The fight was over.

All I could do was sigh a breath of relief however it didn’t last long as my lack of oxygen interrupted my action. Even so I uttered some words to reassure myself.

“Ugh…it’s over,” I said, short of breath.

The latter half of the battle took a great amount of effort to contain my urge to defeat it in one strike. The kick wasn’t a pleasant experience at all.

I bit my lip as I let my body rest on the wall. The dizziness made it difficult to make any precise movements without stumbling to the ground.

In addition, blood loss is another factor I need to take into consideration. Sudden movements will lead to further injuries. For example, when getting stabbed, it’s common sense to not pull the sword since it will make things worse.

My eyes wandered to the nearest person which was a student on the ground holding his thigh, his hand soaked in blood.

T—

His eyes immediately made contact with mine. As such I quickly averted my gaze. Unfortunately I couldn’t inspect him any further.

Footsteps approached my location in quick succession, a student with dirty blond hair went on one knee, his hand on my head. He was accompanied by a girl with black hair and white strands.

Rick and Minori.

Where is the other girl, Cynthia?

“Hold on, I’ll heal you!” said Rick.

He raised his staff and pointed it towards me as it shone a green light. The light soon diminished as well as the dizziness and pain. My injuries subsided to the point where the dizziness changed to lightheartedness.

“Are you okay, Rona?” asked Minori.

Minori touched my head, she moved her hands around my head. Due to her actions I winced in pain.

“Hey, stop that. She isn’t fully recovered, my healing magic isn’t my strong suit,” Rick said as he grabbed Minor’s hand.

“Ah! I’m so sorry!”

She retracted her hand with a concerned expression on her face. Minori bowed her head over and over, in response I shook my head.

“It’s okay,” I said.

“Can you still? The healing isn’t over,” asked Rick, gripping his staff.

I nodded which made Rick nod back. He continued healing me. I took this opportunity to discreetly gaze at my surroundings, more specifically a particular student.

Taetel Chaim.

He was conversing with the girl who wasn’t here, Cynthia. Cynthia held her hands out, the palms of her hand hovered over his thigh. He shook his head as she attempted to cast a spell.

She pursed her lips as she glared at him. Taetel ignored the glare, he began moving his body. He struggled yet managed to stand up much to the dismay of Cynthia.

His arm had various cuts, each of different sizes. The left thigh bleed the hole caused by an icicle. This however wasn’t important, what I cared about was why he was staring at me.

His eyes watched me like a hawk, he didn’t try to hide it at all. He walked towards me, his face slightly wincing in pain whenever he took a step.

“What are you doing!?” said Cynthia, speaking in a soft yet stern tone.

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“It’s fine. More importantly…” Taetel’s voice trailed as he gazed at me. “Never mind,” he said, shaking his head.

His stare increased my thoughts of concern. Did he find out? I have done this for my entire life, there’s no way he figured it out. Although we have been together for a month, it shouldn’t be long enough for him to pick up my inconsistency.

I’m holding back.

And he knows it.

But then why?

No, no!

You’re overthinking things, Rona Pearson! Taetel isn’t that perceptive, if he was then he would’ve been able to dodge the attack. Not to be rude, but for one to notice it they would need great skill which he doesn’t possess.

What is he thinking?

I cannot figure him out.

“Ah!” I cried, clenching my fist.

A sharp pain amended from my head. Rick's eyes widened as he stopped moving. “Sorry, if it hurts. It’s to make the process faster,” he said, frowning.

“It’s fine…”

“Rick is right, we have to fasten the process since Taetel also is in need of healing,” said Minori, holding her hands together.

“How is your condition, Rona?” asked Taetel…?

Unexpectedly Taetel showed worry about my current state. All I could do was stare at him in confusion.

I don’t get him at all.

He is genuinely worried about me, there’s no mistaking that. I should know better than anyone about people wearing masks. As such, I know when someone is attempting to say words they don’t mean.

So I can confidently come to the conclusion that Taetel is showing his true emotions. He made no attempt to hide them so I don’t know why I attempted to pry into him.

Why isn’t he mad at me?

Angry since I held my true strength until the end of the battle, in turn putting my comrades in danger. The fact he isn’t remotely angry doesn’t make sense.

He could’ve died because of my selfish actions yet he isn’t holding a grudge. Taetel also never inquired about the sudden influx of power I gained towards the very end.

Or is it because I’m misunderstanding it after all?

Does he really not know?

The answer is obvious!

Should Taetel know he would be rightfully angry!

Ahh, I’m overthinking things again!

“I should be fine, but shouldn’t you rest? You do have more severe injuries than I,” I said, responding in the same manner.

“I’ll be fine—“

“Fine? You literally got stabbed by an icicle,” said Cynthia, glaring at him.

“You’re exaggerating, what are you my mother?” Taetel said.

He touched his head, his sigh caused Cynthia to give him a blank look. She put her hand on her hips, a serious expression on her face.

“This is a serious situation, I don’t want to hear your nonsense. Plus what type of person would I be if I’m not worried about my friend?” she said.

“You do have a point.”

Taetel proceeded to sit against the wall next to me. The distance between was far enough so it wouldn’t interfere with the healing magic. As unfortunate as it is, this particular spell cannot heal more than one person at a time. He gazed at his cut arm, slowly turning it around.

Are…those…scars…?

At…such a young age?

Taetel’s arm contained countless scars each differing in sizes. In the first place I wouldn’t be able to notice if he didn’t let me. Strangely the others weren’t paying attention to him.

Cynthia and Minori headed towards the material dropped by the monster while Rick continued healing me. Minori went to grab the bag which was hidden by Taetel before the grand battle. If I remember correctly it was when he smashed the rats.

Poor things.

Taetel stared off in the distance, engrossed in his thoughts. He had stopped moving, his arm rested on his uninjured knee.

This made me wonder, how high is his pain tolerance?

He definitely shows signs of being in pain yet he doesn’t let it bother him too much. I struggled using more of my power with my head bleeding.

Oh, he always went to the center of the battle to protect us.

Taetel is a good comrade.

Unlike…

Ahaha.

…