"STOP FUSSING… I'm weak, not dead," Elinor chided her husband as he tried once more to offer her anything she might need.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp2Ak6hfZTx
"A drink is here if you need it. Are you sure you're not hungry? I can get them to bring food."325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIKJG8EAY3C
He was stressed with grief, not able to help her. She gently stroked his cheek, tears long dried from crying. She was grateful he loved her so much.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1FsOu7rqPc
"Dear, trust the gods. They did not curse me. It is just something that happens. Even if we can't get a cure, I can slowly build my magic and recover. Beastkin do it all the time."325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIDbgFz9DH7
He was not sure about her faith—not in the gods, he trusted those—but about the recovery. It was extremely rare humans did.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3PM4ACcrRK
And the only known alchemist had been known to not care about making the potion, no matter the money. The rumor was he auctioned it off once a month, but that was a year ago. He had since found better ways to profit.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeMWnz5cMAN
"I asked Nebo to travel to the city and send a letter petitioning the alchemist. It's a long shot, but maybe if we pay double or… more, he will help."325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVAPOHs0kdn
She sighed, leaning back in the bed. It was a nice day. Birds chirping. She was just tired.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjTvby0dze4
"It's fine. There are things I will miss doing, but the girls tend to help me so much, so we usually just gossip. I will be fine, love. Please rest. I know you have been up late in the night."325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRr0pq7oAaP
Bishop Light entered at that moment with a solemn look. "I'm sorry to interrupt. I wish to offer you privacy. But I know this is just the start, and there will be others. We tend to house many here, so space is limited. I don't want to sound callous, but I fear others will get the weakening and have no family to offer them safety."325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa7DBFCzfPK
Justin looked at his wife. He knew the priest was right. He just was afraid to move her. He saw his wife smiling at him even with his fears.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCa9esp9tn2
"I can walk at least a little, and worst case, you can carry me away. It would be nice like old times."325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXIYE21nhzj
He blushed at that, remembering their younger days and how he always carried her around for fun. Now it was because he had to.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8XJQcxaNOd
"Don't give that look. The kids will fear the worst, and they don't know I'm okay."325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaemGtva9qc
He nodded at that. "Ok, let me carry you for a bit, then when we're sure it's an open space, we can try walking a bit or resting till later."325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ43mhGLYyWo
A new voice spoke in the distance. "Don't tell me what to do. I'm here to see my family. Business can wait. My secretary runs things just fine. One more day won't change anything!"325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPc4UQLa5w
Around the corner into the room, the little gnome entered, bags under his eyes as he looked at Elinor.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡecERHok1fm
"Goodness, child, you gave us a scare. Are you ok?"325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe5Svr70Gww
He ran up to her with the power of the wind pushing him to her side ever faster as he took her hand. She squeezed it while smiling.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSC8smv0fDl
"You both look horrible, and I'm the one that's sick!" She was amused and happy to be so loved. "I promise this is just a minor setback. Don't let the village fall for my sake."325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡByXKBIYiGe
"Bah, they like to complain for their own interests. But you, child, are worth that waiting. We all knew this day could come. Just tried to avoid it."325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPaEW7klptP
She nodded at that while her husband still looked lost.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJJFlS6A95
"We need to see the children. I don't like leaving them alone. It has been at least a day, no?"325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5krK67QeyJ
She wondered now, having time to think.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwtPK5Fu72S
"It's been three, I think," Bishop Light interjected.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLqYOWxJql5
Both her husband and the mayor glared at him. He pulled his hands up in defense. "I'm not judging, just answering a question asked. If I could, I would gladly heal everyone and more. I lack that power. All I can do is house and love them till they find peace."325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTulQMSCrjM
She forced herself to move. Why did her body feel so weak just trying to move and stand?325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ6BDLE6J7t
"It's fine, Light. Thank you for housing us."325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOtMFqaFSoT
Her husband and the mayor, both feeling abashed, agreed and thanked him. The trip back home was a struggle, and she needed to be carried over halfway.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxuDXPJAZx5
What surprised her more was the need to sleep while being carried. Why did it drain her so much?325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ3QLBgnEX1
Nearing the house, they saw Nina hanging laundry. She saw them coming and went into shock for a moment, then shouted.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWRlRwjYVyb
"WOLF, LEENIA, IT'S MOM. SHE'S BACK!"325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcAoZrgW1nA
The door swung open like it had been struck by a bolt, and out ran her kids. All of them rushed to see her. Dad warned them to be gentle, but she was in no mood to have more pity. She was too weak to move, not to touch. And she loved all their embraces.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhiSVgk6wxB
Even as they sobbed their fears, she assured them everything was okay. She was home.
The day passed into the night with everyone telling their side of events.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOcxTgYbjT4
The mayor was tired and defeated. He said it would be a few days taking care of the events that would come, but he wished he could stay. Dad and Mom eventually rested. Wolf, Nina, and Leenia were all comforted, at least for now, that their mom was okay. Even though they still had things they wanted to do, for now, it would have to wait for another day.
He was still tired. Even after a few days since his mom came home and things settled down, things had been a struggle.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjGcmiArheO
He reviewed Herbert's notes. There was so much to learn, but nothing to solve the need for a cure. And both his sisters had been doing better, focusing on work in the shop and at home. Mom was overjoyed at all the attention but kept chiding them to live. She would rest and recover. It was not the end of the world. It just felt like it.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN3B2hobev5
He knew it would take time, but everything felt unfulfilled, so he focused on getting herbs and making new potions just like Herbert. He would make it work.
Arlin awoke to another day. Things were better now than years past. All the dungeon runs with near-death barely avoided to reach this point.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyVq7msWpvH
He looked at his hand. Easily able to shift to darkness and back. He'd mastered the skill long ago. He opened the door with the darkness and left for the day.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡieaVrY21Z1
He'd already wished Terry well for the years he had been his friend. Rosa, it seemed, would be traveling with them. She had family in that new town, so she put in a transfer.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8oiQJiuks
He was heading to the church to say his goodbyes. He visited them at least once a month when he could, but it was always a strain. Rock felt distant, yet Ziala was always happy to see him, so it kept encouraging him to come back.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxrXfgDTdya
It was easy to hide among the crowd of grey robes. Even though his clothes stood out being light-colored, he always seemed to blend in their shadows, surprising the priests, which happened repeatedly. They would try harder to look at him in plain sight. While amusing, he was just here for the kids.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡknn6xZlyxJ
Well, teens now, but still kids to him.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxtjDRTMQVP
He found Rock first, in a grey robe, playing his flute. He was really good now and even had a crowd admiring his music.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBpwLnj3AKh
"ROCK! It's been too long," he yelled and waved to get his attention.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkefU9anGv8
Like a flock of birds, it spooked the crowd, and they scattered.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4XYOI2tRJy
Rock was not amused. He was yelling in church.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIyNksSyn5i
"Sorry, I missed you. Is your sister near? I just wanted to say goodbye. Even though things did not work out, I still see you both as family," he said with a smile.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRuMzM17PJP
"Ziala is here, though I wish she would reconsider. The church is our home."325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcWwUX86qS8
Arlin was confused about what he meant by that. He knew the church was their home, so why did he make that statement?325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQr3vE0jCT0
"Is everything okay? They're not causing issues for you guys, right?"325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ893XXeW9fe
Rock sighed and looked in the distance at their bunk room, where the door was ajar, but he couldn't see inside. Was that where she was?325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbEAI8ZK8g7
"Will you take care of her?"325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhMe2TyxjYD
The question was out of the blue and threw him off, but he responded all the same.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGy9xvz3BC2
"Yes?" He wasn't sure where this was going. This was a weird goodbye.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQB3AMWT9MG
He knew he was a little distant. He blamed his mother's way of raising him. And all the dungeon battles kind of made him at peace with how things were now. He was, in a way… happy.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ89rbTmIrAK
That was when he saw her. She looked stunning. She was wearing the same dress he'd bought her years ago. Now it looked almost like a skirt. She looked healthy and happy, and when she noticed him, she beamed and rushed to him.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK2JRVCRoBh
He grabbed her and twirled her a bit in the air, and she laughed.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡppeU5shvwx
"You're looking well and in a better mood than your brother."325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXkIlu4Zfhb
Rock was not amused.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzIV7ZbPNwZ
Ziala stepped away with joy and announced a shocking truth. "I'm going with you!"325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0n7GtG3w9p
"Um… what?"325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdALam89Lbu
Arlin wasn't sure what she meant. He knew he'd said years ago they would always be together, but that was a dream. And when he one day got a home, maybe… He'd never thought about it.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQUFwVOKOzV
"Are you sure?" He finally said after a moment of shock.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzvCAEW6S4a
She looked hurt, and Rock spoke first. "Told you he forgot. He made that promise on a whim. The church never left us…"325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGwIj3n1yyQ
It hurt him to hear Rock saying that, but it was kind of true.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZDKstf9Im
Ziala stared at him, confused. "But I already cleared it with the church and your mother?" She was puzzled. "Did she not tell you? I was going to work in the new guild so I could be with you?"325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYqQZR2V7B
He wasn't sure what to say to that. He loved his mom, but she was… slow with details unless she wanted to tell it, and she relied on Terry and Rosa too much for details. He sighed.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFM2ZrhlIQ
"Is Rock coming too? Will you still be in the new church, you live in?"325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLHagBL9xdV
He had more questions but at least needed some answers first.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo7X59Wzbp6
"No to both," Rock said, always passive, Arlin thought. "She planned to live with you. The other church won't have a room with a new outbreak of weakness in the area."325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0kfUu0Bajl
"I can speak for myself," Ziala spoke up, tired of being sidelined. "I have been mailing letters for a few months, setting things up, since I knew you had been leaving. I was trying to make sure we could go at the same time. It was a lot of work, but I did it. I got a job, and securing a place with you. Isn't that great!"325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhFwI4uD68j
He wasn't sure how she did that, but he guessed he was happy she was there. He was used to being alone, so this was different.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuYGe8OPuOB
She saw he wasn't sharing her joy and got sad. "So it's true. You never wanted to be a family?"325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcfYuQvvspz
"No!" he panicked. "It was just a shock. A surprise. I thought I was coming to say goodbye, not bringing you with me. I am happy, I swear!"325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhz3dlZuNdE
He was happy. It just was throwing him for a loop, this change.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxAYWrCmIYp
She hugged him, happy things were working out. They both said goodbye to Rock. He had already made his peace with this long ago, it seemed, as well as his sister planned to be with him.
A few days passed before they got their wagon, transporting them to the new place. Rosa, with part of another caravan group, since it required a few workers and supplies.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3kUZFHGiqm
His mom, Ziala, and he shared a coach. He wanted to ask sooner, but everyone was busy. Now they were stuck in one spot. He had time to ask for details.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDW0PlrPYoR
"So when were you going to tell me?"325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6yNYQq3Inz
His mother drew a pipe and was smoking again, a habit she never stopped.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKGE7oyprkr
"What do you mean, son? You knew we were coming here for a while. This is nothing new?"325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRvFFJPju0e
She played coy. Ziala looked concerned but just watched as he sighed, knowing she wanted to force him to be blunt.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡykf4yXZYrV
"I'm happy my adopted sister loves me and wants to join me on my new adventure, but she spoke as if you knew and never told me. Why?"325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJTTLbVCe55
She blew the smoke out the window, slowly watching the trees go by. She sighed and pouted.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaBWT9ldGGb
"You kids were always trouble. I did try to get Rock to join too. He wanted nothing to do with us. He preferred to repay his debt to the church, he said. Ziala, though, was more than happy for a chance to be part of the family. Why is that a bad thing?"325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXp3t0FT0Ye
"No issues," Arlin said, forcing a smile, patting her leg. "Just the dungeons will keep me busy, and I won't have time to watch over you."325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAiNTkVqYvk
"HAH, please," Ziala said in a retort. "No offense, but you have not been there for a while." That hurt more than he thought it would, even if true. "But," she went on, "that's okay. This… is family. Rock knew it too."325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvIb6rxDMjN
She got a sad look at that, and Mom brushed her fur gently while looking out the window, slowly blowing smoke. It seemed they talked more than he knew.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSbrscQlCYA
"I want to work, and I want to help you, so this is how I can do both. And still be close. It was worth it to me. We will see Rock again, I know it," as she watched in the distance.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeBGMnJ5H3y
"Ok…" he said, smiling.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP9jAGHoXog
The rest of the trip was uneventful. There was a lot of tedious work getting everything settled, but it was easy once everything was settled. He worried about the dungeons later. Now they had time to enjoy their new freedom.
Nebo was exhausted from the trips and letters to the city that were only dead ends for weeks.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrW99XClkwW
He finally got an official meeting with the head alchemist. They'd met before, but it seems over the years he'd distanced himself more and refused most direct business.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIuatnqXt4q
Out front, there were thugs, for lack of better words, guarding the place. He even had to wait to be let in, though not surprising to him. It still was annoying.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu04u6lSsNQ
After a long, drawn-out process, he finally was able to see him again. He looked the same. Maybe slightly aged and tired, but that was only if you knew him well. Anyone else would say he was the same.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxbvEccJc7n
"It's been too long, Master Tommy, sir."325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxG9gVHqG8m
Nebo started trying to be formal, but Tommy just looked indifferent and then spoke.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhiVFsimrdx
"Tommy is fine, and it has… I vaguely remember you. You're always trying to sell cheap alternatives to alchemy and poor man's ideas."325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlVQrl4vD2c
Nebo did not like how he downplayed Wolf's work, but it was true that he tried to sell cheaper things.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡilgn2eBQSR
"While true, that's not why I'm here. You know we need a weakness potion, right? We tried many times to bid for one."325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4kgZdIvtQB
He was hopeful he was just busy and not indifferent to their plight.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv97yGKWtML
Tommy sighed. "I stopped making those years ago. Too unstable, not worth the cost. Personally, the only reason I'm even giving you the time of day is I heard you made a cheaper mana potion."325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGw0mGOPyEP
Nebo wasn't sure how he knew about that and frowned.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwYhQKB1cAL
"Oh, please, don't act so shocked. People talk. Word got around: Someone can make a cheaper product and mass-produce it for a fraction of the cost? Well… now I'm listening."325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDNkfOn0ALL
Nebo did not like where this was going.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaGiiIrtyD5
"I don't mind working out a deal, but the potion?" Nebo wondered.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYxZFWJKfKb
"No. I told you it's not worth the effort. Now if gold is the issue, name your price. I want the mana potion…"325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcYpeiUJyXD
Nebo wasn't sure how to handle this. He knew Wolf would give it free. But would he still if he knew this man refused to help his mom? He was conflicted.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjAhJr748Rn
"It seems we are at an impasse, Mr.?" Tommy wondered.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaDXJq8NnVh
"Nebo," he said in a low voice.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNyJvtiRPC3
"Well… Nebo. We both have something the other wants and won't budge. How can we work something else out?"325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7ZrlGmCZc
He knew it wasn't what Wolf would want, but he figured at the very least, more herbs could work.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcvyIm26GfC
"Supply us with more herbs and let us purchase more to search for a cure."325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsXd1ddpmTi
"Tch, your kind sure get persistent trying to save the poor. It's a waste, but I'll allow it. In exchange for a copy of the recipe."325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ1uEer8qLM
Nebo wasn't happy, but the world was full of compromise versus our desires. He left to work out the details.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ATrB6TTTJ
Tommy watched him go. A thug walked in after he left, making sure everything was okay.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Xp5D2R4vW
"Are you good, boss?"325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsETN0f5tJa
"Fine."325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkMADrS2KdN
"Ok, boss," he turned to leave.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM385T1uvFc
"Before you go, what is the most important thing?"325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ93zjnLFEj5
"Um, money, boss?"325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl6WfTJPpMe
He smiled hearing those words. "Thank you. Take the rest of the day off. Treat your men to food and drinks. You know what matters in life, and you all deserve a treat for being smart."325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVm95CoKlSU
The thug wasn't sure why this turn of events happened but nodded his head, happy all the same.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9CHRM715iY
"Thanks, boss!" and left before he could change his mind.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8PpG2lihgq
Tommy sat in thought about how sad it was the poor and weak begged those in power for more. He took a sip of his drink, savoring the expensive vintage. Outside his window, the city sprawled—thousands of people struggling, scraping by, desperate for help he could easily give but chose not to.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ9KOzlCqM0
If they had money, they wouldn't need to beg. They could do whatever they wanted, just… like… me.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNPiu9peWX1
He smiled to himself and returned to his ledgers. Business was good.
He pored over his new notes, trying to find something, but everything was failing.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ43XQQ7dw3p
The mixture doesn't matter; the magic effect distills to water if there are too many effects or not enough magic in the brew. It requires more mana to counter and will make more potent effects. Side effects are still based on the herbs used, if any exist.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTMZw0hcPw0
Many versions of healing, mana, or buffs can be made regardless of the mix; an antidote almost always works but also can destabilize depending on the herb mix.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSjFfUa6ANg
Dungeon crystals are a catalyst that makes many potions easier with the same effects and even removes side effects from herbs. No cures so far.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Lo1mjlSLc
He was tired, but he kept trying. It was odd. He was so sure the god of balance forced a balance like the books said, but he kept finding new ways to make healing and mana potions or even variations of antidotes, but nothing new.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEL5LY5yFiB
He found notes from Herbert for buffing potions, but he ignored those. That would not lead to a cure. Herbert had looked till exhausted down that path. He was sure of it.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgN0gI0ePH9
The biggest surprise was the mana crystals. The stronger ones you used, the more it shifted effects. Regardless of the herbs used, though he theorized intent mattered, which was odd. Why would that change things unless…325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuLRvzoLd6V
He started a new healing potion, one of the first he'd made, and tried willing it to mana using the feeling of magic. The feeling in his hand returned. He even saw the red brew starting to turn blue, then gray.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeeaj9VhbYV
He failed? No…325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMeM6cmsD9d
This can work, he thought. I can do what no one else could! I can shift mana!325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQgM7HaeEe
He wasn't sure what grey was, or if it was even safe, but for now it was a start. If he kept doing this, he would make something, he knew.
Days passed. He visited his mom when he could, when she was awake, to tell her he was close. And his sisters encouraged him as best they could, not trying to give him false hope. Even Nebo brought him more herbs.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuMtoI27DON
This will work.
A few more days passed. No closer to a breakthrough, and the herbs were gone.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK1lHGQPOpJ
He had many concoctions he'd set aside to test based on color but was worried he couldn't recreate them without hurting others, not knowing their effects. So it was more of a test sample to keep.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbWTy4GeanO
Nina started visiting the dungeon, bringing him herbs. The moss was very helpful and was the closest to a new type, maybe even a cure!325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChU8TLwTAT
She even brought him random dungeon crystals, which helped him understand his magic more versus potions. When he compared their effects, it was helping him narrow things down. But she was busy, and he was desperate for more samples.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTHJr1J9YS8
Maybe he could go to the dungeon. If his sister could handle it, he could. True, she had power, but he could run if it was bad. And he could find a strong staff-like stick to knock them back while he ran if it was bad.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEItJqMhwXN
He knew it wasn't wise, but he hated seeing his mom suffer, so he went.
When he found the dungeon, it was near the lake. He was surprised everything seemed so calm. Nobody was around. He thought there would be people everywhere. It was odd, but maybe they were inside?325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtByQhbJ4mi
He gripped his stick tighter. No answers were out here, and he wanted to find this cure and did not want to wait for more herbs, so he pushed inside.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2zl5fUnc74
It was odd. Even inside, everything was calm. He wasn't sure what he thought. He found it was just a long, deep cave. As he went deeper, he saw a few side tunnels but was worried he'd get lost, so he stayed in the main walkway.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvLQI6zVgiU
He was pleasantly surprised that he could smell the grave moss! It was right on the edge of a corner and went deeper. In there were many patches of it just growing away.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5bgx2YbumB
He was so happy. This was what he needed!325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6s9jDZBHCV
He quickly started grabbing as much as he could, ignoring his surroundings. He did not notice the skeleton standing in the same hall he was now picking from, but it sensed him and started to move.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTcg43S44ax
Lost in thought about how close he was to a new breakthrough, grabbing as much as he could, he did not hear the slow steps getting closer.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnsEhOK5bUL
It was only after it was less than a foot away he sensed its presence.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeIr2dhFyC1
He turned to look and was shocked to see a five-foot skeleton with eyes like the abyss staring down at him.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbk9XrDEtf5
By the time he acknowledged it, it had raised its fist and smashed the side of his face. He skidded slightly in the dirt, shocked at the pain. His vision swam. Blood filled his mouth, copper and salt.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrA236sofx3
They were supposed to be weak?!325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe4c8HDTkxQ
He tried to focus, feeling disoriented. When he looked, he saw the weapon he'd dropped in his haste for herbs. And once more, he froze, unsure what to do. Unable to think. Lost. His hands wouldn't stop shaking.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQywaCXH9cE
But the skeleton wasn't.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNma9Ef3O8P
It slowly bent down and grabbed the weapon. The wooden staff that was meant to protect him.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCRUy5EdHba
Then slowly moved to face him.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcvNbSDFcCp
Slowly raised the weapon.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxam7YNYbWX
Before shattering his leg, and he screamed.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4lHFGz5DjH
The sound that tore from his throat didn't sound human. Even as the pain consumed him, he was forced to stay awake and watch as it lifted the weapon slowly once more with indifference. To finish what it had started.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn5zKhrN47V
With his last thoughts, he wanted to curse the gods. He just wanted to save his mother, even the people. And he was to die with a power that armies would fear that let a skeleton kill him with indifference.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ktLRQE4ye
Before the final blow was struck, a blur smashed it like it was nothing. The only thing keeping him watching versus passing out was the force they used to strike shook the ground, causing tremor pains that kept him lucid.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAO7kTmvmoV
It was then he saw her.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkcnJkshO9j
"Sister?" as it all faded to black.
Nina was depressed. She wanted to help her brother. She hated seeing him suffer. He was so full of hope. Now it just was lost to him trying to make new potions, not out of love of the craft but a desperate bid to help his mom. Our mom.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTSl0lyB0V4
She asked at home where he was since he wasn't crafting. Leenia heard him saying he was going to the lake, but she wasn't sure. He was in a hurry when he left.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSQasyBTi60
Nina wasn't worried. He'd always explored there in the past. Maybe he needed a break. But just to be safe, she wanted to check on him. She missed his smile.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeelcZp5vxh
The lake was clear. It was a sunny day, and the wind blew slightly. It was a good day, so why did it feel off?325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSvFcevHlmV
Was it because she did not see her brother?325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV0ThIhDFTX
That had to be it. He would not lie, so where was he?325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmy1sJKo2sx
She looked around and remembered the dungeon, and her blood went cold.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1YLcyuFZH3
No… he wouldn't.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd9WnpLvmE7
Then she remembered she loved saying how easy the dungeon was and being able to get him herbs. Then did he take her words to heart? She wasn't sure what to think.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrO6HAJlagR
She started to make her way there when she heard the scream, and her mind went blank.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFOFALjttni
The sound cut through her like a knife. She knew that voice.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡosMvbXobF1
It was an unconscious act, but she formed rocks under her feet to push her forward. Each step was a leap forward, and before she even really landed, she thrust forward once more, rocks aiding her glide. The world blurred. Her heart hammered so hard it hurt.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaR43pvlftj
The walls of the cave passed in a blur, and she saw him.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjr9yYC7nOq
Her heart skipped a beat. A skeleton was above him, holding a weapon and raising it to smash him again. Blood pooled beneath him. His leg bent wrong.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4eSfjijQZv
AGAIN?!325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvA8Tvgmlye
She screamed as rocks formed in her fist, and she smashed it with ease.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡESWPIPKabM
TOO EASY.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFip3sllUZG
It was too easy to break.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGgiTDpWGu
She wanted it to hurt like her brother. She wanted it to suffer, but it was already fading. So she smashed the fragments that were left. Again. And again. Until there was nothing but dust and her own ragged breathing.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRxAlTl4ELA
A low voice wept from her side. "Sister?"325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzkZ9GhsNvr
She froze. She wasn't sure what she thought. She only knew the truth now—that he could have died—finally set in. She was just desperate to save him. She did not know it was him that screamed, but when she did know… she lost it.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQlA7HUT42k
She gently lifted him. He was heavy, but she used the stone to reinforce her body and to balance the extra weight.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvcwoAnz678
She would get him to the church. They would make this all better.
Arlin was chatting with his stepsister. This wasn't a bad place. It was nice.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkrvsxwazwA
They'd been enjoying the shade near the front of the church, and the bishop was explaining how the weakness curse was coming, causing issues.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU4p84OmQ9Y
He felt bad knowing he'd taken two potions that would change others' lives, even though he didn't regret it. Ziala, too, was shamed knowing beastkin recovered within a year versus a human. It made sense why Rock felt a need to atone.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlgVvUUDAtj
Arlin swore to himself he would hunt the dungeons and help too.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRh4DCxLgdM
A loud thump was sounding in the distance, followed by tremors. Something heavy was hitting the ground and shaking the earth. A monster? Here, now?!325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvx4T43jTXt
He wanted his sister and the bishop to get to safety. He was used to fighting alone, and they would just be casualties.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtjvBvqWbR7
When he turned, he saw something impossible. A foxkin girl, but her body wasn't right—stone flowed over her skin like living armor, cracking and reforming with each thunderous step. She was carrying a young man, blood staining his clothes, his leg bent at a sickening angle. Each impact of her earth-enhanced stride shook the ground, desperate and graceless.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSMTYcOE6f
He was shocked and speechless till she spoke.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeTbDcojL5m
"Please," she begged, "save my brother."325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡelUUbdtXMT
The rock fell like rain around her body, clattering on the stone steps, and she collapsed near the door. Unable to move, the overuse of her mana was catching up with her. Her breathing came in ragged gasps.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMs8TItsN6G
Arlin turned into a shadow and gently lifted the boy.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXeXvP9IX3P
"It's okay. We got him. It's okay. Do you know what happened?"325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVEUFYHOnac
"I dunno," she said with tears. "He was in the dungeon. I think… it was a skeleton that got him."325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOmAC7lfT0k
Arlin flinched at that. He knew the pain from underestimating them. He'd had a few broken bones from them. If not for his mother, he would be in the same situation or worse.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLE0dV3ZAaF
Bishop Light started healing him, but his healing was weak. He removed the worst of it, but the boy needed rest, so they found a spot for him inside while other grey robes helped the fox girl.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLoTwFeNLPU
Nina wasn't sure about the events that followed. It was a bit of a blur. She was offered a drink and helped by a young wolf girl who stayed with her and offered comfort.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbLrJjrvOjC
The man made of shadows helped her brother. She knew she needed to tell her sister. She would demand to know. But with Mom being sick, did they need this added on too? Did she have a choice?325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgrSRugX7TV
She sighed, unsure what to do when the wolf girl spoke up from her side.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEkwuWM9DMx
"You okay? Want to talk about it?" She gently reached out her hand, taking Nina's in her own.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe4HUfFvswT
"He was trying to find a way to make a cure for Mom." She looked over at the bed he was resting in. He looked peaceful, like he used to when she sneaked in to check on him and find him asleep. But the vision of him bleeding with a monster above him was still too fresh.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAynuIyD5su
"Does she have a weakness curse?"325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7TRpJuh3Cx
"Yeah, it happened recently. He's an alchemist trying to find a cure but with no luck. So he risked going to a dungeon for more herbs…"325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡULJDQp2xxU
"My brother cured me and my other brother too. Sorry it got wasted on us."325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3i1qk0nrTR
Nina was confused. Why would a cure be a waste? "What do you mean?"325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ51xTWWx0of
The wolf girl was unsure. "If it saves you grief? It's not a waste. You owe us nothing."325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGTidyG7aXU
As she saw the despair in the foxkin who was offering her peace, she knew this wasn't a time for self-pity, but she felt they'd added to others' suffering all the same. It was why she was so proud of her stepbrother for not stopping trying to pay back the debt of those potions.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFYOG8TQ410
"My name is Ziala. What's yours?"325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhVpZ74qIao
"Nina, and this is my brother Wolf. They let me join their family, and I have been happy with them since. I have a brother named Nebo too. He's working now. And I have to tell his… real sister. She won't be happy. But Mom is sick, and I don't want to leave him."325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcG3i3vszoZ
As she said that, tears flowed freely once more from her eyes.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWvqYjDnhi
Ziala moved closer to hold her, letting her know she wasn't alone.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX4zu0iy6vI
Arlin entered with a grim look. "I tried to get hold of my mom. The weaker potion won't work. He will need top-tier stuff for smashed bones. I know from experience. If the bishop wasn't strong enough to heal him, nothing less than a high-quality potion will work. The good news is that given enough time, he will heal naturally."325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7Xzf1WO3C
"If money is an issue, I will try, and I'll help with a potion."325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqCos7xDw12
He looked at both the girls. They were listening, but neither seemed to be hopeful. This was a sour first day. He hoped it wasn't the start of more people getting hurt or, worse, killed.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzBN56ESCaI
"I haven't had a chance to introduce myself. I'm Arlin, and she's my stepsister, Ziala. We just got here today."325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkEaLIK7kyR
"Nina," she said in a low voice. "That's her brother Wolf. He was trying to cure his mom. She has the weakness," his sister chimed in.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVbde4QHlqk
"Aha, that's… bad."325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBruVVcXFj
Arlin wasn't sure what to say. He knew how it felt to be powerless to the point he'd made bad deals. It seems this guy did the same, but he didn't have Arlin's power to fight.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ58Y4bygxCx
"We can watch him if there's anything you need to do, or I can leave if you want space."325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWdlKlj0Hdo
He'd never been in a situation like this and was having trouble reading the room.325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgc1oS28XbN
He heard her sigh. "I got to let his sister know. Please keep him safe."325Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSDk0ZyxIuv
She slowly left. They weren't sure how to handle this, but they stayed with the boy while the priests went about their day helping not only this boy but whoever they could.
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and then Add to home screen.