Chapter 48 Helping The Soul Of Ancient Hero Find Peace
In the dungeon in the Abyss Wood, I faced off against the boss monster, a Living Dead.
The ancient hero, who had turned into a living dead, lowered his sword and declared defeat.
"Are you sure about this? I haven't defeated you yet."
'Yeah. No matter what I do in this state, I can't beat you. It would just prolong the losing.'
The Living Dead spoke very clearly.
It seems the soul of the ancient hero, Ain-san, was attached to the armor and turned into a monster.
He was an amazing swordsman, almost on par with Old Man Arthur.
Honestly, if Ain-san had fought with his own body, it would have been a close match. He was that strong.
'No, you're the stronger one.'
"No, no, I still have a long way to go."
'You are humble, not just strong. You're amazing.'
I'm just stating the facts, not being humble.
Well, it feels good to be praised by someone amazing like Ain-san.
My buddy Mercury-san is approaching us timidly.
Tai-chan has returned from the Behemoth's body to a human form. Probably because she no longer feels anxious.
"What will you do next, Leaf-kun? Especially with those living dead."
"I won't kill him. If we break the dungeon core, the dungeon will be cleared, right?"
In a dungeon, there is a core called the dungeon core, which is like its heart. If we destroy it, the dungeon will disappear.
The boss is just there to protect the core from being crushed, so defeating the boss doesn't affect clearing the dungeon.
However, bosses usually try to kill intruders, so defeating the boss is usually necessary to clear the dungeon.
Ain-san is no longer willing to fight. He has no intention to fight against such an opponent anymore.
I am a Pharmacist, not a combat profession.
If I can avoid fighting, I would like to. Also, since I realized Ain-san is a nice person when we talked, it makes it even harder to defeat him.
"If the dungeon transformation is lifted, will Ain-san be able to rest in peace?"
'I don't know. It seems like I still have lingering regrets in this world.'
"Lingering regrets? What are they?"
'...I don't know. It's been a long time since I died.'
Is he a spirit who has forgotten the content of his lingering regrets...
How sad. He's such a good person.
"Mercury-san, I remember there being magic to help undead monsters rest in peace, right?"
"Yes, there is. It's a light magic called [Turn Undead]."
"Could you try using it on Ain-san?"
"I thought you might say that. Sure, of course."
Mercury-san let out a sigh, but then pulled out a staff and began preparing a magic spell.
Somehow, this person was going to help me.
She was really, really nice. I'm so grateful... to have teamed up with such a good person.
Mercury-san illuminated the tip of her staff and drew a magic circle in the air.
"[Turn Undead]!"
The magic circle expanded overhead. From there, a pure light seemed to shine down from heaven.
The light wrapped around Ain-san's body...
Fizzap...!
"Kuh! It's no use."
"Why is that!?"
"His attachment is too strong, I can't send him to heaven."
Mercury-san shook her head with a disappointed look.
Tai-chan also seemed to give up.
"...If we don't know what the attachment is, there's no way to resolve it."
"No... not yet!"
I won't give up.
Bringing him back to life without a physical body is impossible with the resurrection potion.
As a disciple of the medicine god, it's shameful to face such failure.
My master saved everyone, and as his disciple, it's my duty to do the same.
From my master, I gained skills, knowledge, and most importantly, time...!
"But what can we do? If Turn Undead doesn't work, it's hopeless."
"I'll make a new potion now! Mercury-san, please help me!"
As a disciple of my master, I want to save people no matter what!
Maybe sensing my determination, Mercury-san nods with a wry smile.
"So, what should I do?"
"Mercury-san, please use Turn Undead once more. I'll trap it in the magic potion."
Magic potion. It's a potion with (sealed) magic.
"But does that really matter? Just putting magic in a potion?"
"It does. The green spirit helps me. It boosts the potion's power."
"Oh, I get it! Boosting power with a magic potion! Got it!"
Mercury-san casts Turn Undead.
I call out to the spirit.
Green light surrounds me.
"Ready?"
"Yes! Please!"
"Turn Undead!"
The magic is ready. I throw the potion.
Beautiful green and holy white light mix.
When the light fades, there's a potion.
I take it and give it to Ain-san.
He nods silently and drinks it.
'Ahh... I feel good... really...'
The armor that served as a container for his soul began to fade.
'Oh... I remember now... I was... I was worried about you...'
It seems like Ain-san is dreaming.
He must be meeting the person who is the cause of him staying in this world.
He looks into my eyes and smiles softly.
'I see... even without me... you'll be fine...'
He says this to me. He seems to be comparing me with someone else...
No, he was looking into my eyes and saying that. I received the spirit eyes from the spirit of Yggdrasil.
'Thank you... Leaf-kun. I can finally let go of this heavy burden... this is the least I can do to show my gratitude... please accept it...'
In the end, he hands me something he was holding.
It's a golden, jewel-like object.
"! This is... the Philosopher's Stone!"
"The Philosopher's Stone?"
"It's an extremely rare item said to be created by ancient sages. With just this one, you could buy a mansion, or even a whole country if you wanted."
I take it and hold it tightly.
"I'll keep it safe. Forever."
I won't sell it. It's important because Ain-san gave it to me.
He smiles quietly, and the living dead... disappear.
Ain-san must have passed on completely.
"Mission accomplished... right?"
"Yes, absolutely... It's incredible. To make a potion that can help someone pass on who couldn't with magic, on the spot."
"Are you praising me?"
Mercury-san smiles wryly and pats my head.
"I'll praise you for today. Well done, Leaf-kun. You're amazing."
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