The healer moved swiftly, her hands glowing with faint azure light as she cast her diagnostic spell over Ray's frail, fevered body. The magic flowed through him like a current, illuminating his mana circuits and the deeper workings of his being. Her brows furrowed as she scrutinized the results, going over them twice to confirm her findings.
At first, she suspected a hex-a malicious spell designed to ravage its victim from within. But as she probed deeper, she realized the truth was far more alarming. Ray's soul was overflowing with immense power, far beyond what his young, mortal body could sustain. His natural energy flows were wreaking havoc, causing his physical form to break down under the stress.
She sighed, her expression grim, and turned to Harold. "His body... At first I thought it was a hex but his body isn't cursed; it's overwhelmed. His soul is far too powerful, and the strain has finally outpaced his body's ability to repair itself. He's brimming with energy, and it's tearing him apart."
Harold's face tightened, but he nodded for her to continue.
"The only reason he's lasted this long is his resilience-and perhaps some unknown intervention on his part?" she added, her tone softening as she glanced at the unconscious boy. "But it's no longer enough. I can cast Body Regeneration through my earth divine arts to stabilize him temporarily. It will halt the deterioration for about a month, at most, but it's not a cure. He needs something far more permanent- a phoenix feather."
At that, Harold stiffened. A phoenix feather. The mythical essence of rebirth, said to heal even the most serious of wounds and ailments. The rarity of such an item was staggering, and there is the danger of acquiring one.
"Do it," Harold ordered.
The healer nodded and cast her spell, her hands glowing with brilliant green light. The warmth of her magic enveloped Ray, and the tension in the room eased slightly as his fever began to drop. His breathing steadied, but he remained unconscious.
After ensuring the spell had taken effect, the healer turned back to Harold. "This will give him time, but only just a bit. You must prepare for the worst, Baron."
Harold's jaw clenched, but he gave a curt nod, his mind already working through the logistics of what needed to happen next.
The healer moved to Crystal, who was still unconscious from her earlier panic. A quick spell revived her, and her eyes fluttered open. Realizing where she was, she scrambled to her feet and rushed to Ray's bedside, tears welling in her eyes.
Later that evening, Harold called a meeting in his study, summoning the few people he trusted implicitly: Edward, Merle, Maggie, and Trina. These were his most loyal companions, individuals who had been with him through thick and thin, and who each shared a unique bond with Ray. Crystal joined them, her face a mask of worry.
Edward, the sturdy beast knight who had trained Ray in combat, stood by the fireplace, his built arms crossed. Maggie, the quick-witted elf, leaned against the desk, her sharp emerald eyes fixed on Harold. Trina, the silent and deadly assassin, sat perched on the windowsill, her expression unreadable. And Merle, the eccentric but brilliant mage, adjusted her stance, her curiosity clearly piqued.
Crystal sat close to Harold as he began to explain.
"Ray's condition is critical," Harold began, his voice both steady and grave. He conveyed the healer's findings and the temporary solution she had implemented. "The only way to save him now is to obtain a phoenix feather. It's his only hope."
The room was silent, the weight of his words settling over them like a heavy shroud.
"I won't mince words," he continued. "The Monster Lands are treacherous, and tracking a phoenix is quite the quest. But I refuse to let my son die without doing everything in my power to save him."
Edward was the first to speak, his voice calm and resolute. "You saved my life when I was a boy, Baron. You didn't hesitate then, and I won't hesitate now. I'm with you."
Maggie nodded, her sharp features softening slightly. "Count me in. Ray's part of the family, and I'm not about to let some overgrown bird take him from us."
Trina's lips curved into a faint smile. "You didn't give up on me when I was nothing but an escapee street rat. Consider this my way of repaying the debt."
Merle adjusted her pose again, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Aside from not wanting to lose the most promising apprentice I've ever had, I think I'd like to see a phoenix up close. Count me in."
Harold felt gratitude as he looked around the room. These were more than just allies; they were family in every way that mattered. With their support, he knew the mission ahead, as dangerous as it was, had a chance of succeeding.
Crystal's voice trembled slightly as she spoke. "Please Bring him back to me," she whispered, her eyes locked on Harold.
He nodded. "We will."
With that, the group began to plan their journey into the Monster Lands, each of them vowing to bring back the miracle that would save Ray.