Gaile was still gaping, frozen in disbelief at what he had just seen. Someone, a kid mimicked the ultimate technique he had practiced for decades just by seeing it once. And did it faster.
The surroundings of the battle area became completely silent. Only the sound of the residual wind sweeping the dust remained. Rayand and Lorrin even forgot how to breathe.
"Gaile, why are you daydreaming like that?" Arvin scolded, breaking the silence.
Gaile jolted, returning to reality. He looked at Arvin with a completely different view. No longer as an arrogant noble, but as a genius monster to be respected.
"Instead of daydreaming like a fool, we better hurry to cure Melisa's illness!" said Arvin firmly. "Do you want her to die waiting for her father to wake up from a daydream?"
The name "Melisa" worked like a magic spell. Instantly, Gaile forgot his shock, forgot his pride, forgot his pain, and forgot all the questions he wanted to ask about who Arvin really was.
He prioritized the condition of his seriously ill daughter.
Gaile dropped both his swords, then knelt on one knee. He bowed his head deeply. "Young man..." Gaile said with a voice trembling with held-back emotion. "If you can really cure my daughter, I will swear loyalty to the Vedegra family until my last breath! My sword is yours."
Rayand, who saw his strongest fighter kneeling, stepped forward and bowed his head too.
"If Gaile says so, we are also willing to swear loyalty to the Vedegra family!" Rayand chimed in firmly. "Red Sand will be a shield for you."
Arvin smiled with satisfaction. His plan was working perfectly.
"Very well, I look forward to the moment when you become a strength for the Vedegra family! Save that oath until after you see the results. Let's hurry there!"
Arvin turned around, looking at Lorrin who was still standing frozen at the edge of the field.
Lorrin was still amazed by the fight he had seen. His eyes sparkled seeing the terrifying potential of his new master.
I never imagined that the strongest member of the mercenaries would lose completely in a duel against Young Master Arvin. And he hasn't even broken a sweat, Lorrin thought in awe.
"Lorrin, don't zone out!" called Arvin. "Pack up now! After you finish packing, stay temporarily with these mercenaries at their headquarters. Because tomorrow, you and your wife will go with Rayand's group to the Vedegra territory!"
"Yes, Young Master!" Lorrin answered promptly. His spirit for life had fully returned.
"Wait a moment!" Arvin pointed at four of Rayand's subordinates. "You four, don't just watch. Help Lorrin carry his things! He is my valuable strategist, don't let him lift heavy things."
"Yes, Young Master!" answered Rayand's four colleagues in unison, their attitude now full of respect befitting soldiers to a commander.
Accompanied by four burly mercenaries, Lorrin hurried to his rickety shack to tell the happy news to his wife and pack their meager belongings.
Meanwhile, Arvin, Gaile, and Rayand walked quickly leaving the battle area toward Gaile's residence located somewhat hidden deep within the settlement.
A few moments later, they arrived in front of a wooden house that was slightly more decent than the surrounding shacks, though it still looked simple. Around the house, Arvin saw many armed men standing guard.
"Rayand, they are your members, right?" Arvin asked, glancing at the guards.
"That's right, Young Master! We live in this block and occasionally patrol around the slum area to maintain resident security from outside thugs." answered Rayand proudly.
"Really?" Arvin shrugged indifferently. "Good. But honestly, I don't care if terrible things happen here after you leave later! My duty is only to secure my assets, which is you."
Rayand just laughed crisply hearing that. He began to understand that behind Arvin's words that sounded cruel and selfish, his actions actually saved many people. That was the kind of arrogance he could tolerate.
Then, Arvin entered the house with Gaile.
Their footsteps echoed softly on the wooden floor. Arvin looked around the interior of the house. Simple, clean, but felt warm. There was handmade wooden furniture and simple wall decorations.
Wow! So this is what the inside of Gaile's house looks like? thought Arvin enthusiastically. In the game, players were not allowed to enter this NPC's house. The 'restricted area' feature always appeared. Seeing it directly like this is a unique sensation for me as a former gamer.
They arrived in front of a closed bedroom door. Gaile opened it slowly.
Inside the dim room, the air felt heavy with the smell of herbal medicines. On a small bed lay a little girl who was deathly pale. Next to her sat a beautiful woman with long purple hair who looked tired, holding the little girl's hand.
The woman realized their arrival and immediately turned toward the door with a wary face.
"Honey..." her voice was soft but anxious. "Who is that handsome young man? Why did you bring him into this room?"
Gaile entered, then signaled to Arvin. "Tresia, this is Arvin Vedegra. He is the first son of Duke Melvin Vedegra!"
Tresia's eyes widened. Her hand covered her mouth in shock. A high noble was in their shack.
"W-What?" stammered Tresia. "I am Tresia, Gaile's wife. Greetings, Young Master. But... what are you doing here?"
"He is the one who will cure our daughter, Tresia." answered Gaile quickly, his voice full of hope.
Tresia looked at Arvin in disbelief. "So, that handsome Young Master is the one who will cure our daughter?"
Gaile nodded firmly, convincing his wife.
Without further ado, Arvin stepped closer to Melisa's bed. He looked at the little girl whose breathing sounded heavy. Her face was very pale, almost like a living corpse.
Arvin turned to Tresia. His face became very serious and cold.
"Tresia, can you step away from the bedside?" ordered Arvin firmly. "I don't want you messing up this healing process with your emotions. If you touch your daughter or scream hysterically before the process is finished, don't blame me if she dies right then and there!"
The threat made Tresia's face pale, but she understood. She immediately got up, took a few steps back, and stood next to her husband, squeezing Gaile's arm anxiously.
Arvin looked back at the parents, making sure they understood the rules.
"Listen carefully! Whatever happens... even if Melisa groans in pain, screams, or convulses, never touch her!" emphasized Arvin, his eyes radiating an intimidating aura. "If she faints in the middle of the process, do not wake her up! Let her wake up on her own! Understood?"
Gaile and Tresia swallowed hard, then nodded in agreement quickly. They had no other choice.
"We understand." said Gaile hoarsely. "If that can cure our daughter, please... please do it immediately. Her life is in your hands."
Arvin nodded. He turned to face Melisa, took a deep breath, and began gathering mana in both his palms. Golden light began to glow, illuminating the gloomy room with new hope.