Once Ben had been admitted to the medical wing, the healers immediately set to work, doing everything in their power to save his life.
One healer administered an anticoagulant potion, while another gave him an aphrodisiac, a substance typically used to enhance bedroom performance but also effective in keeping blood flow high.
Thankfully, Ben had not gone into epileptic shock and was holding on strong, giving the healers the precious time they needed to flush the poison from his system.
'This is it... The old man might actually survive,' thought Thalion, feeling frustrated and helpless, when suddenly Alaric entered the room, his expression filled with worry.
"Commander Thalion, don't you think it's suspicious that our Emperor is dead, yet Ben Faulkner is still alive? What if this is a sinister plot by the infamous kingslayer to kill the Emperor and escape suspicion?" Alaric said, his words planting a seed of doubt in everyone's mind, making them question whether or not Ben Faulkner had orchestrated the entire act?
"Watch your tongue, Alaric. Ben Faulkner is a Demon Slayer and a Hero. He couldn't be part of this," Thalion said, trying to show his dismay at the suggestion while subtly playing along.
"That's what I thought too, Commander, but Prince Nathan swears he saw Ben Faulkner talking to the waiter before the banquet began. And now, with Ben alive and the Emperor dead… it's all a bit too suspicious," Alaric added, feigning confusion, as he tried to sow further chaos within the room.
At that moment, Lin-Mu felt her eyelids twitch in fury. She could see through what Alaric and Thalion were attempting, but without solid proof of their collusion, she knew it would be her word against theirs—a battle she would likely lose and hence despite knowing the truth behind their intentions, she could do nothing.
"So what are you suggesting we do, Strategist Alaric? We surely can't let him die without finding out the truth now… can we?" Thalion asked, as he played his role in screwing over Ben perfectly.
"I'm simply suggesting that we move Ben Faulkner from the medical wing to the prison for the time being.
We will still give him all the best treatment possible, but from the prison he won't be able to escape easily once he has recovered and we will be able to question him before we release him" Alaric suggested, as Thalion barely suppressed a smile.
The healers feeling helpless, looked towards Thalion on what to do next, as Ben's treatment was once again pushed on the backfoot.
Thalion, pretending to think for a while, eventually agreed with Alaric's advice as he said "Although I don't believe in what you are suggesting, I think we should transfer Sir Ben to the prison holding cell for now. The Emperor's murder is not a light topic and we can't rule out anyone as of now"
With that, Thalion ordered his men to place Ben Faulkner on a stretcher once again and carry him away, as once again he found himself having an opportunity to finish Ben for good.
"Uh-huh-huh… where do you think you are going, Virex Soldier?" Thalion asked, as he prevented Lin Mu from trying to follow Ben once more.
"The prison is off-limits to the Virex Corps; it's the sole domain of the Royal Guards.
So step aside—!" Thalion growled, his eyes boring into Lin Mu's with a ferocity that matched—and even surpassed—the predatory stare she had given him just moments before.
Thalion knew that Lin-Mu was a big threat and hence he decided to take her out of the equation now that he had the slightest excuse to do so.
What he had not expected however, was Lin-Mu outright attacking him at this moment, as when asked to back-off, she immediately unsheathed her dagger and made a swipe at Thalion's throat.
*Swoosh*
Reacting quickly, Thalion dodged the attack veering to the left, however, Lin Mu's dagger still managed to nick the side of his neck, drawing a line of blood.
"OH YOU LITTLE RUNT, YOU DIDN'T JUST TRY AND KILL ME–" Thalion bellowed with rage as his aura flared and he grabbed Lin-Mu by the neck like a rag doll.
"DIE–" he said, throwing her backwards and unsheathing his sword as he unleashed a terrifying sword slash towards her.
*Block*
Landing on her feet, Lin Mu tried to block the attack, however, the power of Thalion was not something the likes of her could match and hence despite her best efforts, the attack blew past her defenses and created a deep gash in her upper torso.
"A traitor! She's a traitor—" said Thalion, as he menacingly walked towards the nearly dead Lin Mu, his sword poised to strike.
Everyone in the corridor and the medical wing, had their eyes laser focused on this on-going mess, and that gave Alaric the perfect opportunity to try and slip some poison into Ben Faulkner's mouth.
Opening a vial of poison hidden within his robes, he swiftly moved over to Ben's face and uncorked the bottle silently.
Looking around, Alaric ensured that no-one was watching, and once satisfied he finally made his move.
Moving with trembling hands, he tried to pour some poison into the mouth of the legendary assassin, however, much to his horror, at that precise moment, Ben Faulkner finally opened his eyes, his killer gaze boring deep into his soul.
*GASP*
Alaric gasped sharply, his face turning white as if he had just seen a ghost, as in the end he was a strategist and not a fighter and when forced to dirty his hands, he was not as smooth about it as Thalion.
"B-b-b…" Alaric stuttered, trying to come up with an excuse, however, his usually reliable tongue failed him at that moment, as he understood that death was staring him right in his face at that moment.
"THALION SAVE MEE–" Alaric screamed like a little girl, as he peed himself and used all of his last energy to summon the one man that could perhaps protect him from the fury of Ben Faulkner.