Chapter 4 - All is not lost
The consumption of Ambrosia was usually reserved for divine beings. According to many legends, if consumed by mortals they could gain immortality.
The prince, however, knew that this was not true. Ambrosia could only delay the inevitable. True, it gave immortality, but it was not true immortality. As long as one consumed it regularly, time stopped for them. The substance had no power to raise the dead or restore lost limbs. It could only delay death.
What is more, if used improperly, it could lead to tragic consequences. As the drink was not for mortals, any fool who tried it immediately became addicted to it. For those without knowledge, the concoction became a deadly poison. Their lives were defined by it. The only thing left in their minds was to look for a way to obtain it again.
However, in their cruelty, the gods always left hope for the bold and courageous. If given selflessly to another person it became a cure. For those on the verge of death, it allowed to tip the scales in their favour.
So it was ironic that if you needed to save your own life, the potion would only lead to your doom, whether you were a king or a beggar. To the gods, however, it was obvious, as status did not matter to them. They condemned cowards the most and praised heroes. So they decided to give mankind one of their miracles - hope.
If ambrosia was given by a selfless act, they allowed a small miracle to happen, but a miracle nonetheless.
Zagreus looked relieved at the girl's body as her breath returned. However, this was not the end. If the wounds were not healed, she would bleed out sooner or later. He knew that he had only bought a little time.
Fortunately, the monsters at this level were surprisingly slow and weak. Some of them resembled dogs and others green-skinned degenerates half his height. The Prince was sure he could handle them even without weapons.
He lifted his new companion into his arms and moved towards the exit.
Lefiya stood together with her Familia in front of the dungeon. After Denatus it was decided that Loki familia would investigate what happened on the 18th floor. Until then, the dungeon will remain closed for public use.
Yesterday when she was alone in her room under her roommate's bed she found a novel. So when Riveria moved away from the group to repeat the strategy, Lefiya moved her thoughts back to the story. Forbidden love, Gods and mortals, the fate of the entire world. Absorbed in the abyss of her imagination, she did not notice the person approaching her.
In the upper elven social circles, it was unbecoming to associate with a human in a romantic relationship, especially if she belonged to the royal family. Riveria had told her to keep her feet on the ground and not to lose herself in imagination. However, how could she not enter the realm of fantasy when Ainz was the embodiment of her favourite heroine in her familia.
Coming back to reality she saw a bloodied silhouette in front of her. One eye green reminding her of the forest and all that grows, the other black with a red lens like an endless chaos reminding her of inevitable death
"AAAAAAAAAAA" - Lefiya screamed and then lost consciousness.
The Prince of the Underworld would probably say that this was due to his unearthly charm, which swept women off their feet, contrary to commonly spread lies.
Zagreus finally saw the light of day. To his surprise a city appeared. He had apparently emerged from some tower. Before him stretched a square where mortals talked in groups.
In front of him stood a woman with pointed ears, leaning on a staff. In the tartarus one could see the shadows of mortals who had practiced black magic while alive, wielding the same type of weapon.
"Great, just the magic I need right now." - Zagreus ran up to the mortal woman.
"Excuse me, where can I find a healer"
"Hello can you hear me?" - he looked at the pensive elf
"In the name of Hades, which way to the healer" he raised his voice.
At that moment their eyes met. Where upon she screamed and fainted.
"Curse me, may it be my dashing look". - said the prince.
Next moment another elf ran up to him.- "What's going on here, if you've done harm..."
"I don't have time for this." - interrupted the prince
"Which way to the healer" - he repeated the question pointing with his head to the injured girl in his arms. "Every minute is at stake"
Riveria calmed down a little, Lefiya probably snapped out of her thoughts and fainted at the sight.
"Follow me to the guild" she said "Here in the meantime try to give her this potion" from her belt she took out a healing potion and gave it to Zagreus.
"What happened to her?" she asked
"I don't know, I found her in this state"
"Hmm... we're there, follow me."
Upon entering the guild, Zagrus saw an over a head shorter receptionist with pink hair and eyes behind the counter.
"Misha quickly, we need help". - Riveria shouted.
Quickly roused from her trance, the receptionist ricocheted towards them.
"Follow me, put her here on the table".
Zagresu placed her on the table, following the instructions.
"Now come out we must have room to work".
"All that remains is to wait," Riveria said.
At that moment an elderly elf with white hair approached the prince.
"I know the situation is not the best for this conversation but no time is good" said the elder elf.
"Regarding the medical expenses"
"Royman..."
"No," the elf interrupted. "She is on the verge of death, a few more high health potions won't solve the problem, and that is still more than most of the population can afford."
"You know yourself what the symbol on her clothes means. I'm sorry to tell you this but if there are no resources..."
"I will pay." - said the prince.
"Not that I don't believe but..." Zeagrus looked into the elf's eyes.
"As I said, it will not be your problem" the prince repeated, giving no room for further discussion.
"I would concentrate on more important things if I were you." he focused his gaze on the elf
"Yes sir..." replied the terrified elf.
Achilles was one of the few who knew the true character of the prince. He remembered when prince showed a quality that startled him much more than anything.
["Forgive me, O gods! You are not known for your kindness. But this son of Lord Hades always regarded me, a mere shade, with respect; and the congenial manner of an old friend. Rumors swirl about the lad; about how he bleeds red like a mortal does. Well, if there's a trace of mortality in him, I am certain he is better for it. I should know."]
That the prince was more similar to mortals than one might expect...