Reborn As Noble Chapter 1177: The Race Against Fate ( 1177 )

"Incidentally, Javier?" Garius shot him a quick look.

"Yes, Father?"

"Could this one tag along with us too?" Garius looked toward his side.

Javier glanced up at the enormous golden Pekko.

Ah... Father’s Pekko. Giddie. The King of All Pekko. He’s tagging along with Father as well, huh?

It appears this Pekko truly can’t part from Father when heading out...

Looks like Buddy will need to act properly... or get compelled to.

Javier nodded. "Yes, esteemed Father. Giddie can join us as well. The GAASAD is designed to carry up to six grown Pekko along with all the passengers and supplies. Since only Buddy will be going with me, there’s plenty of space."

"Mm..." Garius turned and entered the GAASAD with Francesca and the others, while Giddie flashed Javier a sly grin and a sideways peek before arrogantly trailing after Garius.

Javier let out a breath and eyed Buddy, who had gone rigid. Liana looked up and grinned, noticing Buddy "behaving" correctly for a change.

As everyone boarded, Javier settled into the pilot’s chair. He powered up the systems, tapping the illuminated rune panels with familiar skill.

Liana took the seat next to him in the co-pilot’s position, as the rest found their spots in the back. Garius and Francesca occupied the front passenger row, joined by Alf and Erinette. Gloria, Felicia, Delya, and Mimi claimed the seats further back, with Buddy and Giddie taking up the large rear cargo space.

Javier donned the mana headset, and Liana did the same, fitting hers with elegant poise.

He checked the display and activated another rune. "Engaging secure protocol. Connecting to mana satellites and Sky Eyes. Destination set: Mathrias Estate."

His steady, composed voice broadcast through the cabin speakers. "Everyone, please buckle up. Departure is imminent."

Clicks of seatbelts echoed around the cabin as all passengers secured themselves.

The massive transport drone rumbled into action, its mana engines emitting a gentle glow as it gradually rose from the courtyard, ascending steadily into the sky.

With a snap of his fingers, Javier summoned several advanced, cutting-edge battle drones that appeared encircling the transport. Every one featured the newest gatling mana guns, multi-layered magic barriers, and missiles tipped with mana.

Javier touched a rune on the control panel, positioning the battle drones in a protective array. A pair sped forward to survey and clear the route ahead for a safe journey.

Next to him, Liana activated a series of runes, bringing the GAASAD’s defenses online. This included stacked magic barriers, mana rockets, sophisticated mana cannons, and various other protective measures.

A serene, mechanical voice resounded in the cabin: "Ready for takeoff in three... two... one..."

An abrupt, mighty thrust propelled the GAASAD to maximum velocity, the acceleration softly pushing everyone back into their seats. The scenery beyond the windows streaked by in vibrant blurs as the transport drone surged ahead, slicing through the heavens at astonishing speed.

Meanwhile.

Mathrias Region.

Mathrias Estate.

Within a particular chamber, Rolland observed as multiple healers applied their restorative spells to a frail young girl resting feebly on the bed.

At his side, his wife Sylvia pressed her face against his shoulder, sobbing quietly while clinging to him.

The chief healer shook his head, prompting the others to cease, their mana depleted and faces fatigued.

The leader approached Rolland slowly and offered a profound bow.

"We are deeply sorry, My Lord. But we cannot achieve more. We’ve used all our skills, yet we can’t pinpoint this ailment’s origin. It resists every form of healing magic we know."

Close by, the primary priest slumped in weariness, shaking his head before standing and coming over with his group. "Our apologies, My Lord. We’ve employed every healing and cleansing ability at our disposal, but the condition only intensifies. It ignores purification, and we’re unable to detect the curse or malady behind it. It surpasses our comprehension."

Rolland regarded both the healer and the priest.

"Isn’t there anything else you two can try? Something?" He shifted his gaze between them, his tone tense. "You managed to steady her earlier, right?"

The chief healer advanced, his face tired and remorseful. "My Lord, we could only ease her symptoms briefly, but the core disease surged stronger with each attempt. It’s like our healing magic gets devoured or warped by something inside her. We can’t fathom the reason. It violates every healing law we recognize. Treating her accelerates her decline each time."

Sylvia’s lip quivered as she faced the priest, her words cracking with despair. "Please... isn’t there any way? She’s our sole daughter..."

Yet the head priest shook his head, his look burdened with sorrow. "I am profoundly sorry, My Lady. Once destiny is fixed and demise nears... no spell, no invocation can delay it indefinitely. We’ve exhausted our efforts."

Sylvia hid her face in Rolland’s shoulder again, weeping gently as he embraced her, softly rubbing her back. The head priest and his followers bowed in respect before slipping out silently, with the lead healer and his drained team trailing behind.

Once they departed, Sylvia, still in tears, caught a faint, hushed voice from the bed.

"M... mo...ther..."

Sylvia’s eyes flew open wide, and she hurried to the bedside, grasping her daughter’s hand.

"Yes, Gracelle? Mommy is here." She replied softly, striving to steady her voice.

Gracelle managed a feeble smile, summoning her remaining strength, and met her mother’s gaze.

"I’m... so... sorry... mo...ther..." She struggled to draw breath, her inhales shallow, and mustered a pale smile. "I’m sorry... for being... a burden... to you both."

"No, don’t say that, Gracelle, please." Sylvia comforted her, caressing her hand tenderly. "You’ve never been a burden. Never."

Gracelle shook her head faintly. "No... I... can feel it... coming... the pain... is no longer... there..." She offered a weak smile, her words a mere murmur. "I... can’t even... feel... my legs... mo...ther..."

Panic widened Sylvia’s eyes as she massaged Gracelle’s chilled hands, attempting to warm them. "Please, don’t say that, Gracelle. Please hold on. We’ll find another healer, someone who can help you. Just hold on a little longer."

Gracelle gave a dim smile, shaking her head feebly. "No... mo...ther... what... the priest... said... is true... We cannot... fight... death..."

Her eyes glistened as she held her fragile smile. Sylvia wept more intensely, seeing Gracelle’s breaths turn deeper and more strained.

"I... if only... I could... see... someone... before... I..."

( End Of Chapter )