13 Divine Essence Holy Herb (I)

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'Will he even come?'

The anticipation was palpable as I made my way to the designated meeting spot. The forest, shrouded in the darkness of night, created an eerie symphony of sounds.

The feeling of anxiousness that I was getting was the same as when you're an introvert about to step onto a brightly lit stage, with a hushed audience awaiting your performance.

The rustling leaves, the gentle hooting of owls, and the chirping of crickets painted a surreal backdrop for this clandestine rendezvous.

I couldn't help but wonder if Arthur would actually show up. The risk was enormous for him, and I'd played my trump card with the mention of his sister.

Though, the main reason why I specifically wanted his help even though I had Elisha was because, in the original novel, he helped the protagonist with his special ability in obtaining a holy herb.

Even though I am not sure if it could heal my illness, but it could certainly help me a lot in my health.

As I approached the meeting point, a hushed sigh of wind rustling through the leaves sent shivers down my spine.

I spotted her. Hana, or rather Arthur, stood there, bathed in moonlight that seemed to caress every contour of her body. Her long hair, the color of a raven's wing, swirled gently in the night's breeze, lending her an almost ethereal appearance.

The way she stood, it was as though she was on a date, waiting for someone special. It was both captivating and unsettling, especially knowing that Hana was, in fact, a man.

As I reached closer, he looked at me and guarded up.

If someone hadn't known of his gender, they would have definitely tried to impress him.

With his lustrous figure that didn't show a glimpse of any manlyness. Although, in height, he was bigger than me by a foot but that's just because I am in my puberty.

With a face showing slight signs of anger and frustration, he kneeled down.

"Young Master! I have thought about your proposal... I will be your sword as long you can guarantee my sister's safety."

Wow, he almost made me gasp. Honestly, I didn't think I would get a reaction like this.

"No need to kneel down, Arthur." I said, gesturing him to stand up.

"Am... But, could you tell me, Young Master? Why did you ask me to come at this time and hour?"

'Oh, getting straight to the point, huh?'

"Um...Why don't you calm down a bit? So first of all, we will be heading inside the black forest."

'Huh? Wh... What? Inside the black forest? Have you gone made Young Master?' Arthur couldn't help but think that as soon as he heard him talk about entering the black forest.

As the black forest wasn't just black in name, there was a reason why it was called the 'Black Forest' and that reason being monsters, strong ones.

And most importantly, 'Spiders!!!'

'I am gonna fucking die by those hairy spiders!!'

"Young Master, are you sure about entering the forest? It's not like other forest—"

"You don't have to worry about that. Now, follow me before the moon disappears, there's something we need to do."

With that said, I walked inside the forest.

"Huh...? wait for me, Young Master!!"

.

.

Inside the Black Forest. 

"What?!! Divine Essence Holy Herb! The from the legend?"

"Yes, the one from the legend? It's said to have incredible healing properties. I thought that it could help with my illness."

'Is he saying that the herb is here, in this forest? The herb that is said to be a mythical and legendary plant, rumored to possess unparalleled healing properties? The very herb that is sought by many powerhouses? No, no, no, he surely must be joking, right?"

"Young Master, are you certain that the herb is here, in this forest?" Arthur asked, trying to conceal his rising panic.

Zephyr nodded, my face resolute in the dim moonlight. "Yes, I've done my research, and all signs point to this place. The risk is great, but the reward could be even greater."

Arthur opened his mouth to voice his doubts and concerns, but before he could utter a single word, a soft rustling sound sent a shiver down his spine. He felt a tickling sensation on his shoulder and instinctively swatted at it, only to make matters worse.

His eyes widened with panic as he saw a large, hairy spider perched on his shoulder, its gleaming eyes reflecting the dim moonlight. With a scream that could rival a banshee, he leaped into the air, grabbing hold of Zephyr's leg as he did.

"Get it off! Get it off!" Arthur screeched, his voice reaching a pitch that might have shattered glass had there been any nearby. He clung to Zephyr's leg for dear life, making it nearly impossible for the young master to shake him off.

Zephyr, although startled, tried his best to remain composed. He hopped on one leg while attempting to dislodge the hysterical Arthur. In the dim moonlight, their chaotic dance resembled a bizarre waltz in the heart of the ominous Black Forest.

"Arthur, calm down! It's just a spider!" Zephyr exclaimed, still trying to shake his clinging companion loose.

But Arthur was beyond reason. His eyes were wide with terror as he continued to wail and flail, clinging tightly to Zephyr's leg like a terrified koala to a eucalyptus tree. The spider, meanwhile, seemed equally alarmed by the unexpected commotion and quickly scurried away, disappearing into the darkness.

Zephyr finally managed to pry Arthur's grip from his leg and helped him regain his footing.

Arthur took a few deep breaths, his trembling beginning to subside. "I hate spiders.''