Secret Plan

After finishing breakfast, they went to inspect the diverse sets of herbs brought by the leaders. Lin followed Mia in the process. Mia got busy analyzing the herbs, in meanwhile, Lin was busy observing Mia. She noticed his gaze and looked back at him.

Calling out to him, she said, "Lin, come here."

Approaching her, Lin remarked, "Mia, you've gathered quite a lot of herbs here. Feels like I've stepped into the laboratory of a Chinese Medicine expert."

Mia grinned, "I can't call you wrong; the abundance of herbs does create that impression. But, I need to discuss something important with you."

Nodding in acknowledgment, Lin added, "I'm all ears, you may speak..."

Mia led the way, and Lin followed. They strolled until they reached a beautiful garden outside the lab, where Mia sat on the ground, Lin joining her. Gazing at the sky, Mia started the conversation, "You must be aware of the diseases spreading among the beasts."

He nodded, "I've heard and also learned that you informed the leaders about the disease's origins, that it might be due to an evil spirit."

She sighed heavily, "It's true that I informed them of that. The herbs they brought were under the pretense that I would use them to treat the beasts, but unfortunately, it's not true and the situation is very complex."

Filled with curiosity, Lin inquired, "What do you mean?"

"The only solution to rid ourselves of these spirits is to catch them and collectively make them disappear. Remember when I mentioned needing your help to combat certain spirits? These are the ones. I maintained composure in front of the leaders, hiding the truth from them. Revealing the truth would likely dissuade them from supporting me. They'd prefer fighting these spirits rather than allowing me to risk my life. They would never agree to my plan," she explained.

His expression was saddened upon hearing her words, "Mia, you can't sacrifice yourself. You must live. Have you thought about what would happen to your siblings if something happened to you? I can't bear to lose someone who genuinely cares about me. It took me so long to find someone like you."

Placing her hand gently on his, she spoke softly, "We all have our destined end, none of us will live forever. I can't bear the weight of innocent lives suffering because of me. Those evil spirits were trapped within the rose, escaping upon my birth, and had caused havoc among the beasts. My siblings are capable of looking after themselves now, and if I don't break this curse, another girl might endure the same fate. As for you, there are people who care about you, it's just that you are not willing to accept it. Nevertheless, I won't give up easily, and I need your help. If you're unwilling, just say the word—I won't force you."

With a faint smile, he responded, "Of course, I'll assist you. But if you dare to face this alone, I'll sever our friendship. However, I must ask, how can I be of help? I lack experience in combat and using those mystical weapons. I never needed them."

Mia chuckled, "My dear friend, don't be scared. I won't put you in danger."

He laughed along with her."You already possess astonishing power; it'll take some time to hone your abilities. I'll train you myself," she assured him.

Bowing with both hands clasped together, he jestingly said, "As you wish, Master."

Their laughter echoed between them.

Mia fixed her gaze on him, "I'm bringing you along because you possess a unique ability, one I don't possess myself. Your body has the remarkable ability to resist evil forces. That day when I entered your mind, my body was suddenly wrapped in pain. An evil spirit resides within me, and your body showed amazing resilience against its power. Therefore, you're safe from their attacks. This is a secret mission, so please, don't let anyone know about it. I had to confront those spirits due to the one within me. It acts as a lure for the others, allowing me to trap them."

Lin was surprised, "It's astonishing that I have such amazing abilities. Your secret is safe with me. Grandpa Wen also mentioned something about the evil... oh, I mean, those spirits that appeared after your birth."He scratched his head nervously.

Observing his nervousness, Mia stared at him, "Why did you changed the topic? You were about to say something about the evil force within me. What else do you know?"

He attempted to avoid her gaze, but her persistence made it impossible to ignore her. Finally, he relented, "Please don't stare at me like that. He mentioned that the evil force within your body weakens your physical strength. He also said that there's only one way to ease the pain caused by the spirit, and that's the golden blood drop."

He attempted to avoid meeting her gaze, but her unwavering stare forced him to confront her probing eyes.

"I sense there's more you're withholding from me. I can easily tell when you are trying to hide something from me. Don't delay, tell me," she demanded, her eyes focused intently on him.

"Um... He mentioned that only you and I possess the golden blood. That's why I fed you a tiny bit of my blood," he confessed, his gaze fixed on the ground.

Mia's anger flared upon hearing this, "Why would you do that? Do you even know the meaning of sharing your golden blood with someone?"

Worriedly, Lin replied, "If I hadn't given you my blood, you would have been in pain. It might have cost you your life. And why are you asking me the importance of it?"

Mia rose abruptly from the ground, stating, "I believe it's time to return; it's getting late," her features filled with sadness. A portal appeared, transporting them both back to their respective homes.

Later that night, Mia sat in her garden, gazing up at the sky, sighing deeply.

Grandpa Wen joined her, settling into a nearby chair.

"Why did you tell him that? You can't play with someone's life," she expressed in a tone filled with a mixture of anger and sadness.

He responded with a smile.