68. Brain Power

Cara sat frozen in her seat, her breaths shallow, the whispers and stares of the congregation growing louder in her head.

'Hagrit, I need your help,' Cara pleaded internally. 'I can't contain this on my own.'

[Yeah, no kidding. The number of people in here is insane,] Hagrit replied, his tone unusually serious.

'How many are they?' Cara asked, though she wasn't sure she wanted to know.

[There are over a thousand people crammed into this church,] Hagrit informed her.

Cara's panic deepened. How do I shut this out? I can't handle all their thoughts at once.

[You're past the point where breathing exercises will save you. It's time to spend some points, Cara.]

'I'll do anything. Just make it stop.'

[Alright, I'll deduct 2000 points from your total to upgrade your brain power. This will help you filter out the noise. Do you agree to the purchase?]

'Yes, do it now!'

[Done,] Hagrit confirmed.