Alpha Nikoli escorted Zoe back home so she would be able to shower before preparing for the ritual. Unlike the test she completed, Zoe had to cleanse herself before and after creating a barrier. She was confident that she would be able to not only maintain the barrier but also project a large enough one to sustain the entire village.
Even though she had seen Nikoli aid the High Priest in the test, Zoe was surprised by how much he knew about her rituals and the rites that she had to perform. Zoe only needed to rinse herself and wash off any excess dirt and grime from all the running that she had done earlier. The key to keeping the barrier sound and impregnable was to clear all negative thoughts out of the mind.
Stepping out of the cold shower, Zoe grabbed the attire that Nikoli left her
