As Nicholas sat there, hidden behind his dark barrier, Lyle turned his attention to his own barrel of troll blood.
After Nicholas finished absorbing the blood, it would be his turn, and he knew he wouldn't fare any better than Nicholas, in fact, it might turn out to be more difficult for him compared to Nicholas.
After waiting for some 15 minutes, the barrier of darkness surrounding Nicholas dissipated, showing Nicholas who was standing there calmly before walking forward and stopping next to Lyle.
"Your turn."
Lyle nodded and took a deep breath, preparing himself for the intense experience that awaited him. With a swift motion, he uncorked the barrel and drank the contents in one go.
The effects were immediate. Lyle felt a surge of power coursing through his veins, invigorating him in a familiar way, one he had experienced before. His senses heightened, his reflexes sharpened, and his body felt stronger than ever.