“How long have I been asleep?”

  “A month.”

  Upon hearing his reply, Azalea immediately throws her pillow at him. “Give me a proper answer!” She shouts angrily.

  He catches the pillow. “I can see that you have a lot of energy. Don’t stress yourself too much. It’s been roughly two and a half days.”

  “I see.” She says softly.

  He stands up. “I’ll go inform Lillian and the others.”

  “By the way, I have a bit of an idea, but I’d still like to know. Which idiot did this?” She points at the header of her bed where a cardboard is placed with the writing, “Rest in piece Azalea Blackwood.”

  “It’s exactly that person you are thinking of.” He answers with a smile before leaving the room.

  She sighs before lying back down. She stares blankly at the ceiling. “That idiot can’t even spell right.”

  ∞×∞

  Meanwhile, Lillian is just coming up after checking in the café. On her way to Azalea’s room, she runs into Evancross.

  “Lillian,” Evan greets politely. “I was just about to inform you. She’s awake.”

  “Really?!” Lillian’s raises her voice with slight excitement.

  “Yes, but… Aside from her right arm, she does not seem to be injured anywhere else but… she’s not fine. She’s going to say that she’s fine, but she’s not. Something is bothering her… and I don’t think I’m the right person to talk to her about it.”

  “Mhm, I understand.” She pauses for a bit. “Call the doctor in the living room first before informing the others about Azalea. Tell them to wait until the doctor has finished his examination before entering the room.”

  “Understood.”

  Evan continues on his way following the given instructions while Lillian proceeds to enter Azalea’s room.

  As soon as she enters the room, she sees Azalea lying on the bed. If it is a normal day when nothing particularly happens, she would be curled up resting in one corner of the room instead. She cannot sleep normally on the bed because it makes her feel uneasy. At times like that, Lillian would have to be careful in approaching her when she is half asleep because her defensive instinct is on high alert. This time she does not need to worry about that. Azalea is on the bed and has just woken up from a long deep sleep.

  “How are you feeling? Don’t sit up, stay like that.” Lillian takes the seat close to the bed. “I already called for the doctor to come here.”

  “Nothing to worry about.” Azalea answers casually with her usual smile. “I’m fine.”

  Her lips curls and forms a bitter smile. “I need to make sure you’re all healed up. How is your right arm?”

  “It’s gonna be fine.”

  “Burned mana circuits don’t heal like normal, you know.”

  “I know… but I’m different.”

  Lillian observes Azalea. Her body is covered by the blanket over to her chest area. Black marks that look like a tattoo peeks out from her shoulder up to the right base of her neck. Those are the marks left by a burned mana circuit. She has never seen one before, and she also has no idea what to do in this kind of situation. From what she knows, a burned mana circuit does not heal. Once the circuit is damaged, the flow of mana in that area is forever gone. It may not affect the person’s overall physical health, but it decreases the total mana that person holds.

  She stands up and then moves to Azalea’s right bedside. Her eyes are plastered at the dark marks on her shoulder.

  “I heard the part that’s affected by the burned circuit hurts a lot.”

  “Y-yeah. But that doesn’t last for long.”

  Lillian suddenly removes the blanket and then grabs Azalea’s right arm. “The pain lasts for three to six months before it restores normal sensation, but the pain and numbness may occasionally return.”

  Azalea sweats.

  “That’s something that will be taught to you in ‘Mana and Abilities’ in your second year class.” She adds while looking at the marked arm. She then gently lets it go. “It still hurts, doesn’t it?”

  She gulps. “Y-yeah…”

  “If it hurts, just say it does. The doctor should be here any time soon. Be honest and don’t hide anything.”

  “O-okay…”

  “Are you hurting anywhere else?”

  “N-no.”

  “Really?”

  A knock interrupts their conversation.

  “Please come in.” Lillian answers.

  The door opens and then a man wearing a neat semi-casual suit comes in. His tired eyes are highlighted by his thick rectangular glasses. He is carrying a black duffel bag that he gently laid on the floor close to the bed before taking the free seat.

  Behind the man is a lady in her mid-twenties. She has long orange hair tied in side ponytail. Her eyes are yellow with a sharp look in it. She is wearing casual and fashionable clothes. She does not seem to be a nurse. She just stood close to the door to observe.

  “Hello. I’m Doctor Elrod.” The man says as he opens his bag to prepare some of his medical tools. “I will perform a complete physical exam. Afterwards, it will be better if you can go to a hospital to get some diagnostic and imaging tests… depending on what the results of my examination...”

  “I understand.” Lillian replies.

  “I will ask the patient some questions as I proceed.” He adds after setting up his tools on the drawer table beside the bed. “Can you sit up?”

  “Y-yeah.” Azalea sits up with ease. She stares at the doctor whose face became clearer now that he is closer. She has this odd feeling that she has seen him before.

  “I already heard about some of the details of the situation. I’d like to hear from your perspective about how you ended up bedridden for more than two days.”

  ∞×∞

  While the doctor is examining Azalea, everyone else is staying in the recreation room. Three large sofas with cute stuffed animals on it are surrounding a coffee table. In front is a 65-inch flat TV with a home theater stereo. The glass cabinet on one side has some gaming consoles displayed as well as some iconic video games that dates from more than ten years ago until from the recent years. There are also some board games with elegant designs, action figures form a popular old show, and old trendy toys. All of them looks like they have not been opened before and they are just there for display. On the opposite side is a divider with a collection of different types of movies. There is a framed picture of Lillian and her brothers, and Lillian and Azalea displayed. It has some magazines that seems out of place. On the other side of the divider is a counter with stools, and a cooler with drinks.

  If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

  When Evan enters the room to relay the news, Tristan is simply sitting on the sofa while watching something on the TV. Primrose is beside him nonchalantly eating a box of cookies. Blair got her hands on the picture of Lillian and Azalea while Emil is looking at the displayed old toys on the other side. Q is rolling on the floor while playing with a mouse-shaped cat toy.

  “Blair, put that back.” Evan says as he looks at mentioned person.

  “You got some news?” Blair gently puts the picture back to where she took it from. “Did Az wake up?”

  “Yes,” he answers while purposely blocking the door. “However, the doctor is looking after her for now. We can’t disturb them, so we’ll have to wait for a while.”

  “How boring.” Blair frowns.

  “How is her condition?” Emil moves away from the displays.

  “She looks fine on the outside. She’s somewhat distraught.” He takes a seat. “President, what is the latest news about the state of the academy and the city after the attack?”

  “Ah- W-well…” Tristan jolts and clasps his hands together. “There are no reported casualties among the students and the faculty of the academy. All of the injured were already healed through magic, so everyone is in peek health. However, the damage in the academy grounds will take time to be repaired. Classes may start in around two weeks from now.”

  “And the city?”

  “It’s not as good. There were bomb threats and explosions. At least a dozen have been reported to have died. Over a hundred are currently accounted to have been injured and are being treated in the nearest hospitals. Some of them are severely injured and are in critical condition. Though no building has collapsed, a number of them have large damages and cannot resume normal operation for at least a month.”

  Evan touches hid chin and ponders.

  “What does it have to do with us?” Blair asks as she sits down. “The city’s troubles aren’t the academy’s problem.”

  “Well, not directly.” Evan answers after taking some time to think about it. “The academy full of reveils suffered no loses while the city is in a state of disarray. People are currently emotionally unstable and will be quick to react to any information fed to them that would somehow justify their misery.”

  “Stop talking in codes.” Blair clicks her tongue.

  “What codes?” Tristan mumbles.

  “Misery loves company.” Evan smiles.

  Blair’s brows furrow.

  “Some people can spin this story and put the blame to the academy for getting into a fight and then getting the innocent people involved.” Emil states as if recalling some things. “The more dramatic the story is… then the more people you can take on the ride.”

  “They will definitely target ICA’s management this time.” Evan adds. “ICA have their hands full as there was also a prison break at that same day.”

  “And what exactly do they want?” Prim asks after finishing a cookie.

  “We don’t really know.”

  “You got blind-sided. Shame.”

  “So, are they going to keep attacking the academy?” Blair asks.

  “Maybe.” Evan checks his watch. “A school full of kids is an easier target than an organization full of well-trained soldiers. AB Academy holds the future of ICA.”

  “What if they suddenly attack again?” Tristan asks anxiously.

  “Don’t worry, the Tezca Castle is still on stand-by. Even if an all-out war breaks with a sudden attack, we, the students doesn’t need to fight. Leave it to the agents of the House of Kirihara.” He then stands. “I think we can head up to Azalea’s room now. We can just wait outside until Lillian gives us the permission to enter.”

  “Great, let’s hurry!” Blair excitedly stands up then picks up Q before sprinting towards the door.

  “Hey! Don’t be too noisy.” Tristan warns as he follows Blair. “If you’re too loud Lillian might kick us out again.”

  ∞×∞

  The doctor has just finished examining Azalea. Lillian was watching all the time, making sure that Azalea is answering the questions asked to her properly. Meanwhile the other lady just stood and observed the whole situation. She did not say a single word but she seemed to be listening intently on what the doctor says, and she paid attention to Azalea’s responses as well.

  “Physically, you are well.” The doctor says while fixing his tools in place. “I am not an expert when it comes to injuries of the mana circuit so I recommend you also see a specialist. For now, I will prescribe some pain relievers to help ease it.”

  “Ah…thanks.” Azalea responds while recalling where she had seen this doctor before. It somehow dawned on her but she is still unsure. “Have you been to Cappleasyo?”

  The doctor paused for a moment in the middle of writing the prescription. “Cappleasyo, huh… It’s been a while since I heard anything from that place.”

  This man looks a lot older than what is engraved in her memory. It is not the kind of aging that a normal person would undergo in a mere four years. It is like he aged ten years in advanced than usual. That is why she cannot recognize him at first.

  A few knocks are heard from the other side of the door.

  “May we come in?” Evan’s voice radiates softly.

  “Yes, it’s ok now.” Lillian responds as she strides towards the door.

  The door opens and then Evan, Blair, Tristan, Emil and Prim comes in. Q, who is in Blair’s arms, suddenly jumps out and then runs towards Azalea. He climbs up the bed and then settles down beside Azalea.

  “Then I’ll take my leave.” The doctor hands the prescription to Lillian and then takes his duffel bag.

  “Thank you.” Lillian sees the doctor to the door. “Please take your time in the café below. I’d like to talk to you more in a bit.”

  The doctor nods before leaving.

  “What’s up?” Blair’s enthusiastic tone livens up the room. “You were sleeping for more than two days but why do you look tired?”

  “Tired?” Azalea repeats with obvious confusion.

  “Your eyes-”

  “What did the doctor say about your condition?” Evan interrupts.

  “I’m healthy. By the way, aren’t you embarrassed by this trash you put on my bed?”

  Blair laughs. “Well, you weren’t waking up so I thought I’d play a prank on you.”

  “You misspelled a lot. I’m really concerned, just how were you able to graduate grade school?”

  Blair shrugs.

  “You said you’re healthy, does it mean your burned mana circuit will heal?” Tristan asks, his eyes plastered on Azalea marked right arm.

  “Oh, it’ll be fine.”

  “You’re not the one to decide that.” Lillian interjects then turns to the lady that has been just standing there watching them. “Headmaster Dimasalang was able to ask a very strong healer to look at your injury.”

  “Miss Lewin?” Evan looks confused. “Isn’t she an ubliss? She teaches Home Economics and is the adviser for that cooking or baking club…”

  “Miss Lewin is actually an esper.” She replies enthusiastically.

  “I’d rather that you all who learns about this keep it as a secret.” Miss Lewin says while checking Azalea’s arm. “Even in the academy, or in ICA, there are very few who knows about my ability.”

  “It’s a secret?! Is it because you’re super strong?!” Blair’s eyes brightens.

  “W-what strong?! I just heal… but I’m not a doctor… and I don’t know medical related things. It’s just that when it comes to healing… I can heal anything.”

  “Even terminal diseases?” Emil asks.

  She nods. “As long as they are not dead.”

  “Are you a god?” Prim asks.

  “No! My power have conditions.”

  “So you can heal Azalea’s arm?” Tristan follows up.

  “I’m trying.” She closes her eyes and gets a good feel of any flow of mana in Azalea’s right arm. Her palms are starting to glow. It lit up around the arm for a brief moment then she opened her eyes again. “It seems I can’t heal it.”

  “Bummer.” Blair blurts out.

  “Shh-!” Tristan gestures at Blair.

  “What’s wrong?” Lillian asks.

  “I’ve never healed a burned mana circuit before.” Miss Lewin explains. “So I tried healing her… It seems I can’t heal mana circuits after all. This is my limit.”

  “I have no idea what’s happening.” Azalea says. “So, like… you sort of tested your power on me?”

  “I don’t usually use my power.” Miss Lewin explains. “All I have confirmed is that my ability can heal people who are almost dead. Even if you get all your limbs cut and lost it, if it’s still fresh, then I can restore it. I can even bring someone who’s heart has been pierced back to life, because at that moment they aren’t completely dead yet. But I can only use it three times a day.”

  “You can save so many lives if you use it.” Tristan says.

  “I came from a family of pure ubliss for generations. I want to keep my peaceful life… but at some point that was almost impossible. You don’t know what kind of people would desire this power. Headmaster Dimasalang just offered to protect me, that’s why I’m here. I also just want to return some of that favor.”

  Tristan somehow understands the desire to “keep a peaceful life.” He too wants the same but some circumstances does not allow him.

  “Does that mean Az’ hand won’t be healed?” Blair asks out of concern.

  “Well, it’s hard for me to explain. It felt like the mana circuit is being restored on its own. It’s very slow process… but I did feel a weird flow that is similar to what I feel when I heal.”

  “So there’s a chance that it’s not completely hopeless.” Lillian’s tone has become more somber. “It seems we just have to wait and see. Miss Lewin is not an expert, just a gifted healer. Thank you, ma’am.”

  “I didn’t do much.” She replies then stands. “Since we’re done here, I’ll go ahead first. Cat is still waiting for me in the café.”

  “I’ll come with you. I also need to speak with the doctor.” Lillian looks back at Azalea and friends. “You guys, don’t be too noisy and don’t make a mess.”

  They all nodded. After confirming, Lillian and Miss Lewin left the room.

  “I’d like to be filled in about what happened after I passed out.” Azalea wears her business smile. “Ah-, but before that. Where’s Duke?”

  “My brother said he wants to rest more, and he doesn’t wanna bother me.” Prim answers while eating some wafer sticks. “He won’t materialize until before school starts again.”

  “Did you always know about Duke?” Blair interjects.

  “I had my suspicions.”

  “Evan and I will fill you in a bit.” Tristan states while checking his phone. It seems he made a list of what to report. “But… Um. Won’t those tattoo looking marks on your arm be troublesome when classes start?”

  “You’re right.” Azalea responds while inspecting her right arm. “It looks cool though it’ll attract attention if left alone. I’ll just wear some bandages to cover them up and make sure to keep my long sleeves uniform on all the time.”

  “Ok, that makes sense.”

  “Or just make Blair stand behind and it’ll scare anyone who’s curious away.” Prim suggest.

  “And what do you mean by that?” Blair growls.

  “Hey, we were just told not to be noisy.” Emil cuts in.

  Tristan sighs. He clears his throat warning everyone to settle down. With the help of Evan, he then started to update Azalea on the current events.

  On their side, nothing significant really happened. However, ICA might be concealing some information. The clean-up was left on their discretion. They took all the machines, every part and piece of it, and all bodies that were on academy grounds. So far, they released no new information to the public.