Chapter 6: Barrier – Part 4 

“You are a smart child,” the snake said as it slowly wrapped around me. 

“So… what do you want?” I asked, ready to give anything if it meant surviving. 

“Just a little of your blood,” the snake replied calmly. “Cursed blood is very valuable.” 

“Fine,” I said. I unsheathed my sword and cut my hand. Blood dripped down, but my face stayed emotionless. 

“Thank you, child,” the snake said as it licked the blood from my arm. It was disgusting, but better than losing my head. 

“Your blood tastes incredible,” the snake continued. “Such a cruel curse… how did you come to bear it?” 

Being pitied by a snake shook me. If even a guardian beast felt sorry for me, then my situation was far worse than I thought. If I couldn’t find a cure… I might have to end things myself. 

I shook my head to show I didn’t know. 

“There is a cabin south of here,” the snake said. “You’ll find food and medicine there. You can rest safely—this is my territory. Nothing will harm you.” 

“Why are you helping me?” I asked, tightening my grip on my sword. “You’re not just a snake… you’re a demonic beast.” 

The snake laughed softly. “I recognize your sword movements. They remind me of a young woman from long ago. Quite a coincidence to find her child—or disciple—here.” 

“You knew Master?” I asked. 

“Oh yes. She’s the one who took one of my eyes.” 

Only then did I notice the many scars covering the creature’s body. 

“She gave me a memory I’ll never forget,” the snake continued. “I’ve never felt more alive. But you still have a long road ahead of you.” 

I looked down at my hand. The bleeding had already stopped. The wound was healing unnaturally fast. 

“How…” I whispered. 

“I see,” the snake said. 

“What do you mean?” 

“Call me Keralit,” she said. “I am not a snake—I am a basilisk. Lilia clearly didn’t teach you much about ancient beasts. Your wounds are healing because the demon inside you is repairing your body. You are beginning to merge with it. Disgusting… and dangerous. From what I can tell, it may not be just one demon. It could be several—or a demon mother.” 

“I guess I was born just to die,” I said flatly, as if I had already accepted it. 

“Child,” Keralit said gently, “I have lived longer than most beings. I know there is a way to remove the curse. No one has succeeded before—because they were either burned alive or killed themselves. But I sense there is more to you than just this curse.” 

“How long will it take to heal?” I asked, looking at my wounds. 

“You will likely fall into a deep sleep to recover your strength,” she replied. “Go to the cabin. When you wake, come find me. I will try to help you.” 

Her voice was warm—almost motherly. I felt something stir inside me… but it was faint. My emotions were fading day by day. I was scared. 

“Why are you really helping me?” I asked. 

“I owe Lilia a debt,” Keralit said. “She asked me to protect anyone she cared for. That is all. Now go.” 

With that, she disappeared. 

I picked up my bag—it was surprisingly still intact—and used a stick to help myself walk. Slowly, I made my way south. 

Before long, I reached the cabin. Herbs grew all around it, like something from a fairy tale. I stepped inside, and exhaustion immediately overtook me. I lay down on the bed. 

And then, I fell asleep.