After some rough battles while trying to get on the other side, we were able to stop at a cabin by the lake at the foot of the mountains we had just come from.

Isabella listened to the ghoul's breathing. Its back was turned towards her and Mychal, but it would only be a matter of time until it would spot them. It only needed to turn back, walk a few steps forward and turn right.

Ria told me that being able to use augmented items to cast spells took long training and the basic skill at casting spells normally, but otherwise it was actually quite easy. It did require more concentration than normal casting, but the increased power was worth it if the augmented item was strong enough.

One time, when she had made an unusually gross mess of some persistent ghouls who had ambushed us, I asked her about it. She only chuckled nervously and said that she had no idea. She added that she hoped that she would not find out either. I hoped so too.