"Walker. I would have preferred that you brought myself and Midnight with you to meet with another royal dragon." Su was understandably unhappy with Walker when he and Alice had found her and told her about what had happened. Midnight was also huffing in agreement with Su.


    "It was not something nned. But it was a lot of new information that I did not know. I felt like we were back at the branch vige. I think the water dragons are more open and flexible to the things we are doing here and were more than willing to help us because of that." This was obvious but Walker wanted to say it so that they would repay this kindness one day.


    Su released another long sigh before she took a deep breath, "And you made Alice stay with you the entire time you were speaking with a royal dragon?" Su had not said anything when it was mentioned that Walker and Alice were training. She had already expected Alice toe with them since Alice had been training and making it clear she wanted to adventure.


    "I didn''t make her. It was unexpected. She stood pretty strong if I could say so myself." Walker was sure that Alice would have left if she didn''t want to be there. But she had gotten more and more confident as she stood there.


    "I''m stronger than I look." Alice had used a very forceful tone which drew all of their attention. Midnight huffed a few times and nodded her head. She was proud that she was seeing Alice show her teeth.


    "I apologize. I know that the water dragons are more caring. I still worry though. Current is just like Adair. It makes sense that they are both impressive dragons with pure water elemental affinity. This ritual, do you believe we should risk it before we leave?" This was the crux of the matter. If they did the ritual and Su was weak or Midnight was weak, then it was risky.


    "It could give us a secret boost in power that we did not expect. For the first span of travel from here to the swampnds that we are crossing through, we will have carriages. They will be left near the swampnds. That means there will be some time to recover. Alice and I can also help heal along with the battle healers that the high priest is sending with us." The reassurance that Su and Midnight would be at fighting capacity or better was the real draw for her to ept things. "What do you think Midnight. This is a big deal for you as well."


    "Sister says that she is always getting stronger and that she will help Su be stronger too. They are a team." Onyx slithered in to the room looking slightly shinier than usual. "Yes, I had brother Gil help me shine my scales today. We need to prepare to leave and I want to be able to absorb the most light elemental mana possible before we get to the swamps where it will be dark." Onyx hadn''t even needed to hear them ask. He had known that they would wonder why he had polished his scales.


    "Then we will get stronger. Midnight, should we perform this ritual at midnight with our own twist on the oath?" Su and Midnight both appeared to have something in mind that not even Onyx could fathom. They still had a more unique bond that not everyone could understand.


    "I felt you training today. I believe you will need to improve your level while we travel. I will protect you." The room was silenced by Onyx making this promise to Alice. Walker had been waiting to make this point but now was left with it out in the open.


    "Walker, we still have one half of an experience boosting potion left. You should give it to Alice when we get on the road. Use your lure orb and we will help her as much as possible." There was not a question or an ask in this. It was aplete order from Su to Walker.


    "I haven''t known who to give it to since we are all leveling up at a different speed than the normal people around. I was thinking of giving it to Onyx but he has a better ability to hide away from danger so I held off. You are right. Alice, this is thest of an experience boosting potion we found when we moved in to this mansion. It is yours." Walker had held on to this for a very long time and not used it since it would have put one person well ahead of the others. But they also didn''t need only experience points any longer.


    Seeing the gold in the vial of potion made Alice shocked again for the day. She had only heard of the nobles that could afford to procure these potions due to their rarity and price. The church would never buy one with the hard earned gold that could go to healing more people. She wanted to argue but knew that the entire party would be more at ease if she became stronger before she got to the harbor towns. If she did not strengthen herself then she would be risking her and their lives. Not to mention anyone else fighting with them.


    "Thank you." The words were soft as a mouse. She was having trouble keeping her eyes from tearing up. This was something that showed how much they cared for her safety. It was hitting her all at once that she would be able to stand beside the person she cared for and the people she had begun to idolize. She was no longer someone incapable of adventuring to witness greatness. She would stand beside them and ensure they were safe herself. She would protect people. She would be more than she was and continue to grow as an example of what a healer should be to the world.


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