Hugo Mercenaries: Deep Shadow

"Now that I'm in this state, I understand why Hugo was so desperate."

Oh, cruel fate! Was it not enough that his closest friend died for nothing? Must he be subjected to this, too? At first, Derk was filled with resentment and rage, but it soon gave way to quiet resignation. Now, he can truly understand how Hugo must have felt.

Derk had always been a nomad, with little to tie him down. All he wants now is to see that kind friend who helped memorialize Hugo, then leave Safe Haven for good. But when he was persuaded to meet the Nornir, and clung to this new hope like a drowning man reaching for driftwood.

To his surprise, the dignified woman in the crimson robe says she is capable of treating Karas.

"It's uncertain how effective the petrification magic will be."

Urd saw at a glance that Derk's condition was already critical. She and her sisters pledged to help any Davea they could, no matter how helpless the situation seems. The Purifying Altar was once again tainted by Poison Blood and had to be cleared before the cleansing flame can be rekindled. Thanks to his good friend, Derk reached the restored altar and was treated with petrification magic.

The magic worked, for now, but Urd refused to sugarcoat Derk's prognosis with false reassurances. She told him to come find her again if he feels his condition worsen. But Derk already had the look of a man who has made peace with death. He offered heartfelt thanks, and left to meet his friend.