A week had passed since the incident outside the barrier. After learning why the Crystal Cross Gang was hunting Erik, his friends were scared it might happen again. Still, they tried to stay positive and focus on their training.
The others didn't treat Erik differently for what happened, but they weren't calm, either. The only thing that stopped them from freaking out, knowing they could get targeted because of him, was because they were inside the Red Palace.
As for Erik, it became painfully clear he needed more power. After he was attacked by the five Crystal Cross Gang members and nearly killed because of Nathaniel, the awakener decided he had enough.
Besides, there was the matter with Nathaniel. Erik was not going to let him go.
Since the day his thaids attacked him, he has increased the intensity and length of his training regimen several times.
