Halfway there, Akbin suddenly spoke:
"Maggie, why are you so fixated on [Plague Doctor]? I can tell you very clearly that this path is a dead end... not only is there no god at its end, there isn't even an Angel."
"I don't care."
Maggie sounded indifferent.
"I just want to put my ideals into practice, even if I fail."
Akbin turned to look at her.
The thick glass of his Raven Mask reflected the sunlight, concealing the look in his eyes.
"Mm... but you need to understand that even a doctor must learn to kill, because that's how this world works. Even if you don't kill anyone, others will come to kill you for all sorts of reasons...
"Just as you're now a member of Jack's team, you can't always serve only in a support role. The road is long, and all kinds of unexpected things will happen."
Hearing Akbin's words, Maggie nodded firmly, fully agreeing.
"I know, Teacher. In fact, I was expelled from the Nature Church for researching various poisons... of course, that was what the Forest Elders said. In my view, as long as it can save people, what does it matter if it's poison?"
Akbin laughed for the first time.
His voice was low, with a trace of delight.
"It seems you really are suited to this path, Maggie."
Akbin thought for a moment, then took out a glass jar containing a dog embryo immersed in yellowish-brown medicinal liquid.
Maggie looked at it curiously.
"In that case, let me teach you how to cultivate a 'Sick Hound'... this is one of my personal research achievements. It can provide powerful protection for frail doctors like us.
"I hope this knowledge will undergo even better refinements in your hands."
"Yes, Teacher!"
Wonderland.
The Gloom