Episode 28: "Athena, help me..."

While Izzan was mesmerized by the glow of the magic stone he had just extracted, a sudden sound of heavy coughing broke the silence. He turned to see his father, Aldric, coughing up blood, his face pale. Panic set in instantly.

Athena (system voice): "Emergency condition detected. Displaying subject's physical status."

A holographic panel appeared before him, showing the conditions of Izzan's parents:

Name: Aldric Elric

Condition: Critical

Poison spreading in bloodstream.Coughing up blood, weakened lung function.

Name: Mira Elric

Condition: Weak

Burn injuries on several body parts.Low mana, immediate recovery needed.

Seeing his father's deteriorating condition, Izzan felt desperate and anxiously asked, "Athena, what can I do?! I can't let them die!"

As anxiety built up, Izzan recalled a memory from his previous life. During a dangerous mission, he had been poisoned and was on the brink of death. However, thanks to the emergency medical knowledge he had gained through military training, he managed to treat himself.

(Flashback)

In that mission, Izzan was left behind in enemy territory. His limbs weakened from poison delivered through food. In the dark forest, he remembered his medical training. With limited emergency supplies, plants he had gathered along the way, and his survival skills, Izzan created a serum that saved his life from the deadly poison. At the time, Athena, still a consciousness-less AI, assisted him in processing and analyzing the poison.

(Back to reality)

Izzan took a deep breath. "Athena, we've been through this before. Let's do it again."

Athena: "We must act fast. I'll give step-by-step instructions. Use the magic stone to recover a bit of mana and create an infusion system from the bear's hide and organs."

Athena calmly explained the necessary steps, as if anticipating each action required.

Athena's Instructions:

Absorb the Magic Stone

"Absorb the magic stone to increase your mana. Although we are currently low on mana, the energy density in this stone can be used multiple times. Focus your mind, pull mana slowly and steadily."

Izzan clutched the magic stone tightly, feeling the flow of mana gradually entering his body. The status panel showed a slow increase in mana.

Create an Infusion System from the Bear Parts

"We need to make a manual infusion system for your father. Use the bear's belly skin as the infusion pouch, its veins as tubing, and the bear's claws as a needle. It may sound odd, but this is an emergency."

Quickly, Izzan carefully skinned the bear's belly, following Athena's guidance. He used the bear's claws to puncture small holes in the hide that would serve as an infusion bag, connecting it with the veins to create a makeshift tube.

Purify the Bear's Blood

"Now, we need purified bear's blood to provide nutrients and cleanse the poison. Use the Zelthar plant we found earlier during our journey."

Izzan remembered the plant he had gathered earlier. He retrieved the Zelthar plant, crushed it, and combined it with fire magic to heat the mixture. The bear's blood started to purify.

"This plant has detoxifying properties. Mix it with the bear's blood, then use it as a substitute for your father's infusion fluid."

Izzan combined the plant with the purified bear's blood, then filled the infusion pouch. Carefully, he inserted the makeshift infusion system into his father's arm.

Treat Mother with Ointment and Medicine

"For your mother, Mira, administer a similar treatment. Use the purified bear's blood for recovery. For her burns, take the Liadra plant we found earlier."

Izzan followed Athena's directions, mixing the Liadra plant with Tyllith seeds as instructed. He added bear fat and prepared the mixture, using the bear's heated hide. Then, he applied the salve to his mother's burn wounds.

"This ointment will help heal the burns, though the process will be slow."

Prepare an Emergency Bed

"Now, we need a soft bed for your parents. Use the bear hide you cut earlier as a mattress."

Izzan gathered the remaining pieces of bear hide and carefully spread them on the cave floor. He gently laid his parents on the makeshift bed, ensuring their comfort.

Additional Mana Absorption

"After completing all this, you must replenish your mana further. The bear's magic stone holds a large capacity and can be used multiple times due to its density. You can keep absorbing its energy until you reach a safe limit."

Feeling slightly more at ease, Izzan gazed at the magic stone in his hand. With deep concentration, he resumed absorbing mana slowly, ensuring he didn't push himself too hard.

Once the emergency treatment was done, Izzan slumped in exhaustion beside his parents. Sweat trickled down his forehead, but he felt relief, knowing he had done everything he could to help them.

Athena: "Well done, Izzan. All steps were performed properly. However, remember that we are still in a dangerous situation. You need more rest and mana recovery."

Izzan nodded, smiling faintly. "Yeah, I know. Thank you, Athena. I couldn't have done this without you."

Athena: "That's why I'm here."