Re: Tales of the Rune-Tech Sage Chapter 629: Divine Curse Trade I

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Despite the abrupt wave of enmity and threats thrown his way, Alex stayed utterly composed.

Dominion! Domination!

Beast Intimidation!

A mere fleeting glance from Alex immobilized most of the BattleBanes right in their tracks.

Even the ones spared from his direct stare faltered, too intimidated by the sheer dominance on display to make a move.

In the midst of that charged atmosphere, no one caught Udara stealthily returning to Eleanore’s side, carefully steering her several paces back from the heart of the standoff.

The display from Alex, coupled with the BattleBanes’ response, only intensified Lady Rosa Mercier’s mounting doubts about his true origins.

Yet she spotted what they overlooked.

‘No malice in his voice... and they had a potion that quelled Dalton’s frenzy,’ she pondered silently.

‘Truth or not... we dare not clash with them now.’

"St—"

"Stop! All of you!"

Lady Rosa prepared to step in, yet another preempted her.

Catching the stoic gaze of Alex looming above, Dalton swiftly issued the order.

"I apologise for their actions. I hope you can understand the reason behind their behaviour," Dalton said quickly.

"I do. That is the only reason I have not acted—despite them pointing their weapons at me," Alex replied evenly.

"What are you all still doing? Put your weapons down!" Dalton roared.

"But Captain—"

"Have you not disgraced our guild enough? If I am still your captain, then lower your weapons. Now!"

Some BattleBanes appeared eager to object, yet Dalton’s command quelled any resistance.

Grudgingly, they proceeded to sheathe their weapons.

Dalton pivoted back to face Alex.

"Sir Alex... did you just use a potion to reverse my rampage?" he asked, his tone laced with a trace of incredulity.

"Yes, I did," Alex replied with a nod, one brow lifting slightly. "You sound surprised. I take it you do not possess such a potion.

"How do you usually deal with the rampage?"

"You are correct. We have neither heard of nor do we possess such a potion," Dalton admitted. "Typically, the stronger members restrain the afflicted until the rampage subsides on its own."

"You are a captain. I doubt the other captains possess the strength required to fully suppress you in that state. So, I assume the one who restrains you is your Guild Leader... correct?" Alex asked.

A subtle, perceptive smile graced his lips.

"You told me to hold on just now and defend myself. Am I right to assume your leader is nearby and would have been able to stop you if I hadn’t acted?"

Dalton gave a wry smile.

"It is exactly as you say, Sir Alex."

"Then, would it be possible for me to meet your leader? I suspect our discussion would proceed far more efficiently that way," Alex said.

Dalton shook his head.

"Our leader will not make an appearance now that the situation has been resolved. Besides, their presence is not necessary for the agreement we are discussing."

"No," Alex replied, shaking his head in turn. "For the deal I am about to propose, I will require your leader’s direct approval."

Dalton frowned slightly.

"What deal?"

"Is it about the potion you used just now?" Lady Rosa stepped forward, joining the two men.

Comprehension flickered over Dalton’s features, his eyes sparking momentarily before dulling again.

‘If we could acquire that potion, then...’ the notion ignited a fire within him.

Alex shook his head.

"No. That potion merely suppresses the immediate symptom—your rampage. In addition to that, I can offer you something more... a treatment, and even a cure."

Dalton’s expression stiffened.

"A treatment would keep the curse at bay for several months, perhaps even up to a year. As for the cure... it would completely eradicate the curse, once and for all."

"That is possible? This is a divine curse," Dalton said, disbelief evident in his voice.

"That is for you to decide—whether you believe me or not," Alex replied with a casual shrug.

"However, regardless of your decision, understand this—the price will be exceedingly steep.

"Even a temporary treatment potion alone will not come cheap."

"How much?" Dalton asked without hesitation.

Rather than responding directly, Alex shifted his attention to Eleanore.

She locked eyes with him, nodded faintly, and advanced onto the arena floor.

"I will need to examine your condition. Is that acceptable?" she asked.

Dalton nodded.

"What do you require of me?"

"Simply remain still," Eleanore replied calmly.

Eleanore invoked a spell permitting her to evaluate Dalton’s state without physical touch.

After a short examination, she spoke.

Calmly, she declared, "He will require a concentrated dose. It will consume three full sets of materials."

Lady Rosa offered right away, "What materials do you need? Our merchant company will provide them."

Eleanore shook her head.

"Not all of the required components fall under conventional alchemical materials," she replied.

She turned toward Alex and gave a slight nod.

"Divine energy," Alex said plainly. "You will need divine energy—preferably sourced from a deity’s statue."

"What?!"

Both Lady Rosa and Dalton were visibly stunned.

"What? Are you surprised?" Alex scoffed lightly. "We are dealing with a divine curse. Naturally, divine energy is required to counteract its effects.

"That said, you will have to procure the statue yourselves. I have no intention of risking my people for such a task."

"Where exactly are we supposed to obtain divine energy? Break into a major temple or ancestral shrine and steal a deity’s statue or a spirit’s totem?" Dalton asked, his tone edged with disbelief.

"What are you talking about?" Alex raised an eyebrow. "When did I say it had to come from a major deity or high spirit?"

"Then where else would we find a statue or totem imbued with divine energy?" Dalton pressed.

"There are countless monsters scattered across the Wildlands, are there not?" Alex replied. "Some of them worship deities or spirits of their own. Would they not possess statues or totems brimming with divine energy?"

He shrugged lightly.

"Besides being mercenaries, I am sure you all –or at least some of you— are adventurers. Hunting such creatures is your trade. Acquiring one of those statues or totems along the way should not be beyond you."

A look of realisation dawned upon Dalton.

His eyes lit up, quickly followed by a hardened, determined gaze.

Alex continued, "We will provide you with a full list of the remaining materials for the treatment once you have secured a suitable divine statue or totem.

"As for our fee... it will be ten mid-grade berserk stones per dose."

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