Chapter 280 - 279. My Burden (1)
The child’s cries were weakening, his small body trembling as if each breath was a battle he was losing. His eyes, barely open, flickered with pain, and the sight sent a pang of helplessness through me. My hands, steady despite the chaos in my mind, cradled him closer.
Steam rose from his scales, curling in the air like a sinister omen. I clenched my jaw, suppressing the growing dread that clawed at my chest. My patience, already fraying, was one scream away from snapping.
With no other choice, I turned inward, reaching out to the ethereal presences that had guided me before.
"Help me out here!" I demanded, my voice resonating with desperation.
A moment passed before the familiar response of the system lit up in my mind.
[Goddess of Wisdom says it’s impossible for them to interfere.]
"Impossible?" I snapped. "You interfered when the Aqua Dragon’s Presence first attacked me!"
[Defender of Divine Glory explains that at that time, you required their aid.]
"And I don’t need it now?" My voice cracked as I looked down at the child writhing in agony. "I need your help—he’s dying!"
The system’s response came swiftly, calm in the face of my rising panic.
[Goddess of Wisdom says there will be sacrifices in your quest.]