When the massive serpent emerged from the water, both Aren and Bahbraykhan stood in awe, but Min Khant Thu Ya remained calm, fully aware of what was about to happen. He didn't flinch or move an inch from where he stood, maintaining his composure.
Bahbraykhan, on the other hand, was in disbelief. How could such a gigantic serpent be living in their water reservoir? As the creature loomed large before them, Aren took a deep breath and, stepping back, spoke up to the prince.
"This is bad. A creature this size appearing now is going to mess up everything we planned. What do we do now? We can't face such a massive serpent. What are we supposed to do, Prince?"
Bahbraykhan, noticing the two of them standing frozen in place, shouted at them both.
"Are you two just going to stand there and die? If you stay here, you'll both be dead! Get out of here, now!"
The prince, still focused on the serpent, turned to Aren and said without acknowledging Bahbraykhan's urgency, "He's right. We need to leave here first. We can solve the rest of the problem later. This place is too dangerous right now."
He then stepped forward, standing his ground before the massive serpent, his gaze fixed on the creature's eyes. "I didn't come here to harm you, but I know you're suffering. The land you inhabit has become poisoned because of me, and that's why you're here. But I can help you. You need to leave the water now, or it will become as poisonous as the land."
The serpent, as if understanding the prince's words, began to transform, its massive form shifting into that of a human, standing tall before the prince.
"Human," the creature said, its voice now calm but filled with ancient wisdom, "How can you help me? I've tried to control the poison inside me, but I cannot. The more time passes, the more the land around me is poisoned, and I keep moving from place to place, trying to escape it. But now I have found this water, and even here, I can feel the poison creeping in. If you can cure me, I will leave this place, as you say. I will acknowledge you as my master."
The prince nodded solemnly, replying, "I know what you're going through. The poison inside you is trying to break free, but there is a way to cleanse it. I'll help you get rid of it."
The prince raised his hand, channeling his mana and focusing it into the World Tree essence he had obtained. "Your poison comes from within, but it can be removed. I've seen it before. The World Tree's essence can purify you."
The serpent's eyes widened as the prince's words resonated with it. "You... you know how to cure me?"
"I do," the prince said calmly. "But it requires more than just magic. You must let go of the poison within you. It's been feeding on your own energy, making you weak. But with the right help, you can survive."
As the prince continued, Aren looked on, still in shock. He knew the prince had some extraordinary powers, but this was beyond what he had ever expected. Bahbraykhan, too, stood speechless, witnessing the prince's strange yet powerful connection with the creature.
The serpent then lowered its head, acknowledging the prince's command. "I trust you, human. If you can truly cure me, I will follow your lead."
"Good," the prince replied. "Now, let's start."
The prince stepped forward, placing his hand on the serpent's chest, focusing all of his energy into the purification. The essence of the World Tree swirled around them, a soft, glowing light enveloping the serpent. Slowly, the poison began to dissipate, leaving the creature weakened but no longer dangerous.
Once the process was complete, the serpent let out a sigh of relief. "The poison is gone. I feel... lighter. Stronger. Thank you."
The prince nodded. "Now, you're free. Go, and find peace."
The serpent bowed its head deeply before it began to vanish into the waters, leaving the group in stunned silence.
Aren, still processing what had just occurred, couldn't help but wonder, How did the prince know how to do that?
Bahbraykhan turned to the prince, finally breaking his silence. "So, what now?"
The prince, his expression still calm, looked at the two of them. "Now we deal with the aftermath. But at least we don't have to worry about the poison anymore."
As the group began to walk out of the cave, the weight of the events slowly started to sink in. Both Aren and Bahbraykhan were filled with awe and confusion, still unable to grasp the full extent of what they had witnessed.
Aren, deep in thought, pondered over the prince's abilities. How did he know about the serpent's poison? How did he know how to cleanse it?
The prince had his secrets, and Aren was determined to uncover them.
To be continued...