[Nightmare]

Chapter 44 [Charm Of Blissful Healing]

"When do you think that he'll wake up?"

"I don't think that he's asleep. He's just in and out of consciousness."

"I see… It's been three days. Helix's wounds are stable."

"The physical ones, maybe. But Helix's mind is probably keeping him from waking up to avoid reality."

"Oh… I see."

"Let's just be patient. There is a month until we reach our destination."

"That's a good point. If the Fall Goddess favors him, he won't wake up until his wounds are nearly healed."

"I agree. Also, if this poor kid has to go two months without his loved ones, his heart might break."

"Okay, let's pray for the best."

—

"How's his condition?"

"Helix has woken up multiple times, but the pain has kept him from staying cognizant. I've been giving him painkillers, and they're keeping him asleep."

"I see. Has Helix been eating a little?"

"Yes, it's strange. His body reacts to food, but it's almost like he's asleep. He's also laying on a double-layered magic circle with hydration transfusion spells and an antibacterial environment."

"Wow… I can't believe that the royal medicinal circle master has spent the last week traveling with us."

"I can't either. I've learned so much that I should be grateful to this young man."

"Hah. Elsa, you've saved his life twice already. He owes you a lot."

"...."

"What's that face for?"

"You just reminded me of something."

"What?"

"I'd be inclined to reject it because this boy has done nothing to deserve being targeted…."

"... but?"

"I walked in on all of those women assaulting him in their underwear while he was still in the damn hospital room!"

"Wait, what!?"

"Yeah! Thank you for reminding me to beat this boy senseless when he wakes up!"

"Woah now, Elsa… calm down."

"I refuse! He needs to learn risk management and respect."

"I agree… but please don't forget…."

"Oh. My apologies for getting out of hand. I suppose we'll just call things even."

"Good. I'll check in tomorrow then."

"See you then, Timothy."

"Good bye, Elsa."

—

"We've received a letter and some packages from Alzeria."

"What does the letter say?"

"It says that the crisis in the Capitol has been averted because of Helix. It's also a thank you letter to him."

"Wait? It says that Helix averted the crisis?"

"Yeah. Apparently, the firestorm he left behind wasn't simple revenge. It was part of a deeper strategy that instantly regained control over the Capital."

"Who is this boy? Why would he help the Capital after what happened to him?"

"I don't think that he was helping the Capital. Rather, it's more likely that he's helping the people that were kind to him."

"I see…. It's still hard to believe…."

"I thought so too after reading the letter. However, when I saw the number of presents and cards Helix received, I changed my mind."

"What!? Don't tell me they disclosed his location!"

"No, mam. What happened was—"

—

"You have got to be joking with me."

"No…."

"I'm not sure I've ever seen such a shameless present before."

"I…."

"If you say you're jealous, I'll feed your manhood to the fish."

"I'm sorry, mam! Anyway, I need to go now!"

"Hah. All of the time I've been spending with Macron has taught me a few things. How ironic."

—

"Grandmaster Tilo. To what do I owe this pleasure?"

"Hello, Elsa. It's nice to see you. First, how is Helix's health? It's been two weeks."

"He's… okay medically. He drinks water and eats soup, but he falls asleep immediately after."

"Is the pain overwhelming?"

"No. It's been almost two weeks. However, it's as though Helix's subconscious is identifying danger and then forces his mind to blackout in fear."

"I see…. I don't blame the poor kid."

"Will you please tell me why you're visiting? We're a long way out from Alzeria."

"Ah, yes. There are multiple grandmasters here that seek to take Helix on as apprentices."

"Wait, Tilo. Are [you] one of them?"

"That's right."

"You have obligations to the high court of her Majesty. Don't tell me you plan to take this boy back to the Capital."

"No, no. Please don't worry about that. I believe that I will gain just as much from this boy if he allows me to teach him as he will learn from me."

"I…. Wait, what?"

"That boy…. Helix. He's extraordinary. After studying the magic circles he was able to create after only one month, I recognize he's a genius."

"He makes magic circles?"

"... Yes. I can't disclose information, but I can say that Helix is unbelievable."

"Is it because he has the Myriad Library?"

"Yes. That's part of it. He has access to information that only the elite have, and probably much more. However, the ability to read and do are two different things."

"I see… that makes sense."

"Yes. Also, Helix's modifications to the circles… they're unprecedented. Most modifications are not advanced, but there's no known record of them being made by anyone else."

"Wait. Are you saying that he was designing magic circles in less than a month?"

"Not quite. It's better to say that Helix has learned to blend circles in addition to modifying them."

"How… did he not get drafted sooner, then? He would have been safe if he was under your tutelage."

"That…. It turns out that all of the focus was on the Earthian Knights. Preventing assassination attempts was the only time he was paid attention to. It was time-consuming, from what I understand."

"...."

"...."

"How sad."

"Yeah, I know."

"...."

"Anyway, thanks for giving me some of your time. I'm in the caravan behind you. Let me know when Helix awakes."

"Will do, Tilo."

"Also, please put in a good word for—"

"Good bye, Grandmaster Tilo."

—

"What's the state of his condition?"

"He's almost completely healed. So when he awakes, it will almost feel like nothing happened to him."

"You don't look too worried about his condition. It's been over three weeks, and he's still not awake."

"You don't have to worry about him. He'll wake up soon."

"Why are you so confident?"

"You don't want to know, Timothy."

"You can trust me."

"Hah. Just remember that you begged me for it."

"Maybe—"

"I didn't notice at first, but there's a charm on him that keeps him asleep until his life is in danger. That way, he can heal faster."

"You don't mean—"

"That's right. It's the Charm of Blissful Healing. You're not to tell a soul."

"I wish you wouldn't have told me."

"You shouldn't have begged me."

"... I need to get back to my duties. Bye, Elsa."

"Take care, Timothy."

—

"Is there anything else you need?"

"No. Thank you, Timothy. I'm going to bed right now."

"Of course. It's my turn for the night watch, so I'll let you know if anything changes."

"I appreciate it."

"Good night, Elsa."

—

[Wake up.]

"Ugh…. Was that my interface just now? Where… am I? What…. Guahhhllll!"

"Helix! Don't try to get up so sudden—"

"Gahhhhh."

"Lay back down. Your muscles haven't moved for almost a month."

"Wait, where am I? What happened to—"

"... Helix."

"I…. I see…."

"Can I hug you?"

"I…. yes. I would appreciate that a lot, Elsa."

"Come here. That's right… let it all out."

"I… I…. I was so powerless."

"You weren't powerless, Helix. We heard the recording. Your defense was flawless and admired. It's just that no one could react to such… savagery."

"But the Nightmare users can! They can see! I gave up my stats! I gave up that power, and now…."

"Shhhhhh. Hush, child. Wait until morning, and you'll see that your weakness is your greatest strength."

"Elsa…. Wait, how are—"

"They're all safe. The girls are kicking ass and are on schedule to meet up with you."

"... Thank you for letting me know. Do you still think they'll like me if…."

"If what, child?"

"I'm… broken?"

"Hah…. Helix. Those girls would love you if you were fully disabled. You don't have any worries about it."

"I…."

"Shhhhhh. Can I tell you something amazing that happened after you left?"

"... I'd appreciate that."

"Okay. Let me tell you what happened in the Knights core only a few days after you left."

—

Disclaimer: Grammatical mistakes and minor inconsistencies = more content.