Chapter 128 Injuries (2/2)
”I wonder why they attacked us,” Snowcloud said as she looked on, a frown on her face
”No need to wonder,” Arran replied ”One of theht my Essence Crystals Hetreasure”
It was the only explanation that h both Snowcloud and Arran hih to attack theth
”How e to buy in the city?” Snowcloud asked, a curious look on her face
”Hundreds,” Arran replied, although he did not say just how many hundreds of the crystals he actually had After the events with Lord Sevaril, he had decided he would not speak freely of his possessions anymore — not even to friends and allies
Still, Snowcloud's eyes ide in surprise at his answer, but then she chuckled Arran was relieved to see that she wasn't upset, even if his lack of discretion had resulted in her being wounded
”No wonder you drew their attention,” she said, shaking her head ”And I take it you've already used most of the crystals?”
”I've used a few hundred,” Arran said, understanding that there was no point in hiding that ”But I still have a decent nuht noon't do you ood,” Snowcloud said ”I'm sure you've already discovered that the more crystals you consume, the weaker their effect becomes And hat you've taken already, control won't be your bottleneck for at least the next few years”
”My bottleneck?”
”You already had a strong body and powerful Realms when I met you,” Snowcloud said ”And now, you also have the control you lacked earlier But your Sense is still weak, and your skill at using s you'll need to ier”
The explanation htfully ”Then how do I do that?”
”You'll develop your Sense by using it, and by purifying Essence,” she said ”Even if you don't need the crystals, purifying Essence is one of the best ways to train your Sense As for your skill… that will require practice and training, and lots of it”
”What kind of training?” Arran asked
”Spellcasting and sparring,” Snowcloud replied instantly ”Only by actually usingthe lute — a good instruet you so far At soress”
Arran sighed at her answer Although he knew she was right, heto spend endless hours in training But it seemed that he had finally run out of shortcuts
”So when do we start?” he asked If as the only way forward, he et started as soon as possible
”When we're a few days fro, she added, ”And when this is healed”
After that, they continued on their way, leaving the dead bodies of their would-be robbers behind
Snowcloud limped as they walked, but she refused Arran's offer to carry her, giving hied — if she wanted to suffer needlessly, that was her business
When evening finally fell, Goldhaven had already faded far into the distance Yet still, Arran did not feel entirely safe The botched robbery had reminded him that even small mistakes could come back to haunt him, and there was no lack of mistakes and indiscretions in his past