Dominik's feet dragged as he made his way to the healing quarters, his mind still reeling from everything he had learned the previous day. The corridors were a mix of sterile white walls and soft, ambient lighting, creating an atmosphere both calming and unsettling. The faint scent of antiseptic hung in the air, a constant reminder of the place's purpose.
Upon arriving at the healing unit, he was greeted by Master Saul, dressed in flowing robes, standing by the door with his hands clasped behind his back. Saul's presence exuded a quiet authority, his piercing eyes observing Dominik with interest.
"Good evening, Master," Dominik greeted, trying to keep his voice steady.
"Welcome, Dominik," Master Saul replied warmly, a slight smile touching his lips. "From today, you'll be my apprentice. Let me introduce you to the other apprentices."
Master Saul led him inside, where three apprentices were busy with their tasks. The room was filled with the soft hum of medical equipment and the rustling of papers. Shelves lined the walls, stocked with jars of herbs and various medical supplies.
"This is Grace, Fleur, and DiMagg," Saul introduced each one in turn. Grace, a petite girl with bright eyes, smiled at him warmly. Fleur, a bit older with a calm demeanor, nodded in acknowledgment, and DiMagg, a robust young man, gave him a curt nod.
Dominik bowed his head respectfully. "I hope to learn from you and that you will take good care of me, seniors."
Fleur, the eldest, smiled and responded, "We're happy to have you here." Grace and DiMagg nodded in agreement, their expressions friendly but curious.
"You will shadow them for now," Master Saul instructed. "They'll show you the ropes. Meanwhile, come with me. I have some things to give to you."
As Dominik followed Master Saul through the quarters, he observed the surroundings. The rooms were filled with the soft glow of bioluminescent plants, adding a touch of natural beauty to the clinical environment. The master pointed out various places and features, explaining their uses and importance.
They stopped in front of a room Dominik soon discovered was a library. Upon entering, he was struck by the towering shelves, some requiring a ladder to reach the top. The air was filled with the musty scent of old paper, and the quiet atmosphere felt almost sacred.
Curiosity piqued, Dominik asked, "Why do you use paper for information? Aren't there more advanced ways?"
Saul smiled, his eyes twinkling with nostalgia. "Books like these were a big part of Earth's civilization before the apocalypse. In more advanced cities like Turin, we try to preserve human traditions. These books are made with special paper and ink, making them waterproof and durable, perfect for preserving knowledge."
Dominik frowned, running his fingers over the spines of the books. "But why aren't paperback books more widespread?"
"Because the materials used to make them are very expensive," Saul explained. "Only the wealthy can afford them. For the lower classes, it's out of reach. These books are incredibly valuable. As a matter of fact, they are given as inheritance."
Dominik's mind raced. The more he learned, the greater the gap between the elementals and Saiyans seemed. It felt like another way to keep information from the lower classes. Ever since he arrived in Turin, he had learned that information is power, and the weak remain weak because they never learn anything useful.
"To me, it looks like a way to keep Saiyans and elementals separated. Books with different contents."
Saul regarded him thoughtfully. "You are perceptive, Dominik. I'm not saying that I agree with them, but there are many ways the powerful maintain their grip. But you have potential. I see a talented healer in you. You can rise above these limitations."
"Thank you, but I have privileges they don't have," Dominik replied, feeling a pang of guilt. "And thank you for the medicine. The headaches have stopped, and I haven't had any more memory flashes."
Saul nodded, his expression serious. "Good to hear. But we need to be sure. We'll do a brain scan tomorrow."
As they picked up the books, Dominik noticed Saul's gaze linger on him. "You mentioned my mother yesterday," Dominik said hesitantly. "Was she one of your students?"
Saul's eyes softened, and he nodded. "Yes, your mother. She was my best student. You get your talent for healing from her, but you can be even better. She made it to Terana University and excelled."
Dominik was stunned. "But isn't she a Class 5?"
Saul laughed softly, shaking his head. "Do you still really think she and your grandfather are Class 5? I don't believe that you're that naive, Dominik." He moved to grab another book from the shelves. "These are all the books you must read by the end of the week," he said, handing him seven volumes.
"Did you know my father?" Dominik asked, his voice almost a whisper.
Saul whistled softly, his eyes distant with memory. "I did." He glanced at the medallion on Dominik's neck and smiled. "Your father was quite a character. You look just like him. I'm sorry about his death."
"It's all good," Dominik responded, trying to mask his emotions.
They walked out of the library, and Dominik headed back to help the apprentices with their tasks. The conversation left Dominik with more questions than answers. His mother's achievements, his grandfather's true class, and the enigmatic figure of his father—all pieces of a puzzle he was determined to solve. With the books in hand and a new sense of purpose, he headed back to his quarters, ready to dive into the knowledge that awaited him.