The eccentric doctor never makes a misdiagnosis!

Page 32

"Speaking of which, I do seem to have a special medicine for this situation... but it's kept in the 'second medicine storehouse'."

She muttered to herself quickly, extending her left hand, which was covered in sutures. With the index finger and thumb of her other hand, she pinched one end of one of the sutures and slowly pulled it apart... Then she took out a red and white capsule placed in a quartz container from the bloody gap between the metacarpal bones.

[APTX-4869 (Creator: Fran Hesser)]

[Quality: Excellent]

[Effect: A drug developed by the Black Organization. After being modified by a doctor, this drug has lost its original toxic properties and can now accurately revert a person's body back to a youthful state, with minimal risk.]

[Note: "Dear patient, please pray that no periodic murders will occur around you after you finish eating this..."]

-

"I wasn't quite sure what kind of patients this medicine was for, but now I've finally found a special patient who is a perfect fit for my specialty..."

With the medical technology that Fran possesses, most premature aging problems can be solved with just a slight adjustment to the genes. This means that this drug can only be used in very typical cases... I never expected to actually encounter such a special case.

She pulled the stitches back on her hand, then with a slight flick of her razor-sharp scalpel, severed several of Michaela's major arteries. Blood gushed forth.

"Dr. Fran, is something wrong?"

Haida was extremely familiar with this action. It was a very thorough bloodletting, clean and swift, almost like some kind of execution.

“That’s not the case. ‘Blood King’ Mongol worships the Outer God ‘Mother of Truth’. This has resulted in Michaela’s blood being full of contamination after being catalyzed… It needs to be dried out before taking the medicine to avoid affecting its efficacy.”

Fran explained something to Haida and then pulled a small blood transfusion machine out of the medicine box.

It can easily store blood in a container, ready for processing and then transfer to another person. Yes... it's a souvenir brought out from Tames' secret room.

"The fact that my body doesn't reject blood saves me from many procedures of blood processing, and just thinking about it makes me happy..."

Fran inserted the negative pressure needle into the blood plasma bag in the medicine box. After confirming that Michaela's bloodletting was nearing its limit, he performed an arterial suture and then started a blood transfusion.

Only after confirming that all preparations were complete did she put [APTX-4869] into its mouth.

"Will this... cure him?"

Evonne blinked. Although she tried hard to suppress her curiosity, she couldn't help but ask in the end.

“Evonne, you seem to have some misunderstanding about medicine. Whether it’s brutal or precise, elegant or crude, it’s all just a means to an end. In that respect, I’m not much different from a carpenter or a stonemason… except that what I sculpt is the human body.”

Fran explained gently, then focused intently on wiping the thin layer of blood from the scalpel.

-

Michaela's body reverted to its childhood state almost instantly, though it remained decayed. However, the next problem was easily solved... simply use supportive therapy and wait for it to heal itself.

While waiting for the slumbering demigod to fully recover, Ivenne resumed her solitary ways. This time, it wasn't at Fran's request, but because she had something she needed to do herself.

About a year later, when they met again, she was in the grand hall at the highest point of the royal city of Rodel.

Mongot, the "Ominous King" who had single-handedly defended the capital during the Broken War, had fallen to Ivenne's sword.

In his final moments before death, he stretched out his hand towards the distance, as if trying to grasp the unattainable glory of the past, before finally letting it fall limply.

This time, Evonne didn't forget to use the Hookshot potion to summon Fran beforehand. However, the doctor witnessed Montgomery's complete death and did not treat him as she usually would.

"Why not treat this demigod, Dr. Fran? Is it because he's an 'ominous sign'?"

With some difficulty, Haida slung the massive, heavy greatsword back over her shoulder and walked toward Fran.

As the last king of the Golden Family, Mongot's strength was undoubtedly among the top demigods. Moreover, compared to "Shattered Star" Rataen, who was tormented by corruption and had severed his own legs, he was almost at his peak...

Ivenne and Heida were nearly driven to the brink of defeat in their battle, only gradually turning the tide thanks to Melina's sudden arrival. It was somewhat reminiscent of three heroes fighting Lu Bu...

"For some, depriving him of the right to die is tantamount to humiliating him. I cannot make any deal with him, nor do I wish to humiliate this 'Blessed King' who devoted himself to the Golden Tree. Letting him die may be the best course of action."

Fran gave Haida a brief reply, then walked up to Ivenne and narrowed his eyes slightly.

She saw the Dark Moon Greatsword in Winnie's hand, shimmering with a clear, bright light, and this guy had previously used Lani's exclusive Dark Moon magic in the battle.

"Oh, how should I begin? The children are all grown up now, and I'm getting a little choked up... but I still want to wish you a happy marriage."

She took out a handkerchief and wiped away non-existent tears from the corners of her eyes with a sense of relief.

"Now that you've received her dowry, I'll prepare the bride price. Although our family is poor, Sister Haida and I have some savings..."

“Dr. Fran! What are you saying... She and I are just partners.”

Evian was clearly overwhelmed by Fran's overly direct expression and blessing; even though she was a seasoned woman, a hint of panic still flashed in her eyes.

I am clearly no longer as confused and ignorant as I used to be, but in front of this doctor, it's as if I've never changed at all...

Fran appreciated Ivanie's fleeting embarrassment before suppressing his paternal smile.

"'Just partners.' Okay, I get it. Blaze should be alright, right?"

"Yes. He single-handedly dealt with many of the black-knife assassins who came to the magic tower."

Evonne quickly calmed down and explained the recent situation to her.

"It seems my psychotherapy for him was somewhat effective; setting a mental barrier in the brain can indeed effectively resist whispers and interference with willpower. The feasibility of this kind of medical concept should be further improved..."

Fran murmured, then turned to Melina beside him.

"Miss Melina, next we should head to the snowy mountains in the north to obtain the fire from the giants that can ignite the golden tree, right?"

As she spoke, she pointed to the sharp thorns that covered the giant golden tree. These were thorns that refused entry to those who had faded; the only way to truly enter the interior of the golden tree was to burn them.

“That’s right, Dr. Fran. Your erudition is astonishing… (±5°)”

Melina nodded slightly, looking somewhat puzzled, but still acknowledged Fran's statement.

"Finally we've come this far."

Fran let out a relieved sigh. The journey to the snow-capped mountains would be a quick and smooth one, and barring any unforeseen circumstances, everything could be completed within a month.

She began to look forward to what kind of "unexpected surprise" Evonne's personality disorder would bring her.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Chapter Thirty-Four: The Sacred Tree Siblings [Old Man's Ring]

The fire giant of the northern snow mountains, the black sword and dragon king of "Sky City" Famyazra, and the "Valkyrie" Malenia waiting for her brother's return deep within the sacred tree. These are the last four targets in Fran's plan for Ivanne.

Now, Ivani no longer needs extra time to hone her skills; all she lacks is the final preparation to go inside the Golden Tree and confront the gods.

Ivani had already defeated the last fire giant and headed to the enormous cauldron burning with "ashes of destruction." Only a sufficiently worthy sacrifice, willing to burn itself, could allow the rising flames to climb the branches of the golden tree and incinerate the thorns that represented rejection.

Fran glanced at Melina subtly. Melina had already extended her slender hand, flames powerful enough to ignite a golden tree swirling around her palm, accompanied by the crimson glow of burning embers.

"Are we going to burn the tree?" Fran asked, though he already knew the answer.

"Yes. This is my mission, and my will. Those who follow the flame will one day meet their destined death."

Melina's gaze was calm and serene, reflecting the blazing firelight. She seemed to still cherish the vibrant world, but without any regret.

"Golden tree, burn for the new king."

"...Evennie, and all my companions. Thank you for bringing me here. Farewell. May you become king—king of all of us."

The licking flames quickly engulfed her body.

Then it rose up and ignited the golden tree that stood atop the sea of ​​clouds. Thorns, brambles, spikes, and everything that resisted it were reduced to ashes.

"Dr. Fran! The method Miss Melina mentioned for 'burning the thorns'... is burning oneself?"

Evonne looked at Melina, who was bathed in fire, and then looked at Fran with some surprise.

She instinctively wanted to touch the other, but failed to reach the dissipating spirit. Her worry for her companion quickly turned into anxiety.

Melina taught him how to transform runes into power, and would often tell him stories and proverbs about Queen Marika during their journey together. Although death was commonplace in the borderlands,... the sorrow would not diminish.

Fran gazed calmly at the blinding flames, as if watching the final curtain call of an opera.

“Even though Melina still had attachments to the world, she still chose to become firewood and a sacrifice. Because she believed that you could become the king who would stop the chaos, do not betray this trust.”

"Is there really no way to save her? Is there something I haven't done yet?"

Evangeline bit her lip, still somewhat unwilling.

“There is indeed a way… Before Melina becomes ashes, grant her the Mad Flame within the embrace of the Three Fingers. That mad fire that destroys everything can also harm the Golden Tree. But in doing so… you will bring endless death and disaster to the Borderlands. You will fail everyone’s expectations of you.”

"And now, she has stepped into the fire. Even with your mad fire, you can no longer offer her any help..."

Before Ivanie's initial shock could turn into sorrow, Fran suddenly let out a somewhat inappropriate chuckle. Her serious demeanor vanished instantly, and a sly smile inexplicably curved her lips.

“Hey…of course. While there’s nothing you can do, I can offer some help. As a doctor, I can’t just give up on a patient who still loves the world.”

Fran, holding something, reached into the burning fire and plunged it directly into the abdomen of Melina's spirit form.

When she pulled her hand out, the burning spirit had already lost its original form. It had become strange and tall, like a strong and muscular man, yet covered in scarlet traces of decay.

The burning evolved even more intensely, the flames suddenly exploded, and the entire spirit body was completely reduced to scattered sparks and ashes in an instant.

"The sleeve is on fire, sigh... I really like this outfit."

Fran tore off her white doctor's coat, revealing a fitted shirt and a slender, well-proportioned figure. This flame was difficult to extinguish; she didn't want to inadvertently fall into a cycle of burning and regenerating...

"Aren't you curious about what I did? And why weren't my hands burned?"

Seeing Evian's surprise at the previous turn of events, Fran displayed what he held in his hand.

It was a small and exquisite cloth doll. Judging from its light brown traveler's robes and its gray-chestnut eyes... it seemed to be modeled after Melina.

"This doll contained a more powerful spirit with divine qualities. I put it in the fire and replaced it with Melina's spirit. Using force against weakness, a very simple principle from high school chemistry... Even flames prefer more durable firewood."

"To be honest, this is just a backup plan, and the risks are not small."

As she spoke, she showed the fresh burn marks on the back of her hand.

"Take it. She will wake up when her spirit recovers. Oh, I sewed this doll myself... Appreciate my craftsmanship with gratitude."

With that, Fran tossed the cloth doll to Ivanie. She caught it with unusual care.

"Doctor, thank you..." Ivanie approached Fran, looking at the burn marks on her hands with a sense of unease. She wanted to touch them but was afraid of causing her pain.

"No need for thanks. Letting me study the Nine Kings' affairs is the best reward... This is also the original content of our agreement, isn't it?"

Haida's eyes flickered slightly, as if she had guessed who the "divine spirit" Fran used came from.

"Dr. Fran, the spirit you used to replace Melina's spirit... it must have been material obtained from those demigods before, right?"

“That’s right! To be precise… it came from ‘Shattered Star’ Rataen. Some parts of his spirit were completely assimilated by the Crimson Corruption, so they had to be forcibly removed. I stuffed those parts into the doll… as an emergency plan.”

The art of sculpting spirits stems from her mastery of the technique of "soul shaping."

"Then why not just burn the dolls?" Haida pondered for a moment before finally asking the question that had been bothering her.

"Um……"

Fran coughed lightly, covering his mouth, and then said, "Because only those who have witnessed the 'illusion of fire' are qualified to become sacrifices. All measures must wait until the flames are lit before they can be implemented. I wouldn't make such a basic logical error..."

-

Sky City, the gradually crumbling Famyazra.

This is the High City, a place that wanders through the gaps of time and space, a sacred site of the ancient dragon cult. Ivenne has defeated the Black Sword and obtained the other part of "Destined Death".

The vast, dizzyingly empty platform is engraved with classical and intricate patterns, with a celestial-like double-headed ancient dragon suspended in the center.

The gray-yellow haze, accompanied by thunderbolts crashing down from the sky, roared incessantly... as if a giant dragon were unintentionally breathing as it slept.

"Large-sized dragon enemies, even if they are decaying to the point of near death, are still no weaker than demigods..."

Ivanie quickly assessed the type of enemy, then gripped the Darkmoon Greatsword tightly. This wasn't her first time facing an ancient dragon, nor was it her first time defeating those mountain-like behemoths.

Surprisingly, the ancient dragon king, now with only two heads remaining, did not immediately attack after opening its eyes. Instead, it let out a heavy sigh, like thunder.

"Ah... I knew it, you've come again..."

"What did you say?"

Ivani was puzzled that the other party could still communicate, and her intention to attack was slightly delayed. However, she remained highly vigilant, guarding against a sudden attack.

Fran then walked up to the Dragon King and asked him questions with great interest.

"So, Your Majesty the Dragon King, how many times have we come?"

"...The seventh time. It seems you failed to reach the end last time...or perhaps you succeeded, but encountered unexpected obstacles."

The Dragon King pondered, his massive body gradually disappearing into the churning thunderclouds, as if he had never existed.

"There are only six possibilities for repairing the magic ring, and this is the seventh... which means that 'I' failed one of the previous attempts. But how could I possibly fail?"

Fran's eyes narrowed slightly as he pondered, somewhat troubled. Finally, a look of understanding appeared in his deep amber-gold eyes.

"My principle is to pursue just the right amount of 'precision.' In other words, the reason for failure might be that 'redundant' things weren't done. Perhaps last time I was too rigid in adhering to the established process, to the point that I thought certain things didn't need to be done..."