Divine Essence Holy Herb (IV)

"Right! It's weakness."

In the original story, the protagonist William defeats the golem by destroying the core located in its chest.

Although, the golem was much stronger in the story. But if I am successful in destroying the golem's core, I can defeat it.

"Gulp."

I gulped hard looking at the golems broad back. It's easier said than done.

I only had one chance and if I fail we both die.

Sweat dripped from my forehead. I was already out of breath and stamina after dodging left and right from the golem's attack earlier.

As the golem's attention was on Arthur who lay injured, the golem raised its fist, ready to make a ketchup out of Arthur.

It was the right time to attack the golem.

'Fuck it!'

Mustering up whatever courage I had, I tightened the grip on the blade, readied myself, and dashed forward.

"I am sorry, Julia. Hope you live a better life afterward, my lil sister."

Arthur muttered, remembering his little sister as he looked at the golem's giant fist descending upon him.

He couldn't help but shed tears thinking about his life, where he had been alone with his sister living in an orphanage in his childhood and one unfortunate day when he was picked for the Taluchin empire's secret project.

"Ah, so this is the end...."

He closed his eyes, accepting his fate.

"...."

But after not feeling the golem's fist, he slowly opened his eyes.

However, the scene in front of him made him doubt his own eyes.

The colossal golem, moments away from crushing Arthur, disintegrated into tiny particles, leaving behind Zephyr, the one who had stabbed the golem.

Arthur could only blankly stare at the scene unfolding in front of him.

"Haa~"

Zephyr took a deep breath.

"What did you do?"

Arthur asked, dumbfounded.

"What do you mean?"

I acted innocent as if nothing had happened.

"How did you make the golem disappear?"

Arthur was curious. He couldn't comprehend how Zephyr managed to turn a giant golem into dust in an instant.

"I just stabbed its back, and it turned into dust."

I replied innocently.

"Stop lying!"

Arthur shouted, he couldn't believe it.

"You know... you should really learn to be more grateful. I did save you from dying. Anyways, get up, let's leave."

I acted nonchalant, but Arthur, still bewildered, mustered the strength to speak.

"In no condition to walk," he declared, "My hands are shattered, and my insides feel like a mess. I've got about an hour before things take a dark turn. Even if, by some miracle, I get treated, I don't think I'll be able to use this hand again. It's impossible to reach the healers from here, anyways."

The gravity of the situation clashed with the absurdity of the conversation. I couldn't help but find the irony in the fact that we just defeated a colossal golem, only for Arthur to face his demise.

"If, by any chance, you come across my sister, let her know her brother sends all his love. Tell her to embrace the joy and live her best life ahead."

Arthur continued to speak, reminiscing about the short time we spent together. 

"It was a short-time, working with you. Although, I didn't hate the time working for you and on top of it, it was amazing… working for you, and if, by some miracle, I got a change to work for you again, I would most certainly—Refuse."

He's going on and on without stopping. I couldn't help but think that someone was right in saying that a person about to die would do all sorts of crazy stuff.

A grin found its way onto my face. It had been a while since I felt genuine happiness. 

"Stop whining like a child," I said to Arthur, breaking through his musings.

He looked at me in surprise, "What are you talking..."

But at the next moment, his eyes widened in surprise, such that it appeared as if they were about to pop out of their sockets.

'H-huh...?'

And the reason for that was of course me.

With the herb in one hand and the flame-bearing torch in the other, I smirked at Arthur's puzzled expression.

"What are you doing, Young Master?"

I didn't respond. Instead, I focused on igniting the herb with the torch. The flames danced around the herb, creating an otherworldly glow.

I could see the light disappearing from Arthur's eyes. It's as if he were saying "I did all that just for you to burn it off?''

He had the same reaction as a parent would when their child decided to play a prank on them.

"Young Master, what are you doing?"

Arthur was shocked, coupled with the frustration lingering in his voice, and he spoke up, "Young Master, I'm not sure what you're doing, but that is the sacred herb. You can't burn it!"

I smiled, ignoring Arthur's words, "The herb has the ability to cure any disease and even regenerate any lost limbs. And right now, we are blessed with a sacred herb. So why would I let it go to waste?"

"W-what do you mean?"

"Well, the sacred herb has the power to heal the wounded and cure any illness. So if we use it, you'll be healed and cured. You get what I'm trying to say?"

Arthur's eyes widened, he was left speechless, unable to comprehend what I was trying to say and do.

Well, I would've had the same reaction if I was in his shoes.

As, who in the world would be so crazy enough to burn the sacred herb from the legends.

But what I was doing was just to use the herb. Even though, it would sound weird but when the herb is burned, it would produce a liquid that retains its healing properties. It's like extracting the essence of the sacred herb in a concentrated form.

"Are you out of your mind, Young Master?"

I chuckled, "Relax, Arthur. This is the best way to utilize the herb's healing power. We don't have the luxury of time or the means to use it in its original form."

I continued the process, letting the flames dance around the herb until it was reduced to a liquid essence. The air around us shimmered with an otherworldly energy as the transformation occurred.

"Now, drink this." I handed the vial of concentrated herb essence to Arthur.

Arthur stared at the vial of concentrated herb essence in his hands, his eyes filled with disbelief and gratitude. His voice wavered as he spoke, "You... You are doing this for me?"

I smirked, trying to maintain my nonchalant demeanor, "Don't get sentimental on me. It's just a practical use of resources."

But Arthur wasn't buying it. Tears welled up in his eyes, and in a voice choked with emotion, he said, "When we first met, I thought you were nothing but a scumbag, a cold and heartless person who only cared about himself. I never imagined you'd go to such lengths for someone else."

I smirked, enjoying the irony. "Well, surprise! Turns out I have a soft spot for saving lives, especially when they're useful to me. Just don't make a habit of thanking me. It ruins my reputation."

He chuckled weakly, a hint of his usual humor breaking through the seriousness of the situation.

He uncorked the vial and downed the liquid in one go.

The effects were almost immediate. The injuries that marred his body began to heal, and the color returned to his face. The shattered hand mended itself, and vitality surged through him.

Arthur flexed his fingers, testing the newfound strength. His eyes widened in amazement.

"Unbelievable."

 As Arthur finished the vial, a visible change came over him. The injuries on his hands began to mend, and the exhaustion that weighed him down seemed to lift.