Episode 19

From that moment, we lived a life fueled by vengeance, vanquishing the dark sorceress but at a grave cost – Heliet was struck by a death curse that, despite her immortality, still claimed her life slowly. The only respite lay in wielding Meliana's staff to extend her fleeting existence.

"If that's the case, I will return this staff."

"Let it go, she has lived only to seek a successor, and now that one is found, she would welcome her end."

"No jokes, how can one ready for death weep so? I will save her, I refuse to let her die like this."

Vivia rose to seize me by the collar.

"Do you think I enjoy watching my friend suffer? Even if the staff lengthens her life, the pain is constant... Child, abandon your dreams of saving anyone."

Vivia pushed me back as I clenched my fists, straining to contain my overwhelming emotions.

"Watch and learn, I'll show how I'll save her."

"Stubborn fool."

I stormed out of the tavern to race towards the shop that was both our home and livelihood, where I found Madam Heliet patiently waiting for customers at her desk.

"What's the matter, Aksa?"

Dropping the staff before her, her expression shifted to worry.

"Aksa?"

"I won't let you die; just wait, I'm fetching a cure."

I swung open the door.

"Wait Aksa, where are you headed?"

Panic seized Madam Heliet as she clutched my hand.

"This isn't like you, stop it..."

Shrugging off her grip, I said,

"I'm to ascend that tower and claim the dragon goddess's medicine."

"Aksa?"

"..."

"Don't do this."

"I'll proceed, objections be damned, don't fret, I've no plans to wed her... until then, I'll return, wait for me."

Madam Heliet could only watch, fingers twined around her ring, as I conjured a wind to soar towards the soaring spire.

Legend demanded entry and trials on each floor for Freya's boon but I opted for flight, skirting the tower's exterior.

The distance seemed to swell until I resorted to climbing with bare hands.

Sweat drenched my being; it felt as if magic warded off such trespassing.

"What fool attempts to scale my tower thusly, bypassing rightful trials?" A female voice echoed all around.

"I beseech thou, Dragon Goddess Freya."

"Though I hear, without trials surmounted, I shall not grant it—depart."

A tempestuous gust sent me plummeting, my magic narrowly averting a disastrous fall.

Before climbing anew, a punch sent me sprawling, Vivia the assailant.

"Wish for death more competently," she shouted as Madam Heliet stood behind her.

"How did you arrive here?"

"You disgust me."

Vivia pinned me, her fists raining down repeatedly on my face.

"Do you reckon the length of my endeavors? I've contemplated your foolhardy plan, challenged the Goddess above, and faced death a hundredfold."

My face blanched; I was impotent in my own predicament.

Releasing me, Vivia stood aside, satiated from her assault.

My teacher approached, tears streaming down her cheeks.

"You've scared me, I can endure... Aksa."

I closed my eyes, veiling my sorrow.

"Teacher, live longer... I vow to grow stronger, to be your salvation."

Madam Heliet embraced me tightly.

"I promise, please no more rash acts."

For the first time, I made my teacher weep.

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