Dumba and the others gazed at the unconscious monster sprawled in the center of the chamber, a mixture of doubt and disbelief swirling among them. Many murmured in disbelief that they could behold this six-armed beast with their own eyes.
I murmured, "I plan to study this creature up close. Dumba, do you know a suitable place for my research? I need somewhere quiet."
Dumba pondered for a moment before replying, "I don't think this place is right for you, but perhaps you could find a larger space on the mountain across. My brother said that was the site of the first laboratory established by Rutfush when he created the initial serum. He later moved his operations further away."
"Very well, I suppose I will conduct my research there. If I may ask, how long did it take Rutfush to complete his serum?"
"About three years. Will you need that long to find the antidote?"
I responded only with a faint smile and asked, "Is anyone willing to accompany me to the mountain?"
Everyone exchanged uncertain glances, stepping back as if the very air was thick with fear, except for Dumba. Reluctantly, the dark-skinned man volunteered to be my guide.
I spoke reassuringly, "Fear not; we won't take the ground route. We shan't be caught by the monster."
Dumba sighed in relief. "I'm glad to hear that. Alright then, let's go!"
The three of us exited the cave, with me hoisting the large body of the unconscious six-armed monster above my head. Dumba climbed onto the floating Vimana with Kwanita, who stepped cautiously onto the lotus-like craft, something he had never experienced in his life.
Upon reaching to the other mountain, Dumba signaled to the inhabitants there. The gates to their settlement swung open, revealing a larger group of the Negrida people. Dumba immediately entered, announcing the arrival of a one-armed savior with white hair. Kwanita and I waited by the door until he finished.
Once given the signal to enter, I carried the six-armed monster before them. Despite Dumba's attempts to explain what had transpired, their faces reflected sheer terror.
I spoke loudly, "I apologize for our sudden arrival. I require a place to investigate and research this monster to create a restorative serum. Please show me to a suitable location."
They all agreed to lead me to the first laboratory where the original problems had begun. Kwanita and I proceeded toward it, the unconscious monster still in tow. Unbeknownst to us, all the cave dwellers followed behind, cautiously peeking in.
Inside the laboratory, I placed the creature on a large stone table, crafted specifically for various forms of research. I examined the monster meticulously, studying it from head to foot, even analyzing its bodily fluids. The room, though once a site for research, was now in ruins, covered in green mold and fungi. Unfortunately, there was no usable equipment left. I had to resort to scanning with my energy.
After three hours of observation, I gleaned useful information. The virus used to create the serum was called Arradum. It had mutated uncontrollably within the monster's body, triggered by the adrenaline coursing through a body rendered motionless. Now that I understood the virus, I only needed to develop a vaccine. However, crafting a restorative serum from it would be no simple task. It required Gilgaxar, an insect created by Rutfush twenty years ago, a live one.
I turned to Dumba, asking, "Where can I find Gilgaxar?"
The man looked taken aback. "How do you know about Gilgaxar?"
"I found its fluid within this monster's body. The virus created by Rutfush, Arradum, can only proliferate within Gilgaxar. Now tell me, where can I find that creature?"
Dumba shook his head. "Gilgaxar is extinct. It was consumed by the monsters. They are very fond of that insect because it makes them stronger after eating it."
"Are there any similar creatures around here?"
Again, Dumba shook his head. "All the creatures have been eaten by them. Both large and small animals have been wiped out."
I had to think hard. It seemed I couldn't use Gilgaxar as a reference for creating the restorative serum. I inquired of Dumba, "What food do these monsters detest?"
Dumba inspected the cave walls. "The mushrooms and moss that cling to the walls are what they loathe most. I once saw them attempt to eat this mushroom. They rolled around in agony, but it didn't last long; after about five minutes, they recovered. After that, the other monsters agreed never to consume the mushroom again."
I pondered for a moment, observing the mold. Then, I squeezed their liquid and dropped it into the mouth of the monster lying on the table. Moments later, the creature jolted awake, convulsing in pain. Its eyes bulged a fierce red. Fortunately, its body was immobilized. But the scream echoed through the chamber, causing everyone who had been watching to flee in terror.
I observed closely what happened to the monster's body as it screamed in agony. The viruses within moved wildly upon contact with the mold's liquid before they ultimately perished. However, the adrenaline within the creature surged rapidly, stimulating the virus to regenerate.
If only I could produce this mold's liquid in abundance and block the adrenaline, then the virus could potentially die permanently. I asked Dumba, "Do you have a supply of these mushrooms?"
Dumba nodded. "Plenty. Since these plants have never been disturbed by monsters, we cultivate them as our daily food source."
"Then I want you and your friends to gather all the mushrooms and moss you can find here for their liquid. We will create a restorative serum using your food."
Dumba nodded and dashed into the room to inform everybody about my request. Swiftly, they began collecting all available food supplies and brought them into the room for me to examine.
Kwanita floated closer on the Vimana, asking, "Have you found a way to restore this monster back to human form?"
"Not entirely yet. I need to conduct some experiments first. If successful, we may end the suffering that has befallen these people and restore their loved ones."
"I hope so. I wonder where the scientist who created all this trouble has gone. Why has he seemingly vanished without a trace? Is he still alive?"
"Who knows? Probably, if he discovers what we're doing here, he wouldn't be pleased."
Dumba returned, carrying a large basket of mushrooms and moss. Other dark-skinned men followed suit, bringing in even larger baskets in turn. By the end, there were about ten baskets piled high before me.
I began to inject the mushroom liquid into the monster's body in larger quantities. It thrashed violently once more. This time, I attempted to block the adrenaline with celestial energy while restraining the creature from moving. Five minutes passed before the monster began to calm down. All the Arradum viruses within its body perished without the chance to regenerate due to the blocked adrenaline.
Slowly, the monster's consciousness began to return. It glanced at Dumba and me in turn, then spoke in a normal human voice, "Dumba? Is that you?"
Dumba was taken aback by the voice he had not heard in many years, his eyes glistening with tears. "Eric? Is that really you?"
The monster nodded. "Yes, it's me. I am your brother."
Eric and Dumba embraced tightly, the six arms of the former enveloping his younger sibling in a heartfelt reunion.
Eric then asked, "What happened? Where am I?"
Dumba recounted everything from the beginning. Kwanita and I listened quietly in the corner, allowing the two brothers their moment of connection. Sadness was evident in Eric's eyes as he learned about everything that had transpired over the past twenty years. Tears fell uncontrollably.
It was strangely poignant to witness a fearsome six-armed monster weeping.
One by one, the onlookers gradually entered the room, drawn by curiosity. I urged them to sit in order not to disturb them. They complied, filling the space with rapt attention directed at the two brothers.
Eric said, "This is a lesson for us all, especially for me. To avoid greed, to not thirst for power, and to appreciate what we have as it is. Rhinggamana Astolfo, I am grateful that you have come to us when all hope seemed lost. From the depths of my heart, we thank you for all you have done. Forgive me for asking so much, but we still need your strength to heal the others who have become monsters out there."
I placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder, saying with conviction, "With all my ability, I will do my best to help you."
"Thank you. With all the knowledge I have left, I will assist you in creating as many restorative serums as needed."