Our tails of Grimgar

Chapter 4: unbelievable

Vex's POV

Vex opened his eyes and found himself lying in a bed. His body ached, and his mind was foggy. He could barely remember what had happened, but the first thing he saw was Tsume's face, tears streaming down her cheeks.

Before he could say anything, the door creaked open.

Faiya walked in with a grin. "Hey, buddy. How's it going?" she asked, taking a seat beside his bed.

Vex blinked at her. "What... happened?"

Faiya's playful expression faltered as she looked down for a moment before meeting his gaze again. "It was scary... and it's my fault it happened."

Her voice carried guilt.

"Tsume saved you. I don't even know how, considering she was completely out of mana. But somehow, she pulled off an attack I've never seen before... and it was amazing."

Vex struggled to process her words. He had no idea what she was talking about.

"What attack?"

Faiya hesitated. "I don't know. It was something... different. Almost like she had been keeping it as her ace card."

Vex's heart pounded. "Where is she now?"

Faiya sighed. "With her master. She... fell into a coma, Vex."

His breath hitched.

"The attack she used saved all of us, but it hurt her in the process. Her master didn't think she'd ever use a spell like that... but when she did, it drained everything she had. She used her last bit of power to create a flame of protection around you."

Vex stared at Faiya, unable to believe what he was hearing. He turned away when he felt tears stinging his eyes.

"Don't worry. She'll pull through," Faiya reassured him, though her own voice wavered as if she were trying to convince herself.

She forced a smile. "She made us a lot of money for taking down that Elder Kobold, but we're not touching it until she wakes up."

For once, Faiya was being genuinely kind. At first, Vex thought it was just pity, but he could tell that wasn't it.

"Thank you, Faiya."

She smiled softly and nodded. "Rest up. We'll keep doing missions to earn for ourselves. If you want to see the money, Lita put it in a safe."

She stood up, walking toward the door, but before leaving, she stopped.

"Just so you know... what you did for her was brave, Vex. You risked your life for hers. I'm sorry for making you feel bad before."

With that, she gave him a small smile and left. Vex let out a deep sigh, staring at the ceiling. He had been sure he was going to die. Yet, he was alive-all because of her. Her master must be proud, he thought. She took down an Elder Kobold. But... will she be okay? When will she wake up?

---

A Few Days Later, Stephanie's teacher visited regularly to heal and treat Vex's wounds. Meanwhile, the others continued training and taking on missions to earn money.

Whenever he asked about Tsume, Faiya would only say that she was still asleep.

Lying in bed day after day was unbearable, but he had no choice. He had to fully recover before he could move again.

Faiya, Lita, and Stephanie worked hard to bring in money and food, even buying a gift for Tsume for when she woke up. Every day, they would drop off their earnings at her master's place.