Summoning the Holy Sword

The next day, Rhode gathered everyone in Anne’s room to explain her current condition and inform them about the only available solution to save her. Although this was Anne’s problem, Rhode insisted on telling everyone. No matter what, Anne was their comrade, so everyone had every right to understand her plight.

After hearing the situation from Rhode, Lize and Marlene were speechless. Although they’d expected severe side effects from using the potion, they still found out that they had gravely underestimated it. Of course, Rhode simply described the suggestion that he and Gillian had concluded before.

“Anne accepts!”

As Rhode had expected; Anne immediately made her decision without hesitation. She made her choice so quickly that others might’ve thought that she rehearsed this line before. Or perhaps the potion blocked certain blood vessels in her brain and affected the rational part of her mind…? In any case, her response was way too quick.

“I think it’s best for you to consider it a bit more, Anne.”

Lize’s face was pale as she restrained the rash girl. Besides, she wasn’t the only one ashen-faced. Lapis and Marlene were there too, and Marlene shuddered at the thought of Anne lying on the bed unable to move a muscle.

While they were of entirely different personalities, all of them were in the prime of their life right now and agreed that being confined to the bed for the rest of their life was something worse than death.

If this happened to any one of the other women, they’d probably toss and turn in their bed for a few nights before making a decision. Which was exactly why Anne’s straightforward answer was seen as thoughtlessness to them.

“Lapis, are the effects of that potion that powerful?”

“Lize, this is Anne’s decision. Everyone has the right to decide how they should live their lives. Since Anne had already made her decision, then we as friends and companions, shouldn’t stop her.”

“Sister Marlene understands me more,” Anne chuckled and hopped backward before spinning around. “Don’t worry too much, Sister Lize~ If it works then Anne will become even stronger, and by that time, Anne can protect everyone better, right?”

“But…”

While Anne displayed a cheery outlook, Lize still couldn’t convince herself to watch the disaster unfold. A success rate of less than 10% meant that the failure rate was at least 90%… that was way too risky!

Perhaps if Lize was an idealist, she might’ve agreed; but after joining the mercenary life and experiencing many life-threatening situations, Lize no longer naively relied on miracles. She learned to depend on her own strength to grasp any possibilities of success. This was no doubt an improvement in her mindset, but in exchange, she lost something precious.

Will Mr. Rhode really kill Anne if it fails?

A sharp pain throbbed in Lize’s heart as she glanced at Rhode. She was caught in a dilemma. She understood what Anne wanted, but that meant that they might have to suffer the grief afterward. Never would she have thought that she would’ve to witness the death of a friend outside of a battle.

Lize shuddered, and probably due to fear, she turned her back and chose to avoid facing the truth.

“Since Anne has decided, then leader, let’s start!”

Compared to the gloomy emotions of everyone, Anne behaved like she was in an amusement park. She pranced towards Rhode and stared at him with anticipation with her glistening green eyes.

“Right now? Are you sure that you’re ready?”

Even Rhode felt slightly strange dealing with her odd sense of confidence. After all, even players also would hesitate before making such decisions, not to say an NPC whose life was at stake.

Anne acted as she wasn’t pressured at all by this at all — which left Rhode feeling rather surreal. It was akin to a prisoner on the death row being excited to get executed.

“Of course,” Anne nodded determinedly and placed her tiny hands on her chest while focusing her eyes on Rhode. “Although it had only been a day, Anne feels so dead with such a weak body. Anne really really wants to get rid of this and return to the usual Anne!”

“Mr. Rhode…”

Lize gazed at Rhode and mumbled. But Marlene tugged her arm and shook her head firmly.

This is Anne’s choice, not theirs.

After exchanging glances with Gillian, Rhode turned to Lapis.

“Lapis, all set?” Rhode asked.

“All ready, Leader.”

Lapis reached into the fold of her clothes and carefully retrieved a red, sparkling potion. Everyone shifted their attention towards the bottle in Lapis’ hands. Marlene and Lize both held their breaths.

Meanwhile, as everybody was fearing for someone else’s life, the person in question leaped towards Lapis and attempted to snatch the potion. However, Rhode was one step ahead.

“Are you ready, Anne?”

“Yes, I’m ready. Leader, don’t worry. If this fails, at most I’ll warm your bed for you in future.”

… Just what is this girl made of?

Anne watched him eagerly like a puppy waiting for its food. The potion in his hands only brought unpleasant memories for her and could even cause her more misery. However, she had no signs of fear at all.

“Remember. Finish all at once.”

Rhode gave up trying to understand her as he handed the potion to her. Anne nodded in agreement and downed the solution.