{Issei, the ingredients have been located}
As Bahamut said it, a map flashed from the pitch-black jewel in his Sacred Gear. Issei looked at the map carefully. The nearest location is the cave he was in and the farthest is 1500 miles. He was thinking of a way to reach the farthest distance.
Seeing Issei contemplating on the map.
{Issei, I have located every herb located in the land of Japan. This map contains a wide variety of herbs that can be used. The ones we use now will be marked in gold others will be marked in red}
"Awesome! You are a natural GPS. It'll be easier with you here, Bahamut"
Issei was happy to have Bahamut as he can never get lost with a natural GPS at hand.
"Now, we should search this cave for that medicinal plant. Bahamut, what is in here?"
{With the medicinal essence I sensed, it would be a Blood Ginseng.}
As they entered deep into the cave, Issei could feel a dense amount of energy inside it. But, couldn't distinguish what it was.
{What dense amount of spiritual energy? Issei the Blood Ginseng would surely be hiding here. Never miss a single detail while searching}
Bahamut was cautious. Since it involved Issei, he could do his utmost because whatever happens to Issei affects him as well.
"But I don't know how a Ginseng looks like" Issei complained as he never had seen Ginseng in his entire life.
Bahamut didn't speak this time. Instead, he sent a signal to Issei's brain.
Issei who expected a reply hugged his head due to a sharp pain caused in his head.
"What was that for?"
As he could see the image of a Blood Ginseng in his mind. He questioned Bahamut.
{It's memory transfer. It just stings a bit. Hehe..}
Hearing Bahamut laugh, Issei could tell that Bahamut was doing it on purpose.
"You did it on purpose right?"
{I couldn't resist it. You know nothing and is questioning too much.}
When they reached the end of the cave, Issei could see a pool of spring water. When inspecting the spring closely, Issei saw ripples on the surface of the spring.
{Issei, it's nearby}
"Yep, that is somewhere near the pool"
Issei eyed every corner of the pool but couldn't find anything. Suddenly, another ripple appeared on the pool surface. Tracing back the ripple, Issei found the Blood Ginseng floating near the rock at the center of the pool.
{Damn! Issei your luck is great.}
Seeing Bahamut this excited made Issei curious and was proud of his luck.
"What's it? Isn't it just a Bood Ginseng"
{Just a Blood Ginseng... That thing has evolved into a spiritual herb due to the immense spiritual energy present here. A spiritual herb is worth Thousands of Medicinal herbs."
Hearing that Issei was dumbstruck. He was ecstatic and was thanking the heavens.
{Don't be too happy Issei. We need to capture that thing first. Otherwise, it would be a huge loss for you.}
Issei stared at the Ginseng and was determined to take that Ginseng whatever may the cost.
The Blood Ginseng sensed as Issei stared at it. It began to fly away.
Issei who was eyeing it like a wolf eying ts prey jumped at the Ginseng. He Grazed at it.
Fearing its life, the ginseng tried to escape from Issei and was circling the cave.
Issei was astonished by his body capabilities. Since he woke up, he felt something has changed in his body but couldn't guess what it is. Now, he could clearly say that his body is stronger than average humans in all aspects.
{Issei stop daydreaming and catch that damn plant. If you lose it, I will electrocute your brain till you become a fool}
After hearing this, Issei stopped his thoughts and ran after the Ginseng with his life on the line. He was following its movements closely. The movements of the Ginseng became slow, grabbing the chance Issei jumped and caught it.
Plop!
Issei fell inside the pool. Issei felt his body being Rejenuated. Hw was enjoying the warm sensation as the energy-filled inside his body.
{Issei, get out of the pool now}
Issei heard Bahamut but stayed in the pool as he was enjoying the sensation.
{ISSEI HYOUDOU, GET OUT NOW}
Bahamut shouted in anger. When Issei heard it it was too late, his body began to feel hot and the fiery feeling started to penetrate his body reaching till the bones.
Without waiting for another second, Issei clenched his teeth and jumped out of the pool. He started to feel as if he was burning alive. He started to shriek in pain.
{Idiot, I said you to get the hell out of that pool. See now, This is what happens if you don't listen to me}
Hearing Bahamut, Issei regretted his actions but it was too late.
"Do something"
{Eat the Ginseng in your hand, I'll circulate the energy and allow your body to absorb it}
This time Issei didn't hesitate and stuffed the ginseng inside his mouth and swallowed it.
Bahamut started to circulate the Ginseng's energy and the energy from the pool. During the circulation, One could see black liquid sweating from Issei's body.
As the circulation went on, the pain didn't decrease instead started increasing. Issei started to howl in pain.
"~AAHHHH"
"BAHAMUT, WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOINGG..."
"~AHHHHH"
"STOP IT...IT DOESN'T HELP A BIT"
Bahamut didn't heed to Issei's request he continued the circulation.
"~AAHHH"
"STOP IT, BAHAMUTTTT"
Issei was screaming on top of his lungs.
{Stop being such a wussy. If you can't tolerate this tiny bit of pain what the hell are you gonna do in the future?}
This caught Issei off-guard.
'To hell with you, Bahamut. This isn't a tiny bit of pain.' Issei was cursing Bahamut in his mind.
After an hour of torture, the pain faded away. Issei sat up and found that his body is covered with black sticky liquid and he smelled awful. Issei wanted to wash his body but was wary of the pool in the cave. He didn't want another torturous experience.
{Issei, If you hadn't eaten the Ginseng you would have probably died here}
"What the heck is that pool made of?"
Issei convinced himself not to enter this pool again in his life.
{That pool contains an unimaginable amount of spiritual energy. Your luck isn't half bad kid. You could open Half of your meridians with the help of the pool.}
Bahamut was excited. In his eyes, this pool is a peerless tressure.
{Forgot to mention, With the help of the Blood Ginseng and the pool. I have opened up 4 of your meridians and your body became powerful than before. Be careful, when using your strength}
Not only Issei's body was strengthened, but his body also became chiseled and toned. Bahamut left this out as a surprise for Issei.
Issei got up from the floor and came to the entrance of the cave.
{Issei, Lift your arm and point the cave}
Issei did as Bahamut said.
A black sphere emerged from his finger and shot toward the cave. The black sphere engulfed the cave and formed a powerful barrier across it.
"What's that for Bahamut?"
{It's our territory. Whoever trespasses will be punished}
Issei didn't question Bahamut as he knew Bahamut's intention of protecting the pool. He started to head towards his home.
{Don't walk like an old man. Run}
"But.."
Before, Issei can Refute. He felt a sting in his brain.
"What was that for?"
{No excuses, If I say run, you better do it}
Hearing Bahamut, Issei knew there was no escaping it. So, he started to run. Running towards a brand new path.