Chapter 28 — Steps of the Wanderers Toward Power
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Scene 1 — Inside the Hospital, The Next Morning
Strands of sunlight crept through the window glass, reflecting off the Mana glass devices that emitted a faint, intermittent glow like staggered pulses. The sound of the wind quieted slightly, and the scent of medical drugs permeated the room.
Kiora slowly opened his eyes. He tried to get up from the bed, but the moment he stood, his body swayed like tree branches struck by the wind. The air caught in his throat, his knees trembled, and he nearly fell if not for a hand reaching toward him.
Renyon quickly caught him, her slender body steadying him firmly, worry lighting up her blue eyes.
Kiora, leaning on her:
"I can walk… I just need to try."
He reached the room door, stretched his trembling hand toward the handle, opened it… and from behind, Zukimushi appeared leaning against the wall, a clear tone of annoyance in his voice:
"This scene is starting to bother me…"
He waved his hand indifferently, then followed them out of the room.
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Scene 2 — The Hospital Corridor
The three stepped out into a long corridor stretching like a channel of light. Small Mana lamps hung on the walls emitted a cold blue light, reflecting off the clean, glossy floor that smelled of disinfectants.
There were small medicine carts, metal trash bins, and signs that read, "Quiet Aids Recovery."
They stopped before an elevator of a strange shape…
Not an ordinary metal box, but a cylindrical structure of reinforced glass with Mana light flowing inside, as if strands of celestial energy moved up and down within it. Ancient symbols were engraved around its edges, emitting a faint hum.
They entered the elevator, and the space filled with a white flash, then descended as if sliding through another dimension.
The three stepped out onto the lower floor and headed toward the exit… but before they reached it, a man in a white coat and a medical mask stood before them, his black hair flowing down, his eyes as dark as night ink.
In a stern voice:
"Where are you going?"
Kiora:
"We're leaving."
The man:
"Your condition doesn't allow you to leave yet."
Kiora firmly:
"But I wish to leave."
The doctor raised an eyebrow and said:
"Who is the doctor here?"
Kiora:
"I don't know who he is."
Suddenly…
The doctor fell to his knees, lowered his head, placed his hands on the floor, and a sound came from him as if something inside had broken:
"I'm wearing the coat… and the ID badge on my chest… how does he not know who the doctor is? What's wrong with this boy…?"
Renyon whispered in bewilderment:
"What's happening to him?"
Kiora calmly:
"I don't know… let's leave before he notices."
They moved slowly toward the glass door, which opened automatically… and they stepped out.
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Scene 3 — The City Streets
The air was refreshing, with smells of food rising from stalls mixing with the sound of children's laughter, women's whispers, and vendors' shouts. The streets pulsed with life like a living painting.
Kiora stopped and said:
"Who paid for the treatment? No one asked us for money… Does anyone know why?"
Renyon:
"I don't know."
Zukimushi:
"That strange man… gave the one in the white coat gold coins."
Kiora:
"I don't know his identity… but he saved us. We should thank him."
Renyon:
"But where will we find him?"
Zukimushi confidently, pointing with his hand:
"He's over there."
Kiora quickly:
"Where?!"
Zukimushi pointed toward a person carrying a vegetable basket, wearing the same brown cloak.
They approached him.
Kiora, bowing respectfully:
"Sir… thank you for saving us."
The man, in a calm yet sharp tone like a cutting edge:
"It's fine… but I'll be honest. You were… far too weak."
It was as if a spear strike had pierced Kiora's chest; he didn't speak… his eyes just lowered slightly.
Kiora began to think:
(He's right… I was far too weak.)
Zukimushi, sparks appearing in his eyes:
"Who are you calling weak?!"
He drew his swords:
"I'll make you taste their edges right now!"
The man, without looking at him:
"I didn't mean you, pig-head… I meant him."
Zukimushi:
He's a tiger, not a pig.
The man continued walking away without turning, muttering:
"He's foolish… how do they tolerate him?"
And inside, he thought:
(I hope my words affect him… I still can't believe he withstood Inzo Kazan, the flame of hell… an interesting boy.)
Kiora took a deep breath, then moved in the opposite direction.
"Let's go to Orphan's house… he's the only one who can help us. Also, I need clothes other than these hospital ones."
Renyon:
"Me too."
She pulled out a shiny gold-colored paper with an address written on it:
"This is his address… let's go."
They walked through crowded streets, then narrow alleys between buildings.
Quick shots showed them asking passersby for directions… hours passed until they finally arrived.
Renyon, stretching a little:
"I'm tired…"
They lowered their heads and began to pant, then lifted their gaze to see Orphan's house.
Stretched before them was a house resembling a royal palace.
Iron fences surrounded it, behind them a wide garden where marble water fountains sparkled, shaped like nymphs holding jars pouring water.
The trees were carefully trimmed, flowers filled the air with their fragrance, and stone pathways were neatly paved, guarded by elegant black lamp posts.
The windows were huge, and the façade was a mix of gold and white, topped with an engraving of a strange symbol.
The front door… massive like the gate of an ancient temple.
Kiora in astonishment:
"Amazing… I never imagined he owned such a huge house."
Renyon:
"I never thought he was of the wealthy class…"
Kiora:
"Let's go in."
But before they reached the iron gate…
Two armored guards stood before them, holding ornate spears.
The first guard in a booming voice:
"Halt! Where are you two heading?"
The second guard:
"You are not permitted to enter."
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To be continued…