Rescue
Relying on this ability he had learned from Miss Sloth, Ebner quickly distanced himself from Ozil's villa on Haifang Street, heading straight for the outskirts of the city.
Along the way, he passed through many people's dreams: he saw an adventurer who had finally discovered treasure after enduring countless hardships; a young worker stepping into marriage with his beloved; a student drowning in despair after failing an important exam; and a wealthy lady meeting a playboy at a midnight rendezvous.
So many people are troubled by their own problems… It's a pity that "Doctor Strange" isn't suitable to appear in Bayam… Hmm?
Ebner sighed regretfully but stopped abruptly upon entering a new dream. In this dream, he heard a young girl crying and repeatedly asking, "How can I live like a human being?"
The girl's voice, filled with hopelessness and despair, struck a chord in Ebner's heart. It reminded him of the native girl buried by Klein in the original story—the girl who had died under a bridge from illness. On her tombstone, Klein had written: "She was a person."
If I remember correctly, that girl was named Budie… Could this be her?
After a brief hesitation, Ebner activated his ability to "guide" the dream, wanting to see what had happened to the girl.
Whether or not she's the Budie from the original story, judging by her current state, she's already at her limit… If I hadn't encountered her, it would've been one thing. But now that I have, I can't just ignore her when I have the ability to help.
As for the "Dreamwalker's" principle of "observe, record, but do not interfere—merely remain a spectator," that had nothing to do with a "Reader" like him.
Under Ebner's guidance, the girl began to relive her short yet tragic life:
Her father had once been alive, and though life had been hard, their family had enough to eat and wear during those ten "good" years. Two years ago, her father died in a road construction accident, and their family's situation plummeted. Her mother, with no other choice, sold her to the "Red Theater," where she became a "legal" prostitute.
In the Red Theater, she had suffered endless torment. Although Roselle had long invented condoms, many pirates and adventurers refused to use them for temporary pleasure. Her resistance was futile, and she eventually contracted an incurable disease.
After falling ill, she was thrown out of the Red Theater. She had no place to go and could only sleep under a bridge, relying on occasional charity food and free medicine to survive—living on the very edge of death.
After reviewing her dark and short life, the girl once again asked in her dream, "How can I live like a human being?"
But even in her dream, she couldn't find an answer. This was a question she couldn't even begin to imagine.
"Sigh… So it really is her… This was one of Klein's regrets in the original story. Fortunately, I arrived a few months earlier than Gehrman Sparrow. You can still be saved."
With a sigh, Ebner left the dream and appeared under a low, damp bridge.
In the corner under the bridge, a girl with torn clothing and festering wounds was curled up tightly. Her dirty face twitched with various emotions as if she were still trapped in her dream.
Ebner considered for a moment. Whether as the "Hero Detective" or "Doctor Strange," neither identity seemed appropriate here. So he activated "Roselle's Golden Armor Technique" and transformed it into the image of the "Phantom Thief Black Emperor."
In the original story, Klein failed to fulfill this believer's wish. I'll use this persona to make up for that regret.
Unfazed by the foul stench emanating from her festering wounds, Ebner approached and used his "Doctor" abilities to provide her with temporary treatment.
Due to insufficient materials, he could only alleviate her symptoms for now and not cure her disease entirely.
The girl, named Budie, opened her eyes. Although she was surprised to see the man in black armor before her, her long-numbed spirit left her with little fear. After all, she had nothing left to lose.
"Mister, is something wrong? Or am I not allowed to sleep here anymore? I'll leave right away…" Budie rasped, her voice hoarse and trembling.
She had encountered similar situations before. In this colonial city, places that offered shelter from the wind and rain were becoming increasingly scarce.
Ebner looked at her with pity, his voice low and steady. "You want to know how to live like a human being? I can answer that question."
"What do I need to do?" Budie's expression didn't show much hope. She assumed he had heard her muttering in her dreams and was now toying with her. She had met such people before—other vagrants not much better off than herself. But this was the first time someone in such elaborate armor had approached her.
"First, we need to cure your illness. Take this amulet and go to the nameless herbal store across from the Red Theater. Hand it to an apothecary named Darkwill, and he will cure your illness."
Ebner didn't need to read Budie's mind to know she wouldn't believe him. But anyone desperate for change would seize even the slimmest chance, no matter how doubtful they were. After all, she had nothing left to lose.
The amulet was an extraordinary item Ebner had previously crafted using some spiritual materials. It had no other effect besides giving its wearer "courage," and its efficacy lasted only three months. However, it was sufficient to pay for the medicine. More importantly, Darkwill, despite his sharp tongue, was inherently kind-hearted and would not refuse someone in need.
"Is it really that simple?" Budie asked skeptically. Despite her doubts, she didn't hesitate to stand up and attempt to walk away.
However, as she rose, she let out a soft gasp. Her body felt… less painful.
"I've given you some basic treatment to ease your pain. But to fully recover, you still need to see Darkwill." Ebner added calmly.
Budie bowed deeply, using the etiquette she had learned at the Red Theater. "Thank you so much, sir… I will complete your task."
"It's not my task… This is the beginning of your new life—a life as a human being. I hope you seize this opportunity. Also, do not tell anyone about me."
After emphasizing his final words, Ebner vanished into the shadows.
Budie stared wide-eyed at the spot where he had disappeared, murmuring softly, "Great Sea God, was it you who heard my prayers and sent this gentleman to save me?"
After a long while, Budie remembered Ebner's words. She clenched the amulet tightly in her hand and stumbled toward the direction of the Red Theater.
…
Ebner had initially planned to secretly escort Budie part of the way to ensure she wouldn't be robbed. However, at that moment, Mr. Fool happened to summon him to the ancient hall above the gray fog, presenting the results of a divination.
"The 'Strongman' Ozil received the reward from Panin, the senior deacon of the Church of the God of Combat, after ambushing a team of 'Nighthawks,' allowing him to advance to 'Weapon Master'?
So… in the original story, he probably never did this… which is why he remained just a 'Pugilist.'
Hmm, it's possible that the team of 'Nighthawks' didn't even find the island native king's tomb in the first place.
This doesn't seem like a butterfly effect caused by me…
Was there something wrong with that native king? Or… has the 'Goddess of Luck' deviated from the events of the original story?"
(End of Chapter)