Ana Miktis, a high-ranking member of the Blue Flame Guild, was renowned for her unmatched affinity for the Blue Flame, scoring 100 out of a possible 120. Her skills, Blue Heal and Blue Creation, were both at their peak, level 100. She was widely regarded as the second most powerful Blue Flame User in the guild, surpassed only by the guild leader. In her earlier years, Ana had bravely fought on the frontlines, using her healing abilities to aid fellow flame users against the Daimoniki. However, she eventually retired from the battlefield, feeling unsuited for the harsh demands of frontline combat. She settled in the capital of Tromeros Kingdom, where she opened a shop, capitalizing on the heavy traffic of flame users to build a thriving business selling mana and health potions.
For years, Ana had enjoyed a peaceful life in the bustling capital, but now, she found herself in a precarious situation. As she invoked Blue Heal, a gentle warmth spread from her hands, and a brilliant blue flame emerged, flickering like a serene ocean wave. The light enveloped Adelfi's frail body, casting soft, soothing shadows across her pale face. The room filled with a tranquil glow, and everyone held their breath, hoping against hope for a miracle.
The king, usually stern and composed, couldn't hide his anxiety as he watched Ana work. His eyes shimmered with unshed tears, and his hands were clenched tightly together in a silent prayer for his daughter's recovery.
Seconds turned into minutes, and the blue flames gradually faded, leaving only the soft breathing of those present to break the tense silence. But as time stretched on, it became clear that the worst had happened. Adelfi remained unconscious, her condition unchanged.
Ana's voice trembled as she broke the silence. "I'm sorry, Your Majesty. Even at its maximum level, my Blue Heal wasn't enough to cure her. This is unprecedented—if it were merely an illness, my skill would have sufficed. I fear she may have been cursed."
Mav, standing in the background, caught the word curse and his mind raced.
"A curse?" the king whispered, his voice cracking under the weight of disbelief. "How could this have happened to her?"
"No... this can't be the end," the king murmured, his voice trembling. "Please, try again. There must be something more you can do."
"I doubt it will change anything, but if you insist..."
Ana turned back to the child, her heart pounded in her chest as she cast Blue Heal once more. Despite her years of experience and unmatched skills, doubt gnawed at her. She had seen miracles on the battlefield, healed wounds that should have been fatal, but now, faced with the frail form of the princess, she felt powerless. Was she losing her touch, or was this something far beyond her understanding? After a while, the result was the same—nothing happened.
A heavy sense of despair settled over the room. The king, Ana, and Voithos could only stare at the unconscious child, their minds blank with helplessness. But Mav saw something different—a chance. This was the perfect opportunity for him. Quietly, he slipped away to a corner and reviewed his status, focusing on one particular skill:
Skill Name: Dark Blue Miracle
Description: Conjures a soothing dark blue flame that heals any injury, no matter how grievous, dispels curses, and cures any illness or disability, restoring the target to perfect health.
Mana Cost: 119
Cooldown: 120 seconds
"Dispels curses..." Mav muttered to himself, his gaze sharpening.
He checked his mana—120/120, fully regenerated from his previous use on the journey to the capital. His heart raced with excitement as a grin spread across his face. The situation had handed him an opportunity on a silver platter, and he knew exactly what he had to do.
Returning to the room, he observed the faces around him, each one painted with despair. He decided to bide his time, waiting until the tension reached its peak, intending to leverage the situation for his own gain. He wasn't just acting on impulse; he was calculating. He knew the gravity of the situation, understood the power dynamics at play. This was a chess game, and he was about to make his move—a move that could either catapult him into the king's favor or totally screw his life.
The king knelt beside his daughter, gripping her hand with a mix of fear and sorrow. Mav watched him closely, noting how the ruler's stern features had softened, revealing the desperation of a father on the brink of losing his child. For a moment, he saw not a king, but a man, vulnerable and pleading silently with the universe for mercy.
"I'm sorry, Your Majesty," Ana whispered, looking downcast.
Tears welled up in the king's eyes, a sight rarely seen but fitting for the moment. His mind was a storm of emotions—fear, anger, despair. He had always prided himself on being unshakeable, a pillar for his people, but now he was crumbling from within. Every second that passed felt like an eternity, and the thought of losing his daughter was a pain too great to bear. Ana and Voithos lowered their gazes, lost in their own thoughts, unsure of what to do next.
Sensing that the time was right, Mav stepped forward. "I might be able to save her, Your Majesty," he announced, his voice cutting through the thick tension like a knife. All eyes turned to him, puzzled.
Ana was the first to react. "Hey kid, this is no time for jokes. Can't you see the situation?" she snapped, her anger barely contained.
But the king stood, towering over Mav. "You... you think you can save her?" the king asked, his voice a mix of desperation and the faintest glimmer of hope.
"Yes, Your Majesty," Mav replied, slightly intimidated by the king's imposing presence.
"How, when even the greatest healer here couldn't?" the king pressed.
"Let me show you," Mav said, his confidence unwavering.
The king hesitated, doubt flickering in his eyes, but something in Mav's determined gaze made him pause.
"Very well," the king agreed, though his voice carried a dangerous edge. "But understand this: should you fail, or cause her any further harm, there will be a price to pay—one I won't hesitate to collect."
Mav felt a shiver run down his spine at the king's words, but he nodded resolutely. "I understand, Your Majesty. But if I succeed, what reward will I receive?"
Ana began to protest, "Kid, this is no time for—" but the king silenced her with a raised hand.
"Anything within my power," the king promised, his tone hardening.
"Deal. Now, please step aside so I can begin," Mav said, his audacity surprising even himself.