Morning sunlight trickled through the windowpanes of the Merchants' Guild. Jinn sat stiffly at a small, polished table across from Ven. A feather pen, an ink bottle, and a scroll lay between them.
She glanced at the scroll. Her brows furrowed.
"This... is hard to understand."
Ven smiled gently, leaning forward. "Don't worry. I'll guide you."
He pointed to the first line. "This just says that your product's formula remains entirely yours. No one else will know or touch it."
Jinn nodded.
"This part," he continued, "means I handle the packaging and distribution. You just focus on making the powder."
"What about this?" she asked, pointing to a clause.
"That one ensures profits are split fifty-fifty. And this," he tapped another line, "lets either of us end the contract anytime if the other breaks the terms."
She read it again, slower this time. "I think I get it now."
Ven placed the pen in front of her.
With a deep breath, Jinn signed.
---
Later that afternoon, Jinn walked through the bustling market with a small pouch in hand. The chatter of sellers, the clatter of carts, and the aroma of spices filled the air.
"Ah, Mrs. Kirn's stall," she murmured, spotting the familiar woman sorting herbs.
She approached with a small smile. "Mrs. Kirn! Good afternoon. Fresh batch today?"
"Oh, Miss Jinn! Yes, just gathered this morning."
But before Jinn could pick anything, a man came running toward the stall, breathless.
"Mrs. Kirn! It's your daughter! She's... she's been poisoned!"
Mrs. Kirn dropped her bundle. Her eyes widened.
"W-What? How?!"
"Some creature bit her, and she's burning up! Her veins are turning dark!"
Panic crossed her face. She turned to the man. "Please guard the stall. Tell customers it's closed for emergencies!"
She turned to Jinn. "I'm sorry!"
"Wait!" Jinn called. "Can I just buy this one herb?"
The man shook his head. "I'm sorry, miss. I can't sell what isn't mine. I respect her too much."
Jinn lowered her hand, disappointed.
Seeing her face, the man softened. "I can tell you what to do. Pick the herb and go to Mrs. Kirn's house. Maybe she can sell it to you there."
"Thank you," Jinn said quickly and dashed off, herb in hand.
---
Mrs. Kirn's house was nearby. Jinn approached and slowed down when she heard cries.
Through the open doorway, she saw Mrs. Kirn crouched beside a small girl lying on a mat. The girl's face was pale, her breath shallow. Dark veins spidered along her arm.
Jinn stepped inside but stopped herself from speaking.
Out of reflex, she lifted her Appraisal Glass and aimed it at the girl.
Species: Human (Child)
Status: Poisoned
Cause: Venom of Shadefang Mole - a forest beast
Her eyes narrowed. "A Shadefang Mole..."
She looked at her own hand. Warmth stirred.
"Will it work?" she whispered.
She remembered the pages she read at the academy. The guide said a healer must call on the light of heaven, believe in divine energy pouring down from the skies.
(Inner voice: "Maybe that was literal? Like... the universe gives you power if you believe hard enough?")
She stepped forward. "Mrs. Kirn. May I help?"
The woman looked up, tear-streaked. "Miss Jinn... what is it?"
"That creature's venom is deadly. Your daughter needs help now."
"My brother's gone to fetch a healer, but the temple's too far..."
Jinn knelt. "I'm not a healer, but I know a spell that eases pain. It won't cure the poison, but it might help until someone arrives."
Mrs. Kirn clutched her hand. "Please... anything. I can't watch her suffer."
Jinn nodded. "Step back, please."
She took the girl's hand gently. Her other hovered above the child's chest.
"Heal," she whispered.
A warm golden light bloomed from her palm. It wrapped around her body and then flowed into the child.
Outside, the clouds parted. A shaft of radiant light broke through, blinding and pure. People in the market stopped, mouths agape.
"Is that... a god?"
"The heavens are opening!"
"A miracle?!"
Inside the home, the girl's breathing slowed. Her face eased. The darkness in her veins faded.
Mrs. Kirn stared in awe.
"She's... sleeping. Peacefully. The pain is gone."
She lunged forward and hugged Jinn, sobbing. "Thank you... thank you!"
Jinn smiled softly. "I only eased her pain. You still need to find the healer."
Mrs. Kirn nodded.
"By the way," Jinn added, "can I still buy that herb now?"
Mrs. Kirn laughed through her tears and handed it to her. "Take it. It's the least I can do."
---
Jinn walked away, herb in hand, heart light. A rare, quiet joy bubbled inside.
"This... actually feels good," she whispered.
---
That night, deep within the Temple of the Gods—
An aged Luminarch sat in silence until a priest rushed in, breathless.
"Head Cleric! There was a miracle in Cindres. Eyewitnesses say light descended from the sky."
The Luminarch stood up, trembling.
"Summon the carriages. Ready the Paladins. Gather the other Luminarchs!"
He raised a trembling hand.
"The prophecy from my dreams... The new Saintess has arrived!"