"You don't have to worry about these small details, my lord. This is the least I could do. We couldn't fight and protect anyone, so we'll leave that to you. We should all focus on our strengths — mine is construction, and Lyncon's is management," Druger said, taking a swig of his booze.
Rain chuckled. "I'm not sure about the fighting part, but I'll do my best."
Since fusing with Chi, Rain felt his body become lighter, and his skill with a bow, sword, and shield improved remarkably. It was as if some of Chi's fighting prowess had been engraved into him.
Rain discovered that Lords could copy their troops' abilities and combat skills once they fused with them.
The best part? It was permanent.
Though he couldn't claim to be on Chi's level, he could certainly fight better now. Fusing with troops could enhance his combat abilities, although it would exhaust the troops involved.
His and Chin's [Synchronization] had already reached MAX, allowing him to fuse with Chin at any given time.
Rain decided to use this fusion to train with Thorgar and General Varlox whenever they had time, aiming to further enhance his fighting skills.
It was crucial for him to grow stronger and learn to protect himself so that nothing like what happened to Chin would happen again.
"Chin . . ." Rain muttered, his voice heavy with regret. "If only I hadn't asked them to come with me to defeat the Hobgoblin King. Chin might still be alive today."
Druger sighed and placed a comforting hand on Rain's back. "My Lord, you did what any leader would have done to protect his people. Chin knew that too, which is why he sacrificed himself for your cause.
"Your decisions, no matter how small or big, no matter the outcome, you must never regret them, or it would be a disrespect to those who sacrificed their lives for your cause. What you can do right now, my lord, is to allow yourself to grieve."
Rain shut his eyes and allowed the tears to fall for Chin, releasing the grief he'd held back in front of his army. The moment of solitude was his chance to mourn fully, away from the eyes of those who looked to him for strength.
=======
The next morning, Rain had much to do, directing everyone and overseeing the rebuilding of their town. But right now, he arrived with Hana at the lab where the healers, alchemists, herbalists, and crafters gathered.
"You wanted to tell me something?" Rain asked.
The head alchemist, Elandra, a dryad, nodded. Though she looked young, her age already spanned hundreds of years, just like Druger. She had been traveling back and forth from the mainland to the wasteland and had only returned a few weeks ago.
"It's about the bug that carried the coughing disease," Elandra said seriously.
Rain and Hana's faces turned grim, the air thick with tension as they recalled that harrowing day. They had truly believed it was their end, but thankfully, Hana had found the cure, and Pup had discovered the bug.
Elandra adjusted her glasses and explained, "That bug is called a Necrovenom Beetle. It's a potentially deadly insect that killed millions long ago until the Hanamori found a cure. They're extremely lethal and were thought to be extinct."
"Then how did one end up here?" Rain asked.
Elandra shook her head. "I don't know. They're mysterious creatures, capable of thriving in any land and climate. Their venom can instantly cause death if the victim is even slightly weakened, especially in the barren wasteland where no plant life thrives to provide a cure."
Rain pursed his lips. "T-that much . . ."
"Yes, that much," Elandra said firmly. "I don't plan to work in a haphazard environment. I intend to construct a full-blown lab, my lord, for the betterment of my research—I mean, for the betterment of our town."
"Augh . . ."
Druger sighed at the side. "Ah. Elandra might seem shady, my lord, but you can trust her. She cares not for your money and only wants to experiment on rare things like this."
"S-still . . . 200L . . ." Rain wanted to cry.
"My lord," Elandra stared seriously at Rain and grabbed him by both shoulders. "A lab is crucial to a town. It's here that we develop cures, potions, and new bioweapons that would greatly aid you in your conquest and protection of this town."
Elandra's passion made Rain's lips tighten into a thin line, but he could do nothing but give a nod.
"J-just make sure you reproduce the venom and the cure."
Elandra twirled and sighed in bliss. "Leave everything to me, my lord! Ahahahaha!"
I-is this really alright? Rain thought to himself as he watched Elandra twirled and danced in happiness.
"My Lord! Come quickly! Someone's here to see you!"
The urgent call signaled the beginning of a new chapter in Rain's life.
*
*
*
*
|| A/N ||
Hey guys,
Your support means a lot! If you enjoy the story, please consider leaving a review, giving PS, and GT.
Gifts are always appreciated too!
If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to drop them in the comments.
Thanks a bunch! ????????