The man was finally stable. My tiny pills had stopped the bleeding and eased some pain, but that was all I could do. I sat on the floor, staring at him.
"…He's stable now," I whispered.
Liora peeked from behind the wall, eyes wide and trembling."H-He… didn't die… right?" she asked softly.
I shook my head. "No… just small pills. They won't fully heal him… but he's alive."
Her small hands clutched her doll tightly. "So… what now?"
I looked at the herbs scattered around. A plan formed."I'm going to make low-level pills. Sell them in the market… then I can hire a real alchemist. Someone who can actually make proper medicine and save him."
Liora's voice trembled. "Do… do you think that will work?"
I forced a small smile. "It has to. We don't have any other choice."
I worked carefully, crushing herbs into tiny pills. My hands shook, but I had to stay focused. "These are low-level… just enough to make some money… maybe help someone with scratches or fatigue," I muttered.
"Kael…" Liora whispered from the corner.
"Hm?"
"Don't fail," she said, voice quivering.
I gave her a small nod. "I won't."
By midday, I had a small pouch full of pills. Not perfect. Not strong. But enough to sell.
The market was loud and busy. I set up my little stall and tried to sound confident.
"Low-level healing pills… good for small injuries and fatigue!" I called.
A man with rough hands stopped. "You made these?"
I nodded. "Yes, sir. Not strong… just small wounds… safe."
He picked up a pill, sniffed it, and muttered, "Hmm… smells clean. How much?"
"Three copper coins each," I said carefully.
He handed me five coins. "Fine. Not bad for a kid."
I held the coins in my hands, heart pounding. "Th-thank you!"
A woman with tired eyes asked, "Will these help with bruises?"
"Yes… a little. Not strong enough for major injuries," I said honestly.
She smiled faintly. "Honest kid. Give me four."
By the end of the morning, the pouch was empty. Coins jingled in my small hands. Copper… a few silver… enough.
"…This should cover it," I whispered.
Clutching the coins tightly, I set off toward the alchemist's shop. My legs shook as I walked through the crowded streets. The alchemist was a stern, old man known for his skill with high-level medicine.
I arrived and knocked on the heavy wooden door.
A sharp voice called from inside, "Who's there?"
"I… I need your help!" I said quickly. "Someone is badly injured… I have some money… please, sir, come see him at my home!"
The door creaked open, and an old man with sharp, calculating eyes appeared."A child asking for an alchemist… that's not common," he muttered, glancing at me. "What do you want me to do?"
I opened my hand, showing the coins. "I sold some low-level pills… this is enough to pay you. Please… follow me and save him."
The alchemist studied me for a long moment, then nodded. "Alright. Lead the way."
Back at the house, Liora clung to my side, trembling."He… he's still scary," she whispered.
"I know… but we're safe now," I said, squeezing her shoulder. "The alchemist is here. He'll take care of him."
The old man knelt by the bed, inspecting the injured man carefully."…You've done well keeping him alive this long," he muttered.