That's a great idea! Who knew you had such a soft side beneath that fierce barbaric facade?"

Fiona gasped, placing a hand dramatically on her chest. "You think I'm just a stick-wielding warrior? I have layers, you know! Like an onion... or a cake!" Clay chuckled.

She scowled, crossing her arms. "You must miss the stick! I might have to give you another lesson tonight!" 

Clay shuddered at the thought. "Anything but that!"

As the night deepened, the crackling fire slowly dwindled, and Fiona's eyelids grew heavy. She fought to keep them open but soon surrendered, her head gently resting against a nearby tree.

"You too, young Clay. Get some rest." Len said as he blew out the remaining flickers of the flames with a gentle puff. The darkness settled around them like a comforting blanket. "We will set out early tomorrow and should arrive at Edenva by noon."

Clay looked at Fiona, who had finally succumbed to sleep. However, he felt a stirring of energy within him, an urge to stay alert. He turned back to Len, who remained on guard ever watchful, his gaze sweeping over the surroundings, dimly lit only by the stars in the sky.

"Len," Clay ventured after a moment, "I can't help but wonder where you learned your skills. You're incredibly strong and talented. Surely, you must have trained somewhere exceptional?"

Len kept his eyes on the shadows dancing at the edges of the campsite, his expression inscrutable as he repeated his answer earlier in the day. "Some things are better left undisclosed, young Clay. Focus on your own journey and experiences." 

Clay wasn't ready to let it go, not just yet. "But you're so skilled! I want to know what made you this way. How did you get so strong?" he whispered.

Len shifted slightly, his gaze still fixed on the night. "Strength comes from various experiences–some are learned through training, while others come from the trials of life."

Clay leaned in, not satisfied with Len's reply. "That's not an answer! You must have had a mentor or a special place you trained. Just tell me where you learned it! I promise I won't leak it out to anyone–not even Fiona or Finn."

After a long pause, Len finally turned to meet Clay's eyes. "Patience, young one. Perhaps one day I will share those stories with you. Or maybe one day you will find out yourself. For now, keep your focus sharp. The night can hide many dangers."

Undeterred, Clay leaned in even closer. "What if I challenged you? If I win, you tell me where you learned from, or which master you followed."

Len looked at him, amused. "You think you can take me on?"

Clay squared his shoulders. "Im serious! I'll show you what I–"

Before he could finish, Len moved like a shadow, gliding forward and instantly vanishing, only to reappear at Clay's back with an iron grip on his shoulder. The suddenness of it left Clay stunned, but he quickly collected himself, his mind racing. Fleeting Gus–

In a split second, he pivoted and took two swift steps, escaping Len's grasp. Yet as he lunged forward, Len was already there, fingers pointed unerringly at Clay's neck, blocking his path before his third step could land.

Caught for the second time, Clay had no choice but to admit defeat. He exhaled and raised his hands. "Alright, you win."

Len withdrew his hand, a slight smile tugging at his lips as he clasped Clay's shoulder once more. "Good footwork," he nodded. "It's a technique I've never seen before. If it weren't for the difference in power between us, you could hold your own for quite some time."

"Thanks." Clay replied.

"Aura can be gained over time, but precision and agility, that's harder to come by. Keep honing it, and someday, you may surprise me or even someone much stronger." He tapped Clay's shoulder. "Emerald Mantis," he said in a low voice. "That's the only thing I can disclose–probably too much already."

Clay's eyes widened in surprise. "Emerald Mantis? What does that mean?"

Len released him, a hint of smile gracing his lips. "I will say no more. Now, get some rest. You too, young Fiona, there is no point in pretending."

"Ack!"

Clay turned, squinting through the dim light at Fiona, who was half-hidden in shadow. He could barely make out her silhouette, let alone tell if her eyes were open. "Fiona... have you been awake this whole time?"

"Oh, I've been wide awake," she said smoothly, making Clay jump. "And how was your first loss, hm? How does it taste?" she teased.

Clay rolled his eyes. "It's not the first and it won't be the last. But I'd like to see you try taking on Len. You'd be out in seconds!"

"Ha! As if I'd make it that easy for him!" she shot back. She glanced up to Len, her tone turning suspiciously sweet. "But... you'd hold back for me, right, Len?" she asked, he voice so sugary it almost made Clay shudder.

Len chuckled, shaking his head. "You both have a lot of spirit. That's a rare quality–and a useful one. But trust me, you'll need your energy for tomorrow."

Fiona crossed her arms. "Alright, alright," she grumbled, settling into her spot. But as she lay back, she shot Clay one last mischievous glance. "Sweet dreams of second place, Clay!" she smirked. 

Clay laughed, shaking his head.