Ch.58Turning Point (4)

I could hear about the current situation from Lael, Derin, and Elin.

“So I’ve been unconscious for three days?”

The three of them nodded in unison, as if they had rehearsed it.

This was my first time experiencing mana exhaustion, and I had thought I would wake up after just one day.

But it took three days, which explained why people always warned about mana exhaustion.

Still, even if I had known this beforehand, the outcome wouldn’t have changed. There was no other way to overcome that situation.

Since the result was good, I was satisfied regardless of the process.

Anyway, what truly surprised me was something else.

“So this is the elven settlement… the center of the Great Forest?”

“That’s right. It seemed impossible to return directly to the Academy, so I brought you here.”

Elin’s answer was honestly unexpected. Elves and humans weren’t exactly enemies, but they weren’t on good terms either.

It was only natural that elves, who loved nature, would dislike humans who destroyed nature to make their lives more prosperous.

That made me even more grateful.

It must have been uncomfortable for them, yet they still allowed me to stay here.

“What happened with the monster afterward?”

Despite my continuous questions, everyone answered sincerely as if it was no trouble at all.

Derin spoke proudly.

“The next day, I took the students and we dismantled it. Honestly, how many chances do you get in life to see an S-Rank Monster being dismantled? I thought it would be educational for them.”

“That must have been hard work, dismantling something so huge. And you gave the students a great experience too. Thanks.”

S-Rank Monsters are only subjugated once or twice a year.

Even then, specialists in each party usually dismantle them on the spot, so most people never get to see it in their lifetime.

Of course, it would be different if you could join an S-Rank party…

Anyway, there was no doubt that the students had gained valuable experience.

“So where are these students who had such a great experience?”

They must have all seen me collapse.

My body covered in blood, my shoulder torn so badly the bone was almost visible.

Since they were kind-hearted students, they must be worried about me, so I wanted to show my face as soon as possible.

I had also thought of some advice to give them based on this experience.

“They went out with Elin’s mother. Something about learning about mushrooms and herbs?”

“Mushrooms and herbs…?”

“Yeah, honestly, I think learning practical skills like this is much more beneficial than the theoretical stuff they teach at the Academy.”

I agreed with her opinion. But that didn’t mean theory wasn’t important.

A solid theoretical foundation is necessary before practical experience can be built upon it.

If someone were thrown into practical situations without sufficient theoretical knowledge…

‘They would definitely die or get injured.’

That’s probably why the Academy focuses on theory in the first and second years, and practical training in the third and fourth years.

After all, a house with a weak foundation is bound to collapse.

Anyway, all my questions had been answered, and I felt better after getting plenty of rest.

Grumble…

My stomach signaled that it wanted food.

Hearing that sound, Elin stood up and said:

“Hungry? I’ll prepare something right away.”

And I immediately…

“I think I can eat a little later.”

I declined her offer.

I knew Elin’s cooking skills all too well.

Somehow, even when using the same ingredients, the food would taste strange, and if you left something with her briefly, it would turn into charcoal.

She had even less talent for cooking than my master.

I’d rather eat my master’s sandwiches three times a day. At least those preserved the original taste of the ingredients.

However, Lael and Derin thought differently.

“Crow, just try it once. Your mind will really change.”

“For once, I agree with Derin. It’s really delicious. I was surprised too.”

They should know Elin’s cooking skills as well as I did, so if they were saying this, there must have been some real change.

Elin looked a bit disappointed by my refusal.

I said to her:

“Elin, I’ll eat. Sorry for the trouble, but please.”

“Yes! Just wait a moment!”

With a bright smile, Elin rushed out of the room.

Once she was gone, I asked Lael and Derin for the truth.

They might have been lying to avoid hurting Elin’s feelings.

“Be honest. Is it really delicious?”

They nodded as if it was obvious, but my doubt didn’t diminish.

Not until I tasted the food Elin made.

As soon as I put the spoon in my mouth, I thought…

‘It’s delicious…’

There was a slightly burnt taste, probably from poor heat control, but the overall flavor was excellent enough to cover that up.

It was hard to believe Elin had made this.

What on earth had happened while I was unconscious…?

While I was pondering this, Elin, clutching her apron, said:

“I’m sorry… I wanted to do well, but I got nervous…”

“Huh? It’s delicious! There’s a slightly burnt taste, but not enough to be bothersome.”

“Really?”

“Yes, look.”

I showed Elin the empty bowl.

“I ate it all.”

Seeing this, the corners of Elin’s mouth began to twitch. She seemed pleased with the compliment.

“Would you like more?”

“Yes, give me more. I’m really hungry after not eating for three days.”

* * * * *

After a simple but substantial meal, the students finally returned.

When they saw that I was awake, they all looked like they might burst into tears at any moment.

I felt happy knowing so many people were worried about me, and somehow their expressions made me emotional.

I gathered the students together and began to speak.

About my apology, advice, and future plans.

“Everyone, I’m sorry for worrying you. I’m glad that no one was seriously injured.”

The original goal wasn’t to subjugate the monster but to protect the students, and that goal was successfully achieved.

Instead, I was seriously injured, but just being alive after encountering an S-Rank Monster was miraculous.

I was grateful just to be breathing.

“If any of you felt fear seeing me injured, please don’t blame yourselves. It’s natural. We’re all human, and it’s impossible not to fear death.”

That applies to me too, and even to members of S-Rank parties.

Of course, if you frequently face life-and-death situations, you might become desensitized…

‘But that’s even more dangerous.’

It’s precisely because humans face the fear of death that we try our best to avoid getting hurt.

As you become desensitized, you start ignoring your injuries, and death awaits at the end of that path.

In other words…

“You must acknowledge that fear and overcome it.”

That’s how we survive.

The Black Crow members probably understand this well.

What happens when you’re defeated by fear, and what happens when you overcome it.

They’ve experienced it all in real situations.

“I believe you all can do it.”

That’s all I can offer, but having someone believe in you can be surprisingly powerful.

Surely there will come a time when they’ll remember my words. And they’ll overcome their challenges successfully.

Just like we did this time.

Anyway, I’ve said everything I wanted to say personally.

“Now, let me explain our future plans.”

* * * * *

The afternoon in the Royal Capital was painted with a beautiful sunset.

The sun, squeezing out its last strength, dyed the blue sky red, creating quite a beautiful scene.

Riano sat in her workshop, looking at that sky and letting out a deep sigh.

‘I miss him…’

Whenever Riano thought about Crow, her heart ached.

It had been nine days since her disciple left. How could he trouble his master’s heart so much, whether he was present or absent…

Still, thinking that having him around was better than not, Riano recalled how Crow had suddenly embraced her before leaving.

Her heart had pounded, and her limbs had frozen in surprise.

‘I should have hugged him back…’

It was pointless to think that now, as the past couldn’t be changed…

But she promised herself that next time, she would be the one to embrace him.

As she was calming her flushed face from thoughts of Crow, someone visited the workshop.

A person completely covered in a black robe, with a hat pulled down low.

Anyone would think, “I’m a criminal!” just by looking at them.

Riano put on a thorn ring as a precaution, making sure the visitor wouldn’t notice.

Fortunately, the ring didn’t need to be used. The woman was just a customer looking to buy a recovery potion.

But…

‘What is this letter?’

Strangely, she was giving her a letter.

There was no name written on the outside, so it might have been for her disciple.

Thinking she should check it if that was the case, she opened it and began reading.

And… she was shocked.

[Crow has been seriously injured, but he’s being treated in the Great Forest, so please don’t worry.]

That’s what it said.

The sky that had been red just moments ago now looked yellow to Riano.