If you were to think about it, the very idea of being able to leave unhealable wounds wasn't something a B-rank sword would have.
Dainsleif itself was a mysterious existence already. Perhaps even more so than the events that differ from the main story.
So I'd like to start this first off by saying I lost myself during the battle. I was quite literally swept up by the flow and gone to lengths I should not have.
"Hmm. This sword… I knew it wasn't something that should be allowed. Wounds that cannot be healed… unbelievable."
"This isn't the time to think twice, Professor. If we do not cover the wound quickly, then the student will die."
"Die? For all I care, he can die. Stabbing yourself just to gain a momentary increase in power… the very idea is stupid."
Who's that?
I hear voices. Two people, probably older than me. Teachers, perhaps?
But wait… this smell of cherry blossoms. There's only one person who'd fit the theme of Japan this much.
Sayuri Kinako. Even if I can't hear her well, the smell of cherry blossoms is enough to give me a hint as to who it is.
But the other person… she said Professor, so it has to be a teacher from the Academy.
From what I can gather, there wasn't anyone who could heal the wounds from Dainsleif, even in the original novel.
I racked my brain for the names of the professors I could still remember. Yet no matter how much I thought about it, no one came to mind.
"Please! Your magic pencil is the only one that can seal the wound. Can't we just count this one as a favor?"
"You seem awfully interested in the kid, Sayuri. Last I saw you take interest in something, they disappeared as fast as the sakura trees do."
Magic pencil… could it be?
If it really is him, then he can cover, or at least, stitch up my wound.
Professor Shib, the one who wields the magic pencil.
It's said that he can create anything with the pencil, as long as he can draw it and as long as he can supply the mana.
In the later parts of the story, he was able to conjure a giant mech that killed thousands of demons in just a few minutes.
I had no doubts that the current Shib, who was probably at B rank, could heal my wounds.
"But this is different! Come on, Shib! Do this for me, just once."
"Hah… alright."
"Wah! Yes, I love you!"
"Don't… anyway, bring the student closer to me. I'll begin measuring the size and depth of his wound. If all goes well, I should be able to get it fixed up in a few minutes."
"In the meantime, I need you to head outside and stand guard. We can't have any demons interfering the healing process."
"Right away! Make sure you don't get my disciple killed! Future disciple, that is."
I heard the sound of the door opening. Footsteps that I assumed to be Sayuri's slowly walked out until they weren't audible anymore.
"Hey. You should open your eyes. Don't try to hide the fact that you've been awake. My buddy here has already smelled you out."
Ah, no use in faking it, I guess.
"Hello, Professor. Thank you for saving me–gah, that still hurts." I clutched my stomach in pain.
"Don't move. It's only going to make the stitching process harder. Just lay flat on the bed and try to calm yourself."
"I see. If you don't mind, could I ask you some questions?"
"You're curious as to what happened after you passed out, right?"
I nodded.
"Of course you are. Ask away, but keep the questions to a minimum."
Right… I don't want to disturb him with his work. He's already working to heal my wound.
"We don't have much time, so I'm going to start the treatment process right away. Lend me a hand, buddy."
"Hoo…" The owl (one I somehow didn't see until now) that was on the professor's shoulder jumped off and began walking around my body.
I felt its sharp claws slightly dig into my chest. But it wasn't that big of a deal compared to the pain in my torso.
Professor Shib then began tracing an outline of the wound with a small pencil he had brought out.
"So… I'd like to ask this first. Where are we right now?"
"In the infirmary. After you passed out, Alicer was able to quickly pull out the assailant, who, by the way, was a demon from the portal and kill it."
"I see. Then what happened after that?"
"More portals began to open up all around the Colosseum, and hordes of demons began pouring out. We estimate that there are around three thousand D ranks alone."
Three thousand… that's certainly a number to fear, even for an A-rank hero.
"What about my teammates? What happened to them?"
"They were seated rather close to the arena, so they were able to jump off the top and into the middle. They most likely retreated into the inner areas of the Colosseum."
"And… What about Miss Kinako?"
"Oh, that wench? She took your unconscious body from the arena and brought you to me. I think she liked the way you wielded your sword."
Just like John, Sayuri was an avid practitioner of the blade. So it wasn't strange that she grew interested in me. Or rather, Dainsleif.
Speaking of Dainsleif…
"Where's my sword?"
"It's over there. I had to stop Sayuri from stealing it away, so I expect thanks."
"Y–yeah… thank you, professor."
"Alright… *huff* We should be getting done with the treatment process soon. I've finished carving the outline."
"Is it going to hurt?"
"Oh, like a son of a bitch."
"YAAAAA!"
***
I feel violated. I could still feel the cold, sharp edge of his pen running across my wounds. In just a few minutes, they had been filled in by skin, looking as if I wasn't even injured in the first place. Hah… I wish it didn't hurt that much, though.
But thanks to Professor Shib, I'm finally able to walk by myself. The pain seems to have subsided, at least for now.
That magic pencil truly is a gift from the heavens. Being able to create anything while only being limited to mana and imagination…
"Don't even think about getting into any fights. I can't risk the wound opening up again due to excessive strain. Your best bet should be to exit the school campus right away."
"But my teammates! I can't leave them alone here."
Those guys were my teammates. What good of a Leader would I be if I left them alone?
"The moment you step outside, you're going to die. I never told you this, but this invasion is most likely a pre-planned attack."
"Why is that?"
"The demons are led by a single S-rank demon. And a damn powerful one too. It took out The Mountain King with a single blow to the heart."
..what?
THE Anthony Wywear killed? Impossible. You could tell me that this world was a game, and I'd probably believe that over this.
The Mountain Giant was so easily toppled. And he was known for his extraordinary defense too.
Just what kind of monster was unleashed upon this school?
This isn't right. I need to check something.
"Log," I called out the Log of The Academy's Regressor. A thick book materialized in my palms and I began to flip through it.
Wait, wait, wait.
It changed!
The whole chapter was rewritten!