Asclepius

II.

In a world with so many dangerous abilities, duel was arguably one of the most popular competition. Fighting each other to gauge one's ability was considered normal, even so for settling dispute.

When elites fought, plenty would be interested to watch, especially when the fight was done in open space such as courtyard to minimize property damage. Because of that, any accident from these duels would spread fast. The bigger the accident, the faster.

Short to say, the word of Blyke shooting Isen straight to emergency call spread like a wildfire, even more after students saw Headmaster Vaughn and Head Security Keene headed towards the infirmary.

Many members of Top Weekly saw it as a golden opportunity, wandering outside the infirmary so that any news could be written as fast as they could, for the best writer's work would surely reach the front page.

One of them, however, was not a press member. Remi was there to visit a friend and nothing else. No matter how displeased she was when people use Isen's misfortune for their own gain, she chose to be patient and wait. Nothing good would come out from making ruckus in front of the infirmary.

When the Healer left the infirmary, Remi took it as her cue to ask.

"Elaine," she called, gaining the attention of the aqua haired Healer. "Is Isen okay?"

"Ah, Remi..." her green eyes darted back and forth between Remi and other curious students, slightly unnerved being in the spotlight. "Umm... I am afraid I don't know..."

Pink brows furrowed in confusion. Out of any possibility, she did not expect that answer the most.

"... You don't know?" Remi's words slipped out from her lips, subconsciously pushing Elaine to explain herself.

"I am dismissed because John was already on it," was her answer. "With full curtain on, I could not see anything."

Remi felt slightly disappointed as the crowd began to chatter.

"I see...."

"I-I'm sure Isen is going to be fine. John surely have it under control."

Her voice became more quiet after each word. "Um, I think we should get back to class, Ms. Lidia will scold us if we are late."

Indeed, it was only five minutes left for recess. Reluctantly, the press members began to leave one by one, increasing in frequency as the time goes.

"Mm. I guess you are right."

Out of three of them, Isen could take the most hits. He should be okay in due time.

She could not say the same for a certain red head, though. The next time they met, they would have a long, talk.

-0-

Behind a curtain, four figures stood around an occupied bed.

The youngest of them was shrouded in golden aura. His glowing eyes were focused on the now healed abdomen. Satisfied with his work, he moved his attention elsewhere: other bruises and burns littering Isen's body.

Unlike the one at the abdomen, the rest were less time consuming. Slowly, the black mist surrounding Isen began to disperse as John retracted his hands.

"I'm done." John spoke after he did a final check. "He should be fine after some rest."

Vaughn, who had given his attention to the entire process, turned his eyes towards the Healer with a proud smile.

"Excellent," he spoke in satisfaction. "Thank you for your help, John. You are free to leave."

"Yes, Headmaster."

Said student gave a short bow before excusing himself.

A few seconds after the door was closed, Vaughn turned his attention towards the nurse, gone was his happy, friendly face, leaving a stern demeanor of a headmaster, feared and respected.

"Darren, what do you think?"

The school nurse eyed the still unconscious student.

"I am not a Healer myself," he started. "But Healer who could fully heal others was unheard of."

It was a known fact that Healers, even the best of them, could not heal others as good as healing themselves, leaving leftover wounds no matter how small. It was one of many reasons why Healing are not mandatory other than for emergency.

Yet, John's work left nothing. The student was still pale from the aftermath, but it was not something time could not fix.

In front of the staffs, Vaughn uncharacteristically chuckled.

That child...

"Keene," he called, gaining the attention of the head security. "I will leave the rest to you."

Such a marvelous potential.