So it could be more acid to pour on my burn?

I was a little incredulous and contemplated it for a moment.

She probably has more confidence in it than she's letting on, given her situation—that's the feeling I'm getting anyway.

Before I could say anything, she had already instinctively swiped some into her hand, but then awkwardly cringed upon realising what she had set herself up for.

I almost laughed, but I've got an idea, so it won't be awkward.

"Wait a moment; if it works, I might need your help."

I remarked, an idea forming in my mind.

She nodded and sat on her knees with a straight back, as if about to be lectured.

I didn't really pay it any mind and scooped some onto my healthy hand and rolling it between my fingers.

It's soft and creamy, even more than it looks; how surprising, and it doesn't run off my hands easily either.

Hesitantly, I rubbed a little into my forearm, almost stopping upon feeling the harsh yet refreshing sensation like that of a strong mint—uncomfortable, but in a good way.

A faint smile crept up onto my face, and I continued to work the cream into the rest of my hand, picking up more from the leaf as I went.

Rena probably thought she was being stealthy, trying to steal glances at my reaction, and I didn't miss the obvious relief that came with her gradually relaxing posture.

There was still a lot left, but I had a plan for that; instead, I wriggled my fingers and moved my arm through the air.

The cream quickly dried into a skin-like substance, like a scab, but far more flexible and unencumbered.

I squeezed my fist tightly and was relieved to find I felt no pain.

"Oo, brilliant."

I spoke with an unconcealed delight.

"So... what were you thinking of doing?"

Her intrigued voice came from my side, but I didn't reply with words.

I lifted my shirt until it was around my neck and immediately awoke the nebulous green energy around my body. The healing particulates gradually diffused within the surrounding field of magic.

Gritting my teeth, that same scorching pain encompassed my chest and back as if a chain doused in flame had coiled around me; I struggled to move or even breathe, only focusing on the relief and release of tension within while my bones and lungs rejuvenated enough to be useful.

I only have to hold it long enough to fix the major damage, and this isn't nearly as bad as that summoning.

[Pain Tolerance lvl1 --> lvl2]

Finally, thank you..

A drawn breath gradually left me, taking the pain with it.

It worked.

I dropped the magic, and what remained fell to the ground; curiously it revitalised the commonly walked upon earth.

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From the outside, it's like I'm giving my life to the earth—it's like someone has shoddily tried to skin me alive.

I shivered; the biting wind made me flinch, but fortunately my skill had levelled up.

So I can still increase my skills as well huh. That's good to know; for some reason, I thought maybe I couldn't.

Turning to look at Rena, I noticed she had a startled expression on her face. I'm not sure for how long though; it could have been anywhere in that process or perhaps multiple times.

"Did that not... hurt? You didn't even hesitate."

She spoke matter-of-factly, but her eyes betrayed a deeper curiosity than she was willing to show.

Oh, is she getting more used to talking with me? There's less hesitation, although it could just be that inquisitiveness poking through that I saw before.

"It did, but... I'm quite tolerant of it."

Or at least I am now.

That ability is rather strange; I still feel the pain, yet I'm able to just ignore the... harshness of it.

And I can choose not to. Why? Would it dull my reactions maybe?

But what really bothers me is how obvious it all feels; as if tolerating pain to this extent is... natural, barely even a whim of effort, but that ease casts a shadow over my previous self, and I feel slightly estranged from who I was only a moment ago.

It leaves me with a lot of questions—it's hard to put them all into words.

Why couldn't I do it before? What was I missing?

Whatever part of me that made it impossible to convieve of... is gone.

Am I just overthinking it?

Glancing at Rena and then the leaf, an even better idea popped into my mind, serving as an adequate distraction.

Scooping a large amount onto my hand, I turn to face her.

This should be enough.

"Could you hold out your hand?"

"Ah- uh yeah."

She looks confused.

Well, she likely expected me to ask her to put it on my back, and that was my original plan, but I can make it easier than such an awkward situation.

Using my finger, I quickly collected the cream off her outstretched palm; she seemed a little agitated by it, so I pretended not to notice.

Yes, definitely a better plan then.

"Rena."

She looked up at me, forgetting to blink through her awkwardness.

"I'm sorry, but could you spread the cream into that leaf and push it against my back? It should be wide enough for me to wrap around."

I asked sincerely, already rubbing what I had into my chest and ribs.

"Ah! Okay."

Her response was abrupt, and a slightly twisted expression crossed her face.

She was disappointed in herself—not that she should be.

I think she doesn't like that I'm making even small concessions for her or that I find her so easy to read.

What a strange girl.

A part of me wanted to say something, but the words died in my throat.

We're still strangers, and a few words alone aren't going to change how she feels.

At this thought, I zoned back in to see Rena pick up the smothered leaf in her palms; it was barely long enough to hold with each of my hands at an awkward angle.

She walked up behind me, and I turned away from her.

I felt the leaf push against my back; there wasn't much hesitation, and I quickly grasped it with each hand on either end.

This body wasn't too flexible, but it was enough to slide it around on my back and adequately cover the burned areas, and I made sure to pull the leaf away before the cream could begin drying, tossing it to the ground.

Getting to my feet, I stretched a little while it dried before pulling the shirt back down around my torso.

The armour I'd taken off was nearby, and I quickly put it back on before I forgot how it was done.

My mana is nearly gone... but physically I'm fine, which is all this body needs, thankully.

The forest was quiet, and the path was wide, stretching off into the distance.

I really want to get going, I'm starting to fidget at the inaction.

When I go back, I'll have to put everything into finding that fruit; I'm getting tired, so I want to assume that everyone sleeps around the same time, even in the caves. My stealth skill is still quite high regardless, so if that can level up then it would be all the better.

Rena was sitting awkwardly on a rock.

I moved over to the fire, throwing a handful of dry dust over it and scattering remains into the undergrowth nearby.

Her eyes were trembling slightly, and she was playing with her hands, unsure of what to do or say—unsure of how to ask me if she could stay...

I smirked, turned to the path, and raised my voice.

"Are you coming then?"

I don't want to pressure her by asking directly, since she would always seemed to hold back when I looked at her.

It took her a while to answer, but I waited.

"Thank you..."

They were simple words, but held a sincerity that spoke volumes--with a tone towing the edge of relief and tears.

First step... get closer to the outpost.

I began walking, not looking back, and listened closely as she hurriedly moved to my side.