Taking medical examinations ended up being somewhat embarrassing. Everyone was worried about me, so they gathered around, watching every little movement. I couldn't bring myself to tell them to leave. They closely observed Liam, who was the technician conducting my tests. When it was time for the blood test, Astrid jokingly warned Liam to be gentle. Damian, on the other side, reassured me that it would be over quickly. My brother, Karun, stayed silent but attentive throughout the process.
Aiden, who heard about my fainting episode, joined the group for a while but was soon called back to the training department. Liam took his time, ensuring the procedure was as painless as possible. When I hissed in pain, Karun's concerned look made Henry even more cautious.
The most awkward moment was when Liam asked me to spit in a test bowl. I felt self-conscious with everyone watching, but Astrid noticed my discomfort and subtly encouraged the others to give me some space. I appreciated her understanding and made a mental note to thank her later.
When we were done with the tests, Astrid led us straight to the lunch cafeteria.
We passed through a series of interconnected buildings nestled within the dense forest. Each building was made of dark wood and stone, blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings. The path between them was lined with lush green foliage, and the sunlight filtered through the canopy, creating a dappled pattern on the ground.
The cafeteria was a large, open structure with high ceilings and wide windows that allowed the natural light to flood in. The building's design was rustic yet modern, with wooden beams and stone accents giving it a cozy yet spacious feel. Outside, a few picnic tables were scattered around, some occupied by other guild members enjoying their meals in the fresh air.
Inside the cafeteria, the atmosphere was lively. Long wooden tables were arranged in neat rows, and the delicious aroma of freshly cooked food filled the air. The walls were adorned with various guild emblems and artwork depicting different aspects of their missions and history. A buffet-style setup offered a variety of dishes, from hearty stews and roasted meats to fresh salads and fruits. There was even a section with an assortment of desserts that immediately caught my eye.
Astrid guided us to a table near the window, where we could enjoy the view of the forest while we ate. As we settled down, Liam joined us, his expression relaxed now that the morning's tense moments were behind us. He assured us that the afternoon tests would be handled by a senior technician, giving us some peace of mind.
We began to fill our plates, the camaraderie and the beautiful surroundings making the meal even more enjoyable. It was a welcome respite from the earlier stress, and I felt grateful for this moment of calm amidst the uncertainty of our mission.
After lunch, as we waited for the technician to show up, the situation was filled with anticipation. The tension built up subconsciously, making me feel a bit nauseous despite the delicious forest meat I had just enjoyed. To our surprise, the senior technician turned out to be a plain girl in a white lab coat with round spectacles and shiny golden eyes. She looked cute and innocent, not at all the picture of a seasoned professional we had expected. Her name was Daisy.
Daisy had a petite frame, with soft, wavy brown hair that framed her face and fell just below her shoulders. Her golden eyes sparkled with a mix of intelligence and kindness, instantly putting us at ease. She wore minimal makeup, just enough to highlight her natural beauty, and her demeanor was calm and reassuring. Despite her youthful appearance, there was a confidence in her actions that spoke of her experience and skill.
The afternoon tests went smoothly. Daisy's gentle and patient manner made the physical tests—like running, jumping, and various exercises to check our breathing and blood pressure—much more bearable. She explained each step of the process clearly, her voice soothing any lingering anxiety we had.
Throughout the whole process, Daisy remained attentive and supportive, ensuring that we were comfortable and understood what was happening. Her presence turned what could have been a stressful afternoon into a manageable and even pleasant experience.
We were sent back to the mansion in the evening as the sun was about to set. There was a sudden drop in temperature as evening came. On the way back, I marveled at the difference in views—the lively morning dew was refreshing, but as dusk settled, the forest looked different, as if the dark, mysterious Forest was now revealing its true self.
Adding to my fear, Aiden kept telling scary tales that presumably happened around the forest. Despite my fear, I couldn't help but listen. Taylon was so good at storytelling that my ultimate quest became finding the mansion to escape the deathly hallows.
As scared as I was, the only warmth I felt was the air escaping my nostrils. The grand metal bars of the mansion came into view, blurred by the thick fog that made it difficult to see. I was relieved to see the mansion gates, knowing I was no longer wandering in the dark, dangerous forest.
As we crossed the mansion gates, the glowing lights pierced through the thick fog, guiding us. I hopped down as fast as I could into the light and ran to Hemma, who was waiting for us, followed by Karun.
Dropping us off Aiden hurried back into the dark, chasing through the forest to reach the guild in time for the curfew.
As I reminisced about the ride before, a shiver ran down my spine. Only after a nice hot bath prepared by Hemma did I start to feel a little relieved. Finally free from all the clinical tests and running through the forests, and driving on bumpy roads, I could relax. Despite the delicious food at the cafeteria, I couldn't eat much due to tension. Now that we were back, I craved Hemma's cooking.
Just as I was thinking about it, a delightful smell filled my nose, leading me straight to the dining hall. The enticing aroma was from fried chicken, one of my favorites. Hemma had prepared us a sumptuous meal.
After dinner, I had a heartfelt conversation with Hemma. I shared details about my country, its people, culture, traditions, and my family, including my mom, dad, and friends.
As I inquired about Hemma's life, she shared that she had nothing much to say as she was an unmarried woman of 57 years. Her older brother, who was also the butler we had met at the resort earlier on our journey, was her only family. When I questioned why she hadn't married, her response was simple yet profound: she just couldn't find the right one.
Her words lingered in my mind long after our conversation ended. The idea of finding the "right one" echoed in my thoughts, leaving me lost in contemplation. As I settled into bed that night, the question of whether I would ever find my "right one" plagued me. While my friends had all found relationships, I remained single, with no prospects in sight. The uncertainty of my future loomed over me like a dark cloud, casting a shadow over my hopes and dreams.
The idea of being alone forever weighed heavily on my heart, stirring up a whirlwind of emotions. Would I ever find someone who truly understood me? Would I be condemned to a life of solitude, longing for a connection that seemed elusive? These questions haunted me as I drifted into a restless sleep, my mind filled with uncertainty and doubt.