At the same time Aran and Ivy grew stronger, so it counted as good training.
But the growth slowed as hunters either ran out or, to be safe, stopped hunting.
Most hunters immediately handed over all their cores and crystals because in the stress they didn't realize Flain needed them alive to get the items. But a few individuals understood and resisted; they did not expect a good fate. They were tortured until they gave them up.
Flain had long since lost his humanity, and torture did not seem disadvantageous to him. It took a bit more time, but he got what he wanted. Mostly there were no major drawbacks and only a big plus in the form of the wealth he desired.
Flain of course knew it was immoral and that it caused them great pain. But there was no reason for him to care. He was not one of those hunters; would not torturing them bring him benefits?
