After finishing their game of chess, Patriarch Snow was about taking his leave, but suddenly he collapsed to the ground, clutching his back in pain.
"My back… it hurts," Snow groaned, his face contorted as he tried to steady himself.
Ragon quickly rose from his seat and rushed over to him, placing an arm around Snow to help him up.
"Here, let me help you," Ragon said, his voice laced with concern as he carefully supported the old man's weight.
After a moment, he managed to get Snow back on his feet. Ragon held him steady, watching the elder closely. "How are you feeling now, Patriarch? Does it still hurt?"
Snow gave a small, strained smile, his hand resting on his lower back. "Yes, Your Majesty, but don't trouble yourself on my account. I'm an old man, after all. These pains are just a reminder that my time here is limited. Soon, I'll be going to meet the gods."
As he spoke, Snow leaned heavily on his walking stick, trying to regain his balance.
"Patriarch Snow, wait a moment," Ragon said, placing a hand on the elder's shoulder to stop him. "You've been a trustworthy and steadfast supporter of Elenadrom. Without your guidance, I wouldn't have ascended to this position. There's no way I'll stand by and watch you suffer."
Snow raised an eyebrow, clearly touched by Ragon's words, but before he could respond, Ragon continued, "I brought back some rare items from the ruins, and you will be the first to benefit from them."
Ragon turned slightly, his hand brushing against the golden ring on his finger. He deliberately kept the motion discreet, aware that showing a storage ring could raise unwanted questions. After all, no sixth-level affiliated kingdom was supposed to possess such rare artifacts.
With a soft glow, a small vial appeared in his hand—a potion with a swirling liquid inside.
"Here. This potion will eliminate your pain entirely," Ragon said, his tone serious. "But I must warn you, it hasn't been fully tested. There's a chance it could have adverse effects, or even… kill you. On the other hand, it could provide you with immense strength after some turbulence. The choice is yours—are you ready to take the risk?"
Ragon had previously been in the dark forest, where he used a potion manual from the legacy he inherited from Ashar the detailed processes for reducing aging. He utilized the rich ingredients from the forest to create the potion, but he had not tested its properties.
Snow stared at the swirling liquid inside the vial, his aged fingers trembling slightly. He looked up at Ragon, his eyes. "Your Majesty, I know you wouldn't offer this to me if you weren't confident in its potential. I'll take it," Snow said firmly, snatching the vial and drinking it in one swift motion.
"Wait!" Ragon began to protest, but Snow had already made his choice.
Snow, who was already 80 years old and plagued by chronic pain in his legs, knew the risks. To him, the possibility of death was less frightening than a life shackled by relentless agony.
Moments later, Snow collapsed to the ground, clutching his body as he writhed in pain. "Aaaah! My body!" he screamed, trying to touch the entire of his body.
***********
For the next hour, Snow endured the torment, his body trembling violently. Black residue oozed from his pores, forming a dark stain on the floor around him.
Ragon stayed by his side, watching with as he was worried. When the trembling finally subsided, Snow's breathing steadied, and his eyes fluttered open.
"How do you feel?" Ragon asked.
Snow sat up slowly, his hand brushing against his legs. His eyes widened in disbelief as he leapt to his feet, the pain that had haunted him for decades was completely gone.
"I… I can't feel the pain anymore!" Snow exclaimed, his voice trembling with joy. He moved around the room, testing his legs. "My legs—they feel strong again!"
Ragon stared at him in astonishment. The frail old man he had known now looked like a man in his prime, his wrinkles gone and his posture tall. Snow seemed to be in his forties.
"It worked," Ragon said, a smile spreading across his face.
But the surprises didn't end there. A faint golden glow began to swirl around Snow's body, forming an aura. Moments later, the energy condensed above his head, marking a one-star warrior.
"What… is this?" Snow asked, staring at his glowing hands. "I feel… powerful."
Ragon crossed his arms, nodding approvingly. "Congratulations, Patriarch Snow. You've become a one-star warrior."
Snow's jaw dropped. He knelt before Ragon, tears streaming down his face. "Your Majesty, you've given me a new life. I swear on my honor, I will follow your orders and protect this kingdom with my life!"
Ragon placed a hand on Snow's shoulder and gently pulled him to his feet. "You don't need to thank me. You've already done so much for Elenadrom. It's time you reap the benefits of your loyalty and service."
As Snow wiped his tears, Ragon continued, "Patriarch, I need your help with something. I'm looking for trustworthy young individuals to appoint to key positions in the kingdom. People like you, who can be counted on to put the kingdom's welfare above their own interests."
Snow hesitated, then shook his head. "Your Majesty, I'm afraid I'm not the right person for this task. I've spent my life among the older generations. If you seek young, trustworthy individuals, there's someone far better suited for this."
Ragon raised an eyebrow. "And who might that be?"
"My granddaughter, Thera," Snow replied with a smile. "She knows nearly everyone in this kingdom. If anyone can help you find the right people, it's her."
Ragon's expression softened. "Ah, yes. I'd almost forgotten about Thera. That's a good suggestion." He rubbed the back of his head sheepishly.
Snow chuckled, surprised to see the usually serious king display such a casual demeanor. "Your Majesty, if you'll permit me, I'll freshen up before I call her to meet with you."
Ragon waved a hand dismissively. "No need. I'll go see her myself."
Ragon hadn''t seen her privately apart from tge court room incident that was the last time they spoke.
Snow bowed deeply. "As you wish, Your Majesty. I'll take my leave now."
He turned and opened the wooden door, his steps steady and confident as he exited the chamber.
Ragon watched him go, a small smile playing on his lips. "He really does look like a new man," he mused.
He adjusted his robe and stretched his arms. "Well, I've got nothing pressing at the moment. I suppose it's time to pay Thera a visit."