Setting Out (5)

Before the Archmage arrived, Ang returned to the deepest part of the Magic Prison.

He stood before Joandi's cell, his tone calm yet carrying a trace of pressure. "Have you made up your mind?"

There was no response from within the cell. Only the wind whistled through the cracks.

Ang frowned, reached out, and pushed open the heavy iron door. The hinges let out a piercing creak.

His gaze swept across the dim cell before settling on the curled-up figure in the corner.

Joandi leaned silently against the stone wall, her hair disheveled, her face pale, and dried blood still staining the corner of her lips.

Mottled bloodstains remained on the wall, as though left by her forehead slamming against it.

"Trying to kill yourself by bashing your head against the wall?" Ang took a few steps closer, crouched down, and gently held his fingers beneath her nose.

A faint breath still remained. He snorted coldly. "Looks like you don't want to die that badly."

He looked around, checked the bucket and containers, then glanced at Joandi again. Rising in silence, he left the cell and locked the door behind him.

An hour later, Ang returned to the cell.

This time, he held a crystalline bottle filled with a thick, ink-black liquid. Obscure magical runes were etched onto the bottle, which radiated a murky aura.

He opened the cell door and entered the stone chamber, gently lifting Joandi up. His movements seemed gentle, but held not the slightest pity.

Her weakened body was utterly incapable of resistance.

Ang slowly poured the black liquid into her mouth.

Ten minutes passed, and Joandi's threadlike heartbeat gradually recovered. Her breathing also became steadier.

Her fingertips began to tremble slightly, and a faint flush returned to her face.

Ang waved a hand, and a