The girl returned with Ghislain to her home, where her mother still lay, struggling to breathe. Without hesitation, Ghislain administered the medicine to the girl's mother.

Even in its diluted state, the medicine—capable of curing the so-called Eternal Punishment disease in a single day—was potent enough to combat the weakened, though more infectious, version of the illness now spreading across the land.

Within minutes, the mother's complexion improved, and the red spots on her skin began to fade.

“Mom…” The girl clutched her mother’s hand, tears welling up in her eyes. Relief washed over her as it became clear her …