Hacking the Game Didn't Go as Intended [Part One]

CHAPTER 164: Rekindled - Among Those Who Care

"So, what happened?" Fay asked, her voice tinged with concern as she watched the once-vibrant hound weakly lap up the elixir.

McLean's gaze darkened as the memory resurfaced. "We were out hunting and foraging this morning when ol' Sal here decided to snack on some poisonous mushrooms."

Fay's eyes widened in alarm. "Oh no."

The man nodded grimly. "Yeah. Fortunately, I noticed in time before he ate too much."

Fay softly ran her hand over the resting canine, her thoughts briefly drifting to her own companion. "He'll be alright," she reassured with a gentle smile. "Now that he's been medicated. The potion should force him to regurgitate the mushrooms that were ingested, and then work to neutralize the poison left in his system. After he's thrown up, just feed him plenty of water to keep hydrated. Then, after twenty-four hours, he should be able to digest food again. Just don't start off with anything too hearty, kay."

"Thank you," McLean replied, his expression clearly softening with relief. "Make sure to convey my gratitude to your parents as well."

Fay's eyes widened at the mention of that. While she wouldn't dare go as far as to consider Lefahne and Zurrel her surrogate parents, time had undoubtedly melted away the awkwardness that once lingered between them, slowly weaving a quiet sense of belonging in its place.

***

After completing the last of her deliveries, Fay returned home to the familiar and welcoming warmth of the residence that also served as an apothecary. Outside, Lefahne could be seen carefully tending to the flora inside the greenhouse. A temperature-regulating magic circle hummed softly, ensuring the survival of even the most tropical flora that wouldn't survive the harsh winter otherwise. The plants were essential, providing a wide variety of ingredients for the potions they crafted.

Inside, Zurrel was hard at work. Between assisting customers and maintaining the shop, he was skillfully synthesizing a variety of brews, powders, and ointments, ensuring their stock of remedies remained well-supplied for their patrons. Though the work was demanding, both he and Lefahne found deep satisfaction in their craft. It was a labor of love, one that bound them to the very essence of their shared purpose.

"Fay, welcome back," Lefahne greeted warmly as she entered the shop. "Did you manage to get everything delivered?"

"I did."

"And Mrs. Ashbi?" Zurrel asked, a knowing grin spreading across his face. "I take it she wasn't too thrilled about the exercise suggestion?"

Fay giggled softly, a warmth filling her chest as she looked around the home that had become her sanctuary, a place where she felt truly at ease for the first time in a long while.

Lefahne and Zurrel had presumed her demihuman heritage, noticing the way she instinctively concealed herself, and they understood the deep trauma that came with it. They never pressed her, instead allowing her the space to reveal herself in her own time, at her own pace.

Though Fay had not yet opened up fully, they had seen small changes. Her warm smiles, the soft words shared during their quiet moments together, and her increasingly comfortable interactions with them all spoke volumes. They didn't expect to heal all her wounds overnight, but they were content with the progress, knowing that, little by little, they were helping her feel safe enough to begin healing. For them, that was more than enough.

"Ohyah?" remarked a middle-aged woman as she entered the shop, a curious eye sweeping the room. "And who's this charming young lady? Did you two manage to find yourselves a lovely little helper while I wasn't paying attention?"

"Lugene," Lefahne greeted warmly. "It's good to see you. And yes, Fay is the newest addition to our team. She's been a tremendous help."

"Is that so?" the woman replied with a sweet smile, turning to the little girl. "Fay, it's a pleasure to meet you."

Fay gave a shy wave, then leaned in slightly to whisper, "Who's that?"

Zurrel leaned in, as well, his voice low. "Her name is Lugene Kaelmont. She and her husband, Rue, operate another apothecary in the city. We sometimes trade medical supplies and equipment during emergencies."

"So, what brings you by today?" Lefahne asked.

"I'm just returning some supplies I borrowed last week," the woman replied, lifting a basket. "Business has slowed down a bit, so we've had the time to restock and return what we owe. But I must admit," she added, her eyes scanning the shop where customers browsed the shelves, "business here seems to be thriving."

Lefahne flinched at the mention, an uncomfortable smile tugging at the sides of her lips. "It's just a brief surge," she explained, trying to downplay it. "I'm sure things will settle back down soon."

"Well, if there's one thing that hasn't slowed," Lugene replied, her tone turning more serious, "it's the influx of addicts who have been pouring in for help."

Lefahne's expression became grave. "I agree. Merely offering help won't suffice anymore. The problem needs to be dealt with at its root if there's any hope of bringing this to an end."

Zurrel's frown deepened as he glanced down at the powder within his mortar. "All we can do now is hope that once the war is over, the government will finally step in and dismantle the dealers' network."

An uncomfortable silence settled over the room before Lugene knelt in front of Fay, offering a gentle smile. "We should save this conversation for another time," she said kindly, giving the girl's head a soft pat. "We're making her uneasy."

"Forgive us, Fay," Zurrel muttered, rubbing the back of his neck in embarrassment.

Lefahne mirrored her husband's sheepish expression. "I'm sorry as well. Like Zurrel said, I'm confident everything will settle down once the war is over, so try not to dwell on it too much."

"There's absolutely no need to burden yourself with these adult thoughts just yet," Lugene reassured softly, her voice gentle. "Do you enjoy helping out Lefahne and Zurrel with the shop?"

Fay nodded, her expression a little more relaxed.

"Good," Lugene smiled warmly. "Then just keep doing your best and don't forget to have fun, alright? Since both apothecaries share supplies during emergencies, I'm sure we'll be crossing paths more often."

"Okay," Fay nodded again.

"In that case," Lugene continued, offering her hand with a smile, "I'm looking forward to working together, Fay."

Fay's smile brightened as she shook the woman's hand. "Me too."