Beep...Beep...Beep. The sound of the heart rate monitor echoed.
"It is already a miracle that she could live until now," Dr. Lenny said with slight awe as he examined Zenith's condition.
"Zenith, 19‑year‑old, female. Her upper torso was exposed to the toxcarver's poison four days ago during the siege. Her estimated time of death was within 24 hours post‑exposure, but she has now exceeded that prediction by 72 hours."
Reading the patient record, Dr. Lenny paused and stared at William.
"Is there no cure yet?" William asked uncertainly.
"The research team is already working day and night, but at the current pace, it could take more than a month," Dr. Lenny responded resignedly.
"Is she important to you?" Dr. Lenny asked offhandedly.
At that question, an image flashed through William's mind—Zenith crying and begging to live, just last night.
"She told me she can't die yet. Her grandparents are still waiting for her, and she doesn't want to abandon them."
"I see."
After a brief silence, Dr. Lenny spoke up. "A cure might not be possible in a short time, but… There might be a way to delay the poison."
Perking up, William asked excitedly, "How?"
***
Arriving at a remote corner of the hospital, William was greeted by rows of massive cylindrical pods connected to multiple magical circuits and tubes.
"This is a cryo-chamber." Dr. Lenny spoke majestically
"It can theoretically slow the poison's corrosion effects long enough for a cure to be developed."
"However." Dr. Lenny's face turned serious as he warned. "Due to the severity of her condition, she might end up in a vegetative state forever, even if she were cured."
After explaining the risk, Dr. Lenny stared at William, waiting for a response.
"... What are her chances of surviving?"
"50%. But it's a different story whether she could wake up. The longer she stays in stasis, the less likely it is."
"And her chance of surviving the poison alone?"
"0%. It's already a miracle that she can survive until this point, but her willpower could only take her so far."
"…"
The image of Zenith silently fighting and enduring the pain flashed in William's mind again.
"Doctor, can we let Zenith enter the cryo-chamber?"
A slight smirk formed on Dr. Lenny's face. "Well, we have to ask the patient first, don't we?"
***
"Yes doctor, I am willing." Zenith who was covered in a soothing green light, pleaded weakly.
"Are you sure? Don't you at least want to meet your grandparents? This might be the last time you'll ever see them."
Forcing a brave smile, Zenith replied, "I'll be fine. So why worry them when they should be enjoying their retirement?"
Dr. Lenny shook his head with a self‑deprecating smile.
"Alright, let's get you prepared."
The nurses washed Zenith's skin and applied a thin layer of protective gel.
They attached an IV with special liquid to protect her body and checked her pulse one last time.
A medic mage drew glowing runes across her chest, sending a calming spell through her veins as a soft green light shone.
Technicians sealed the chamber and began to freeze it, closely watching the status screen.
Through the frosted glass, Zenith's breathing slowed—and then stopped. She was now in stasis.
Staring at Zenith through the glass, William asked. "How long will this delay the poison?"
"One month at most."
"And if the antidote isn't made by then?"
"..."
Both of them remained silent, tacitly understanding the implications if a cure was not found.
Exiting the room, William and Dr. Lenny walked side by side in silence for a while, respectively lost in their thoughts.
Breaking the silence, Dr. Lenny spoke.
"You have grown, William. It seems like the nurse's work is leading you to start caring about others." Dr. Lenny let out a rough chuckle.
"Is it?"
"I have heard rumors about you in the capital. They say you are arrogant, entitled, and spoiled. But looking at you now, you don't seem to match with all the descriptions at all. "
"... I guess so."
"So, how's nurse life been treating you?"
"I… didn't have time to think about it."
"That… does happen a lot in healthcare." Dr. Lenny could only offer an awkward laugh at that response.
"So, what now? The reason I placed you in the End-of-Life care unit was to help face your trauma, and it seems like a success."
Dr. Lenny stopped and stared at William. "So, what's your plan moving forward?"
William clenched his fist, a look of determination on his face.
"Doctor, is it possible to send me to the front lines as a combat mage?"
"Hmm, and the reason?"
"I want to help collect the venom samples."
Contemplating, Dr. Lenny didn't instantly agree to his request. "I'll see what I can do."
***
"Absolutely not!"
"Are you out of your mind, Lenny? How can I send a kid with practically no battle experience to the front lines?" A man roared.