The Revival of the Old Days 3

Karg was not the only one at death's door. Lina still lay unconscious nearby, the sheen of her scales looking lifeless even in the dimness.

"Hold on, Karg!"

Saruman's voice trembled, though he did not realize it himself.

He swiftly examined his comrade's wounds. The more he investigated, the further his heart sank. Ordinary healing spells were utterly useless against those black patterns. They were like droplets falling onto red-hot iron, instantly evaporating—and even provoking the patterns into more violent, backlash-like writhing.

And Karg's life force was being rapidly devoured by the bizarre corruption.

"Damn it! I have to save you!"

He could hesitate no longer.

Saruman's gaze sharpened with determination. He spoke quietly to Karg. "Listen, old friend. You can't die here. I need to use an unorthodox method. It may be—very painful, and it may bring unknown consequences. But this is the only chance we have to temporarily stabilize your condition."

Clearly.

Saruman still had some forbidden means he had not yet used.

He had been restraining himself from using it.

Most likely because the price of that method was immense.

"Uh—I... it would be normal enough for me to return to my homeland in death. Don't do something that will damn you beyond redemption." Karg's unfocused eyes barely managed to regain their focus. He saw the unquestionable resolve in Saruman's eyes. He wanted to shake his head, to refuse any method that might endanger his dear friend, but he no longer had even the strength to lift a finger.

"No. If you die here, you may end up like those enemies we encountered—imprisoned forever. I absolutely refuse to watch you suffer such a fate."

Saruman said no more.

He closed his eyes, held his hands over Karg's chest, and began chanting an ancient, tongue-twisting incantation.

This was