As the slightly sweet, warm water slid down his throat, the burning pain in his chest eased considerably.
Only then did the old man notice that the water he had just consumed had been mixed with the juice of Landsweet Fruit.
It was a Spirit Fruit that was known for its pain-relieving properties.
"Old friend, I really don't know how to thank you enough…"
A bitter smile tugged at the corners of the old man's lips.
He leaned on Arakniquen's sturdy body to stand up.
With its support, he slowly made his way to the library's lounge to change into a clean set of clothes before returning.
"Come to think of it… today's the third day, isn't it?" The old man sat behind the library's service desk, still assisted by Arakniquen.
He hadn't forgotten his promise to Ash.
Since early morning, he had been waiting for Ash to return and let him know that she was safe.
By his calculations, following the route he had given her, Ash should have returned from Azure Bay Mountain to Solvale Town by this morning at the latest.
But now, as the sun began to dip toward the horizon, there was still no sign of her appearing.
"Could something have gone wrong…" the old man muttered to himself, frowning deeply.
He wasn't worried that Ash would forget to come find him, but rather that she might have encountered some danger in Azure Bay Mountain.
Over the years, the presence of Arakniquen had driven most of the Spirit Beasts away from Azure Bay Mountain.
However, there were still a few creatures, like the Vespitoxin, that were too simple-minded to recognize danger and had stubbornly remained in the area.
What the old man feared most was Ash inadvertently wandering into the territory of one of those reckless Spirit Beasts.
Even though he believed that Ash's cautious nature would keep her from straying too far, there was always the possibility of an accident.
"Old friend… how about I trouble you to take a quick trip?"
After much deliberation, the old man couldn't put his mind at ease and decided to send Arakniquen to Azure Bay Mountain to check on Ash.
That way, if Ash had indeed run into any danger, Arakniquen could rescue her as quickly as possible.
Although Arakniquen was deeply reluctant to leave her master's side, she couldn't refuse his request.
After passing the medicine bottle clutched in one of her limbs to the old man, she began to conceal herself, preparing to leave the library and head toward Azure Bay Mountain as instructed.
Just then, the sound of footsteps echoed from the half-open doors of the library—heels clicking sharply against the marble floor.
Arakniquen who is now hidden, instinctively leaped to the ceiling without hesitation.
In the next moment, light and shadows shifted.
At the entrance of the library, Ash appeared, her figure covered in mud.
At that moment, the sky was nearing dusk.
The rays of the setting sun cast their light from behind Ash, projecting a long shadow on the ground in front of her.