Lucy's hands trembled slightly as she poured the elixir over Lucas's leg wounds, her gaze focused and determined. The room was bathed in a soft, ethereal light as the elixir made contact with his skin. It shimmered and danced like liquid starlight, casting a soothing aura that enveloped the entire room.
The sight was breathtaking, even for those who had witnessed the enigmatic powers of the system before.
“Meri,” Lucy said, her voice filled with determination, “hold his legs steady for me. We need to make sure the elixir covers every inch of these gunshot wounds.
Meri nodded and held Lucas's legs with a steady grip, her expression unwavering despite the gruesome wounds before her. Dried blood and tattered flesh marked the extent of the damage, but the healing potion wasted no time, beginning its miraculous work.
As the elixir soaked into his injuries, Lucas's body reacted. He twitched involuntarily, his brow furrowing and his breathing deepened, clear signs that the potion was taking effect. Belle watched with bated breath, her heart pounding in her chest as she witnessed Lucas's body respond to the elixir's magic.
Her eyes darted between Lucy and Meri, who remained focused on their task. The room seemed to hold its breath, waiting for a sign of life from the injured man.
Minutes stretched into what felt like hours, and then, at last, a subtle change began to unfold. Lucas's eyelids fluttered, and his breathing steadied, eliciting a collective sigh of relief that filled the room as the elixir's healing power took hold.
Then it occurred. A soft, almost imperceptible groan escaped Lucas's lips.
“Ah-”
His eyelids fluttered once more, and his fingers twitched, a feeble yet unmistakable sign that he was gradually returning to consciousness. Lucy's heart swelled with joy as she continued to pour the elixir, her voice brimming with anticipation.
“Come on, Lucas. Please, wake up, please.”
Meri, her eyes moist with relief, nodded in agreement, her grip on Lucas's legs unwavering. Belle, her eyes shining with hope, whispered a heartfelt prayer.
The room hung heavy with emotion as Lucas's battle between life and unconsciousness persisted. It was a pivotal moment, and the collective breaths of those present were held in anticipation, each one yearning for Lucas to open his eyes.
Hours drifted by, marked by the gentle warmth of the sun's rays filtering through the classroom windows. Lucy and Meri remained unwavering at Lucas's side; their vigilant watch unbroken. The atmosphere had shifted from initial tension to cautious hope, yet an undeniable sense of tension lingered in the air.
Lucas's once-labored breathing had found a steadier rhythm, and the furrows of pain etched on his brow had gradually smoothed away. The elixir had worked its miraculous charm, reconstructed his shattered flesh, and knitted his fractured bones. Now, it was only a matter of time before he would fully awaken.
As the afternoon approached, a gentle breeze wafted into the room, rustling the curtains and bringing a soothing tranquility with it. Lucy, who had been faithfully seated by Lucas's side, turned her gaze towards the window. Her thoughts were a blend of gratitude and exhaustion.
In her hand, she held a damp towel, the very one she had used to cleanse Lucas's body of sweat, dirt, and dried blood, from head to toe. It was a task she had performed multiple times, and with each pass, it had grown easier, a testament to the hours of unwavering care she had dedicated to her friend. Countless hours filled with worry had led to this moment, and now, the palpable hope of Lucas's recovery lifted her spirits.
Then it finally happened. Lucas's eyelids flickered, and he released a soft, almost imperceptible sigh. His hand, adorned with the iron ring Lucy had placed on it earlier, twitched ever so slightly. Gradually, consciousness began to return to him, his senses reawakening one by one.
Meri was the first to notice the subtle change, her face illuminated with joy as she whispered, “Miss, Sir Lucas is awakening!”
Lucy, who had anxiously and diligently monitored Lucas's vital signs, couldn't help but express her gratitude and relief, whispering, “Thank God.”
Lucas's eyes fluttered open, blinking several times to adjust to the soft ambient light in the room. His gaze met the worried yet relieved expressions of his friends, including Meri. Confusion initially clouded his features, but as his memories flooded back, a weak smile graced his lips.
Lucas let out a faint sigh, his voice barely more than a raspy whisper. “Ah...”
“I... nearly died again, didn't I?” His words trembled with the gravity of the situation.
“Yes, you did, and I saved you,” Lucy replied, her voice tinged with pride at her accomplishment.
Lucas managed a weak smile, his gratitude shining brightly in his eyes. He glanced downward, taking in the sight of his bandaged legs, before returning his gaze to his friends. “Thank you once again, Lucy.”
Lucy met his eyes, her expression filled with a mix of relief and warmth. “You're welcome, Lucas.”
Curiosity piqued, Lucas ventured to ask, “I assume it wasn't that easy to heal me, was it?”
Meri chimed in, her voice gentle and reassuring. “No, sir. Miss Lucy acquired a special elixir from the black market for your healing.”
Lucas absorbed this information, his appreciation for Lucy deepening. “Is that so...? Double thanks, Lucy.”
Besides Lucas, a small voice piped up, breaking the moment. “Uncle, uncle, you're awake!”
Lucas turned his attention to the source, his voice tender as he greeted the young one. “Hi, Cale. Thanks for taking care of me. Uncle will give you more candy in the future, alright?”
You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.
Cale's eyes lit up with excitement. “Yay! Sister, Uncle said he'll give me more candy!”
Laughter filled the room as the exchange between Lucas and Cale injected a touch of lightheartedness into the otherwise intense atmosphere, reminding everyone that amidst the challenges, there were still moments of joy and connection to be found.
Meri's emotions formed a complex blend of relief, joy, and an unspoken understanding of the gravity of the situation as she smiled and nodded somberly.
Despite the persistent pain coursing through his leg, Lucas lay there, gazing at the faces of his friends. For now, he shared in their happiness, their contagious joy washing over him. However, as his eyes scanned the room, he noticed two unfamiliar figures with their hands still bound. His gaze returned to Lucy.
Lucas furrowed his brow with curiosity, his voice carrying a hint of intrigue. “Who are they, Lucy?”
Lucy leaned in slightly, her eyes focused as she began to explain. “Ah, they are my prisoners,” she clarified. “The girl is Belle, one of the individuals who attempted to confront us last night, and the other is John, the vice boss at their base.”
Lucas raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued. “And you didn't kill them?”
Lucy shook her head, her expression thoughtful. “Well... they surrendered themselves. Although I couldn't trust them entirely. Two of their companions are also locked up in the storage room,” she disclosed, her voice laced with a hint of caution.
Lucas nodded, acknowledging Lucy's decision. “I see. I'll trust your judgment on this.”
Suddenly, Belle, the girl Lucy had mentioned, approached Meri. Her voice quivered with anxiety as she made her plea. “Aunty, now that Lucas is awake, can you release my companions?”
Meri responded with a measured tone, “Not yet, Belle.”
“But please, aunty,” Belle implored, her voice trembling even more. “I fear they're scared and hungry to death by now. Please.”
Lucas observed Belle's face, taking in the beauty of her long black hair. Although he still harbored some hostility toward her, Lucy's trust in Belle prompted him to reconsider. He was willing to give her a chance.
“Belle, can you wait?” Meri requested.
Lucas sighed, understanding the gravity of the situation. “Meri, release her friend for now, but before that, please tie their hands as well. I'll question them when I'm feeling better.”
Upon Lucas's decision, the die was cast. Meri quickly nodded and took Belle to her companion's room. The girl's expression lit up with gratitude as they reunited.
As Belle and Meri made their exit, Belle turned back, bowing to Lucas with a show of appreciation. “Thank you, Lucas.”
Embarrassed, Lucas managed a slight nod as he struggled to lift his head.
Beside him, Lucy regarded him with a playful glint in her eye. “She's quite beautiful, isn't she?”
Lucas couldn't help but nod in agreement, his gaze distant as he recalled Belle's striking appearance. “Yes, she is.”
“I thought so too,” Lucy confessed with a smile. “I believe she's already terrified of me by now, considering how angry I was with her.”
A mischievous grin played on Lucas's lips as he continued their playful banter. “Are you worried about me?” he inquired; his tone filled with amusement.
Lucy's cheeks flushed slightly as she feigned indignation. “What? No!”
Lucas chuckled, finding her reaction endearing. “You are, aren't you?” he teased, a twinkle in his eye.
Lucy sighed theatrically and then, with a playful flourish, dropped the towel she had been holding right onto his face. It landed with a soft, damp thud. “Psst, no. By the way, you deserve that. This is the fourth time I've had to wet this towel to clean your body. Please take better care of yourself.”
Lucas laughed, a warm, genuine sound that filled the room. “Haha, I'll try. But now, you're not alone, Lucy. You have Meri and Cale.”
Lucy's expression shifted, a touch of seriousness entering her eyes. “Lucas, it's different, and you know it.”
Lucas's smile softened, and he offered sincere reassurance. “I know, I know. I promise.”
Lucy's concern was evident as she pressed on. “This time, you won't break it?”
“I won't,” Lucas promised with determination, his gaze unwavering.
Their lighthearted conversation was suddenly interrupted by a throat-clearing sound.
“Ahem, I'm still here. Can I go out now?” John, the shirtless man, spoke up.
Lucas couldn't help but grin at the remark. “Ah, the shirtless guy.”
John's irritation was palpable as he corrected Lucas. “I do have a name, Lucas. The name's John. We've met before.”
***
“It's already night, huh...” Lucas gazed out the window, his body still and healing. These past few days had been a wild ride, and now he lay here, unable to move on the rough, flat surface of the table.
Tonight, all he wanted was a peaceful, comfortable sleep. It had been so long since a day with nothing happening. The only time he ever felt free was when they first arrived at this university, and after that, it was one event after another, snowballing into chaos.
Lucy was in the shower, and even Meri was keeping an eye on those four people.
After Lucas had a talk with John, he could understand his reasons for surrendering, although he suspected there might be more to the story. All he had heard was, “Julia was too rash, aggressive, and uncompromising.”
Who was this Julia, anyway? Was she the woman who had shot at them first? It didn't matter anymore; that woman was now dead, lying there for zombies to feast upon.
The room was shrouded in darkness, and just outside the window, one could see a horde of zombies in front of the university entrance, wandering aimlessly. There were no barriers to protect them.
“Ah, life...”
The moon hung high in the sky, and the sounds of crickets filled the air, their chirping a melancholic backdrop to the groans of the zombies. Lucas could only remain sprawled on the makeshift bed, the hard wooden desk beneath him, the same soiled clothes clinging to his body since yesterday, and a numbness persisting in his leg.
Then, a sudden interruption.
---
[Congratulations, the Earth Mutation Program has completed a full month!]
[Conditions have been met, and the Earth Mutation program is pleased to invite all Tier 1 mutated humans to commemorate the end of the first month of the program!]
[Initiating Dungeon Activation!]
[Opening Dungeon: Pioneers of Valor, Level 0!]
[Teleportation Sequence Initiated!]
---
“Ah, again!” Lucas exclaimed; his frustration was clear in his voice.
“Ugh, I completely forgot about this,” he muttered, his brows furrowing in annoyance.
With those words, his body suddenly vanished from the table.