The Cornflower Witch

Book 2: Chapter 105: Compassionate Tenderness

Vol 2 Chapter 105 Compassionate Tenderness

Three months after the discovery of the 'Gray Sludge' plague.

Through the efforts of numerous physicians, a medicine targeting this strange 'Gray Sludge' plague was finally developed.

Zelalin stood before the group, holding a small crystal vial in his hand. He gently shook the vial, causing the pale purple liquid inside to slosh softly, refracting a faint halo under the candlelight.

"This is our achievement. To solve the problem of plague recurrence, we employed a special method. Utilizing the 'Fungal Threads' Aspect's proficiency in connection, we made the 'Fungal Threads'-rich components in the medicine track down the Gray Sludge plague, which also carries faint 'Fungal Threads' characteristics. Then, we let them come into contact with each other, causing the plague to lose its vitality."

"One dose can clear about 90% of the Gray Sludge plague virus from the body. A second dose basically prevents recurrence. A third dose guarantees complete eradication."

"As for the cost." He glanced back at Sylutia behind him.

"If Sylutia cultivates the required 'Purple Jellyfish Mushroom' raw material, one cluster of Purple Jellyfish Mushroom can make 10 bottles. Spread out, each bottle costs about 3 gold coins. Adding other materials and labor, the final cost per bottle is about 5 gold coins."

"Of course, that's purely considering the cost. If we factor in research expenses, rarity, and the urgent market demand, I suspect selling it for 100 gold coins would still see many people scrambling to buy it." Zelalin put down the medicine bottle and pushed it towards the group of high-ranking officers in front of him.

After receiving the bottle, the representatives present each inspected it, took out a small amount for testing, and observed its effects.About an hour later, everyone confirmed that this medicine indeed had the effects Zelalin described.

"In that case, I am relieved." The Commander sitting at the head of the table felt the weight lift from his heart.

Spending a bit more money was nothing; the most important thing was that the members within Ironwall Precipice could survive.

The representatives from other organizations within the association thought of more, some seemingly having some startling ideas pop into their heads.

"I advise everyone not to play with fire. Although we have now developed a specific medicine, we cannot guarantee that this Gray Sludge won't continue to mutate. If, I'm saying if, it gets out of control, the consequences would be unbearable for all of us." As an experienced physician, Zelalin fully understood the thoughts running through the minds of those present and issued a warning in advance.

At this point, some people reluctantly dismissed their ideas.

"We understand. We will proceed according to Lord Zelalin's instructions and cure and purify the infected inside and outside the garrison as soon as possible."

Afterwards, the various parties discussed many more details. Although Sylutia's rank was not high, she had the rare opportunity to sit in on the meeting, learning many internal secrets of the association and its specific operational model.

The Hidden Grove association was a coalition, not an organization with strong centralized authority. Many matters required the internal organizations to divide the work, cooperate, and consult with each other.

The downside was that efficiency and resource allocation were not as good as the central 'Mage Alliance,' but the upside was that each organization maintained a certain vitality and, due to specialization, often had its own place to shine.

After the discussion ended, the final purification and cure plan entered the process, everything proceeding in an orderly manner.

A month later, all personnel inside and outside the garrison were treated. Furthermore, the canyon below Ironwall Precipice was subjected to a large-scale spell cast by summoned wizards—a high-temperature flame scourge—clearing all detectable 'Gray Sludge' plague sources.

Standing on the corridor walkway of the high precipice, Sylutia and a group of members looked down at the flowing, magma-like, suffocating Wave of Fire below. The air was scorched and distorted. And the ones leading all this were merely 20 Fourth Tier wizards.

They completely incinerated the approximately 80-kilometer-long gorge, turning it into glassy, dark red liquid. Even after the flames died down, the gorge still retained the lingering high temperature of the 'Blazing Sun' Aspect, making it difficult for ordinary creatures to approach.

"This should be considered settled." Dorothy stood behind Sylutia, stretched, and then hugged the girl's shoulders.

"After we go back this time, you have to give me at least a month's vacation~"

"Yes, yes, I know." Sylutia shook her head, breaking free from Dorothy's arm.

Just as the two were chasing and evading each other, a knight walked up to them.

"Miss Sylutia, Lord Taos requests your presence." Taos was the commander of 'Ironwall Precipice,' that grey-haired man who had temporarily entrusted the 'Severing Steel Sword' to Sylutia.

"Yes, I'll go right away."

Temporarily parting from her companion, Sylutia tidied her hair and clothes, then walked towards the tower within the fortress.

Following this knight, she passed through the restored orderly plank road checkpoints and arrived at the great hall inside the fortress, meeting the elderly commander standing before a huge furnace.

Today, besides him, there were only three other high-ranking confidants from within 'Ironwall Precipice.' Representatives from other organizations and the Hidden Grove association had already withdrawn.

Hearing Sylutia enter, he turned around. His grey-black eyes looked at the girl, steady as an unyielding rock.

"Sylutia has been a great help to us during this time."

"Although there is an obligation for mutual assistance within the association, this favor, we will remember." He nodded slightly. Another knight in full armor carried a heavy iron box to the table.

Opening it, inside were neatly arranged black metal ingots, their edges and corners having a special deep grey hue.

"Ironwall Precipice doesn't have many specialties. These are 200 refined black steel ingots, of Superior quality, which can be used to forge weapons and armor of at least 'Second Tier' grade." Such refined black steel ingots cost about 40 gold coins each, so 200 would be 8,000 gold coins.

Just as Sylutia was thinking how to respond, the knight brought up another heavy iron box and opened it.

The box was neatly filled with white chess pieces, each bearing the shape of a raised horse's head, majestic and with clean lines. They contained a full yet restrained 'Castle' Aspect, like some exquisite, orderly works of art.

"These are 20 Third Tier 'Knight Chess Pieces.' If you have familiar companions or subordinates who wish to choose the knight's path for advancement, these are indispensable resources."

Twenty 'Knight Chess Pieces,' if used properly, could cultivate up to twenty 'Third Tier · Knights.' Such precious resources simply couldn't be bought with money.

If the previous 200 refined black steel ingots were already a huge sum, then these 20 chess pieces were the truly priceless treasure.

Currently, many apprentices within 'Lantern Town' were at the Second Tier, nearly complete, on the verge of advancement, urgently needing advancement resources. Even with the support of the 'Holy White Knight Hall,' Sylutia didn't dare guarantee that all apprentices within the garrison could obtain sufficient advancement tools.

"This..." Sylutia opened her mouth in surprise.

"No need to hesitate or be polite. Only a return gift like this qualifies me to take back that 'Severing Steel Sword' from your hands." Taos nodded slightly to Sylutia, expressing his recognition of the girl.

"Not only did you bring the crucial early medicinal powder and food supplies, but I have also been watching your subsequent participation and assistance."

"Accept it. This is your honor, and also the pride of us, the 'Ironwall Crown Furnace.'"

'Thank you.' Sylutia no longer hesitated at this point. She bowed solemnly in thanks and accepted these two heavy return gifts.

"I will bring the 'Severing Steel Sword' shortly." Actually, that sword was currently placed in her bedroom within the fortress. And because it was a sacred relic of the 'Ironwall Crown Furnace,' the high-ranking officers within the fortress could actually sense the sword's approximate location.

As Sylutia stood up, preparing to leave to fetch the sword, Taos called out to her.

"During this time, while you held that sword, did you see any special scenes or memories?"

Sylutia thought of the dream she had in the camp tent that night and nodded.

"Yes, I did see some special memories." She estimated that all who had wielded the sword throughout the ages could perceive them.

"Is that so." Taos's expression turned somewhat strange. The several high-ranking knights nearby also looked at Sylutia at this moment.

"Could you tell us what you saw?"

Were they testing her? Sylutia guessed. These elders really liked to guide the younger generation.

"It was a peaceful, golden hillside. I dreamed of running down the hillside, passing through layers of wheat fields and grassy wilderness, and meeting that girl humming a song..."

Sylutia recounted the dream she saw that day in full.

After she finished speaking, the few people present remained silent for a long time before Taos slowly spoke.

"I never expected it to recognize you. Perhaps your character and essence share many similarities with Emersand."

"That's right. What you saw in your dream has long been recorded within the 'Ironwall Crown Furnace.' In the past, many knights have had similar dreams, seeing that distant memory."

"The strength of these knights varied, their talents were mixed, but they all shared a similar common point—a compassionate gentleness towards this world."

"If you were to learn our faction's 'Amos's Sword,' you should be able to master it very easily." Taos smiled.

"However, your advancement is imminent, and you probably can't switch to a knight progression path anymore. Otherwise, you would have become a powerful Guardian Knight, possessing both gentleness and a resilient heart."

"Although it's somewhat regrettable, if you ever wish to learn the secret arts and ancient texts of the 'Ironwall Crown Furnace' in the future, you will always be welcome."

"This time, we thank you for your support. We of 'Ironwall Precipice' will also remember the friendship with 'Lantern Town.'"