Chapter 158 ~Entry~ Merlin Shivaheld?
(POV: Akashic Records)
Fanatio's piercing gaze settled upon the three wounded adventurers, who couldn't help but squirm in discomfort under her scrutiny. The weight of her stare felt like a dagger, burrowing into their souls. Two of them quickly averted their eyes, pretending to be asleep, while the third adventurer, left alone to endure the dreadful intensity, muttered curses under his breath directed at his now absent companions.
"Bastards," he said.
Dr. Samras, fully aware of the tension in the room, approached Fanatio cautiously. "I apologize, but these adventurers are still in the midst of their treatments. Perhaps, once they've recovered, you can speak with them."
A bead of sweat trickled down the forehead of the adventurer who had remained in Fanatio's gaze. He let out a small sigh of relief, thinking he had escaped the imminent questioning. However, his respite was short-lived as Fanatio calmly informed Dr. Samras, "It's honestly crucial that we speak with them now."
Samras interjected, "I understand your urgency, but these adventurers need time to recuperate."
The seriousness of the situation etched onto their faces, the group exchanged solemn glances. Genevieve voiced their collective concerns, "Dr. Samras, it's a matter of utmost importance. Lives are at stake. We implore you to grant us just a moment with them."
Samras surveyed the determined group and realized the gravity of their plea. Reluctantly, he relented, "Very well. But before we proceed, I'll administer rejuvenation pills to aid their recovery. We can't risk exacerbating their injuries. Give me a moment."
The tension in the air thickened as Samras conjured a small vial containing the potent pills. With great care, he dispensed them to each of the adventurers, who swallowed them obediently. Slowly, their wounds began to emit a soft glow as the medicine worked its magic, hastening their healing process.
"Now," Samras announced, his voice filled with resolve, "you may speak with them, but please keep it brief. Their bodies still require rest."
Fanatio nodded, her gaze softening into a look of gratitude. "Thank you."
"We will be sure to keep it concise." Garret smiled.
"I wouldn't use those pills if I were you."
Suddenly, as if summoned by fate, a deep voice resonated through the room, causing them to turn their attention to its source. An enigmatic figure emerged, his cyan hair flowing like a waterfall and his vibrant green eyes sparkling with grace. Clad in an all-black ensemble, including a cloak adorned with golden adornments, he exuded an air of mystique and allure that captivated those present.
Fanatio, ever composed and curious, fixed her piercing gaze upon the newcomer. "And who might you be?" she inquired.
The man smiled. "Ah, my dear lady, they call me Merlin," he responded, his words carrying charm. "And I'm guessing they call you... beautiful."
"Smooth," said Garret and Ress.
Genevieve stepped forward, her gaze locked with Merlin's.
"Merlin, why exactly have you intervened in our affairs?" she asked.
Merlin let out a carefree laugh. "Ah, my fair maidens, it was purely by chance that I overheard your conversation in the tavern. The Vanryr Cave incident piqued my interest, you see."
Garret interrupted. "You heard it by chance and know this much?" he inquired skeptically.
Merlin's smile widened, his eyes gleaming with mirth. "Eavesdropping, my friend," he admitted.
Genevieve's eyes narrowed, suspicion evident in her gaze. "And so, just like that, you want to help us?"
Merlin's expression turned earnest, his gaze locking onto Fanatio and Genevieve. "Nay, fair maidens, it isn't only my good Samaritan nature that drives me," he replied, his voice taking on a somber tone. "I'm a lover of beauty and bravery, and in you two, I see a perfect amalgamation of both."
A blush rose on Genevieve's cheeks, while Fanatio remained unfazed.
"Oh, good for you I guess," Fanatio spoke plainly.
"Indeed. I'm a lover of beautiful women," he replied.
Merlin extended his hand towards Fanatio. His vibrant green eyes roamed over her slender, yet voluptuous figure. Fanatio, ever composed, reciprocated his handshake.
"I'm Fanatio Pendragon."
"Pendragon, I see," Merlin mused.
"We know nothing about you. We can't just let you tag along," Ress argued, his voice firm.
Without missing a beat, Fanatio tightened her grip on Merlin's arm, her gaze never wavering. "If you do anything foolish, be prepared to pay the price with your limbs," she warned.
"I... I see," Merlin suppressed his screams.
Garret offered his opinion. "While I agree that Merlin can join us, it's true we don't know much about his skills or abilities," he admitted.
Merlin, ever confident, responded. "Ah, but my dear companions, you needn't worry. I'm not a fighter, but I assure you, I can prove my worth," he declared.
Genevieve fixed her gaze on Merlin.
"If you're truly certain of your capabilities, there's no need for that," she stated firmly, a flicker of trust in her voice.
Turning his attention to Samras, who adjusted his glasses in response, Merlin questioned, "Do you recall when you advised against using rejuvenation pills just moments ago?"
Samras nodded. "Yes, I do," he replied.
Merlin leaned in closer. "Allow me to enlighten you on the why," he whispered.
"This'll be good," Ress said, doubting Merlin's abilities.
"A magicubella potion is ten times better than these," Merlin held out the herbs.
"Give us a reason why dontchya.." Ress grinned.
"When consumed as a potion, the magicubella herb undergoes rapid diffusion within the digestive system. This process extracts and dissolves the herb's magical properties uniformly within the liquid, enabling faster absorption into the bloodstream."
Merlin allowed his words to settle in.
Once absorbed, these properties effectively reach the mana channels and organs, promoting accelerated mana regeneration and facilitating wound healing. The direct contact with the bloodstream ensures even distribution throughout the body, enhancing the herb's overall effectiveness. However, when consumed in pill form, absorption is hindered. It takes more time to breakdown."
Everyone looked at Merlin with surprise.
"Eh?" said Garret, Ress, Samras and Genevieve.
"That's convincing enough," Fanatio nodded gracefully.
"I mean, that was impressive and all," Ress scratched his bald head. "But how exactly does that help in exploring a dungeon."
"Well, perhaps he'll bore the monster to death," she quipped, however, she maintained her seriousness.
The group chuckled, lightly easing the tension that had lingered from their earlier doubts. Their focus then shifted to the adventurers, eagerly seeking their insights based on their experience in the treacherous Vanryr Cave. Each member of the group had burning questions they were itching to ask, wanting to gather as much information as possible.
They bombarded the adventurers with inquiries, delving deeper into the cave's secrets. The adventurers, now accustomed to their newfound fame, recounted their journey in great detail. Their explanation was long and comprehensive. However, much of what they said mirrored the discussions they had in the tavern.
However, one particular detail caught their eye.
The monster the adventurers encountered in the dungeon spared their lives.
"It doesn't make sense," Genevieve murmured, her eyes narrowing in thought.
Garret nodded in agreement. "A creature like that wouldn't just let you live. There's something more to this."
"Well, there's only one way to find out," Fanatio stood erect. "We'll navigate the dungeon ourselves."
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