As the lights flickered on, Zarek's humble abode transformed from darkness to warmth. He placed the food on the table, the merged kitchen and hallway reflecting the modesty of his one-bedroom apartment. Zarek's belt hit the floor with a metallic clang, releasing the weight of his dual swords. The worn leather sheaths, scarred from innumerable battles, told the story of a hunter's tireless struggles.
Zarek entered the shower, his pitch-black hair hanging from his face as the weight of the water showered down on his head. As he looked down, he gently rubbed his well-built body, covered with countless scars showing the struggles of a D-Rank hunter.
He lay down on his worn-out sofa, which started creaking as he settled in. He went to sleep, shutting his eyes, as today's raid had taken a toll on his body.
The loud ringtone shattered the silence, vibrating on the small desk in front of him. Sun rays streaming through the window cast a warm glow on Zarek's face. Groggily, he checked the mirror, realizing he'd slept half the day away.
Zarek grabbed his phone, answering with a cautious "Hello?"
"Sunrise Hospital," the voice on the other end announced, jolting Zarek wide awake.
"I'm calling to inform you about your mother," the voice continued, capturing Zarek's undivided attention.
Zarek's voice trembled with nervousness, "What about her?"
"Can you come to the hospital today, Mr. Zarek? It's urgent," the voice pressed.
Zarek's response was instant, "Okay, I'll be there. What time?"
"Please drop by now, Mr. Zarek."
Zarek's resolve hardened, "Yeah, of course... I'll be there."
Zarek entered the hospital as the automatic door shut behind him. Zarek rushed to the reception. "Hello, my name is Zarek," he introduced himself, but before the receptionist could respond, a familiar voice cut through.
"Zarek!"
It was Dr. Steve. Zarek's gaze shifted to the doctor, who beckoned him to follow.
"I was the one who called you," Dr. Steve explained, quickening his pace.
Zarek trailed behind, his curiosity growing. They stopped before a metal door, which slid open with a soft hiss after Dr. Steve scanned his card.
As they entered the dimly lit room, Zarek's eyes widened. Row upon row of massive, egg-shaped crystals filled the space, each containing a person. The crystals glowed softly, casting an ethereal light.
Zarek's anxiety grew as they walked among the crystalline structures, the occupants' serene faces a stark contrast to his own turmoil.
"Why did you want to see me, Doctor?" Zarek's panicked voice barely above a whisper.
Dr. Steve halted before a larger crystal, its occupant familiar. Zarek's heart sank.
"Your mother, Zarek," Dr. Steve began, his tone measured.
"Why does it appear bigger than before?" Zarek's eyes locked onto his mother, frozen in the crystal.
"That's why I called you, Zarek. Your mother appears to be crystallizing more," Dr. Steve explained.
"What do you mean by that?" Zarek's voice trembled.
Dr. Steve's expression turned somber. "Your mother appears to have X-crystallization disease, which causes her to crystallize further."
"What's causing this, Doctor?" Zarek struggled to hold back his emotions.
"Since the K-Crystal crashed on Earth 50 years ago, the mana radiating from it has caused everyone to gain mana. However, some people cannot accept mana, so they start to crystallize."
Dr. Steve's expression turned somber. "Unfortunately, your mother was among them. It's one of the rarest cases, happening to only a handful of people who have already been crystallized."
Zarek's eyes locked onto Dr. Steve, his jaw set in determination. "So what's the treatment?" he demanded.
Dr. Steve was taken aback by Zarek's unwavering resolve, his gaze lingering on the young man's resolute face. A hint of a smile played on his lips.
"We'll have to administer an antidote quickly," Dr. Steve replied, his tone measured. "But..." He paused, collecting his thoughts, the weight of the challenge ahead evident in his hesitation.
"I know, Dr. Steve," Zarek interrupted, urgency in his voice.
Dr. Steve continued, "We have to shoot the crystal with mana rays from an S-ranked mana crystal. It's the same cure for everyone who has been crystallized, but we have to do it quickly. Normal mana rays won't work,as we've been doing. You'll have to make a tough call, Zarek. Within weeks, she'll start to crystallize at a rate that will make the other patients in here danger. I can't let that happen."
Dr. Steve's expression turned grave. "You have two options, Zarek. Either bring an S-ranked mana crystal or pay for one, which costs 10 million zol's – a huge amount, even for me. Or..." He paused, the unspoken alternative hanging in the air.
"...say your goodbyes. I'll place her in the disintegration chamber, leaving her to dust. It's also hospital policy to report X-crystallization disease, making it risky for me to keep her here. Choose, Zarek. What will it be?"
"I'll bring the crystal," Zarek declared, his voice firm.
Dr. Steve's grin hinted at skepticism, knowing the impossibility of a D-Rank hunter acquiring an S-Rank crystal. Yet, he was drawn to Zarek's unwavering determination.
"Twenty days," Dr. Steve said, his tone measured. "I'll give you twenty days, Zarek. Bring the crystal and save your mother."
Zarek's eyes burned with resolve. "I will."
With a resolute nod, Zarek turned and left, leaving Dr. Steve to ponder the unlikely promise.
Dr. Steve's smile lingered, a mix of admiration and doubt. "Twenty days... let's see if you can defy the odds, Zarek."