The team, together with the rescued adventurers, started on their way back.
Aster, who fainted a short while earlier, was being carried on Tina's back while the rest of the girls were guarding everyone from the dangers of the forest and the monsters. However, the sa as when they entered, the only ti they encountered so monsters was when they were already near the edge of the forest.
After entering the plains, the three girls got a little bit busier. Wolves and slis were now able to attack them, making their march forward a little harder!
Of course, they had no trouble handling small fries. It did delay them a little, but that's it.
About an hour later, they finally reached the exit. The adventurers ca out one after the other, with the first one being Cassy to relay the news and the last being Liz, defending the back.
After everyone got out, another uproar ensued.
With the news of the kidnapping organization's base being destroyed on the second floor, again, another flood of adventurers began.
The ones who caused the situation, Aster and his party, simply went straight to the hospital instead. They needed soone to check on him to see what was wrong. Fortunately, Kali and Cassy were familiar with the hospital that Aster frequently visited, so Dr. Zellbrook saw to his needs as soon as he arrived.
Anxiety filled the air as the four girls waited patiently for good news.
---
Soon enough, Aster stirred with a groan. "Ugh..."
When he opened his eyes, the sa familiar white ceiling welcod him. "The hospital again?" He whispered in a flat tone.
"Star!"
"Aster!"
"Darling!"
As soon as his voice echoed, three figures stood up from beside the bed, looking at his face with worry. From farthest to closest: Tina, Cassy, and Kali. Liz was a short distance away, talking with Dr. Zell about sothing.
"Everyone... what happened? Did you successfully rescue the other adventurers?"
Aster could recall things about the kidnappers, but his mory was blurred. He couldn't rember what happened in the latter half after he burned the tent.
Cassy quickly nodded her head, affirming his words. "Actually, after that, we...!"
"Hmm... Sorry to interrupt, but can I have a mont with him first?"
But before she could explain, Dr. Zellbrook walked forward and asked. The three girls obediently backed off, letting the doctor approach Aster easily.
"It's been a while, hasn't it? Mr. Aster?"
"Doctor Zell... so I'm really in the hospital." Aster sighed. "So? What's wrong with this ti?"
"Well, it's hard to explain, actually. But in summary, it would be that your Legacy Level Magic Carved Seal is trying to take over your mind."
"...!"
Aster gasped at the casual declaration of such heavy news. His only powers, the Magic Carved Seal, were taking over his mind!
"Is this so kind of joke...?" He muttered as if in denial.
However, the doctor simply shrugged before showing a graph to him.
"This is the image of your brain during your first checkup. It looks normal and has no problems at all."
When the doctor switched to the next slide, everyone frowned. "And this is the current state of it."
In the image, half the front lobe of his brain was now covered in dozens of magic arrays. Furthermore, the design of it was extrely familiar, as he was used to seeing it almost every day. It was the sa as the seal on the back of his right hand!
"As you can see, your mind is partially placed under your Carved Seal's influence. This affected your train of thought, particularly your emotions."
Right then, Dr. Zellbrook moved to the next image, showing his brain being covered completely with the magic arrays. "And if left alone, it would most likely try to take control over your body."
Aster turned silent for a mont before facing the doctor and asking. "This didn't happen without a reason, did it?"
"Correct." The doctor nodded. "This is the first case of observing a Legacy Level Magic Carved Seal in person, but I think... that this carved seal possesses a level of its own."
"A Carved Seal, having a level?" Aster raised a brow, wondering how that could be possible.
"Hmmm. I'm confused too. However, that's the only explanation I could think of. Your Carved Seal's level beca higher than your level, making it possible for it to try and overtake your mind."
"..."
Aster felt a headache incoming.
Now, not only does he have to find a cure for his disease, but he also needs to be careful not to raise the level of his carved seal higher than his own! "But how does it even rise in level?"
"I guess you've been killing monsters with it? That must be the cause."
Hearing the doctor's guess made Aster recall the many instances where he killed monsters but didn't gain experience. To be more specific, it was when he killed the Dire Wolf from the first floor twice!
Other than that, he also started to use it to kill other monsters and even people. The experience that normally would've gone to him instead went straight to the Carved Seal itself!
With this new knowledge, it ant that he couldn't just use the carved seal to kill monsters anymore. If he did, and the seal's level rose higher than his own once more, then another takeover might occur.
"Well, that's the limit of my knowledge of the matter. If you want to know more, then you're in luck. I've already called an expert in that field."
"Soone knowledgeable... about this magic carved seal?" Aster tilted his head, confused.
*BAM!*
"...!"
Right at that mont, the door leading to Aster's room got blown inward, slamming against the doctor's back. The girls were surprised but quickly moved to a battle stance, facing the door with wariness.
"So this is the rumored... Hmm? I see. Curious."
But the girls didn't see anyone at the door. Instead, they heard an unfamiliar voice coming from behind them.
"Star!"
"...!"
"Ah! Get off of my darling, bitch...!"
As they turned around, they saw a beautiful woman already all over Aster, who was frozen in fear. After all, he didn't even notice when she arrived by his side! She just appeared there in a flash, as if she teleported in, or was a ghost that suddenly materialized!
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