The days of adaptation and rehabilitation were relatively quiet, though the muscle pain that came even from the simplest exercises was a constant reminder of progress. Thankfully, these aches were accompanied by visible results, signs of strength slowly returning.
The new limbs didn't feel foreign; I could control them almost as naturally as my original ones. However, they were still weaker and more fragile than I'd like—for now.
I resumed my search for a professional instructor who could meet a very specific set of conditions:
* Expertise in martial arts aligned with the Ventus, Ignis, or Terra constitutions.
* Independence from clans or families that restrict their martial knowledge to descendants only.
* Knowledge of techniques adaptable to missing general ether arteries. While lacking the artery in the forearm might be manageable, the missing artery in my leg posed a much greater challenge. Balance, stability, and withstanding pressure from an opponent rely heavily on the lower limbs.
For a month, this search occupied my days. I combed through files, and whenever a candidate seemed promising, I asked Rebeca for more details. So far, no one has fully met the requirements. On the bright side, my rehabilitation was advancing rapidly. My right hand and foot could now achieve about 50% of the strength of my left side. But I wasn't yet back to my former self; I’d lost around 10 kg and my power had faded by 12-17%.
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August 27, 3104
Alias: WindKing
Name: Evans Hidklife
Rank: 999th ManaMaster (now retired)
Specialization: Scout, expert archer with a wind-element affinity. Missing the general artery in his left leg.
Maximum Ejection Fraction: 83%
Constitution: Ventus
History: Participated as an independent professional in the fourth war with the elves.
Kail read the paragraph over three more times.
"83%? A ManaMaster ranked that high with a missing artery? To reach ManaMaster status, it’s typically required to have all essential arteries and an ejection fraction of at least 85%. How is this possible?"
It could be a mistake, he thought, but the mystery stuck with him. Kail made a note to ask Rebeca to verify the information, then continued sifting through files.
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When I arrived in the rehabilitation room, my wheelchair was mandatory—my dear doctor insisted on it whenever I was in his line of sight, though I could walk on my own. There, I noticed a new face: a young girl, white-haired with blue eyes, around my age.
Unusual. I hadn’t seen any patients near my age before.
This hospital specialized in advanced treatments for injuries involving hands and etheric arteries, and seeing a peer here meant only one thing: she was likely from a wealthy family or prestigious school with resources for treatment. The costs here could easily bankrupt an ordinary family.
Ignoring her, I began my daily exercises.
Midway through, a voice interrupted, “What are you doing?”
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I didn’t respond.
“Are you ignoring me? Why?”
After finishing my set, I replied, “Why are you trying to start a conversation with someone who’s busy?”
“Because you’re the only one close to my age.”
“That’s neither a reason nor an excuse.”
“Well, it worked.”
“Congratulations. Now, go find something productive to do.”
“My mother’s coming in 15 minutes. Talk to me until then—I’m bored.”
“I owe you nothing. Why would I?”
Before I could react, something warm and soft touched my cheek. She kissed me.
“Now you’re mine,” she declared, a playful smile on her face. “What’s your name?”
I was speechless.
“You know, talking to strangers can be dangerous,” I managed.
“But you seem weaker than me. I don’t think you’d succeed at stopping me. So, what’s your name?”
Who the hell is she?
Another reason to train harder, I thought.
“Kail.”
“Kail. Nice to meet you. You can call me Lia.”
“I can’t say the same.”
She ignored my retort, “Why are you here? I have trouble breathing sometimes, so I come for treatments that help, though they make my skin sore.”
“I have a broken arm and leg.”
“How?”
“Accident.”
“Really? When will you get better?”
“I don’t know. Maybe never.”
“SERIOUSLY? That’s rough. My mom says I’ll be fine in two month.”
“Good for you.”
I kept a stoic expression, but inwardly I felt something warm touch my face again—this time in spirit, as her innocence left an impression.
From the hallway, a voice called, “Lia, let’s go home.”
“Mom’s calling me. Oh, Kail—don’t forget, you owe me for the kiss!”
She turned and skipped off, calling out as she left
“Mom! I met a handsome guy today!”
“Really? What’s his name?”
“Kail!”
What just happened?
I’d only ever been surrounded by adults—whether from the clan, official meetings or festivities. I wasn’t accustomed to interactions with peers, especially not with such carefree behavior. Touching my cheek, I muttered,
“Well, that was… interesting.”
“Look at that! No wonder she fell for you,” chuckled an older man sitting in a corner.
Only then did I realize all the patients in the room had been watching the entire scene unfold. My face flushed as laughter and knowing smiles spread among the onlookers. Some of them were veterans or people nearing the end of their lives, and I could tell they found a rare joy in witnessing such a lighthearted moment.
“Hey, don’t mind us old-timers,” said one man kindly. “We don’t get to see that kind of thing here often.”
“It’s alright,” I said, feeling my embarrassment fade in the warm atmosphere. “It’s good to see you all smiling.”
“Good boy,” a grandfatherly man said from his chessboard, which he’d paused his game on. “How about a game of chess sometime?”
“If you need any advice on exercises, feel free to ask!” another chimed in.
Encouraging words and good-natured banter came from all sides, lifting the room's atmosphere into one of true support and camaraderie.
“All right, let the boy get back to his exercises,” called the doctor in charge of my rehab, entering with a grin.
I spent the rest of the day with a smile I hadn’t felt in a long time.
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The next morning, Kail checked his phone and found a message from Rebeca:
"The information on Evans Hidklife is accurate. After the peace treaty between the Human and Elf territories, he completely withdrew and hasn’t been involved in any professional activities since."