Lyssandra, trying to lighten the somber mood, gave a slight smirk, "Well, since you've already done it, what did you gain from your... 'adventure'?" Her tone was playful, but Elrian could sense the underlying worry.
Elrian opened his bag, revealing the cores he had harvested. The sheer number made both his parents' eyes widen in disbelief.
Arlan let out a low whistle, genuinely impressed. "More than forty cores? That's... incredible, Elrian."
Lyssandra bent down to inspect the cores more closely. "And this," she said, picking up the luminous snake core, which shimmered brilliantly, "This is like no core I've ever seen before."
Elrian nodded, "That came from the snake I encountered outside the boundary. It was by far the toughest opponent I've faced."
Arlan's stern demeanor melted into one of pride. "Son, while I still stand by what I said about you being reckless, I can't help but feel a surge of hope seeing these. It shows your potential and the strength you can bring to tomorrow's battle."
Lyssandra agreed, "With this, the village will have a fighting chance. But promise me, no more solo adventures beyond the boundary, okay?"
Elrian smiled sheepishly, "I promise."
Arlan patted Elrian's back, "Let's get these injuries of yours treated. Tomorrow is a big day, and we need you at your best."
As they proceeded to mend Elrian's wounds, the atmosphere in the room was a mix of worry, pride, and hope. The upcoming battle loomed large, but with Elrian's newfound strength and the unity of the village, they believed they could face any challenge.
While preparing dinner, Elrian chopped the vegetables and seasoned the meat with practiced ease. As his hands worked, his mind wandered to the day's events, especially the large amount of qi he had consumed. Quietly, so as not to draw his parents' attention, he mentally communicated with Serpwingra.
"How much wind qi is left in the pearl?" Elrian inquired, focusing on the internal connection he shared with the entity.
Serpwingra's voice, calm and ever-constant, replied, "It's all been used up, both from expanding your pool and from today's encounters."
Elrian frowned slightly, continuing his kitchen tasks. "That's not good. We might need more if I have to engage in battles like today."
"You're right," Serpwingra responded. "It would be beneficial to obtain more wind-element cores. The pearl thrives on having diverse qi, and the wind qi, in particular, aids in many of our combined techniques."
Lyssandra, noticing Elrian's deep in thought, lightly tapped him on the shoulder, "What's on your mind? You seemed far away."
"Just thinking about tomorrow," Elrian said, covering up. "And how we can better prepare."
Arlan chimed in, "One step at a time, son. Tonight, let's enjoy this meal and rest well. Tomorrow is another day."
The family continued their dinner preparations, with the comforting aroma of the food filling the air, masking the underlying tension they all felt about the imminent challenge ahead.
As they sat down for dinner, the atmosphere in the room was thick with emotions. The dim candlelight threw long shadows on the walls, making the room feel even more intimate. Lyssandra cleared her throat, taking a moment to gather her thoughts before she spoke.
"Elrian," she began, her voice soft yet filled with a mother's wisdom, "There's something your father and I want to share with you tonight. It's about how to lead a life with honor and dignity."
Arlan nodded, adding, "In our journey as cultivators, we've met many kinds of people. Some were kind-hearted, while others were ruthless. But it's essential always to remember who you are and what you stand for."
Lyssandra continued, "Being decisive is crucial, especially in times of danger. When the situation demands, you must act swiftly and with purpose."
"But," Arlan interjected, "it's equally important to know when to show mercy. Not every enemy is truly evil at heart, and sometimes understanding and compassion can change a person's path."
Elrian listened intently, soaking in their words. He felt the weight of their expectations, their hopes for him to grow into a man of both strength and character.
"There's a fine balance between the two," Lyssandra said, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Always stand up for what's right, but also know that kindness can be more potent than any sword."
Arlan reached out, placing his hand over Elrian's. "Our journey hasn't always been easy. We've made mistakes, faced challenges, but we've always tried to uphold these values. And we want the same for you."
Elrian felt a lump in his throat, realizing the gravity of the moment. This wasn't just a dinner conversation; it felt like a legacy being passed down. He nodded slowly, determination burning in his eyes.
"I promise," he whispered, his voice filled with conviction. "I'll always remember what you've taught me. And I'll ensure that this isn't our last dinner together."
His parents smiled, warmth and pride evident in their eyes. The evening continued with more stories and lessons, a precious moment of bonding before the impending storm.
Elrian looked down at the cores he had gathered, a sense of accomplishment filling him. But he also felt an urgent need to strengthen his connection with the wind element. He turned to his parents, curiosity in his eyes.
"Mother, Father, where can I exchange these cores? I was thinking of acquiring more wind elemental cores."
Lyssandra and Arlan exchanged a glance, understanding immediately what their son was aiming for. Arlan replied, "If you're looking to exchange cores, the best person to see would be Elder Calyx."
Lyssandra nodded in agreement, "Yes, Elder Calyx oversees the village's core repository. If anyone has a stock of wind elemental cores, it would be him."
Elrian felt a surge of hope. "Thank you. I believe that having more wind cores will significantly enhance my abilities, especially with the imminent threat we face."
Arlan placed a reassuring hand on his son's shoulder. "Elder Calyx will understand the importance of your request. But remember, while cores can aid in your growth, it's the heart and will of the cultivator that truly makes the difference."
Elrian smiled, grateful for the continuous support and guidance from his parents. "I understand, Father. It's just another tool in my arsenal."