Star Eater

Chapter 547:

Arthur's Point of View

Pendragon Estate

"What happened?" I asked Marina as I stood beside Lucia's bed.

Alwin sat on the bed with his hand holding hers. Aydalia and the others had also gathered to check on Lucia. Ty looked concerned, but then again, I think all of us were.

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"Your energy is very different from magic. It can be converted into magic, and it can be used as a substitute, but we haven't tested long term effects it might have on someone." She then gestured to Lucia. "This was the outcome. Lucia should be fine though." Marina added. "Your energy was acting more as a placebo than a replacement towards the end. While it may work, doing so is not the best alternative to actually resting." Marina explained. "I'm honestly surprised she lasted as long as she did."

"I did this?" The words left my lips in a whisper.

Marina paused at that. "No. This was not your fault." She told me but didn't elaborate further. "I'd say it was more a lack of any discipline growing up. She's never had to deal with such exhaustion before, so it would be a new feeling for her." Her eyes then drifted to Typhon. "Not everyone has a Dragon's endurance or appetite for such things."

A sigh left my lips. "How long will she be like this?"

"Her magic is returning as we speak." Ayda answered. "Most Elves can be unconscious for three to four days due to magical burnout. Given how she was forced beyond that point time and time again thanks to your loophole, and given she is a High Elf, I would speculate she will be out for a week or longer." She explained in a matter-of-fact tone.

Aydalia placed a hand on my back. "This is not something that needs great concern. Lucia has never dealt with magic burnout before, so she didn't know the signs." She then sighed. "We saw them, but your energy is different, so we assumed she would be fine."

The elven daughter continued for her mother. "And she will be. The longest I was asleep was four days I believe. This is almost like a right of passage for magic users." Her gaze turned to Typhon. "Most magic users." Ayda corrected.

No one wanted to discuss the blue bile that came from her lips as if poison. Maybe it was because of my expression, but they at least knew I didn't do this on purpose. It was something I would never let happen ever again.

Marina cleared her throat. "While this is unexpected, I think it would be best to continue sharing your energy with Lucia." Many turned to her in surprise. Me being one of them. "She's been using your energy for the last month or so. We've already agreed that this is due to magical burnout but taking away your energy so suddenly might be more of a hindrance than a blessing."

She looked uneasy at my gaze. "Marina, she literally puked out my energy. Is my energy like a drug that she would have withdrawal from?"

"That is unclear." Ayda stated firmly. "While I think it was more due to the magical burnout than it was because of your energy, Marina may have a point. Her magic reservoir may have been filled with your energy instead of her magic, which led to the sudden purging." Her shoulders slumped as she sighed. "I think a small amount, miniscule even, of continuous energy from you would be a reasonable idea."

"What are you even basing this on?" I inquired. "I don't want to risk Lucia's health just because we're working off of assumptions."

Shaking her head, Ayda answered. "This is no assumption. I have been through something similar with Priestess Arceana." Answered with a sigh as her brother and mother looked at her in surprise. "It only happened once."

Aydalia frowned deeply at that before she looked at me. "I also had something similar happen with the Priestess." She admitted. "Arceana nursed me while I was unconscious by giving me small amounts of her magic. It was more of an insurance than anything, but losing magic, or energy in this case, would be more of a hindrance like Marina suggested."

Turning back to Marina, I asked, "How did you come up with this?"

"Our father spoke of his battle with Original Magic often at times with Mara. It seemed there was a similar case of what Lucia is going through."

"...Then I will stay with her. I can emit a small amount of energy throughout the room so it's more ambient than being poured into her directly." I looked at Ayda. "Will that work?"

The Elf paused in thought. "It might, but you should check on her often in the beginning to make sure. Alwin, my mother, or myself can help verify as the days pass."

"You have my thanks."