Nate's consciousness flickered like a flame coaxed back to life, the murmur of voices washing over him in waves. He lay still, adrift in the haze between slumber and wakefulness, aware of the soft rustle of fabric and the gentle clink of glass vials. Among the indistinct chatter, one voice pierced through with urgency—a lilting cadence tinged with worry that yanked Nate back to reality.
"Why won't he wake up? It's been hours!" Gwen's words hung suspended in the medicinal-scented air, her tone laced with a fear that seemed out of place for someone who usually wielded confidence as effortlessly as breathing.
"His injuries are healed, Gwen," Nurse Joy responded, her voice a soothing balm that sought to calm the storm of concern. "But you must understand, he's taxed himself beyond the limits of mere flesh and bone. His mana core teeters on the brink of exhaustion. This is not just about physical wounds."
The caution in Nurse Joy's words danced at the edge of Nate's dulled senses, pulling at the threads of his awareness. He willed his eyelids to part, an act that felt akin to lifting a sack of heavy bricks. Emerald eyes blinked against the soft glow of sunlight filtering through gauzy curtains, casting dappled patterns across the room.
Gwen's face came into focus above him, her usual poise dissolving into an expression raw with relief. "Nate!" she exclaimed, hand flying to her mouth as if to stifle the surge of emotions.
"Hey," he croaked, the word scraping from his throat as he struggled against the leaden weight of his limbs. His trademark grin, usually quick to flash even in the grimmest of situations, now emerged as a weary shadow of itself. Yet, it was enough to reassure Gwen, who hovered close, her hands fluttering over him like moths drawn to his vitality.
"Can you move? Are you in pain?" Her questions tumbled out, each syllable etched with a fierce protectiveness that belied her composed exterior.
"Feels like I've been run over by a carriage, but I think I'll live." Nate's attempt at humor did little to mask the soreness that clung to him like morning dew. He made an effort to sit up, his body protesting with stiff resistance as though he were moving through viscous ether.
"Alright, that's enough heroics for now." Nurse Joy interceded gently, yet firmly, placing a hand on Gwen's shoulder to guide her away. "Let me give you a more thorough update outside."
"Wait—Gwen, I'm okay, really," Nate insisted, his voice gaining strength as he caught her gaze. Gwen hesitated, then nodded once before allowing herself to be led away, her steps reluctant, her glance backward full of unsaid words.
Nate lay still as the door clicked shut, the silence of his room amplifying the steady beat of his heart. Nurse Joy's silhouette framed by the doorway returned, her presence a gentle intrusion in the hushed infirmary.
"Your tenacity is commendable, Nathaniel," she began, her voice carrying the soft cadence of experience. "But your body sings a tale of exhaustion. Your wounds are closed, yet you must understand that true healing runs deeper than flesh."
Nate shifted slightly, feeling the tug of mended sinew and bone. His emerald eyes, reflecting a glint of impatience, met Nurse Joy's unwavering gaze. "I can't lie abed for weeks," he protested, the edge in his voice softened by an underlying gratitude for her care. "There's too much to—"
"Two weeks," Nurse Joy interjected firmly, forestalling his objections. "Your mana core has been taxed beyond its limits. It needs time to rebuild, to reweave the essence you so recklessly expended." Her hand rested lightly on his arm, a silent plea for understanding. "Promise me you'll heed this counsel, Nate."
The warmth from her touch seemed to seep into his core, and Nate felt the truth in her words settle within him. With a reluctant nod, he conceded, "I promise."
Satisfied, Nurse Joy offered him a small smile. "Good. Now, let's see if you can stand. The Headmaster awaits."
Gingerly, Nate eased himself upright, his limbs protesting with dull aches as he swung his legs over the side of the bed. Each movement was deliberate, a conscious assertion against the stiffness that bound him. He willed strength into his muscles.
"Careful now," Nurse Joy cautioned, hovering close like a guardian wraith. "No sudden movements."
"Never thought I'd end up here from exhaustion," Nate grumbled, but his tone lacked real ire. He found his feet, the cool stone floor grounding him as he took a tentative step forward. Another followed, each one gaining confidence until he stood tall, albeit with the lingering shadow of pain.
"Your strength is both your weapon and your bane," Nurse Joy remarked, watching him with a practiced eye. "Remember that balance is key."
"Lesson learned," Nate replied, a wry smile tugging at his lips.
Leaving the nurse's office, Nate made his way through the academy's hushed corridors toward the Headmaster's office.
His shadow stretched long across the polished floor of the Headmaster's office as he entered, a testament to the late hour. The room was aglow with the soft light of enchanted candles that flickered in response to his presence, casting an ethereal ambiance.
"Ah, Nathaniel," boomed Headmaster Gilmore from behind an imposing mahogany desk, his voice rich with both authority and warmth. "Your valor in the monster surge is commendable."
"Thank you, sir," Nate replied, his voice steady despite the weariness that clung to him like a second skin.
"However," the Headmaster continued, his eyes sharpening with intrigue, "there are matters we must address, pertaining to the depth of your power." He gestured toward a small pedestal upon which a crystal orb rested, its surface dormant yet expectant.
"Please, remove your ring and place your hand upon the orb." He said with a knowing look as he eyed the ring Nate had received as a child.
Nate hesitated for a mere heartbeat, feeling the weight of the simple band of silver that had been his constant companion. It slipped off his finger with a whisper of metal against skin, and he extended his hand toward the orb.
As his palm made contact, the orb burst into life, a dance of pink, purple, and white lights swirling within its depths. They spiraled outward, illuminating the room with their brilliance, painting Nate's features with hues of mystique.
"Extraordinary," the Headmaster murmured, leaning forward to examine the spectacle. "Fae, illusion, spatial magic—all a perfect quality."
Nate watched, transfixed by the colors that seemed to echo the very essence of his soul.
"Your illusion abilities have always been more pronounced than the minor ability you claimed. The recent surge just confirmed it," the Headmaster said, standing to his full height, a figure of respect and sagacity.
"Sir?" Nate prompted, the light from the orb reflecting in his emerald eyes.
"The King has taken note of your achievements," the Headmaster revealed, his expression somber yet tinged with a hint of excitement. "A royal summons has been issued, and a reward ceremony is to be held in your honor."
The words hung in the air, heavy with implication. Nate felt a thrill race through him, a blend of anticipation and uncertainty. The recognition was beyond anything he had imagined when he first entered this new life.
"Prepare yourself, young man," the Headmaster advised, ushering him towards the door with a meaningful look. "Nobles will eye you with greed in their hearts."
Nate nodded, taking leave from the office. His boots echoed softly against the cobblestone path, the scent of autumn leaves and distant whispers of magic lingering in the air. His conversation with Cola, his ever-present spectral familiar, was a murmur amidst the rustling trees that flanked the Academy's walkway.
"Cola," Nate began, his voice low yet edged with the thrill of possibility, "that spatial leap during the surge... it saved us. But you're saying it was a one-off trick?"
"Affirmative, Host," Cola responded, its form flickering like a wisp of smoke caught in a breeze. "The system granted you temporary access due to extenuating circumstances. Mastery over such magic must be earned through practice and study."
Nate's brow furrowed as he contemplated the implications. The power to bend space to his will, even for an instant, had been intoxicating. He'd need to harness that magic again, make it his own.
Beneath the shelter of an ancient oak, its branches reaching toward the sky like skeletal fingers, he came to a halt. The system interface materialized before his eyes, presenting a cascade of notifications and updates. Additionally, he observed that he had gained two more levels from the ongoing battle.
Three particular notifications stood out to him:
[Secret Quest Completed: Monster Surge
Description: Assist with dealing with the incoming monsters that are surrounding the capital
Reward: Title Upgrade The Road to Manhood v2, The king will give additional rewards based on contribution]
[The Road to Manhood v2:
Description: Your name is now well known through the capital there will now be an additional +2 strength for every level up]
[Hidden Quest Completed: Damsel in Distress
Description: Save the spoiled noblewoman from certain death
Reward: +5 charisma, additional reward from the king, the love of the noblewoman]
Nate inquired to Cola, a hint of confusion in his voice as he wondered why these messages hadn't appeared before. The whispers of the ancient oak seemed to answer him with a rustling sigh.
"Cola, did I miss something? Why the delay in these notifications?"
"The system only presents notifications relevant to your current state and progression," Cola explained. "These updates were held until you were stable enough to process them. They will now align with your achievements and quests."
Nate nodded, the weight of his new rewards settling into his thoughts as he continued down the path, the grandeur of the academy fading into the distance. The road ahead was marked with new challenges and opportunities, each step guided by the very magic that had once seemed so distant and elusive.