Second Lead Syndrome (188 - 294 ) | ✓

• 188 •

The entire process was finally over.

Just as they thought things wouldn't get more horrifying, Cecil coughed out blood twice in the process.

She was completely unconscious now, and everyone could tell she wouldn't be waking up anytime soon. After all, the entire process, she was screaming in pain even in her unconscious state.

With Hana as their interpreter, K'xug informed them that it would take days before Cecil would awaken.

Meanwhile, everyone steered clear of Zasiok during the process.

The murderous aura around him was hard to ignore. Hana and K'xug couldn't help but find the resemblance between him and Xue, but it wasn't surprising.

After all, they were the same person.

Whereas, watching the process of it happening, Rugi couldn't help but feel knives stabbing into his heart. He watched the beautiful raven-haired woman shrieking in pain, feeling utterly helpless.

Zasiok and Rugi could only share Cecil's pain by allowing her to dig her nails into their arms. However, anyone could tell that it couldn't compare to the pain she was experiencing.

Zasiok gazed quietly at the serene Cecil, and the soul fragments were unusually quiet inside the mind as well. Xue had yet to awaken, the soul fragments had a feeling that Xue would force himself out again.

...and probably getting caught between staying still or strangling K'xug for causing pain to Cecil.

Sensing the same sinister dark magic surrounding Rugi, K'xug offered to help him as well. To his surprise, the sea green-haired man declined his aid

"There is no need," Rugi shook his head at K'xug, lowering his voice. "This is...just the perfect reason for me."

K'xug frowned.

It seems like Rugi only spoke those words for the two of them to hear.

"How is it, K'xug?" Haru questioned. "Is Rugi going to be okay? Can he be cured like...Cecil?"

The others leaned in to hear the answer from K'xug.

"..."

K'xug did not know to nod in agreement or shake his head in disappointment.

Rugi sat with one leg up, the sleeve of his kimono sliding down to reveal his shoulder and chest partially. However, the man himself did not bother and he placed the other leg down on the futon.

"We'll deal with that later, I'll survive for now," Rugi pushed the matter aside, his words light-hearted. "I know you came here looking for me, and as you can see, the situation isn't...too good. What do you require, other than the usual information?"

"Well, you see..." Haru scratched his head, grimacing. "Other than coming to you for information, our ship was...sort of...burnt down."

"The ship you supposedly stole from Lord Kiba or others?"

"Yeah."

Everyone looked at Haru admitting to it readily.

Rugi sighed, closing his eyes. "I know a couple of shipwrights, I'll send them over and if the situation is unsalvageable, I'll provide a ship."

"Thanks!" Haru grinned. "We can count on you as always."

Rugi smiled, the mole on his lips was too prominent.

"And for the information you require..."

The sliding door opened, revealing Tsuki and Masaru. They came back with clean, spare clothing in tow.