I went home with my brother, Max. I'm still feeling down from the news. Well, who wouldn't? if they have a disease while living healthy their whole lives. Having these useless thoughts, I still can't accept it.
Having reached home, I lay on my bed thinking that the world is really unfair. Why would you give me good aptitudes and a disease I don't know anything about.
"This won't do. I must do something."
I got up, went to my blonde friend's house, i saw the guards at the door, greeted them, then went inside.
"So how was the test?"
"It's a little complicated..."
"I'm all ears."
I told him everything, how I passed the test, about my aptitude, and about the genetic disease I have. He seemed visibly uncomfortable and tried not to show it, but I sharped eyes saw it clearly.
"Did you go to the doctor."
"Yes, he said there is nothing he can do."
"That's unfortunate, don't worry, I will try to find a way."
"Thank you, young master."
Thanking him and exchanging some words, I went out.
Watching his fading back, the young master's eyes turned icy.
I lay on bed. Thinking about the future with people to support me, I had a glimmer of hope.
Days passed, and still no news from the young master, I visited his house just in case, but guard wouldn't let me in saying their young master is out, that left me to face the bitter reality. The young master abandoned me. I felt despair.
My brother tried to cheer me up, he took me to many places he also let borrow the motorcycle. That elevated my worries a bit.
"Thanks a bunch."
"Don't worry, your brother is a genius, I will quickly go up the ranks, make a lot of money, and buy The Elixir.
The Elixir is a powerful potion said to cure all diseases. It's made by various rare herbs and level 4 monsters. Naturally, its price is astronomical. With one potion you can buy 2 mansions. I smiled.
"Don't joke around, but thank you anyway."
"Hahaha, that's better, smile a lot."
Behind his laughter, he was really thinking of buying The Elixir. He only had one brother, after all. He was thinking if I don't help him, who will.
I smiled while my brother laughed, I felt good little by little, that's right, I shouldn't wallow in despair, that won't change anything.
The next morning, I went out for a run, did some push-ups, and some pull-ups on a thick tree branch. I repeated this cycle for several days.
"Hello, Grandpa."
"Hello, young one."
He is an old man I saw every day after I started exercising. He is always sitting on the bench reading the newspaper. Leaving him be, I continued to exercise.
Seeing his fading back, the old man laughed, "ho ho ho, he's a passionate one." Then returned to reading his newspaper.
I went home, and I bathed. My brother wasn't home. He must be at the institution right now receiving training from the instructors. I felt a little bit of envy but shock it real quick.
Days passed, but I continued my exercise, I still see the old man on my way. One day he beckoned to me.
"Come here, young one." He told to sit beside him.
"You look heavy hearted, what is the problem?
I hesitated, honestly it's not something to share with strangers, but as I was feeling down these days, I couldn't help holding it in.
I said, a little hesitating,"I have a genetic disease, the doctor said there are no known cure yet."
The old man nodded, "hmm, indeed, genetic diseases are rare, it's no wonder the doctors couldn't do anything."
"Well, not for me though."
"What did you say?"
"Nothing."
"Young one, I can help you."
"What."
"What?!"
I said in shock, not realising what he meant, who wouldn't when you hear something like that? I stood up, not wanting to associate with this crazy old man.
"I just remembered something, i have to go."
Saying so I left, the old man said from behind.
"Think about it, you will find near the river."
"Brat."
He murmured under his breath, a smile on his face, he had no doubt the young lad will come to him sooner or later.
As I walked away, I couldn't stop thinking about the old man's words. Near the river? It sounded like nonsense, but what if he really knew something? I decided to keep it in mind, just in case.
The next few days went by in a blur. I kept up my exercise routine and tried to keep my spirits up. My brother continued to support me, but I could see the worry in his eyes.
One evening, I decided to take a walk by the river. The sun was setting, casting a golden glow on the water. It was peaceful here, and I needed the quiet to think. As I walked, I saw the old man sitting on a bench, just like he had been in the park.
"Hello again, young one," he greeted me with a smile.
"Hi," I replied, feeling a mix of curiosity and skepticism. "You said you could help me."
"Yes, I did," he said, his eyes twinkling. "But first, you need to trust me."
"How can I trust you?" I asked. "I don't even know you."
"Fair enough," he said with a nod. "My name is Arlen. I was once a monster killer, a very good one my speciality was healing. I've seen many rare diseases and found ways to cure them."
"Why would you want to help me?" I asked, still cautious.
"Let's just say I see potential in you," Arlen said. "And I have a feeling you're destined for something great."
I sat down next to him, my curiosity getting the better of me. "So, what do I need to do?"
Arlen handed me a small vial filled with a glowing, blue liquid. "This is a special tonic I've made. It's not a cure, but it will help manage your symptoms and give you time."
"Time for what?" I asked, taking the vial.
"Time to find the real cure," he said. "There are ancient remedies, forgotten by modern medicine. We just need to find them."
I said,curious, "what about The Elixir."
He said, "That thing is very expensive to make even for me."
I nodded and looked at the vial, then back at Arlen. "Why should I believe you?"
"You have nothing to lose," he said simply. "If it doesn't work, you're no worse off than you are now."
Taking a deep breath, I uncorked the vial and drank the tonic. It tasted surprisingly sweet, and almost immediately, I felt a warmth spread through my body. It was as if a weight had been lifted from my chest.
"Thank you," I said, feeling a glimmer of hope for the first time in weeks.
"You're welcome, young one," Arlen said with a smile. "Now, rest and let the tonic do its work. We have a lot to do if we're going to find your cure."