"Time for another surgery, Julian. Well, two of them."
Julian was placed on a table, laid on his back.
"What is it this time?" Julian sighed.
"I'll be attaching stronger stitches and a little brain surgery."
"Brain surgery...?"
"It's gonna integrate the two parts of your brain. You'll start to remember past events and information you forgot."
"Like my birthday? I don't even remember that."
"Yeah. Also, you'll be a little bit more... responsive and emotional than usual. So sit tight. This time, you finally get anesthesia."
"Thank goodness..."
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"So, you got all your memory back now? When's your birthday?" Rosette asked as they walked to the training room.
"June 6th."
"Oh! It's coming up soon! We should celebrate it."
"Yeah."
"But just because your birthday is coming soon doesn't mean I'll forgive you for what you did last time. How about we test the strength of those new stitches, huh?" Rosette balled her fist.
"Wait, no! They aren't that strong!-"
She leaped onto Julian. "Dr.Vaen isn't here to stop me... now?"
Rosette looked down at Julian. He stared at her with a fearful expression and tears in his eyes. It was faint but he muttered something under his breath.
"P-please.... j-just finish quickly without h-hurting me..."
Rosette let go of his collar, dropping him down. He stayed there on the floor, shaking. It wasn't until he was sedated by Dr. Vaen that he stopped.
"That was weird. Did I tamper with his brain incorrectly?" Dr. Vaen pondered, scratching his head.
"That must've been it. How long will this behavior last?" Rosette asked.
"It's still early, but about a week or so."
"A week of not beating that boy up... I'll try."
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"What a brave soul... to think you came all the way from through the barbarian territory just to reach Gonteno."
In front of the group was an elf woman. A tall, white-haired woman. Her light-blue eyes looked at Rar with sorrow. She wore clothes that closely resembled the attire of a nun.
That woman was one of the famous Saints, known for her tremendous compassion and her extensive kindness. Her name was Meri.
Lyrei stood in front of the group, placing her hand on her chest. "Can you help us, Saint Meri? Our friend... really needs it. As you can see, his arm has been cut off."
"Of course. You kids are quite brave, coming all the way here. What is your name, boy?" she asked, looking at Rar.
"It's... Rar, Saint Meri."
"Come with me, Rar. I'll get you healed straight away. The rest of you can stay here, I hope that my little brother will be a good guide for you all."
A boy came out of the corners. It was a seemingly young boy, with a striking resemblance to the saint. He wore a simple white T-shirt, with black shorts.
"Who is the lost boy?" Silva asked, looking at the young boy.
"I'm not a lost boy! I'm much older than you, kid. The name's Nym."
He crossed his arms, leaning on one of the pillars of the large pristine room that everyone was standing in.
"So.. Nym. What do we do now, while we're waiting for Rar to get healed up?" Saldair questioned. Nym shrugged.
"Dunno. Go explore this kingdom or something."
Saldair, Silva, and Sodror decided to check out the kingdom, but Lyrei stayed back. She had a question.
"Hey, Nym? How could I become a disciple of Saint Meri?" she asked.
"Ask her, not me."
"Could you at least put in a good word for me?" she pouted.
"Why would I do that?"
"Come on! Please?!" she whined.
"Fine! Stop whining, please! I'll put in a good word, just stop whining like a little baby."
Lyrei smiled.
— That was... too easy!
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"I forgot to tell you, Julian. If you pull too much at your body, it'll hurt. So don't be... doing what you boys usually do."
"I don't do that! Do you seriously think that badly of me, Dr. Vaen?"
Dr. Vaen laughed, placing his hand on Julian's shoulder. "I'm just kidding. Just, don't overexert yourself. You're getting stronger, Julian."
"Thanks, Doctor. That makes me feel a lot more motivated."
"One more thing, Julian. You'll be going to school with Rosette."
"Huh? Do they let... demons in there?"
"No. But I have something that can mask the demon presence from both you and Rosette."
"I won't lie, I am a bit excited about that. But is it really necessary?"
"Of course it is. You're dumb! Luckily, you'll be a first-year, so they'll teach you all the basics."
"Wait... don't tell me..."
"Yup! Rosette will be your senior."
"I'm a little less excited, now."