Chen Wei's eyes widened in disbelief as Liora urged him again. "Absorb it," she said, her voice calm yet firm.
For a moment, he thought he had misheard.
Absorbing the crystal? That was never even a possibility in his mind. Seeing it, touching it—just knowing that something this powerful existed was already overwhelming. But taking it for himself? That was unthinkable.
His hands trembled as he pushed the crystal back toward Liora, shaking his head. "No, I can't. This isn't mine. It belongs to you." His voice was resolute. "You should keep it for yourself. A crystal of this grade… it would be a waste on me."
He clenched his fists, frustration evident on his face. "What if it doesn't work? What if I fail? A crystal like this could keep you from starving for an entire year, maybe even longer. I can't take it, Liora."
