286

Not Interested in Money

"Absolutely not," Forseti replied, stepping forward. He released a burst of holy light towards the already injured horse, and in an instant, the wounds began to heal rapidly. The horse, formerly in critical condition, swiftly rose to its feet and shook its head.

Carlo's expression changed upon seeing this. "How did you do that?"

"My name is Anduin, a priest of the Holy Light," Forseti smiled gently.

He chose not to reveal his title as a paladin, knowing it might raise unnecessary suspicions.

"A priest of the Holy Light?"

"Just as before, I can heal severe injuries," Forseti explained.

Carlo's interest was piqued. "So, what exactly do you intend to do to make my horse run faster?"

Forseti glanced around. "There are many people here..."

Carlo waved dismissively. "With this many people, do you think cheating is a well-kept secret? All the horses here use performance enhancers."

Forseti was taken aback.

Carlo continued, "Of course, while every horse receives enhancements, only those that go undetected in farm inspections get used. The method you're suggesting involves a low-grade stimulant that's easily detectable."

Forseti reassured him, "Mr. Carlo, rest assured. No one can detect what I use."

He remained confident in Venom's abilities. While their combined form in combat resembled an Ultraman, drawing attention, Venom could completely conceal itself within the host's body, evading detection.

In this partial symbiotic state, their strength increase was not complete, but it sufficed for horse racing.

Carlo pondered briefly before nodding. "Alright, let's see it. Come with me."

Forseti accompanied him away from the racetrack and onto a spaceship.

Upon boarding, Carlo found himself embraced by two scantily clad women, who giggled flirtatiously.

Carlo hugged them close, then instructed, "Let's depart."

The spaceship lifted off immediately, carrying them to a grand estate shortly thereafter. It was called an estate, but Forseti saw it as a lavish circus.

The primary resource on Saka Star was cosmic debris, evident in the colorful and extravagant style everywhere.

"Show me what you've got, Anduin," Carlo reclined on a chair, enjoying the company of the two beauties, and gestured for the attendants to bring Su Ma.

Forseti smiled, producing a vial containing a thick, golden liquid – the Light-Casting Symbiote's venom.

Unknown to anyone in the universe, except him, the existence of the Light-Casting Symbiote remained a secret. To others, the golden liquid in this vial might appear to be some form of potion.

Carlo asked curiously, "What's this?"

"The Potion of Holy Light. A single vial is worth hundred of thousands credits," Forseti explained, as he pretended to administer the venom to Su Ma.

The venom entered the horse's system.

"Neigh—" The horse neighed loudly, its hooves suddenly kicking with newfound strength.

Forseti patted Su Ma's head, prompting the horse to turn and gallop across the open space. Its speed had noticeably increased, evident to all.

"Incredible speed!" Carlo's eyes widened with excitement. He sat up from his recliner. "Check if it can detect any stimulants."

An attendant stepped forward with a device resembling a needle. He pierced it into Su Ma's body and, after a few seconds, it displayed a Sarkar text: Passed inspection.

Seeing the result, Carlo rejoiced. "This is truly miraculous. With this, the race's outcome is entirely up to me!"

He had Su Ma run a few more laps, each maintaining astonishing speed.

"Unbelievable..." Carlo sighed in amazement. He patted Forseti on the shoulder. "My dear friend Anduin, how about selling me 2,000 bottles of this potion? I want them all."

Unexpectedly, Su Ma suddenly collapsed to the ground, convulsing violently and foaming at the mouth, as though on the brink of death.

"What's happening?" Carlo rushed forward.

"I... I don't know," the attendant stammered, sweating profusely.

Forseti approached, saying, "Leave it to me."

He placed his hand beneath Su Ma's body, discreetly releasing the symbiote venom, unseen by others.

Withdrawing his hand, Forseti invoked a gift of faith. Su Ma's condition improved rapidly, and it stood up once more.

"This is a side effect of the Holy Light Potion," Forseti explained to Carlo.

"Side effect?" Carlo frowned, his brow furrowing.

Forseti nodded gravely. "Yes. While the Holy Light Potion greatly enhances a creature's abilities and remains undetectable by conventional means, prolonged use can cause severe injury or even death to the user."

"This serious?" Carlo was taken aback.

Forseti assured him, "Of course. As a priest of the Holy Light, I guarantee there will be no serious injuries or deaths as long as I'm around."

Carlo's tense expression relaxed.

Forseti continued, "Actually, Mr. Carlo, I sought you out because I hope you'll fund my research to refine the Holy Light Potion."

"What kind of financial assistance do you need?" Carlo inquired.

Forseti shook his head. "I'm not interested in money. I merely require certain medicinal ingredients."

Carlo smiled. "Anduin, people like you are what I admire most."

Suddenly remembering something, Carlo approached Forseti. "By the way, the Holy Light Potion couldn't possibly be used on gladiators."

"...You know, horse racing is trivial compared to the championship fights on Saka Star. If the Light Potion could work on gladiators, not only I, but my cousin Grandmaster would also be very interested."

Forseti replied, "Not yet, but that's my goal. Mr. Carlo, with your support, I believe it won't be long before I enhance the Holy Light Potion for gladiators."

In the following weeks, Forseti used Venom to assist Carlo in consistently winning and profiting in Marseille, upholding his reputation of having no interest in money.

This significantly endeared Forseti to Carlo, who saw him as a trusted ally. Within a month, they became close acquaintances.

Though Forseti didn't spend a single penny, he gained substantially. Carlo believed he was advancing the potion's efficacy and often provided him with rare medicinal ingredients exclusive to Saka Star.

One day, after leaving the racetrack, Forseti and Carlo were elated with their race results. Carlo boarded the spaceship, his face beaming.

"Oh, Anduin," Carlo suddenly remembered. "My cousin Grandmaster's birthday is approaching. You and I must attend the celebration. Trust me, it's the grandest party on Saka Star."