Day Three
It had been three full days, and Alex still hadn't woken up. Tension filled the air like an unspoken storm. Every heart in the village—especially the doctor's—carried the same question: What's happening to him?
The doctor had checked him multiple times, again and again. Each test, each scan—nothing seemed out of place. It was so strange, he had begun to question his own medical knowledge.
Then suddenly, something happened.
Tears. Quiet streams of water slid down Alex's face, his eyelids twitching.
"Look! Look, there's water running down his face!" Seraphina exclaimed, her voice rising with emotion.
Everyone turned at once. "What?!" they chorused.
What they saw silenced the room—tears, unmistakably flowing from Alex's eyes. And etched on his face... was fear.
The weight of tension grew thicker.
Then, slowly... Alex's eyes began to open.
He blinked once, twice, adjusting to the light. His gaze fell on the faces around him—familiar, warm, and full of concern.
His breath relaxed. "So… it wasn't all just a dream," he muttered under his breath.
"Where am I, Zeke?" he asked, attempting to sit up.
A ripple of surprise passed through the room.
Zeke stepped forward, a gentle smile on his face. "Welcome back, Alex."
"What are you saying, Zeke? Welcome… to where?" Alex replied, his voice rising in panic. "Wait—wait—don't tell me we're all… dead?"
Gasps spread through the room.
"The only one I see who looked dead was you," Seraphina said playfully, her tone light, joy dancing on her face.
"What do you mean, S-Seraphina?"
Zeke chuckled. "Relax. What she means is—you've been asleep for three whole days, not a single movement."
Alex froze. "Three days?" he echoed, stunned. Then he sat up straighter and glanced around the room. "W-wait. Does that mean I haven't eaten for three days?!"
His voice rose dramatically, clutching his stomach. "No wonder I feel like I'm fading!"
Laughter exploded across the room.
"What? Why are you all laughing?" Alex groaned, pretending to lunge at Zeke and Seraphina, but his sore body immediately reminded him of its limits.
"Aiihh… ah… ahhh…" he winced, clutching his side.
The doctor stepped out to call for a proper meal, and as the wait began, Zeke couldn't resist teasing.
"You know," he smirked, "I was kind of hoping you'd sleep for a month. Maybe then you'd finally understand—being stubborn doesn't fix everything."
Seraphina jumped in. "Yeah, and I was beginning to wonder if you two were meant to take a nap together forever."
She jabbed a teasing finger toward Zeke.
"Oh, really?" Alex raised an eyebrow, a spark of energy returning to him. "If we're talking 'forever naps,' then you both make a perfect match—boy and girl."
Before he finished, Zeke had already leapt up from his chair, knowing Seraphina wouldn't let that one slide without a chase.
"You!" Seraphina snapped, her voice sharp and playful, cheeks tinged with red—part fury, part fluster.
Zeke couldn't hold it in. He burst into laughter, dragging Seraphina with him into a shared moment of joy. Alex, lying on the bed, watched them closely. Seeing their smiles, hearing their laughter—it warmed him in a way he hadn't felt in a long time.
His eyes widened, filled with quiet understanding. They're more than comrades… they're family.
And at that moment, Alex made a vow—silent but firm.
"I'll protect what I have now. I'll become stronger… no matter what it takes," he whispered to himself.
But his voice, however faint, reached them.
Seraphina's gaze snapped toward him, sharp as a dagger.
"Alex? What did you just say?" she asked, her expression now mixed with curiosity and concern.
"Ah—nothing. It's nothing, Seraphina. I'm alright," Alex replied quickly, brushing it off.
After the meal, they stayed by his side, chatting softly through the night. As dawn broke, the door creaked open. The alchemist doctor stepped in, carrying a small wooden box in hand. Within it sat a faintly glowing pill.
"This is for you, Alex," the doctor announced, placing the box down with care.
"It's a healing pill I personally refined. It'll accelerate your recovery drastically. Instead of taking days… you'll be back on your feet within hours."
The room fell silent.
"What—hours?!" Seraphina gasped, her eyes wide with disbelief.
The doctor nodded.
"Indeed. And believe it or not, there are pills out there that work in minutes—some even in seconds."
While Zeke and Seraphina stood stunned, Grand Lily remained calm, her face unreadable as always.
Alex took the pill without hesitation. As he swallowed it, a wave of energy surged through his body, like ancient power flooding long-dormant veins. His mouth parted slightly, but no words came. Only heavy, astonished breaths escaped his lips.
Everyone watched him, waiting.
At last, he exhaled sharply, eyes glowing faintly.
"Wh–what is this feeling...?" His voice trembled, overcome with awe. It's like a dam just burst open inside me, he thought, feeling every inch of his body come alive.
"Alex, how are you feeling now?" Seraphina asked gently, her worry lingering despite his expression.
He turned to her, voice firm, eyes lit with resolve.
"I'm good. Really good."
The doctor and Grand Lily smiled quietly, then excused themselves, giving the three some space.
Once alone, Alex, Zeke, and Seraphina fell into an easy rhythm—talking, laughing, teasing like they used to before the chaos. They told Alex everything he'd missed—how the abomination had been defeated, how the villagers hailed them as heroes, and how the village had begun to heal and grow stronger in his absence.
And for a moment… things almost felt normal again.
Day four.
Alex had mostly healed from his wounds and decided to take a stroll through the village to lift his spirits. The damage from the battle was nearly erased—no trace of ruin remained. His eyes widened with genuine joy, admiring the tireless effort of the villagers.
Everywhere they passed, people nodded respectfully, their voices carrying a single phrase: "Thank you, Hunter Corps." The gratitude echoed warmly, and Alex felt a surge of pride. A sly grin curled on his lips as he leaned casually on Zeke's shoulder, like a mischievous cat.
"What? Don't tell me you're shy about a little praise, of all things," Zeke teased, his smile broad and playful.
Alex could only manage a quiet "Huh," unable to find a comeback.
"Alright, that's enough. Stop teasing!" Seraphina called out, her brows furrowed in mock irritation.