Chapter 3: Decision [1]
[Dream on. Your brother's fate is now to live with a disabled arm. Hahaha!]
Demitas clenched his fists, his jaw tight with a mix of anger and regret. The words of the Monarch System echoed in his mind, the cruel taunts piercing his wounded pride. He knew deep down that it was his own negligence that had led to this predicament.
The weight of responsibility pressed heavily on his shoulders as he looked at his injured brother lying before him. Misli's arm hung limply, a stark reminder of the consequences of their unfinished journey through the tutorial stage.
Demitas refused to accept the bleak prognosis that had been delivered to him. He couldn't bear the thought of Misli living with a disabled arm, forever hindered by the consequences of their incomplete tutorial.
"Okay! I will finish the tutorial!" Demitas declared, his voice laced with newfound determination. His eyes glimmered with a resolute fire, reflecting his unwavering resolve to overcome the challenges that lay before him. The weight of his previous negligence now transformed into a driving force pushing him forward.
Babyface, alarmed by Demitas' sudden shift in demeanor, quickly regained his composure. "Let's carry him inside," he suggested, his voice tinged with concern. "We might be able to treat his injuries with the herbs you got."
A flicker of hope danced in Demitas' eyes as he considered Babyface's suggestion. He knew that the healing herbs he had obtained from the underground merchant might offer some relief, but deep down, he also understood that they alone wouldn't be enough to fully heal his brother.
"But we needed a health potion to fully heal him," Demitas replied, his voice tinged with worry. The weight of responsibility for Misli's well-being settled heavily on his shoulders once again. He understood the limitations of their current resources and the challenges that awaited them in acquiring a proper healing potion.
"But that would cost more than 100 gold coins! Where the hell should we find that kind of money?" Babyface exclaimed, his worry mirroring Demitas' own concerns.
Earning even a single gold coin was a daunting task in their circumstances. Each day of labor only yielded a meager amount, and it took them five long days of backbreaking work just to accumulate a single coin. The thought of gathering over 100 gold coins seemed like an insurmountable feat.
Demitas, however, refused to succumb to despair. His love for his brother burned fiercely within him, driving him to find a way, no matter how difficult or seemingly impossible. "Well, I will make a way," he declared. "He is my brother, and I will do everything in my power to help him."
With a steadfast expression, Demitas carefully lifted Misli into his arms, cradling him protectively. The weight of responsibility mingled with the warmth of brotherly love as he carried Misli inside, determined to explore every avenue, exhaust every possibility, in their quest for a solution.
The heavy iron doors of the arena swung open, allowing Demitas and Babyface to step inside. With a resounding thud, the doors closed behind them, sealing their fate within the arena's walls. As they made their way into the midst of their concerned batchmates, a wave of worried whispers and hushed murmurs followed in their wake.
"What happened to him?" a voice called out anxiously, as the group of onlookers gathered around them, their faces etched with concern. The question hung in the air, reflecting the collective worry that had gripped their hearts.
Misli's well-being became the center of attention, as each person sought answers, hoping to understand the extent of his injuries. "Where is he hurt?" another voice chimed in, genuine concern evident in their tone.
Demitas took a deep breath, his gaze steady as he addressed the worried crowd. "He took a severe blow during the fight," he explained.
The questions continued to pour in, one after another, reflecting the collective desire to help their fallen comrade. "How can we heal him?" someone asked, their voice tinged with a mix of hope and desperation. The group awaited Demitas' answer, their eyes fixed on him with anticipation, seeking guidance in this critical moment.
Demitas guided Misli to their humble room within the confines of their dwelling. Hellbent on diminishing his brother's suffering, he meticulously prepared a concoction of painkiller herbs, carefully measuring each ingredient with precision. The fragrant aroma filled the room as he brewed the mixture, its soothing properties promising relief for Misli's injured shoulder.
With a gentle touch, Demitas offered the herbal remedy to his brother, watching as Misli bravely swallowed it despite the evident discomfort etched on his face.
Demitas, not content with merely administering the painkiller, proceeded to tend to Misli's wounded arm. Gently, he applied a cool compress soaked in a herbal solution to reduce the swelling and alleviate the throbbing pain. His movements were careful and deliberate, his gentle caresses were imbued with a sense of steely resolve as he sought to comfort and guide his beloved sibling.
Misli, though enduring the physical agony, summoned a brave smile, his voice trembling yet filled with unwavering faith. "Don't worry about me, brother," he managed to utter amidst his pain. "I will heal naturally."
"But look at you, you agonizing idiot!" Demitas couldn't bear to see his brother in such pain, his heart heavy with a mix of frustration and concern. "For now, I am your big brother. Until you are healed, you need to listen to all my orders," he declared firmly, trying to project a sense of strength even as he could hear the tremor in Misli's breathing and the faint whispers of pain escaping his lips. It was clear that his attempts to hide his suffering were futile.
Demitas's worry deepened, his thoughts consumed by the realization that if only he had finished the tutorial, his brother wouldn't have to endure this agony. Determined to find a solution, he hurriedly retreated to the solace of his room, seeking refuge from the weight of the situation.
In the stillness of his room, Demitas summoned the System.
'System! I will finish the tutorial!'