Realm of Myths and Legends

Chapter 1189: A Familiar Wound

The look on Nova’s face was peaceful. However, if one set their gaze a bit further down, they would notice fragmented markings that was dark purple in color and emitted a foul aura.

These markings were not just on Nova’s neck, but could be seen on her arms, hands and feet as well.

’This mark of corruption... As I thought, it reminds me of the same wound I seen on him. However, this one seems to be much more active than what I saw at that time.’

This was not the first time Izroth had seen the mark of corruption. He had viewed an even more vile mark of corruption on another one of the seven heroes, Gear.

Compared to the power contained in the mark of corruption on Gear, the one on Nova was relatively tame.

’There is no doubt about it. This wound—it was caused by the power of the shadahi.’

From the moment Izroth stepped into the building, he sensed an unsettling aura that he was familiar with. Though a part of him was hoping that what he speculated was wrong.

’If this is a mark of corruption made by a shadahi, how come she has not awakened yet? Does it have something to do with the fact that she is a trephasia? No... If anything, the bloodline of the trephasia, a long lived race, should serve as an aid in suppressing the mark of corruption. Even if it is unable to get rid of it, at the very least, she should be in a better state than Gear.’

Aurie and Kalmesia stood silently as they watched Izroth observe Nova. He seemed to be in deep thought about something. However, the expression on his face did not resemble someone who believed the situation to be hopeless.

Izroth took a few minutes to thoroughly examine Nova with his Energy Vision Sense, Deep Insight and Appraisal. And, by the time he finished his examination, a light sigh escaped from between his lips.

Hearing that light sigh caused Aurie’s heart to sink.

"Is it hopeless, after all...?" Aurie thought to herself as her gaze traveled downward and she clenched her fists.

Even though she knew that the chances of Nova being healed by Izroth were low, she could not help but grasp onto that small hope and wish for a miracle.

"...No, from the start, it was wrong of me to place my burden on someone else..." Aurie’s thoughts raced.

"Commander, Izroth... I-" Aurie started; however, she was quickly interrupted by Izroth.

"Whatever you have to say will have to wait, Commander. Since we’re lacking time, removing the mark of corruption that has embedded itself in Lady Nova comes first." Izroth stated calmly.

Aurie’s eyes widened in shock. And, she was not alone.

Kalemsia, in her surprise, could not help but blurt out, "Are you saying you have a way to remove the mark of corruption from Lady Nova...?!"

One had to know that there was no expense spared in treating Nova. From high quality herbs to legendary treasures, Apothecaries, Alchemists, Healers—there had been no stone left unturned. For Izroth to say he had a way when even those methods failed, how could they not be surprised?

"It’s possible." Izroth replied without hesitation.

’Thankfully, this mark of corruption isn’t as strong as the one left on Gear. Not to mention, I was fortunate enough to catch it before it managed to spread to her heart and mind. If it invaded even those places, then things would have become several times more complicated.’

All of a sudden, Aurie stepped forward next to Izroth as she placed her right hand up to her chest and bowed deeply toward Izroth.

"Commander Izroth, as long as you can save my mother, I will forever be in your debt. If it’s something within my power, I will not hesitate to give it to you. So, please, I-" Aurie spoke, but her words suddenly halted when she felt a hand on her shoulder.

"Commander, if you act this way, I’ll think we were nothing but strangers all along. Even if one is the ruler of a kingdom, they cannot get me to act if I do not wish to. Lady Nova is your mother and I consider to be a comrade and friend. What debt is there to speak of between us?" Izroth said unhurriedly.

Even if it were not for the promise he made with the God of Craft to not ignore the well being of the Mortal Realm, Izroth would have still helped Nova simply because she was someone precious to Aurie. For him, he did not need any more reason than that to act.

Besides, Aurie was someone who treated Izroth well and looked out for those under him more than once. If anything, he was indebted to Aurie. Therefore, as long as it was within his power, Izroth was determined to do what he could to help her.

Aurie stood upright as her gaze seemed to have softened. The next moment, a light smile appeared on her face as she said, "You continue to exceed my expectations... Yes, we are far from being strangers."

After taking a few breaths to gather herself, Aurie’s determined gaze returned.

"What do you need from us, Commander Izroth?" Aurie asked in a serious tone.

"First, there is something I have to confirm. Lady Nova, is she a High Born?" Izroth inquired.

"You are correct. But, that is not all. Since you are acting on my behalf, it is only right that you know the full truth. My mother, Lady Nova, is not just a High Born, she is the eldest daughter and former princess of the Third Great Clan." Aurie explained.

Kalemsia seemed as if she wanted to say something; however, she chose to maintain her silence.

’I see. It all adds up now. Then, the trephasias guarding this place, they must all be from the Third Great Clan.’

The Five Great Clans that resided in the Mother of All Forests held the greatest power and influence among the trephasia race. Each of the clans had their own specialization such as the Fifth Great Clan experts at collecting and processing high quality herbs. Or, the Fourth Great Clan with its unique method of controlling beasts.

From what Izroth knew, the Third Great Clan was a little special among the Five Great Clans. They acted the protectors and enforcers of the Five Great Clans and all the citizens who resided within the Mother of All Forests. They were also well known for their unrivaled archery skills.

’As the eldest daughter, Nova should have been in the running to become the next leader of the trephasias. Did something happen within her clan? Still, they can’t be on too bad of terms, seeing as how they went through all this trouble just to ensure her safety and treat her injuries.’

In addition, it was not as if the Mother of All Forests was somewhere across the road. Even if one had a means of reliable transportation, it would still take at least a month’s journey to reach Danaharpe from the Mother of All Forests.

For those of the Third Clan to arrive in less than a week of receiving the news meant that they either spent a fortune using long range teleportation magic or, they had always been somewhere nearby keeping an eye on Nova’s actions from a safe distance.

’Well, none of that matters. Right now, I just have to heal the person before me.’