They resumed paving the road towards the village. Joan was lying on the floor of the carriage. Head on the corn bag and shoes were removed. The duplicate was putting a wet cloth on his head. Making his head temperature to be reduced even with just a slight difference.

Isaias was focused on the road but he can’t help but worry about Joan. Whipping Priscilla on the process. The duplicate then walked towards the coachman who was Isaias. Sitting beside him then sighed deep..

“Joan suffered brain damage. I need to use [Regeneration] on him, [Full heal] will not heal his brain, only healing all his wounds but not cut limbs. [Minor heal] is for ripped muscles on exercise and tired old back like yours. I am afraid that I need to get to the Sky realm before I can heal him. Which is impossible as I can’t get stronger and can’t cultivate like the original. If my mana regeneration can cope up though, I can heal him or mana potions which is costly,” Duplicate said to him while worried.

“I will purchase mana potions if we arrived at the village. I hope we have enough money though,” Isaias said to him.

“I have been troubled all this time, the power of the Next Demon lord that Dullan will unseal is called corruption. He can corrupt normal people, even the elites are not exempted from his powers. I hope that you will protect Joan by that time,” Isaias said to him.

“Of course, I will protect him with my life on the line. Not that I can’t but I also knew the dread of this enemy. He will be a great enemy if he has the power of corruption. Well, are we near the Tomb of the Lord of Corruption?” Duplicate asked.

“Yes, and we are nearing the village so it will be near too,” Isaias said to him.

“Oh, right. I guess we will be having potions then,” Duplicate said to him.

Soon after, Joan was caressing his head and it made the Duplicate jolt in surprise. Immediately, Joan screamed in excruciating pain in his head. Rolling to the side and back to his position. Making the Duplicate to make him sleep again by his [Telepath] skill.

“Please Isaias, I need mana potions as soon as possible. His blood clot in his brain is spreading and the damage is severe. I can’t maintain the [Regeneration] spell with its mana consumption. My raw mana is not enough and thus I need a mana supply. As soon as possible Isaias, as soon as possible,” Duplicate said to him.

Isaias then felt worried. Not wanting to lose him was what clouded his mind. He remembered many children of prophecy have died into the hands of the dark forces and he will be next if he will die.

Not wanting to lose him, he hurried to the village. Fortunately, it was near and they soon started to see people wandering to and fro on the road.

Dressed as villagers, they were all talking idly about their own lives and the problems they faced. Even though their faces were troubled. Joan’s life was in danger. The two of them were not in the mood to smile at them.

They steeled their hearts and travelled faster than before. Having been seen by others, they wondered why they were so hasty of their travel.

Isaias was seen whipping the horse and the villagers were concerned about the horse they saw. Running at full speed and was panting heavily.

As they were nearing the village, exiting the forest road towards Dewalt village. They saw wooden walls that that were chiselled in their tip that looks like spikes. Torches were seen in the walls and tower guards were seen guarding the wall inside its tower made of wood.

They entered the walls while looking up to the towering walls and gates, making the village’s walls of Joan small compared to them. Furthering themselves to enter, they all saw villagers who were all plastered with fear in their faces.

“The neighbour village is attacked without survivors! We need you all to be in your homes at night! In case of an enemy attack, we guards will defend! Arm yourselves in case of someone breaking your doors!” The guards were all shouting, dressed in metal armors while they were making an announcement.

“They are alerted now and all of the villagers are prepared. I wonder why and how they are alerted?” Isaias said to the duplicate.

“It is because Joan’s crows can talk and have letters that are distributed throughout to the kingdom. Distributing them all when he saw that the village is all eradicated. It all happened when he was solitary in the hills while we are gathering the dead. The first to receive such letters is the Academy principal of our kingdom. Saying that his brother is killed and the Lord of Affliction has risen. I don’t know if they believed it but I hope so,” Duplicate said to him.

“Oh, so that explains the letters he made that time. So all of the key persons are alerted now, good! Now we have to tend Joan’s life. He will only last for several hours if this will go on.” Isaias said to him.

Duplicate then tend to Joan’s condition, starting to use the skill [Regeneration] on him.

“Go Isaias, please do find potions before my mana runs out.” He said then started to cast his skill.

Isaias then went to fetch one as he was told. He scanned the surroundings, looking for a store of potions. Thinking that this village was a hub for adventurers, he then went to find one. Houses were all made of woods and all were closed. Just walking the road that was dead silent and people were avoiding him when he inquired.

It only made Isaias to be agitated. Thinking that this world was deeply needed for hope and that was the prophecy child Joan. Saving him was more important than avoiding him just for them to feel safe.

Isaias then hurried his pace, running while knocking on the door of houses just to inquire where was their potion store.

He was getting desperate but he saw an adventurer that was walking towards a tavern. Looking at it, Isaias gained hope just by seeing it.

Entering the gloomy tavern, songs of bards lonely and worried faces were seen. Isaias then approached the lady teller to ask for the mana potion he needs.

“I am so sorry but the potion store is closed. You can ask the adventurers though if they have a spare.” The teller said then resumed her wiping the mug.

‘This is bad, I need to think of a plan.’

Isaias then went to stand on the table. Enough for him to be seen and heard by everyone.

“Ahem! Ladies and gentlemen! I will be having an offer to all of you! If you knew anyone who is suffering from incurable sickness, you can ask me and I can cure it! I am a prophet sent by the God of Angels for him to testify of his goodness! Blind? Deaf? Disabled? Cripple? You can name it!” Isaias said to them.

“Bah! Who cares who that is! You need to talk to the villagers outside not here where we are drinking wine to waste our lives. Unless you are with the crow who delivered messages to me?” The drunk man said to him.

“Yes, I am! The crow visited you?” Isaias asked perplexed.

“Yes, and I have a sister in that village. I am pleased that she and her family are with the Creator now. Her body is not turned into undead and is cremated. I didn’t believe it at first until I heard that all of the villagers are killed. I am the village head and I will send to you all who are sick. I hope you reignite the hope of the villagers by your words. They needed someone to have faith in these dark times.” He said then went outside the tavern.