Noor finished his work and returned the crystal to Sairi, fearing he might lose it in his impending battle with Hugo. It was true that its power could tilt the scales in his favor, but losing it for any reason would mean forfeiting the one thing that gave them an edge in this vast universe.
Noor briefed Sairi on his mission. Sairi immediately wanted to accompany him, but Noor refused, knowing full well that Sairi would interfere if he saw him losing. Sairi was far from convinced by this reckless, suicidal mission. He had tasted the raw power of the Franks' elite firsthand and had nearly perished, saved only by the crystal. He still vividly remembered his severed hand and the deep, grievous wounds that would have felled any ordinary being.
