"Professor, Are you sure I can do this?"

"Of course. You just created healing strings just a moment ago. Try to heal it."

Levi took a deep breath and stared at a lizard on his table, its tail partially severed. Levi now faced the task of healing it and reattaching the tail.

Ryan had cut the tail in a way that wouldn't trigger the lizard's natural defense mechanism, ensuring it wouldn't drop the tail if Levi performed the healing correctly.

'Here goes nothing.'

He envisioned a golden thread extending from his very being. Gradually, the color around his fingers transformed into a radiant gold, and threads of the same hue emerged. Strangely, he managed to weave only two threads, both originating from his middle fingers. It was an odd sight indeed.

The threads slowly advanced toward the wounded base of the tail, nestling within.

'It's going well, better than I expected.'

However, as that thought entered his mind, Levi's concentration wavered, and the lizard made its escape. Ryan promptly returned the lizard to its cage and playfully hit Levi's head with a sheet of paper.

"Don't let your mind wander. Focus exclusively on healing the creature in front of you."

Levi nodded and sank back into his chair, feeling weary and a bit hungry. Once he completed his work, he continued his training.

*******

'Healing strings aren't as straightforward as I believed.'

Levi once thought that only Ryan could craft mana strings, but he was mistaken. Any awakened individual, with sufficient training, could do so, although it wouldn't necessarily result in healing.

Creating healing strings required first mastering the art of crafting a thinner mana string and then merging it with the mana within one's own body. The ensuing reaction generated healing energy, which could be fashioned into strings.

Easier said than done. Only Ryan and now Levi had accomplished it. Despite the potential for revolutionizing the world of healing, even S-rank healers struggled to execute this technique properly, often harming their internal structures in the process. The books and articles discussing this method were destroyed, and that was nearly two decades ago, rendering this knowledge a well-kept secret.

Ryan observed Levi closely, particularly his hands.

'I never anticipated he would master the creation of healing strings this rapidly. Though his execution after crafting the strings needs work, I must admit, he has the potential to surpass me.'

Levi, too, marveled at his rapid progress. Unaware of the theory and having never attempted it before, he possessed [Essence], which would ordinarily take a month to develop.

'It must be due to this title.'

The demise of the Silkworm had granted him the ability to effortlessly create strings as though it were second nature. He had experienced remarkable growth, yet he had never applied his healing skills to anyone, which explained his struggles.

Presently, he gazed at his status window.

[

==Title==

1) The Silkworm's Demise.

Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author's consent. Report any sightings.

- A title bestowed upon the one who vanquished the silk demon.

- The title holder can produce silk from their body. The strength of the silk depends on your rank.

- Presently, your silk is sturdy enough to cut through ordinary stones.

- Easily produces Healing Strings. (Synchronized)

==Art==

2) Golden String Of Life (New) (E-grade -> 2%)

- An S-rank art crafted by one of the century's finest healers.

- Awakeners can create golden strings from their fingers for healing. Thanks to Levi's title, they can effortlessly craft these strings. (Synchronized)

- Consumption of mana corresponds to the string's length.

]

Levi had acquired a new art that synergized with one of his titles. His development was exceptional, largely due to [Essence] and diligent mana cultivation. He returned to his dorm and began cultivating and smoking, now requiring two mana cigarettes, using E-rank mana stones.

Levi had procured these mana stones from Noel's shop and made the cigarettes. While he smoked, he sensed a peculiar sensation in his brain. Even he was taken aback by it. His eyes landed on the central eye, which was tilting its body to gaze at him.

'Now that I think about it, this central eye lacks pores for communication like the other lesser eyes.'

The central eye was making an effort to transmit a telepathic message to Levi, who initially resisted the abrupt intrusion into his mind. However, he focused on his thoughts and gradually welcomed the foreign voice entering his brain.

[The lesser eyes found nothing unusual at the academy.]

Levi was captivated by this form of communication and marveled at the swiftness of the lesser eyes' investigation. He had created ten of them just last night and assigned them to check for any suspicious activity. Within a day, they had thoroughly surveyed the entire academy.

"Instruct them to maintain vigilance and report any irregularities. Let the other twenty eyes in the city move about freely and alert me if they notice anything noteworthy."

The central eye refrained from further communication and continued to regard Levi. These creatures were akin to minions in a dungeon, devoid of emotions but serving Levi faithfully.

At least they had a purpose in life. But what was Levi's purpose for living? Was it to save the world?

No, it was not a matter of his will; it was something he had to do. His reason for existence? Well, he had never contemplated it, nor did he feel compelled to do so. Levi extended his hand and stroked the spherical object on his desk.

During his time on Earth, he had "desired" wealth, and he had attained it, but that was for the sake of his parents. A hollow man like him had never discovered a reason to live for, let alone an oath worth dying for.

******

[Saturday]

Levi headed to Tyson's residence. The building now had a more decent appearance. A new door and windows had been added, and the walls were clean, devoid of vines and moss. It finally resembled a proper house and shop.

Levi knocked on the door, and after a moment, Irina opened it. Her expression soured upon seeing his face.

"You've never seen a handsome guy like me."

"Hmm, my toenail is more attractive than you."

She had just insulted Levi, but he didn't react. He entered the house, where he was immediately greeted by Tyson, who rushed forward for a hug.

"I have diarrhea. It's best if you don't touch me."

Tyson froze in his tracks, bewildered.

"I may not have had much formal education, but I'm pretty sure diarrhea doesn't spread through hugs—"

"It does."

Irina chimed in, hastily confirming. She was against her husband hugging Levi.

'I still don't trust him.'

Levi then placed the silk on the table.

"Mr. Tyson, do you know of any other tailors in this area?"

Tyson's demeanor shifted, and he appeared gloomy and concerned.

Levi patted his shoulder and chuckled.

"I'm not here to replace you. How could I? You're the most critical figure in our business venture."

"Really... I'm not that good."

Tyson tried to suppress a grin.

"Papa! I found it!"

Their daughter entered the room, her excitement evident, holding a blue hairpin in her hand, but when she noticed Levi, she immediately retreated behind her mother.

"Where did you find it,

Luna?"

Tyson inquired as he knelt down and lifted the little girl.

"I found it behind the cupboard... while I was playing."

Levi regarded the three of them, with Luna catching his attention.

'She seems paler than usual.'

Levi approached her and touched her forehead. Both Tyson and Luna were surprised, but they weren't as angry as Irina.

She slapped his hand, the third time she had done so.

"Irina—"

"It's fine. I was in the wrong."

Levi responded, aware that she wouldn't allow him to be near her, let alone touch her. Nevertheless, her condition appeared off to him.

'Her body temperature seems normal, but something feels amiss.'

"I'll be on my way now, Tyson."

"You haven't eaten anything yet."

"I'm not hungry."

Levi left the house. Tyson glanced at Irina.

"Why did you slap his hand?"

"I don't want him near her."

She had been ready to cut off his hand, but she didn't want Luna to be frightened of her.

'I don't like him at all.'

Her eyes conveyed that message clearly.