Chapter 21 : Crimson Family
I stood before the grand estate of the Crimson Family, my mind racing with the possibilities. Attending the auction was a necessity, but it came with a steep price. The soul stone being auctioned was a rank 5, and I knew I needed to be at least that rank to utilize its power. Currently, I was stuck at rank 2 peak stage, a daunting obstacle to overcome.
Two options presented themselves: the fighting arena or helping the daughter of the Crimson Family, Tia. I recalled the novel I had read, where Tia's illness proved fatal after two years. But I possessed the knowledge to treat her. If successful, the Crimson Family would be indebted to me, a tantalizing prospect.
Demons were known for their cunning and ambition. We ceaselessly pursued power and influence, using any means necessary to achieve our objectives. Yet, we also adhered to a code of honor, respecting strength . If I could tap into that, I might gain their trust and allegiance.
As I entered the gates, a knight intercepted me. "Halt! Who are you, and why intrude on the Lord's mansion?" he asked, his hand on the hilt of his sword.
I offered an indifferent expression, my voice laced with confidence. "Go and tell your family head, Tia's Mana is in a Berserk State."
The knight's confusion was palpable, but he retreated to notify the family head. I knew the Crimson Family's prominence in Hoq City was undeniable. Their leader was no fool; upon learning of this, he would invite me in, as I had anticipated.
The knight returned, his expression now one of curiosity. "The Lord requests your presence inside..."
As I followed the knight into the mansion, I couldn't help but notice the opulent decor that surrounded me. The walls were adorned with intricate tapestries, and the floors were made of polished marble. We walked through a grand hallway, and the knight stopped in front of a large wooden door.
"This is the study of Lord Arin, the head of the Crimson Family," the knight said, his voice firm. "He awaits your presence."
I nodded, and the knight pushed open the door. I entered the study, and Lord Arin looked up from behind his desk. His piercing red eyes narrowed as he took in my appearance.
"Ah, Ryker is that your name," he said, his voice deep and commanding. "I've been told you possess knowledge of a certain... condition. One that affects my daughter, Tia."
I approached his desk, my movements precise. Lord Arin's gaze never left mine, and I could sense a hint of curiosity within him.
"Yes, Lord Arin," I said, my voice firm. "I believe I can help Tia. Her Mana is in a Berserk State, but I possess knowledge of a serum that can calm it and restore balance to her body."
Lord Arin's eyes narrowed, his gaze piercing. "I've tried every remedy, every serum, every spell. Nothing has worked. What makes you think your solution will be any different?"
I smiled, a hint of confidence in my voice. "Because, Lord Arin, I've seen this condition before. I know its root cause, and I know how to cure it."
Lord Arin raised an eyebrow. "Go on."
I took a deep breath, my mind racing with the possibilities. "Tia's Mana is infinite, Lord Arin. It's overflowing, and her Mana Core has started to form cracks. If the Core breaks, there will be an explosion, and her body will be destroyed along with it."
Lord Arin's expression turned grave. "What do you mean her Mana is infinite?"
I explained, "Her Mana is growing at an exponential rate, Lord Arin. It's like a dam about to burst. If we don't find a way to stabilize it, the consequences will be catastrophic."
Lord Arin's face paled. "Can you help her?"
I nodded. "I believe I can, Lord Arin. But I need your permission to try. Time is of the essence."
Lord Arin's eyes locked onto mine, his gaze intense. "Do it," he said, his voice firm. "Do whatever it takes to save my daughter."
I nodded, a sense of determination washing over me. "I'll need to see her," I said. "Now."
Lord Arin rose from his chair, his movements swift. "Follow me," he said, leading me out of the study and down a long corridor.
We stopped in front of a large wooden door, adorned with intricate carvings. Lord Arin pushed the door open, revealing a room filled with a soft, pulsing light.
Tia lay on a bed in the center of the room, her body surrounded by a halo of light. Her eyes were closed, her face peaceful, but I could sense the turmoil within her.
Lord Arin approached her side, his eyes filled with concern. "Tia, my child," he whispered. "This is Ryker. He's here to help you."
Tia's eyes flickered open, her gaze locking onto mine. I sensed a spark of recognition, a hint of hope.
"Ryker," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "Please...help me."
I smiled, . "I will, Tia," I said.
I sent Lord Arin outside, my eyes scanning Tia's fragile form with a calculating gaze. I focused my Mana, probing her body with a gentle, searching touch.
And then, I felt it. A surge of power, like a tidal wave crashing against the shore. I stumbled back, my eyes wide with shock.
A Rank 6 soul Stone. She had used a Rank 6 soul Stone. I couldn't believe it. How could a Rank 2 Initial Stage girl like Tia possibly wield such power?
I probed deeper, my Mana reeling with the implications. The Stone was already merged with her, its power coursing through her veins like liquid fire. I could feel its infinite Mana, a boundless ocean of energy that threatened to consume me whole.
I stumbled out of the room, my mind reeling with shock. Lord Arin awaited me, his eyes anxious with concern.
"Ryker, what is it?" he asked, his voice low and urgent.
I took a deep breath, my eyes locked on his. "I need a list of herbs," I said, my voice firm. "Rare ones. I'll write them down."
I scribbled the list on a piece of parchment, my hand shaking with the implications. Lord Arin took it, his eyes scanning the contents with a puzzled expression.
"Where can I find these?" he asked, his voice hesitant.
I smiled, a cold, calculating smile. "You'll find them," I said. "I have no doubt."
With that, I turned and left the mansion, my mind racing with the possibilities. Tia's power
was beyond anything I had ever seen. And I would stop at nothing to harness it.