"What… is this?"
Leon opened his mouth, but his voice ca out hoarse—so dry, so broken—that even he startled himself.
Ever since leaving Sein Dungeon, he hadn't had a drop of water, hadn't slept a wink, and had been constantly tornted by fear. Now, he looked no different from a walking corpse. No wonder no one in the street recognized him.
The proud lion Leon of the past would never have fallen into such a pitiful state.
"Pacifying Agent. A dicine that drives away fear—perfect for your current condition."
Wade slid a paper packet across the counter and added, "One packet, one silver coin. Fair price for everyone."
A silver coin? He's insane.
Leon knew that a single silver coin could buy a high-grade blood-recovery potion, or two to three mid-grade healing potions. A mid-grade potion was equivalent to a druid's healing spell.
And this shopkeeper actually thought his powder was worth that much?
"Pacifying Agent"? Leon had never even heard of it. And the na itself—was the guy implying Leon was afraid? Impossible!
But in his unstable state, Wade's words twisted into scornful mockery in Leon's ears. His anger flared.
"Heh. An idiot is still an idiot. You really think everyone's mocking you? That's all you'll ever be, little brother."
"Shut up!"
That eerie voice whispered behind him again—sharp, scornful—nearly driving Leon mad. He spun around, slashing wildly at empty air, as if he could cut down the phantom clinging to him.
His arm almost smashed into the counter when strong hands suddenly seized him.
"What are you—mmmph!"
Before he could resist, his mouth was pried open and the entire packet of Pacifying Agent was shoved inside. The dry powder instantly absorbed what little moisture remained, choking him into a violent fit of coughing.
When Leon finally began struggling with all his strength, Wade let him go. Leon stumbled back a few steps and collapsed to the floor.
"You—cough, cough—!"
Leon pointed angrily at the shopkeeper, about to curse him, but froze.
The voices… were gone?
"How… how is this possible?"
He stared at his hands in disbelief. The mont the powder went down, his vision sharpened. His eyes cleared. His mind quieted.
There were many unanswered questions in the world:
Could you summon Steve Jobs by playing "Spirit of the Pen" with an Apple Pencil?
Would collecting seven golden basketballs resurrect Kobe?
Did Miyazaki Hidetaka wander through Scarlet Rot as a child on his way ho? Was his favorite amusent park really Sei'an City? His friends?
Which was the most torturous map: Path of Pain, the Cathedral of White Blood, or the Tower Prison?
And now Leon had his own question:
How could so random powder he'd never even heard of cure him like this!?
He stood frozen for a long mont. When he finally confird that the voices were truly gone, his expression softened. With complicated feelings, he murmured, "Thank you."
Who would have thought such an unassuming shopkeeper had sothing so miraculous?
His upbringing told him this was the mont to show gratitude.
"One silver coin. Thanks for your patronage."
"Ah… right." Leon patted himself down, only to realize awkwardly that he hadn't brought any money. Of course—who carried coins around in their pajamas?
"Sorry, sorry. I didn't bring money. Could I have one of my companions co later to pay—"
He stopped mid-sentence. The others… they were probably in the sa state as him. Half-crippled by fear.
"Um… could we make a deal?"
Leon gave a sheepish laugh, feeling more wretched than ever. "Could you put it on my tab? I'll go ho and fetch the money."
"Sure." Wade shrugged casually. "Didn't you just say you'd have your companion bring it?"
"They're… in the sa condition I was."
Leon fell silent. He tried to sweep his hair back, his usual gesture of confidence. Normally, his golden locks would boost his charm by several levels. But now his arm felt unbearably heavy. He couldn't even lift it. Defeated, he let it fall and said, "Could you lend a few more packets of Pacifying Agent? I'll heal my companions and bring the money right back."
Only soone swallowed by fear could understand how horrifying it was—like being dragged into a lightless abyss, surrounded by unspeakable creatures taking form as your deepest terrors.
Now that he had broken free, he couldn't bear to let his comrades suffer even a mont longer.
For all his pride and temper, Leon still valued his companions.
Wade studied him silently.
"I swear on this face—I'll never scam you on the paynt!" Leon swept his hair back, revealing a pale but still-handso face.
"What, you planning to rip your face off and hand it to ?"
Leon blinked at the reply. Then it hit him, and he asked in disbelief, "Wait… you don't know who I am?"
"Should I?" Wade replied coolly, feigning ignorance—though he already knew.
"I…"
Leon opened his mouth but nothing ca out. A wave of disappointnt rose—mixed with a strange sense of relief. Disappointnt that his na wasn't known everywhere. Relief that his humiliation wouldn't spread.
He took a deep breath. "Alright. I'll go get the money now. Please prepare three packets of Pacifying Agent. I'll be back soon."
His body was still weak from hunger and thirst, but for his companions' sake, he forced himself to run.
"Wait."
Just as he reached the door, Wade stopped him.
"Take these with you. We'll settle later." He laid several packets on the counter with a smile. "You look like soone who keeps his word. I'll trust you for now."
If Leon dared skip out on the bill, he'd never set foot in Sein Dungeon again.
Leon was deeply moved. He grabbed the packets and shouted, "Thank you! I'll be back!"
"Hold on. One more thing."
Wade tossed him a piece of candy. "Eat this. Get so strength back. Wouldn't want you dropping dead on the way. And yes—it'll cost extra."
"Candy, huh." Leon popped it into his mouth. Apple-flavored. Sweet and tangy.
"Huh?" He blinked in surprise as his stamina quickly returned, like he'd just downed a stamina potion.
eting his astonished gaze, Wade said calmly, "From Gourt Zone. Don't make a fuss."
[Apple Gel (Tales of Arise)]
[Mana Required per 10 units: 5]
[No Combat Value]
[Restores a small amount of stamina when eaten]
"Thanks again." Leon's gratitude was even more heartfelt this ti as he turned to leave.
"And one last thing."
Wade tossed him a pair of slippers.
"Put on shoes before you go."
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