In any case, my goal here has already failed.
Without Truston cooperating, Haldon would be back by the time Hadrian achieved a fraction of anything.
He did not trust Truston to keep his word, but with how ignorant Haldon acted, anything that could hurt him could be a temporary win.
In fact, it didn't need to be a temporary win.
If I could get Truston and Haldon to fight again, exhaust each other's essence, then I could make my move when their essence potency is reduced.
How had I not thought of this before? Perhaps, the only way to learn somethings is through living them.
His right hand studied the gate. Its lock was heavy.
"It's augmented." Truston said, "and not just the lock."
Hearing this, Hadrian substituted the force path core of the groper mage to bearded man.
The metal rods did creak and slightly bend but it took all his effort.
Seeing this, he substituted the elemental path core to bearded man, replacing the force path core.
