Elqueeness [EN]: Chapter 492

492. The Alchemist (1)

What novel and bizarre behavior is this? Chris, who quickly turned to look, was calmly preparing tea, seemingly oblivious. Seizing the moment, I hurried over to Lamias.

“What are you doing?”

“I figured it’d be quicker to check myself than have someone else do it. You should be honored. I’m quite the alchemist, you know.”

“Still! You could’ve at least warned me!”

“Did you give me a heads-up before stabbing me in the back at the banquet?”

That’s different, you dragon! We weren’t even acquainted back then!

I don’t think I’ll ever get close to this dragon. My blood pressure spiked, and I rubbed the back of my neck. Just then, Chris, carrying refreshments on a tray, looked puzzled.

“El, what are you doing?”

“Ah, just a stiff neck, I think. It’s nothing.”

Thankfully, he seemed suspicious but didn’t press it. A more pressing matter was at hand, and his attention shifted to Lamias.

“Have you examined him? How is he? Can you treat him?”

Lamias, who had been studying Davian with a bright expression, shrugged.

“He’s in better shape than I thought. I can handle this without much trouble.”

“Really?”

“Of course. Let’s start right away. It’ll take about an hour. You can go do something else in the meantime.”

“No. I’ll stay.”

“If you insist. Suit yourself.”

Chris’s face lit up at Lamias’s casual reply. His nonchalant attitude seemed to inspire confidence. After all, a dragon, a magical creature, was supremely skilled in alchemy. Aside from the initial surprise, this was the best possible outcome for Davian.

Lamias began pulling items from the bundle he’d brought. First, he took out a large piece of cloth. Spreading it on the floor, he began drawing patterns with an unidentified blue dye. It looked like a magic circle. The plain cloth was soon covered in intricate designs. When it seemed complete, he sat Davian in the center. Then, he started drawing patterns on Davian’s face.

The process was time-consuming due to the intricate patterns. It was exhausting even to watch, and Lamias’s forehead was beaded with sweat.

“Hoo.”

Lamias stopped and took a deep breath. Chris, who had been watching anxiously, leaned forward.

“Is it done?”

“Not even close. This is just the beginning. It’s going to be rough. Do you have any rope and rags?”

“Rope?”

“Anything to tie him with. First, tie him up tight. Stuff his mouth with rags so he doesn’t bite his tongue.”

At those words, I must have stared at Chris. He, startled, glared back, his face reddening.

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

“No… I just figured you’d tie him up well.”

“Damn it. Just you wait, Davian, you bastard. Just wait until you come to your senses.”

Even while grumbling, Chris diligently brought rope and rags. As instructed, he bound Davian and stuffed his mouth. Davian didn’t resist, only blinked, seemingly unaware. When he was completely restrained, Lamias nodded in satisfaction.

The reason for this soon became clear. After placing the bound Davian on the magic circle, Lamias arranged various tools and medicines, then took out a vial of golden liquid and poured it onto the circle. A red light began to rise along the patterns, quickly enveloping Davian’s body.

“Keugh!”

The moment the light touched the pattern on his face, a rough groan escaped Davian’s mouth. His body trembled violently. If he hadn’t been tied up, he would have struggled. Lamias monitored him, adding more liquid or sprinkling powder. Each time, Davian writhed more, cold sweat pouring down his face. It was so painful to watch. Chris, pale, paced the room, clenching and unclenching his fists.

Finally, the seemingly endless process ended. Davian’s temples darkened as if bruised, and something began to pierce his skin, popping out. It was a long, black, quartz-like rod.

“This is insane!”

Chris, who splashed water on his face, cursed. Davian seemed completely out of his mind, convulsing so violently I wondered if he would survive. But the moment the black rod was fully extracted, he collapsed. It fell to the floor with a clang, and the magic circle slowly dimmed, the red light fading, the patterns blackening.

Is it over? Davian still breathed roughly, his eyes open, seemingly conscious. Lamias approached and removed the rag from his mouth.

“Are you conscious?”

Davian blinked slowly, his pupils, unresponsive before, focusing on Lamias.

“Who…”

He spoke!

Chris and I exchanged glances. It was the first time Davian had spoken since entering that state. Chris, excited, clenched his fist. Lamias, having released the restraints, helped him sit up. Davian cautiously accepted the support.

“Why am I… here…”

“Don’t worry. I’m an alchemist here to help. I’ve removed the curse on your head.”

“Curse…? What do you mean…”

“Try to remember. First, some questions. What’s your name?”

“…Leon.”

Chris shook his head. Perhaps due to his training as an intelligence agent, he’d unconsciously given a pseudonym. Lamias continued.

“I see, Leon. How old are you? What’s your occupation?”

“Twenty-seven… Royal Palace librarian. Who are you? Why are you asking this?”

“I told you, I’m an alchemist. Don’t worry. It’s just to check your consciousness.”

“Consciousness…”

“Yes, do you recognize anyone here?”

Davian blinked, looking around. He seemed to realize there were others present. He paused when he saw me, then widened his eyes at Chris.

“…Chris?”

“Yeah, you crazy bastard. It’s me. Do you recognize me?”

“Why are you…”

Davian’s face hardened as he seemed to realize something. He groaned softly.

“Was I rescued?”

“Yeah, you bastard! You son of a bitch, I really….”

Chris couldn’t finish the sentence and hugged him tightly. Davian flinched, then slowly returned the hug.

“I’m sorry.”

“Damn it, is ‘I’m sorry’ all you have to say? You damn bastard. I told you to quit a long time ago. I told you to be careful. You never listen!”

Tears welled up as he cursed. Davian smiled faintly and patted his back. It was a heartwarming scene, but it didn’t last. Lamias clapped his hands.

“Well, well, you recognize your acquaintances. You seem aware of the situation. Good. One last question.”

“Isn’t that enough?”

“No. The most important question remains.”

Lamias, answering Chris, knelt and looked Davian in the eye.

“Leon, do you remember how to swallow the blood of the setting sun?”

Chris’s face hardened. Davian swallowed. His pupils, agitated before, calmed. His expression was unreadable.

“…I remember.”

“In the fading red world, what is your role?”

“A black panther of dawn that sneaks in secretly.”

A clear voice echoed. Lamias smiled.

“Good. That confirms your memory is intact.”

He was satisfied, but the atmosphere was tense. Chris glared at him, grinding his teeth.

“You… you’re not just an ordinary alchemist.”

“Did you think we were? Alchemists are never ordinary.”

Chris’s eyes flashed.

“Which is it, the pasture or the flower garden?”

“It’s a flower blooming wildly in a field with the sunset.”

“Aegis.”

It seemed to be a code for secret organizations. Chris and Davian, having identified their affiliation, looked wary. Lamias smiled brightly.

“Don’t worry. We’re not enemies.”

“How can I believe that?”

“If we were, we wouldn’t have come so quietly, would we?”

“……”

“I understand your sensitivity, Lachein Chris. Weren’t you called the Kite? You were attacked trying to contact Umbra, so everything is suspicious.”

“You know that too?”

“That’s our job. We have a general understanding. The director is very worried.”

Said the director, who knew nothing until I told him, shamelessly. Davian, rubbing his head, paused and stared at Chris.

“An attack?”

“Ah, that’s…”

“It happened while delivering what you asked him to. He was even imprisoned for days. Very dangerous.”

Lamias interrupted while Chris hesitated. Davian’s face hardened. Chris sighed, glaring at Lamias.

“Don’t worry. I’m fine. I escaped safely, just locked in a warehouse for days. But I lost the item. I’m sorry.”

“…It’s not your fault. I’m glad you’re safe. If something happened because of that…”

Davian’s expression darkened.

“So, about that lost item.”

Lamias changed the subject, clapping his hands again. The two men turned to him. Lamias didn’t care about their glares.

“How much do you remember? The director wants to meet you about it.”

“I will report the mission to my leader.”

“Unfortunately, seeing Nexia will be difficult.”

“What do you mean?”

“Nexia has been out of contact for three days during an operation. A special operation with six agents, all missing. Survival chances are slim.”

Davian’s face paled. Chris looked stiff.

“My purpose here was to deliver this news. Umbra, where Nexia disappeared, will have Deputy Leader Pavel take command, and joint operations with Aegis are blocked. I don’t recommend returning. You’re now AWOL. You’ll be arrested upon return.”

“I will accept procedures and interrogations. I will only follow orders from Umbra.”

“If you insist.”

Lamias clicked his tongue, stepping back. He gave me a note to contact him if I changed my mind. I knew Davian wouldn’t open it.

“Then I’ll leave. The curse is gone, but remnants may remain, so take care. You’ll have headaches. I’ll leave medicine.”

Lamias packed, leaving a bottle on the table. Even after he left, the atmosphere remained heavy. I figured they needed time together and Davian needed rest, so I excused myself, saying “See you next time” to Chris.

I wondered if Lamias would be waiting, but he wasn’t. No further explanations. But back at the accommodation, an unexpected situation unfolded.

“Young master, welcome.”

“……”

Across from Ifrit, who greeted me, Lamias was drinking tea. When our eyes met, he beckoned me closer. He’d smiled so brightly at Davian, but now he looked uncomfortable.

“Things are annoyingly complicated.”

The grumbling started as soon as I sat.

“What’s going on?”

“Just as I said. The Umbra leader is missing. It was pending, but confirmed this morning. Joint operations are suspended. If there’s a problem with the head, operations are blocked. It’s a mess.”

So, he treated Davian in anger. Lamias, sweeping his hair, couldn’t hide his annoyance.

“Would it be easier if that guy cooperated? I was trying to simplify things, but he volunteered for a hard time. Stubborn and tiring!”

“What if the Aegis agent provides information to the Umbra leader?”

“Of course, I have to kill him.”

The blue eyes shone fiercely. I looked at him bitterly. No need to resemble Lapis so much. It’s like this here, so I can’t do anything, but I should never get involved when I go back. I resolved firmly.