Dawn broke and Finn dragged his tired body onto the porch of his workshop. He had been staying here for more than twenty years now.

He had encountered many things in his life. Kill a few. Save a few. And loved only one woman. He tried his best to stay true to himself and others.

But it seemed that it was now his time to go. Finn regretted it. He too wanted to see what kind of knowledge George's organization have. He wanted see the legendary Petrinium Steel and the steel that Siderius had told him about.

Metal that could cut through solid rock or withstand the force of a hundred men. What a sight that could have been.

Finn, also wanted to leave. In his entire life, he didn't have much opportunities to see the world. He had only been to two towns. Mucktown and Scalize.

Fin wondered what it was like out there. The Golden Delight that fruited golden apple every year. The cold snow of the highlands. The sunset and sundown on a sea. So many things to see and so little time.

Fin let out a huge sigh. George appeared from nowhere and stood beside him.

"You seem melancholic these days, Finn." George said.

"Can't help it. The Rot is killing me."

"You won't die, Finn. Snow won't let you."

Finn let out a laugh. "Pardon my word. I can't help but notice that he seems like your superior. And I'm not saying that I don't believe the kid.

It's just that... If you were me, would you believe it?"

"No, I wouldn't. But it doesn't matter, right? Snow said that he will come with a cure soon. All you need to do now is wait for the truth."

The two blacksmiths looked at each other. The sound of a horse's neigh reached out to them from afar. They looked over to see Siderius riding Red to the workshop.

"He's here..."

Siderius stopped just a few steps before the porch and jumped down from the horse.

"How have you been, Finn of Scalize?" Siderius said. His lips curved slightly into a smile.

"Could have been better, my lord." Finn lowered his head slightly to greet Siderius. He might not have a title but Siderius was still a witch. Their social positions were night and day.

"Come. Let's talk inside." Siderius said.

Finn nodded and stood up. His thighs had no strength and his legs wobbled. Finn almost fell down but Siderius and George each caught one side of him.

"Careful now." Siderius said.

He and George helped Finn inside and settled him onto a chair.

George stared at Siderius. His gaze was filled with hope and expectations. Siderius didn't waste more time and took out the tonics. He gently put the four bottles onto the table.

A bottle of milky white liquid. A bottle of warm orange liquid. A bottle of faded green liquid. And a bottle of a hazy blue liquid.

"These are..." Finn widened his eyes. With one simple glance, he was able to tell that these were not ordinary liquid. The orange one exuded heat that he could even feel from here.

No liquid could do that.

"Your cure. Listen carefully and do exactly as I say. Or else it will be all useless."

Siderius tapped on the green bottle. "This is Viridox Tonic. It can destroy the connections of the disease inside your body, separating them individually and making them weaker. You always drink this first."

Then he tapped on the white bottle. "This is Sithox Tonic. It can locate the hidden 'parts' of the disease inside your body, making sure any purification later will be thorough."

Finally, he slid the two red and blue bottle in front. "These are Caeruliox and Arvenox Tonic. You drink these two at the end together. One attacks the disease from the outside while the other attacks it from the inside.

Because your body is weak, you can only consume one spoon of each tonic each day. Not the giant wooden spoon that you use to stir your pot. The small spoon that you use to eat porridge.

The Tonics will make you life a living hell the first few days. But your body will get better. And soon, this 'ROT' will be cleansed."

Finn's eyes were tearing up a little bit. He grabbed the white bottle and examining it. It was much lighter than he imagined, almost felt like nothing was inside.

"And the price for these tonics?" Finn looked up and caught Siderius' gaze aiming at him.

"Total loyalty."

Finn took a deep breath. He put the bottles down and took all his strength to stand up.

He bowed deeply.

"From today on, I am your servant, High Lord! I shall do anything you command me to, kill anyone you wish me to, and save anyone you want me to."

Siderius patted Finn on the shoulder. "Don't worry. I won't command you to do such things. You will do what you have always done. That is smithing.

Now, raise your head."

Siderius took out his hunter's knife and gave it to George. "He is your man now. You must do the ceremony to recruit him."

George nodded solemnly and took the knife. He stood in front of Finn.

"Does he need to bear the mark, Lord Watcher?" George said.

Siderius shook his head. "The mark is only for temporary members. Take him in as your assistant and it should be fine."

"Roger, my lord." George took a deep breath.

"Repeat after me, Finn of Scalize.

I swear to guard at the gate of men.

I swear to strike all evil dares crossing the kingdom of men.

I swear to stand with my brothers and sisters even in the face of death.

I swear to stay in the dark to protect the light.

I swear to never betray the guild, humanity and my honor."

"I swear…" Finn recited the oath solemnly. Based on what he heard, this wasn't some cult or dangerous organization he was entering. It was a very honorable one.

That fact brought peace to Finn's heart.

"As a proof in front of the earth and sky, spill your blood to mark the creation of your oath." George reached out his hand. "Give me your palm."

Finn did as he was asked. George carefully sliced open his palm, letting the blood soaked the blade and poured down to the floor.

"Congratulations, Finn of Scalize. From this day onwards, you are our brother. We have taken the vows you took and we will never betray it unless you do.

Now, present yourself in front of the Great Lord Watcher!"

George stepped aside and carefully raised the knife to return it to Siderius. The blade was still wet with Finn's blood.

"Lord Watcher..." Finn bowed deeply.

"Stand, my brother. We bow only to our parents, our spouse and our gods. Nothing else."

Siderius pulled Finn up by the shoulders. He patted his arms gently. "You are one of us now. Assistant Finn."

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