The teachers had expected the injuries to be bad. Moze and Piba were both clearly battered, burnt skin, broken limbs, magic wounds scorched deep into their bodies. But it wasn't the physical damage that shocked them. It was something far worse.
These injuries went beyond a simple defeat in a fight. They looked intentional. Cruel.
Still, the healing staff had remained calm. Confident, even. After all, external wounds could be repaired. Bones could be reset. Burns healed. Magic could do wonders.
Which is why, when the healer entered the room with a heavy expression and uttered those words, it stunned everyone.
"What do you mean?" Panla asked, standing straighter, dread seeping into her voice.
"They're awake," the healer said. "We've managed to heal all of their external injuries. They'll live... but they won't be the same."
A chill swept through the room.
