Gustavo laid on his back on the sofa while Eugene and May helped him to get his shirt off. The moment it came off, the dark stain on his bandage could not be hidden. A slight stench could even be perceived from it if Eugene focused.
"Oh, this is bad." Dane said when he returned with some bottles and pots.
"How bad is it?" Eugene asked nervously.
"Hmm, you see, I'm a Druid, and I have a certain affinity for life and nature. And all I see from his injury is death and decay. If I'm not wrong, his lifeforce is eroding at a rapid rate and his qi channels should also be damaged." Dane said as he put his tools down. He pulled out a thin knife and cut through the stained bandages.
"God..." Felix's face contorted in disgust and he turned around to spare himself the sight of such a horrible injury. The skin and flesh around the cut was blackened and showed signs of decay. A slightly pungent smell wafted through the air.
"It's even worse than I thought! You're on death's door!" Dane exclaimed as he took a closer look at it. He used a small metal rod to poke and prod at the injury.
Eugene watched all this with wide and despairing eyes. All he had left was Gustavo. If he died, then it would be just him.
No, there was May too, but he couldn't allow her to keep following him under these circumstances. He had saved her in the first place because things were not safe back then. He could not continue dragging her around under such circumstances.
Eugene continued to watch as Dane cleaned up the wounds before applying various herbal oils and lotions onto its surface. He then chanted a short incantation which made the herbs glow briefly before wrapping up the wounds with a fresh and neat bandage.
"This is the best I can do. I don't have the facilities or expertise to deal with problems of this level. It's a miracle he's still alive at this point." Dane said with a sigh as he packed his things.
"Is there anything you can recommend to help his condition?" Eugene asked.
"No. I'm not qualified for this. I'm too low leveled." Dane shook his head. "This poison should come form a tier 5 Black Desert Scorpion, if I am correct. It is very effective in weakening the body's systems before the scorpion swoops in to deliver the final blow." He shared some information. "The cure to its toxin is also quite valuable, but it is rare. Normally, if you went to one of the luxury stores closer to the King's palace, you might have been able to find some at a high price, but with the way things are, that is just begging to be caught."
"...Can you give us a moment alone?" Eugene asked.
"Sure, but don't take too long. The guards might find you any moment." Dane nodded and left the room, dragging Felix with him.
Eugene turned to Gustavo who had remained silent all thought. He opened his mouth to speak but Gustavo spoke first.
"We are not trying to find a cure. We need to get you out of here." Gustavo said, holding onto Eugene's arm tightly.
"I knew you were going to say that. We will go and get the antidote. Then we can leave." Eugene argued.
"But I can't protect you. Trust me, even if we get the antidote, it will be useless. I know my own body, I won't last much longer. Let me use my last strength to ensure you escape safely." Gustavo said, his voice heavy with regret.
"..."Eugene stared blankly for a few moments. He did not know what to say, his last pillar from his once luxurious life was on his last ropes and dying before his eyes.
Before they could even continue their discussion, a commotion outside caught everyone's attention. Not a second later, Dane rushed into the living area.
"You need to leave now! The guards are combing this part of the city." He said, clapping his hands and waving at the door. He wanted to help them, truly, but there was little he could do. He could not explain the automobile that was parked outside, and he had no way to hide it.
"We're leaving now." Gustavo grunted as he got back to his feet and pulled his shirt back on. Eugene had no choice but to follow as they packed the few things they had come here with.
Dane led them to the door and when they were all out he spoke up. "I'm sorry I couldn't help more. I wish you the best."
Upon hearing that, Eugene paused. He turned to May, he could not bring her with him this time. The young blond maid, upon feeling Eugene's gaze on her also paused. She could almost hear his thoughts.
"I'm sorry, May. You can't come with us this time, it's too dangerous." Eugene shook his head.
"But, I want to." May tried to protest but Eugene held up a hand.
"Remember why I brought you along in the first place? It was too dangerous for you back there. Again, its too dangerous." Then he turned to Dane and Felix. "Please, I want you to help me look after her for some time, so she can get back on her feet." He asked sincerely.
"We can help, but we won't do it for free. Sorry, but we're not exactly well off ourselves." Dane crossed his arms while his eyes darted around.
"Of course." Eugene flicked his wrist and a pouch appeared over his palm. It was full of silver coins. "Please, take care of her." He handed it to Dane, who paused and nodded. He had never seen someone pull out money so easily, but then again, Eugene was the heir to a prospering and wealthy city, even though his status was somewhat invalid at the moment.
"I suppose we can help." Dane agreed with a sigh.
"Thank you very much." Eugene sighed in relief and bowed his head in gratitude before turning back to May. "I will come back when I'm strong enough, you don't have to worry about me abandoning you here." He gave her a tight smile before walking to the automobile where Gustavo was waiting.