Inside the mayor’s mansion, Atlas looked anxiously at his daughter, his face etched with worry. Before him, his daughter, Effie Jablonski, was bound in chains and surrounded by an arcane array.
“Don’t blame me, Effie. I have no other choice. This is the only way to prevent you from hurting others, Atlas said, tears in his eyes.
He didn’t want to do this, but after Effie killed several alchemists, the entire mayor’s mansion was besieged by rumors and criticism, leaving him with no alternative.
“Dad, don’t be sad. I won’t blame you. If my illness truly has no cure, then it’s better to end my life. I don’t wish to become a murderous lunatic,” Effie comforted her father.
“Rest assured, I’ve issued a notice. If anyone can cure you, I’m willing to agree to any of their demands. Even if it means relinquishing my mayorship, I’m prepared to do it. I just want you safe and sound.”
Atlas’ eyes brimmed with love and a readiness to sacrifice everything for his daughter.
Effie, on the other hand, felt a pang of guilt upon hearing her father’s words. She couldn’t comprehend why she had turned into this state.
“Dad, where’s Mom? I haven’t seen her for several days,” Effie asked.
“Your mom…” Atlas hesitated, unsure whether to tell his daughter the truth.
His wife had been bedridden for days due to stress from their daughter’s condition, and he had not told Effie to avoid worrying her.
Noticing her father’s hesitation, Effie became anxious and was about to press for more information when the butler came in and reported to Atlas, “Mr. Jablonski, an alchemist named Mr. Goeckner has responded to your notice. He is waiting outside right now.”
“Please, bring him in immediately!”
Atlas was overjoyed. No alchemist had been willing to come to the mayor’s mansion due to recent rumors, which had left him apprehensive.
Alchemists were a rare existence in Ethereal Realm. Where cultivators were common, alchemists were not, especially in the southern region.
As a result, even a low-level and weak alchemist would garner respect and could lead an honorable life in Ethereal Realm.
Shortly, Hyrum was ushered in, and Atlas eagerly approached to greet him. “Mr. Goeckner, I hope you can save my daughter. Cure her, and any conditions you may have will be negotiable,” Atlas expressed respectfully.
Hyrum was somewhat nervous at that moment, fearing that his true identity as a Demonic Cultivator would be revealed.
“Mr. Jablonski, there’s no need for formalities. Let me see what ails your daughter,” Hyrum said and turned to look at Effie, who was still bound in chains.
Atlas led the way, providing an explanation of Effie’s condition. As he listened, a glint of excitement flickered in Hyrum’s eyes.
From Atlas’ description, it became apparent that Effie wasn’t sick but poisoned, and the symptoms resembled those of poison veil-a poison Hyrum himself had crafted.
If it was indeed that poison, he would have a method to cure Effie, putting Atlas in his debt.
“Mr. Jablonski, open up the arcane array. I need to examine your daughter, but during the process, I’ll require the use of an arcane array to shield my aura from detection,” Hyrum requested, concerned that his aura might be revealed during the examination.
“You have my full cooperation, Mr. Goeckner.”
Atlas nodded and deactivated the arcane array to allow Hyrum near Effie. Hyrum conducted his examination, and at first glance, Effie appeared normal, resembling any other person.
However, as Hyrum approached, Effie’s eyes suddenly turned blood-red, and she became delirious, glaring and growling at him.
