235 THE ARTIFACT
[The Court of the Governor of Sodom City]
Hagglis of the Toledo family strode into the governor's court with an air of barely contained excitement, his steps quick and his eyes gleaming with anticipation. The ministers and officials turned to him, curious about his enthusiasm.
"Why the cheerful face, Hagglis?" Minister Alem inquired with amusement, "You look as though you've stumbled upon a treasure."
Hagglis of the Toledo family was the main supplier of magic artifacts and weapons to the city's guards. He came to propose a treasure to the governor.
Hagglis paused to catch his breath, his words tumbling out in a rush. "Do you recall when you asked me about power enhancements for the city's soldiers? Well, I've found something that may help."
General Nahum asked, "Is that so? What have you discovered?"
"I recently acquired a rare artifact from Debauchery City," Hagglis explained, his voice brimming with pride. "It has the ability to bestow magical blessings upon soldiers before battle, significantly enhancing their strength and magical abilities."
Governor Zeru, seated at the head of the court, frowned skeptically. "Are you certain this isn't some trick or false hope?"
Hagglis met the governor's gaze with unwavering confidence. "I've studied the artifact extensively and even made improvements to its design. I assure you… its power is real."
"Where is this artifact now?" General Nahum asked, his tone a mix of curiosity and caution.
"I've brought it here to the Governor's residence," Hagglis replied. "I thought it best to demonstrate its capabilities here with your soldiers."
The governor exchanged glances with his ministers before nodding. "Very well. Let us see this artifact in action."
The group made their way to the training courtyard, where a large, ornate fountain had been placed at the center. The fountain was intricately decorated with statues of horses and oxen, their forms lifelike and imposing.
Hagglis approached the fountain, his hands moving in precise, practiced motions as he began to cast a spell.
The air around the fountain shimmered, and a radiant rainbow of light enveloped it. The water within began to glow with misty, ethereal energy, its surface rippling as though alive.
Hagglis scooped a cup of the enchanted water and offered it to the governor.
"Is this the so-called magical blessing?" General Nahum asked, taking the cup from Hagglis and inspecting the liquid with a critical eye.
He gestured for one of his soldiers to step forward.
"Drink it," he commanded.
The soldier hesitated for a moment, then obeyed, downing the water in one swift motion. Almost immediately, his body seemed to surge with newfound energy. His movements became faster, more precise, and his strength visibly increased as he demonstrated his enhanced abilities.
"You see?" Hagglis said, a triumphant smile spreading across his face. "The effects are even stronger than the potions of the Pharmacies."
General Nahum's eyes gleamed with approval. "If this works as you claim, it could be the key to turning the tide against the armies of Koresh, should they dare to attack us."
Governor Zeru, however, remained cautious. "I'm not entirely convinced. Such power often comes with a price. We must proceed carefully."
Minister Alem, ever the voice of reason, stepped in. "Let us test the fountain's effects over the next few days. If it proves reliable, we can consider its use in our defenses."
The governor nodded reluctantly. "Very well. We'll proceed with caution."
------
Governor Zeru gestured toward the grand fountain, its crystalline waters shimmering under the torchlight. "What do you think of this Fountain of Blessings?" he asked.
Leo eyed the fountain, his expression unreadable. "We'll find out soon."
He brought Megane to the governor's residence specifically to analyze the so-called miraculous water. She carefully scooped a sample and ran it through her instruments, her eyes narrowing in concentration as she examined the results.
After a moment, she straightened. "This water contains a potion that temporarily enhances the strength and dexterity of battlemages. From what I can tell, there's nothing inherently wrong with its magic."
Governor Zeru let out a relieved breath. "That's excellent news." His mind was already calculating how he could use this power to strengthen his soldiers in times of war.
But Leo wasn't convinced. He glanced around, his sharp gaze settling on the soldiers nearby. "Have any of them taken the magic water?"
At Zeru's command, several soldiers stepped forward, standing stiffly for inspection.
Leo summoned his control panel, eyes scanning the magical signatures within their bodies. He frowned. Despite the effects of the magic water long gone, the magic codes of the fountain's water remained.
"What do you see?" Zeru asked, sensing Leo's unease.
Leo continued his examination in silence. Megane, noticing his hesitation, added, "I've checked them thoroughly. There's nothing wrong with them."
Leo exhaled slowly. "Not yet. But there's something hidden in them—a secret code… no, a curse or latent poison."
Zeru's expression darkened. "A curse? What kind?"
"I might be able to activate it."
With a flick of his thoughts, Leo manipulated the residual magic in one of the soldiers. He tried the many connections those codes could attach to the soldier's bodies. After some trial and error, he did it.
The man let out a guttural growl, his eyes turning bloodshot, veins bulging and twisting like serpents under his skin. His muscles swelled unnaturally as his body pulsed with raw power—but his mind fractured.
Then, with a bestial roar, he lunged straight at the governor.
Zeru barely had time to react before his guards sprang into action. They grabbed the soldier, struggling to restrain him, but the more they fought, the stronger he became.
His strength grew exponentially, his attacks turning wild and frenzied. In a sudden burst of force, he broke free, his maddened gaze locking onto Zeru once more.
Zeru instinctively raised his hand to strike him down—
But before he could, the soldier collapsed, his body limp, his vitality drained in an instant.
Leo deactivated the curse.
Zeru turned to him, shaken. "What in the world was that?"
"A curse", Leo replied.
"What happens if you didn't stop the curse?"