Did you say Kena? Is she safe?

Astard, who appeared to be concerned, asked Merc, who had a gloomy expression on her face, with an urgent tone. Regardless, Mercs expression remained unchanged.

I dont know In comparison to her regular Mana, the response Im getting is quite weak. Shes alive, but shes not doing so great.

Thats terrible Lets hurry. Where is she?

Below the cliff. But, theres one more thing

Astard plunged down the steep cliff without hesitation before Merc could even complete her sentence. Given Astards abilities, he wouldnt have any difficulty slowing down his descent.

Hey! Listen when Im talking!

Merc, who had failed to communicate something vital, followed Astards lead and plunged from the cliff with zeal. In Mercs case, she used Mana Hardening to protect her body and leapt over the river that ran beneath the cliff and landed firmly on the shore.

Tsk I couldnt fully kill the impact.

Even with Mana Hardening protecting her entire body, landing from such a high cliff to the surface without slowing down was a bit of a risk. Merc welcomed Astard as he landed gracefully, softly caressing his numb legs.

To think youd land before me, despite the fact that I was the one who jumped off first. Youre still as insane as ever.

Shut up. If you had let me finish, I wouldnt have had to jump off.

Let you finish?

In addition to Kenas, there was another presence. It might belong to one of the Empires men.

When Astard learned that there was another presence besides Kenas, his face hardened.

Lets hurry. Which way is she?

Over there. Past the bushes, in that old hut. Shes by herself right now.

Astard could easily sense Kenas Mana at this distance, yet he hurried towards the direction Merc indicated, as if he didnt want to waste even a second. Whether it was because Kena was his benefactors daughter or for other reasons, Astard most certainly felt a sense of obligation towards her.

Astard and Merc made their way to the old hut, keeping an eye out for any traps or ambushes. It appeared to be a fishermans hut, but there were signs that it hadnt been used in a long time. It seemed that whoever was with Kena had just used it to let her rest.

It appears that Kenas the only one inside.

Yea. But the girl who pretended to be Tetem carried a unique Magic Stone with her. We shouldnt let our guard down.

Okay.

After a brief chat outside the hut, Merc took the task of opening the door, a wooden stick in hand. Astard, on the other hand, was in charge of using magic to cover for them while keeping an eye on the rear.

Ready?

Yes.

One, two, three!

The door slammed open, and Merc spotted Kena laying on the cloth-lined floor inside. Kenas clothes appeared to have been violently torn, and her body was wrapped in what appeared to be a piece of fabric. It was also evident that she was still unconscious.

She seemed to have a fever based on the abundant perspiration on her red cheeks and her pained expression.

Kena!

When Astard realized there was no trap, he pushed Merc away and dashed over to Kena. While he was happy to find that she was unharmed, he grimaced when he saw the dreadful wound on her body.

This is

Thats one hell of a wound. Someone must have done her good.

Merc frowned and held out her hand as she removed the blood-soaked cloth from Kenas body and examined the wound that ran diagonally from her shoulder to her side.

Kenas fever was most likely caused by this wound.

Heal!

A warm light radiated from Mercs palm and enveloped Kena, quickly closing the wound as though rewinding it. Kenas painful countenance began to shift into a tranquil one at the same moment.

.. How interesting.

Astard, who had previously witnessed it being used on the girl who had disguised herself as Tetem, was astonished by how quickly Kenas severe injury was cured.

Dont look! Shes still a young girl!

What? Are you talking about Kena? If so, then I dont mind.

You should! You idiot! Go guard the entrance!

Merc chastised Astard, urging him to step aside. In a dissatisfied tone, Astard murmured, Youre an old man too you know before turning back.

However, that wasnt the point Merc was trying to make. Merc was an old man, but he was an old man who knew how to handle himself when he needed to. Even now, she was healing Kena while trying not to think about anything.

Dont think. Im a Healer a Healer! If I ogled my patients, Id be nothing more than a loser. Her rack is huge? So what?! Theyre just lumps of fat! They cant affect me! Theyre not soft! Shes a patient! I should focus on healing her. Damn it! Healing is hard when you cant focus In order to focus and finish quickly, I should just look No, no, I shouldnt

Merc. You seem to be struggling with something.

W-What? I-Its just your imagination! And dont look! Your nickname is pervert from now on! Wait arent I the pervert here

Good grief. That aside, how is Kena doing? Is she in danger?

Astard inquired, and Merc, who seemed dejected after burning herself, replied.

Shes fine. Her wound appeared to be quite severe, but thankfully, someone was able to stop the bleeding straight away. I did all I could to treat her and get rid of any bacteria that might have gotten into her system.

Thank god.

After Merc finished mending Kena, she took a piece of cloth that was next to her and put it over Kena. She then placed her hands on Kenas forehead and neck.

Her fevers gone down as well. Shell become thirsty soon and wake up. Lets go get some water before that

Merc said as she prepared to go fetch water with her wooden stick in hand. At the same time, she sensed someone approaching the hut.

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Merc? Oh it seems we have guests.

Yea. Its the same Mana I felt earlier. I assumed the owner was an Empire soldier, but he may as well be Kenas savior.

You have a point Although I feel like I know this Mana. Wait It cant be

Astards eyes widened in disbelief as he dug through his memories. The huds door opened before Merc had the chance to ask him what was going on.

Huh? If it isnt Astard. What are you doing here?

The burly man asked. He was someone Astard and Merc both recognized.

Youre asking him?! What the hell are you doing here?!

Merc was taken aback by the suddenness of the circumstance and nervously glanced up at the man, unable to speak. The mans name was Foldia1.

Merc and Astards comrade2, and the man who was once known as Gust of Winds top dog. And the man who was now widely regarded as a hero.