After escaping the Labyrinth, I made a beeline to the hospital.
Without hesitation, I chose to enter the largest hospital in Varte. I went in to have Dias body examined; he had a massive loss of blood, had used magic on the verge of death, and had aggressively nded his wounds.
The doctor inford that he needed to be hospitalized. I agreed to the hospitalization option, but I panicked when I saw the large sum of money needed for the treatnt. I managed to pay the advance, but for the final sum, I didnt have that much on hand.
I promptly went and sold the things I had in my Item List to make money.
and the money problem was quickly solved.
The magic stone that Tida had dropped turned out to be one of exceptional value.
Apparently, that magic stone was much purer than the highest recorded magic stone, basically unprecedented. Even governnt officials ca and attended the final negotiation at the ti of exchangeand despite the painful length it took to process the whole ordeal, Tidas magic stone was safely exchanged for a large amount of money. I imdiately returned to the hospital and paid the whole bill.
Thus, Dia was prevented from being kicked out, which was a relief. After paying, the receptionist took straight to his room.
Being the largest hospital of the country, the rooms were naturally of the finest quality. While indeed it was a wooden building, it was thoroughly cleaned; hence, I couldnt complain in terms of sanitation. Although there was still a world of difference compared to the hygiene standard of my original world, it was quite good by the standards of this world.
Inside the room, I spotted so simple equipnt for nursing care and magical devices I had never seen before. Techniques to heal magically were quite well-developed in this world, so those devices must be for the purpose of supporting those techniques.
Beige curtains swayed in the wind, and a bed was placed beneath them. On that bed, Dia was lying asleep. His perplexion looked much better, all thanks to the doctors treatnt.
Beside the bed, there was an elderly doctor sitting in a wooden chair. The doctor noticed and then called out.
Ah, you must be Dia-sans associate. I hope the paynt is all sorted out, yes?
Im sorry to have caused you concern. Ive cashed in my belongings, so all is good now.
Excellent. Now, I would like to describe Dia-sans condition in detail, if that is alright with you.
Please do.
The doctor brought in another wooden chair, urging to sit down. I sat in it and listened quietly.
I will start from the beginning First, the missing right arm cannot be put back together. Even with the best magic in the most optimal environnt, fully reattaching a lost limb would be too difficult. Too much ti has passed since the dismbernt, and the wound has been mangled by the forceful magical healing. I know you are really concerned about Dia-sans right arm, but I am afraid that you have to give up
Understood.
I bit my lip.
I had no clue about the level of dical care in this world, but seeing it was a world with magic and all that, I couldnt help but hold out for a ray of hope. However, even that seed to be a pipe dream. If it were that easy to heal a missing limb, there wouldnt be adventurers who had lost an arm or a leg walking around the town.
Next, there is a slash wound on the torso, extending from the shoulder to the waist. This one will leave a huge scar. The cause of the scar is the recovery magic that Dia-san herself perford. The magic that she constructed on the verge of death couldnt repair all the damage.
A scar, is it? Thats okay.
Hm? Well, if you say so Next point, then. The next thing that we worry about is the deficiency of magic power purification due to blood loss. This can be treated with a special diet, and in the worst-case scenario, we can manage the treatnt with the proper magical equipnt. It will take about a week for Dia-san to fully recover, give or take.
Magic power purification deficiency? Maybe he ans a slow recovery of MP?
I read in the library that blood and magic power are closely related and that symptoms like this exist in similar cases. Seeing as I have little knowledge in the area, there is nothing I can do but believe in what the doctor says.
Dia is in your care.
I understand. And last but not least, there is a concern that the loss of the right arm may cause an imbalance between the body and mind. This will undoubtedly be quite a shock for Dia-san as an explorer, seeing that it will interfere with her ability to use the sword and build up magical power internally.
Im sure it would
I think the two of you should think it over and decide what to do from now onthat is all I can say. For now, we will assu that Dia-san will be hospitalized for one week. If you consider undertaking rehabilitation, please ask the receptionist, as you will need to go through a separate procedure.
My heart grew heavier the more I was confronted with the results that I, to be honest, had expected.
Oh, one last thing. Are you sure you are all right, Christ-san? I understand that your wounds are already nded with recovery magic, but you look like you are in a lot of pain.
I am swell. Im just feeling down because of a separate reason.
I didnt lie. Both my HP and MP were already recovering naturally, and there was nothing wrong with physically, either.
But whether it was simply because my body was built strong or whether it was because sothing the System thingie had tampered with in my bodyI couldnt determine.
Dont push yourself too hard. Excuse , then.
Thank you very much.
The doctor finished up and left the room.
I watched him leave in my chair. The room instantly beca quiet, with only the sound of the wind coming through the window.
Holy Magic, Cure Full.
A voice was heard from behind , and a warm light filled the entire room.
Hah. That old man is exaggerating. Sure, I got my balance off, but its not a problem.
Youre awake
Dia, having raised his body on the bed, used magic right away. I pointed to the light motes, then asked, Is this
Im sorry, Christ. Ive been hiding this magic from you this whole ti
Dia bowed his head.
I felt like running away from seeing him. I knew about it, and I let him hide it. However, for Dia, he must have felt he had been concealing the magic that could determine the life or death of his companion on his own accord. It didnt seem he would raise his head readily.
N-noits okay, Dia! I an, yeah, I was surprised, but thats all. There must be a reason for you to hide it, after all.
Reason reason, eh. Its just a stupid reason
Saying so, Dia raised his head slightly and juggled around the magic light like it was so kind of beanbag.
I was saved thanks to your magic. Im not in a position to complain. I just wish you will use it again whenever needed from now on.
No, Ill keep using it. From here on, I will always use it. Ive decided so.
Dia declared it strongly and crushed the light in his hand.
He will keep using the magic he refused to use till now.
* * *
* * *
Magic that he refused to use up until he was one foot in his grave Whats the reason for him to make that decision?
I might know. My eyes fell to Dias missing right arm before I knew it. Dia noticed it, then spoke to calmly.
This isnt the reason, Christ. I was prepared to lose a limb or two since we are delving into the Labyrinth, after all. So, dont look so sad because of this arm. I cant stand it if youre in pain because of .
But its your dominant arm! Without it, you cant hold a!
He spoke as if it was nothing. If anything, it was that cared more. I, however, couldnt be as detached. I spoke up, but Dia himself interrupted my words.
Im done with the sword.
Huh?
I have the Holy Magic, after all. It will take so ti before I can catch up with my old skills, but Well, as you can see, Ive no problem using it.
Dia continued to speak, disregarding .
If anything, this serves as a good opportunity for to focus on my magic. Its perfect, since I need to rework my fighting style and my mindset. Right Pondering about all these things while I rest sounds like a good idea.
H-hold on, what?
It was an answer that seed to have been a complete 180-degree turn from his previous statentan exact opposite of the mindset from before.
As if he was hit by a spellLike how I changed after the use of the ??? Skill
It was bizarre to see him give it up so easily, with how adamant he had been about the sword. If it was the result of a change of mind after calmly considering it, then it was good and all. However, I doubted Dia was the kind of person to think realistically. It was disconcerting to see Dia being so calm about it.
Dias eyes were full of despair and emptiness as he gazed at his severed arm at the ti. And yet, I couldnt see any of those emotions in his eyes.
I dont think it was a lack of observation on my part. I am not a good judge of people, but Dia is still one of those people who is just that easy to understand.
Sure enoughDia really seed to have given up on the sword.
?!
Would it be apt to say that a life-threatening situation had changed his way of thinking?
That was quite a common story in books and stories. However, actually witnessing it in real life made a little ill at ease, as if I had misplaced a button on my shirt.
Whats wrong, Christ?
No, if youre okay with it, Dia, then Im with it too. For now, you need to take a good rest Dont concern yourself with the bill; stay as many days as you need. Ah, thats right! You know what, Dia?! When I sold off that Tida guys magic stone, I made a massive amount of money, you know!
I reported to him on the result. Since one of Dias goals for delving into the Labyrinth was money, I was sure he would be pleased by that great achievent.
Huh, I see. But you should take care of it all, Christ. Im still bedridden, and I dont need it right away. If anything, you should use my share if you need it.
Eh, but didnt you need the money, Dia?
Soday, I will. But not right now.
The firm will that I had previously seen in his eyes was absent. I couldnt feel his unwavering persistence in his words.
Just what kind of emotional transition did Dia go through? The most likely explanation was that he gave up sothing important when he lost his arm.
What I need now is rest, you see But just you wait, Christ. Ill be up and running soon. Although, it pains that I cant help you until then
Dias expression really showed how broken-hearted he was. That was the Dia I knew: the Dia who trusted for nothing and looked apologetic for not being able to help .
No, without you available, Im thinking of taking a break from exploring the Labyrinth. I an, it would be too much for
Thats not true.
Unexpectedly, Dia disapproved of what I said. There was a firm will in the way he looked. However, I couldnt discern what lay behind that will.
I believe you can navigate the Labyrinth on your own, Christ. I know how you were terrified on the first day. But youre okay now, Christ. You are all right.
Dia said that I would be fine alone. I was puzzled by how confident he was with his statent.
Im by myself?
You can slay monsters on your own, Christ, and you provide mostly everything by yourself. Actually, let ask you instead: why did you take as your companion, even though youre already so strong? It always bugged out, but I didnt dare to ask you. After all, I needed you, Christ
Why did I use Dia?
Well, its because he has the talent
That is true. But now I can say for sure that it is not the only reason. The main reason was that I didnt want to go into the Labyrinth alone.
Im a coward, Dia I dont feel safe all by myself
Listen to my words, Christ. You are strong. This is a good ti for it, Christ. I want you to reassess your own strength. And then, I want you to make up your mind, whether you really need or not. Otherwise, I Im
I could tell that Dia had his own doubts and distress, and he was laying them bare to .
Being exposed to his straightforward feelings, I decided to accept him sincerely.
I got it. I will try going alone. I cant say for sure how far I can go, though.
Yeah, Im relieved to hear that. Id hate to bog you down, Christ. You have your own dreams, after all.
When I promised him so, Dia smiled. It was a heartfelt smile with no hint of hidden aning.
I could tell that he was earnestly thinking about and was pleased with my growth. Dia then continued talking.
Right. Please use this. I have no use for it any longer.
Saying so, Dia snatched his propped-up sword and threw it to . I panicked and grabbed it from the air, then checked the swords na on the Display.
Araith Households Treasured Sword.
The sword was supposed to be a sentintal item for Dia.
Ill be happy to, but are you sure? Are you really giving
This was nothing as simple as handing over a weapon; I knew that for sure.
Its fine. If that sword can protect you in my stead, I will be happy.
Dia didnt seem to hesitate. If anything, his will was as firm as a rock.
Thanks. I will keep this for now.
Obviously, it would serve more purpose for it to be lent to than having it in a bedridden patient's possession. There was no reason for to refuse.
I looked at the sword carefully. It was a well-worn, old-fashioned sword. It was engraved with silverwork that prioritized practicality but did not interfere with it. It was a simple yet beautiful one-handed sword.
Araith Households Treasured Sword
Attack Power: 5
Add attack power equivalent to 20% of the users Dexterity.
I* will definitely protect Christ and Christs dream. Definitely.
Huh
While my eyes were glued to the sword, I heard Dia mumbleit seed to be more of a self-monologue than him speaking to .
Rather than what he ant to say, I was more intrigued by how feminine the tone he talked in was.
Welp, I need to catch so Zs I hope I can spring back up quickly, though
Dia, however, acted like nothing just happened and laid down in the bed.
I must have misheard it
I would have liked to talk so more, but Dia himself said he needs the sleep to heal, which ans we cant talk again for today. Even if I wanted to bring the subject up, doing it the day after sounds like a better idea.
Got it. You rest as much as you need, Dia. While you do, Ill see how far I can go by myself. Ill report back to you in a few days.
Leaving those words, I left the hospital room.
Then, as I walked down the hospital corridors, I began to calculate the plan for my solo Labyrinth challenge.
I didnt devise it out of half-hearted asures and excuses that ti, as I really calculated the ans I could use with my true abilities. We needed to show each other that an injury of this degree wouldnt change anything between us, Dia and .
I believed that is what Dia wanted from .
***
The morning of the next day.
I was standing alone in front of the Labyrinth.
My physical condition was green. I thought I would suffer so side effects from having my Max HP reduced, but that was not the case. I was on top of my shape. Both my HP and my MP had recovered to their maximum by that morning. After all, I didnt bear any fatal wounds, for what it was worth.
I was ready to go.
My aim was to quickly return to my original world. Not to ntion, I had a promise with Dia. There was no way I would die.
I hadnt been alone ever since the first day I ca to this world. I could still vividly recall the events of that day, but I was confident that this would not be a repeat of it.
I could no longer afford to cower down like a child when I had to think about my future.
Up until that mont, I had challenged the overleveled adversaries like I was in so vidya, but there really was no necessity for it.
Paraters outside of paraters. I strengthened my heart with those words and stepped forward.
I dived into the entrance of the Labyrinth.
Sixth Day Starts
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