Kapitel 86: [86] A Spark of Change

Martha sat under the morning sun, a thick book open on her lap. Around her, the crisp forest air carried the mingling scents of leaves and wildflowers. Across from her, Ash sat cross-legged, a small wooden board laid between them with various herbal plants spread out.

"So," Ash began, pointing to a bundle of small green leaves, "these are yarrow leaves. Do you remember what they're used for?"

Martha furrowed her brows, trying to recall the lesson from a few days ago. "To stop bleeding... if chewed and applied to a wound, right?"

Ash smiled, satisfied. "Exactly. Yarrow is one of the easiest plants to find in this forest. Remember, Martha, while we have healing magic, not everyone is as fortunate. For them, plants like this can mean the difference between life and death."

Martha gazed at the leaves thoughtfully, her shining eyes absorbing the information. "Master Ash, why do you focus so much on conventional medicine? I mean, you can heal injuries with magic in seconds."

Setting the leaves aside, Ash's expression grew serious. "That's precisely the issue, Martha. Healing magic isn't free. Not everyone can use it, and those who can often charge prices only nobles can afford."

Martha looked down, reflecting on his words. "So... poor people can't get the care they need?"

"Exactly," Ash replied curtly, his tone tinged with concern. "That's why I want you to learn these basics. This world needs someone who can bring change—someone who can make medicine accessible to everyone, not just the privileged."

Martha studied Ash with curiosity. "But, Master Ash... is that enough? I mean, even if I learn all this, can it really change the world?"

Ash chuckled softly, meeting her gaze with unwavering confidence. "Martha, the world doesn't change overnight. But every great change begins with small steps. If you can teach this knowledge to others, and they pass it on, then one day, this world could have a better system for healing."

Martha bit her lip, uncertainty lingering. "But what if people don't listen? What if they just rely on magic because it's faster and easier?"

With a sigh, Ash picked up a small piece of root and handed it to her. "That's your task. You have to show them there's another way. For example, this is wild ginger root. It can treat nausea and aid digestion. It's not magic, just knowledge—but it can still save lives."

Martha regarded the root with a contemplative expression. "So, my purpose isn't just to heal people, but to teach them how to survive?"

Ash nodded. "Exactly. And not just survive—but live better."

After a few hours of theory, Ash decided it was time for Martha to try something practical. He took her to an old hut on the edge of the village, where an elderly farmer named Elias lived.

Elias had recently sustained a small cut on his hand from a sickle. The wound wasn't deep, but without access to healing magic, he'd wrapped it haphazardly in cloth.

"I'll guide you," Ash whispered to Martha as they entered the hut, "but you'll handle this yourself."

Martha swallowed nervously, her gaze shifting between the friendly yet tired farmer and his injured hand.

"Alright," she said at last, mustering her courage. "Mr. Elias, may I see your hand?"

Elias nodded, unwrapping the makeshift bandage. Martha winced at the sight of the red, slightly swollen wound. Carefully, she recalled Ash's teachings.

"This is a mild infection," Martha said. "But it's okay, we can clean it."

She mixed warm water with a bit of salt from a container Ash had brought, then gently cleaned the wound. Step by step, she followed the procedures Ash had taught her. Once the wound was clean, she crushed yarrow leaves into a paste and applied it before wrapping the hand with a fresh bandage.

"How does that feel, Mr. Elias?" Martha asked.

The elderly farmer smiled faintly, flexing his hand slightly. "Better, child. Thank you."

Relief washed over Martha as she turned to Ash, who gave her a nod of approval.

That evening, they sat around a campfire outside the hut. Martha stared at her hands, reflecting on the work she'd done earlier. Pride and doubt wrestled in her heart.

"Master Ash," she said finally, breaking the silence.

"Yes?" Ash looked up, his expression calm.

"Do you think I can really make a difference? What I did today feels so small compared to all the bad things in the world."

Ash smiled thinly, gazing at the fire crackling before them. "Martha, you know, a great fire always begins with a small spark. What you did today may have saved just one person. But if you keep doing it and teaching others, that spark will spread. And eventually, it will light up the entire world."

Martha sat quietly, mulling over his words. Slowly, a smile crept onto her face, a new determination blooming within her.

"Thank you, Master Ash. I'll do my best," she said firmly.

Ash nodded, proud of his young pupil. "That's what I want to hear. We'll start again tomorrow morning, so make sure you get enough rest."

Martha grinned before lying down under the stars, imagining a future where she could bring hope to those in need.

In the Strife Zone, a conflict-ridden territory under Roland's rule, the setting sun cast long shadows over a two-story building on the outskirts of a small town. The structure appeared ordinary from the outside, with cracked brick walls and slightly warped wooden windows. Inside, however, a 13-year-old boy sat at a large wooden table, engrossed in his work.

Billy, dressed in an oversized cowboy outfit that made his wiry frame appear even smaller, held a nearly finished long-barreled rifle. His nimble hands deftly assembled the final components with a screwdriver and pins. Despite the noise of the bustling town outside, Billy remained focused.

"Ah, finally done!" he exclaimed, raising the rifle above his head triumphantly.

His happiness was short-lived. The creak of the front door drew his attention, and he turned to see Levi entering, carrying a paper bag filled with groceries. Levi, quieter and more reserved, wore a plain black jacket that contrasted sharply with Billy's flamboyant style.