Quick Recovery

When Eiji woke up, he immediately recognized the oak ceiling of the Three Winds Inn. Lying in a bed, he tried to move his body, in vain: he was paralyzed. In addition to that, the pain assaulted him every time he tried to move.

He could still move his head, though. So, he scanned the room with his gaze. In the distance to his left, he could see his sword, which he owed his life. But what caught his attention was Ophelia, who had fallen asleep with her head on his bed, sitting crouched on the floor.

He wished to wake her up, but in vain: his condition didn't allow him. So he did nothing and stayed in bed for several tens of minutes, waiting for his mentor to arrive or for his comrade to wake up.

Less than an hour after he woke up, the door to the room cracked open. Behind it appeared Tahrren, his arms laden with food. He entered and placed the food on the bedside table. It was at that moment that he noticed Eiji was awake.

"So, did you sleep well?" he said, accompanied by a light laugh. He quickly regained his seriousness. "Are you feeling better? You were seriously injured. Without Ophelia... I believe you could have died."

Eiji sighed. He still couldn't move, but he no longer felt any pain.

"I'm fine, thank you. Unfortunately, I still can't move. It's rather unpleasant."

A slight smile appeared on Tahrren's face. He took a nearby chair and sat next to Eiji.

"Paralysis is a common side effect of healing spells. Although they may seem miraculous, they draw the energy of the injured person to facilitate faster recovery. There are regeneration spells to overcome these drawbacks, but they are complex. Ophelia most likely knows how to use them given her healing skills, but she is completely exhausted now."

Both looked at Ophelia, deeply asleep, her head resting on the bed. Eiji's face hardened. He would never be able to thank her enough for saving him.

"Well then! It's not like we can't do anything about your paralysis. While we wait for Ophelia to wake up, you should eat. It will help you regain some energy. It won't instantly get you back on your feet, but it's better than doing nothing. And besides, you must be hungry since it's been about fifteen hours since you last ate!"

Eiji stared at his mentor before displaying a bitter smile.

"Thank you very much, but I think you forgot I'm paralyzed. How can I eat?"

Tahrren sighed deeply and scratched his forehead with his right hand before continuing.

"When I asked you to accompany me on that day, I didn't expect to have to feed you myself. But, well... I guess it is necessary! But I must warn you: I don't know how to cook at all! So I got you something you can eat directly. In other words, fruits. I hope that works for you."

While Tahrren approached the food he had just bought, Eiji didn't reply. He knew his mentor was not skilled in cooking or any household tasks, but he didn't realize it was to this extent.

Among the food on the table, the elf picked up an apple. He gently brought it toward his apprentice's mouth. Before it could touch his skin, Eiji opened his mouth and took a bite. The juice from the fruit dripped onto his jaw, but he paid little attention to it.

It was only after he started eating he realized how hungry he was. The subtly sweet taste of the apple also helped him dispel his doubts and the remnants of his suffering.

He ate several fruits, mostly apples. When he finished, he already felt rejuvenated. He could even move some of his limbs albeit slowly. The rest of his body could only make weak movements and still didn't allow him to stand, let alone walk.

As he examined the progress of his body's condition, Ophelia, who had been deeply asleep until then, slowly woke up with a light yawn. He watched her throughout the process, from her initial stirrings until she met his gaze. When their eyes met, she blushed slightly, realizing the situation.

"Good morning, Ophelia," Eiji said calmly. "Did you sleep well?"

Ophelia blushed even more and could only express herself in a few stammered words.

"E-Eiji! I... I'm glad you're recovering."

She took Eiji's hand and held it tightly against herself. A few tears streamed down her face, and her breathing unconsciously quickened.

"Really... I'm so happy. When... When I found you... You were so severely injured... I thought you were going to die."

If Eiji was not so restricted in his movements, he would have held her in his arms. He as well felt tears welling up in his eyes, but none fell.

"That's how it is. As Tahrren told me a while ago, we are at war. Today, you are my heroine. But tomorrow, perhaps, I will die on a battlefield. Such is the life of a soldier."

Ophelia buried her head in the bed. After a few seconds, she managed to calm herself.

"It's truly unfair."

Eiji closed his eyes at her words. He knew she was right and understood what she felt. Yes, it was unfair. No one should have to die for strangers. A person already has enough to do with the safety and well-being of their own family. But it was necessary. Unfortunately, he didn't know how to express it and could only remain silent.

Tahrren approached slowly, step by step, and crouched down beside Ophelia.

"It's unfair but necessary. The world is in chaos. Between the people, the innocent and manipulated, and the selfish who only wish for their well-being at the cost of the loss of all life on these lands, we, the guardians of the freedom to live, are mere puppets representing perhaps a futile hope.

But it is necessary because without that hope, life as we know it will come to an end within a few decades at the latest. You probably still underestimate the importance of our mission, even you, Eiji. Ninakami was one thing. Now it's the Holy City. But the reality is that, from the desolate borders of Meneborgh to the Ice Fields of Mekhione, located beyond the Sea of Ice, and from the bottomless swamps of Canalina to the deep jungle of Kajendra, no place or person is spared, directly or indirectly, from the presence of an immortal. Revolts, dictatorships, and even natural disasters. Whether due to the effects of Anima or the will of the immortals themselves, they are the cause of so much suffering in this world. And yet, this is only the beginning."

Tahrren paused in his monologue. He swallowed and stared at the distant wall for a moment before continuing.

"Ultimately, we are only humans. Whether we are Elves or Humans, Giants or Dwarves, or even Pharas, we have a limited impact on our world and in this struggle. That's why we must investigate any presence of immortals. Because each immortal eliminated could be a key to resolving this war. Every clue can provide us with a solution to this seemingly unsolvable problem. That's why, Eiji, tell me everything. I may be asking you a little early, even though you're still paralyzed, but we need to know who we're dealing with. After that, Ophelia, and I will continue our search for Father Andrea."

A heavy silence fell in the room, and everyone looked at each other in turn. Finally, Ophelia and Tahrren awaited Eiji's response, eager to hear it.

"A priest..." Eiji replied.

"A priest?" his mentor repeated.

"Yes. A priest. A fanatic, I would say. Completely mad, he mumbled barely understandable words. According to him, my death would save them all. But how?"

Tahrren stood up and paced around the room, lost in his thoughts. Ophelia and Eiji watched him without interrupting. After a few tens of seconds of contemplation, he approached the young woman.

"Ophelia, I think we should hurry. We still have too little information, but now that we know priests are involved, it becomes imperative to find Father Andrea. He is certainly the key to this whole mystery."

She stood up as well. She held Eiji's hand tightly in both of hers and smiled at him.

"I agree. Let's find this man and save everyone."