The other healers of the group were confused at the interaction that took place between them, and some thought he might be a pervert, but others who were more astute noticed something more took place.
Noticing the weird stares, Sol could only respond with a nervous chuckle, but luckily the woman spoke up, grabbing everyone's attention.
“Greetings, everyone. I am Diana, a humble priestess of the Church of Caela, and I will be the leader of this group.”
Hearing the mention of the Church of Caela, another priestess wearing similar robes as Diana asked a question.
“Sister, may I ask why you are in the army? I don’t recall us being ordered to join any forces.”
Diana nodded.
“I was not sent here by the Church, but how can I just stand by and watch as my country gets invaded by the orcs? The least I can do is tend to the wounded; isn't that the same for you?”
Blushing a bit from being called out, the priestess looks away in embarrassment.
Diana smiled and continued, “It’s okay. We don't violate any rules as long as we don’t take any lives in this encounter, so you needn't worry. Now follow me. I will show you where you will stay these next few days and where we will take care of the wounded.”
The group is led inside through one of the fort's many interior entrances, and they immediately see a wide room with many beds lined up one after the other. Diana then gave a rundown of how things will work.
“This is the medical ward. When they bring the wounded back from the field, they will come from the entrance we just took in here. It is up to you to treat them in whatever way you can. Overall, it won't be very difficult for those who can use healing spells, but remember that it may heal wounds but not exhaustion. Give them time to rest and properly recover before discharging them. Also, whenever you tend to your patient, remember to take their information and record it on a notepad for later; this is just to keep track of those who are not currently on the frontline and so we have a better idea of how many are wounded.”
Reaching the end of the room, Diana then turned around and continued.
“There is one more thing you should all know. I may be designated as your leader, but I will not be here to manage you all.”
Confusion rose from the group. One of the healers then asked.
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“Why, miss?”
“Our group is a bit special in the fact that we aren’t facing any real combat. You don’t need anyone to tell you what to do as you only have one job. While I can stay here and supervise, it would be better if I used my powers granted by Caela to assist the more urgent cases along with the first group.”
Hearing her explanation, the group understood it made the most sense.
“Would we be fine without any leader then?”
Diana shook her head.
“No, one is still needed. Which is why one of you will need to step up to fill that spot. To manage the overall operations and resolve any disputes that arise. Whoever thinks they are up to the task, speak up.”
Diana’s gaze then swept past everyone as if judging whether they were able to lead the rest. When she looked at Sol, it stayed on him for a brief moment before continuing to the rest.
Silence filled the medical ward; no one seemed to want to speak up at first.
Sol was reluctant to volunteer as well.
‘All I know is how to cast a basic healing spell; how am I supposed to know how to manage a group of healers…’
Eventually, one of the healers dressed in mage robes spoke up.
“If no one can decide, what if we choose whoever is the highest level? At least they have more experience and could resolve things better.”
Other healers nodded at his argument, finding it acceptable and decided to choose that way.
Diana smirked but did not say anything to influence their decision, leaving it in their own hands.
‘I will let them learn the hard way that level is not associated with capability.’
One male healer in mage robes then spoke up.
“If that is the case, then I should be the leader.”
“Huh? What level are you?”
The man then proudly stated, “Level 32.”
Out of confusion, one of the healers blurted out,
“What, aren't you C-Rank then? Why are you in this group?”
He laughed at the question and elaborated, “I am still technically D-Rank as I rarely complete quests and work as a private contractor. I just happened to hear about the invasion happening again this year and joined.”
Sol was intrigued by what he meant as a private contractor but didn’t ask.
“So is me being the leader acceptable for everyone?”
People in the group started nodding, not having a problem with him being the leader.
Seeing the matter was settled, Diana then spoke.
“Perfect, but you forgot something.”
The man, confused by what she meant, tilted his head.
“Your name?”
“Oh, right! Sorry about that everyone, my name is Hilbert.”
Diana nodded her head and then spoke to the group.
“Okay, with that settled, let me show you all to your living quarters.”
The group was taken deeper into the fort to a hallway filled with many doors not too far apart from one another.
“You can just choose whichever room you want. You are lucky as most people in this fort have to sleep in communal areas.” Diana shrugged, “One of the small privileges of being a healer.”
Everyone then split up and chose their rooms. Most claimed their rooms without any problems, but somehow discord arose.
Two women were arguing at the doorway to one of the rooms.
“Hey! I already put my stuff there!”
“I called dibs on it first!”
“I didn't hear that!”
Diana saw them arguing but did nothing as she stood by smiling and watched.
Hilbert was placing his personal belongings in his room unaware of the events transpiring.
Sol watched as no one went to intervene and shook his head.
‘Oh brother.’