Chapter 26

A few hours later.

- Phew... it wasn't your fault, I told you. - I was once again trying to shake off Ethan, who was practically bowing at my feet, trying to apologize. - Your spell only stunned me a little.

- But...

- Stop it," I sighed again. - You better get me something to eat. I haven't eaten since this morning.

- I won't be a minute. - He got up decisively and walked out, leaving me alone.

It took some time before I was able to move normally. But my body was still weak enough for me to move without help. The healers advised me not to use mana for a month, but with my regeneration, I gave myself a week, until I was fully healed. Still, a living mana injury was something that, even with my regeneration, was a little difficult to heal.

*Here, here.

"Who could it be? Ethan? He wouldn't knock on his own room, though... Or would he?"

- Come in.

- Good evening, Aaron. - Caitlin bowed lightly to me with a worried face. - How are you feeling?

- Hi. - I calmly stood up, assuming a sitting position. - I'm fine, just an itchy feeling all over my body, and a little weak.

- The healers said that the trauma of the living mana is quite painful..." She sat down elegantly on the chair next to the bed.

- Yeah? I hadn't noticed, probably because of my high pain threshold.

"Thank the old man..." - Remembering that torture made me shiver.

We were silent for a few seconds until, remembering something, Caitlin reached for the nightstand. She pulled a tray full of food out of the ring.

- I noticed you were out for lunch, so I thought I'd bring you something to eat. The body needs energy to repair itself.

As I looked at this mountain of food, I looked at Caitlin with infinite gratitude.

- Thank you, you are my savior!

A blush appeared on the princess' cheeks, and she, wishing me a speedy recovery, retreated.

- Great, I'm finally going to eat! - Taking the tray, I, forgetting about weakness, began to skedaddle food.

After the end of the feast, I felt better, my body really needed the energy.

The door to the room opened again, and Ethan walked in quickly, tray in hand. But he faltered when he saw the empty plates next to me.

- You're just in time," I said sarcastically. - But, give it all here, I have a growing organism.

- Oh, sure. - Black rushed to hand me the tray, which I gladly accepted.

A rather logical thought occurred to me, which I analyzed while I ate.

According to my theory, it turns out that my regeneration doesn't take power to heal from the air at all. It might have that function, but it only applied to minor wounds. To heal something more serious, it would have to use body resources, which is what gave me such a big appetite.

- There are a few more visitors outside the door who want to see you. - After I was done, Ethan informed me.

- Well, they're welcome to come in. - I shrugged.

He opened the door, and the Levi's came in, along with the Elf family and Principal Goodsky.

- Uh-oh, you at least gave me some warning, I would have made myself look decent. - I stood up from the bed, holding Ethan in my arms, and bowed to the King and Queen of Elenoir. - It is an honor to see you in person.

- Don't be, young man. - Alduin's hands, I believe that was his name, rested on my shoulders. He gave me a gentle squeeze, forcing me to sit on the bed.

- We've come to thank you for saving our daughter. - Merial said with a smile.

- Not at all," I waved my hands. - I only did what I had to do.

- And yet. - Alduin began to insist. - Now, we owe you a favor, come back if you need anything.

"Something, too many people owe me..." - I had to nod.

- My dear Aaron, are you all right? - Ray started shaking me anxiously.

- Yes, I'm fine. - There were no wounds on my body, so I wasn't the least bit embarrassed by the shaking.

- Honey, leave the boy alone. - Alice hovered menacingly over Ray and pulled him away.

- We have some business to discuss with Principal Goodscay. - Aldwyn and Merial looked at me. - Get well, Mr. Aaron.

They left, followed by the Levins, wishing me a speedy recovery. Only Arthur and his sister and the old elf remained.

- You are Elder Virion, aren't you?

- I am, surely you have heard of my incredible powers? - He asked with a chuckle.

- More like your longevity. - I smiled a little. - To live that long, you must be very old.

Virion's strained smile elicited chuckles from Arthur and his sister.

- Oh, Ellie, are you here too?

- Yes, I came to see you big brother. - She approached me, holding out a chocolate bar, which I gratefully accepted. - I heard my brother gave you trouble, I beg your pardon. - The girl bowed gallantly, barely restraining herself from a snide smile.

- Hey, it's not my fault," Art said with a frown on his face.

- Yeah, Arthur can't stop getting into trouble. - I shook my head with a sigh, ignoring him. - But don't worry, he'll grow up someday. Aw, come on, I'm actually hurt!

- Sorry, just saw a mosquito. - Arthur replied with a strained smile, looking at my slightly flushed skin.

- Say, Brother Aaron, who's prettier, me or Tessie?

- Of course, you're Ellie. - I answered promptly, pleasing the girl, who looked reproachfully at Arthur.

- Hey, lousy boy, I hear you're an AA-rang adventurer, and you wield two of the elements, with their higher forms. - Virion said with an assertion rather than a question.

- Yes.

- Would you like to be my apprentice? - He raised his head proudly. - If you become my apprentice, you'll immediately move up in the hierarchy...

- I already have an old man as a mentor. - I interrupted his self praise. - And I'm happy with him.

- Oh, yeah? And who's that? - Virion asked sadly.

- His name is Harold.

- Hmm... the Harold? The one who was wounded by Manticore?

- You seem to know him. - I was surprised to hear that.

- Yes, I did. - The old elf was deep in thought.

- By the way, what about the Elfess?

- Oh... she's all right. - Arthur answered nervously.

I only scolded him, and got a look in return that meant "I'll tell you later. After some more questioning of Virion, he and Ellie went to catch up with their kin, leaving us alone.

- So, how were you able to get near Tess so quickly? - I asked with barely contained curiosity.

- With a special ability I call Static Void. It sort of... stops time. I can only use it in the first stage of the Beastmaster's Will.

I only stared at it in amazement, having no idea how I could stop time.

"How many things I've forgotten, and I keep forgetting. No matter how good my memory is, the memories of my past life keep disappearing..."

- You're strong... Maybe I should get myself a dragon, too.

- Hehe, if you can, I'd be glad to. - Arthur's smile faded into a frown. - Tess... I gave her that kernel of S-rang Beast mana that got her into this situation. But, she'll be fine, Virion will help her assimilate.

- So that's what that mana surge was. - I wondered, but, noticing my friend's nervous expression, I gave up thinking. - Something else?

- You know... - Arthur started fidgeting in his chair, trying not to look me in the eye. - I'm a criminal!

I was taken aback by his words, trying to figure out what he was trying to say.

- Did you kill someone? - I asked with a puzzled look.

- No... Tess, she kissed me.

The gears were spinning in my head, intensely processing his words, and trying to figure out what that had to do with the crime. But finally understanding it, I laughed.

- You want some love advice from me? - A smirk came out on my face.

- Huh... - Arthur's facial expression turned serious. - I can't respond to her feelings. She's only thirteen years old, and I just don't have it in my head how I should respond to all this.

- Hmm, I understand you like no one else does. Still, our past lives are reflected in this one. Even being the same age as the other students, we can't see them as peers. They will always be children to us.

- They are. - Arthur sighed briefly. - That's why I don't know what to do, with Tess.

- But, whoever you were in your past life, Grey, you're now twelve-year-old Arthur Leivin, and you shouldn't be so burdened, because of your past self. I suggest you tell Tessie you're not ready yet, and ask her to wait a few years, and then maybe something will become clearer.

- Thank you, your advice helped me a lot. - He sighed with relief.

- We promised to help each other, so there was no need. - I yawned, glancing at my watch. - I could use some sleep, I'm too tired mentally.

- Sure. - Arthur stood up, walking to the door. - Good night, Aaron.

- Good night...