บท 43: Eldric Julius, The Professor

Drip! Drip! Drip!

Right now, Aiden was inside the hole he fell into after his defeat to Damien. His body battered and broken with a hole in his right chest. Darkness consumed his vision and the weight of the debris pressed down on him, making it difficult to even breathe. Pain coursed through his body, but amidst the agony, a flicker of determination burned within him.

"Shit, At this rate, I won't be able to last until Sunrise. I can't believe that a pretty boy like him defeated me so easily just like that. I need to find a way to get out of here and find him. That man will regret the moment he left and didn't stay until he confirmed my death but for now.....Sigh, I need to find a way to escape from here".

the only sound Aiden could hear was the dripping of his blood while feeling death slowly coming for him. "No... I can't... end like this," Aiden whispered, his voice strained. He refused to accept defeat, to let his journey be cut short.

"I believe that I can help you with that", Aiden who was talking with himself suddenly heard a voice coming from above. he noticed the elderly tone indecating that the source of the voice was an old man in an advanced age.

"Who are you? How did you also get here? Did this island become a picnic parc or what?", Aiden thought about talking with Charles about this if he survived. The old man didn't say anything about Aiden's tone, "This might hurt so prepare yourself. I will use an Earth magic spell to get you out of there".

Aiden didn't answer and waited for the old man to rescue him so he can get out. After all, he doesn't have many choices right now. It's either death or trusting the man so he will just trust the old man.

"Earth magic, mud way".

As the ground around Aiden began to transform into a muddy fluid, he felt a surge of hope. The old man's Earth magic was his ticket to escape this dire situation. The mud seeped into the cracks and crevices, slowly loosening the debris that trapped Aiden.

With a sudden burst of strength, Aiden pushed against the weakened rubble, his muscles straining against the weight. Piece by piece, he managed to create enough space to wiggle free from the confines of the hole. Gasping for air, he emerged from the muddy earth, his body covered in dirt and blood and his clothes in tatters.

"Thank you," Aiden said, his voice filled with gratitude as he looked up at the old man. "You've saved me. I owe you my life."

The old man smiled kindly, his eyes filled with wisdom. "You don't owe me anything, young one. It is the duty of those with power to help others in need"

Aiden nodded but then he started feeling immense pain in his chest. He then noticed that there were also iron bars in his left leg. "There, there. just take it slowly. Your left arm is completely broken and even the bones have pierced the muscles of your arm while your left leg has an iron bar inside it. We also need to close that hole in your chest or you'll die in mere seconds".

Aiden couldnt reply at all as he kept trying to figh the urge of screaming because of all the pain he's feeling right now,"Normally what would happen to someone like you is death. But because I have this special potion, I can heal you immediately. The pain would be a lot tho".

Aiden looked with an intense gaze towards him but he was still able to utter a few words,"Just heal me. I need to take my revenge".

"Your revenge, hmm. For now, just take this potion and It will heal you immediately",The old man felt curious but still gave Aiden the potion to drink. The potion was green in color and seemed so disgusting that Aiden wanted to throw up but he couldn't since he didn't have anything in his stomach so he just sighed and drank the potion.

Aiden gulped down the green potion, and discovered that the potion wasn't disgusting at all but on the contrary, It was very sweet. Aiden admitted in his mind that he underestimated the potion and then threw the vial away. He then waited for something to happen but his injuries were still the same. After some seconds and just when Aiden was about to ask the old man if he duped him or something, he felt his body starting to heat and his skin becoming red because of the high energy.

A surge of energy coursed through his veins, and he felt a tingling sensation as the potion went to work, accelerating his body's healing process. His heart beating like crazy and almost exploding but he could also feel that his wounds were closing and his bones also returning to their place. His organs which were pierced earlier started regenerating and becoming more efficient than ever. The pain intensified, causing Aiden to clench his fists and grit his teeth.

But after an unkown time, the pain started subsideding, replaced by a soothing warmth that spread throughout his body. The broken bones in his left arm began to mend, and the iron bar in his left leg dissolved, leaving behind regenerated tissue.

Aiden flexed his newly healed arm and tested his leg, finding that he could move without hindrance. The hole in his chest closed up, leaving only a faint scar as a reminder of his brush with death. He turned his gaze back to the old man, gratitude evident in his eyes.

"You've done it," Aiden said, his voice filled with relief. "Thank you, truly. I am indebted to you."

The old man waved his hand dismissively. "Think nothing of it. It is my duty to aid those in need, especially those who carry a burning desire for revenge."

Aiden's eyes narrowed as he remembered his purpose. "Yes, my revenge. Damien will pay for what he's done. He will regret ever crossing paths with me."

The old man nodded, a hint of sadness in his eyes. "Most of the time, vengeance can consume one's soul". When Aiden heard his words, he was able to finally calm down and stared at the old man.

Now that he was healed, he was able to get good look at the old man, but he couldn't help but feel a sense of intrigue. The old man's appearance contradicted the power and wisdom he emanated. After all, if he has such potion then he must be a powerful mage. Still, he didn't underestimate him at all. The encounter with Damien had been a stark reminder that strength could lie hidden within even the most seemingly unassuming individuals.

"May I ask your name?" Aiden inquired, curious to know more about the enigmatic old man.

The old man smiled warmly. "I am known as Eldric Julius. A mage who has traversed many lands and seen much in my time. You can also call me professeur Julius".

Aiden took a closer look at Eldric, he noticed the intricate details of the old man's appearance. The combination of his snowy white hair, heterochromatic eyes, and the little mustache and beard added to his unique and distinguished aura. Eldric's presence commanded attention, and his attire further emphasized his mystical nature.

The deep green robe adorned with brown and white drawings showcased a mastery of craftsmanship and symbolism. The brown belt cinched around his waist added a touch of practicality, while the light green scarf draped over his shoulders and neck added an air of elegance and mystery.

Aiden's eyes were drawn to the glove on Eldric's right hand. It seemed to hold significance, suggesting that the old man possessed powers or abilities that required its use. The cane with a jewel on top served both as a symbol of authority and a practical aid for Eldric's mobility. Aiden could sense the magical energy emanating from the jewel, further confirming Eldric's status as a powerful mage.

With his unique appearance and the artifacts he carried, Aiden felt that Eldric embodied the image of a legendary mage who had traversed countless realms and faced formidable challenges just like in the fantasy novels he read about.

Eldric interrupted Aiden's thoughts and asked,"So how do you feel now?".

Aiden answered him, "I feel better. I thank you for getting me out and healing me. I would've gambaled my life if not for you. By the way, do you know how much time remains until Sunrise?".

Eldric felt intruiged by such question but he still answered, "Well, there are 4 hours left until sunrise so you have to wait for some time".

"Four hours huh. tch, There will be a problem. For now, I should return and warn Charles. By the way, how did you get here?".

Eldric answered seriously and said, "I am here thanks to the spatial gate I found back at the south Moxi island and when I went through, I found myself in the southern part and came flying all the way here".

"Oh, yeah. I forgot that Charles set four gates on the island. You must have found the one in the south".

"Yeah, I heard about the discovery of an ancient legacy while I was in Alcos city and so I came here".

"Ok, I understand. then my next question is, are you here for the treasure?", Aiden voice showed a tone of seriousness as he didn't want to meet another treasure hunter and fight him.

Eldric scratched the back of his head but answered honestly, "Well, it's complicated but I am searching for someone and I am pretty sure that he's right here on the island and so I wanna talk with him". Aiden could feel the anger in the old man's tone as he spoke. HE could even notice him showing some killing intent. Aiden didn't care much and decided to ignore it.

"Well, Just walk that way to the center and you will find a magic tower. I believe that the guy you're searching for is inside there right now embarking into a trial. Just tell them that Aiden sent me and tell them that there are intruders and I went after them"

Eldric noded and then asked, "What about you?Hey, what are you going to do now young man?".

Aiden looked at Eldric and smiled. He went and got his Axe out of the rubble and then trned back at the old man, "I must do something so I can't go with you right now. Just go to the tower and explain things to Charles. He will tell you what to do to find the guy you're searching for".

"Oh,okay. You know, in all my years of adventure, I never met a mortal who talks to me like this. Well, young man, don't just die". Aiden shook his head and replied,"I'm not a mortal. I'm the lion Sin of Pride, Aiden".

"Pride huh. Well, I'm also known as the professor of magic. If fates want it then we will meet again. For now, goodbye". As he said that, Eldric started flying and went to the direction of the tower.

Only Aiden remained alone in the middle of the ruins, "Well, It seems that It's time to level up my divine meditation technique and become even stronger".