"You're strong, kid. You didn't falter even against a pretty powerful opponent." That threatening voice and the dark dimension, Lian immediately realized where he was.
"Bringing me here again? It would get boring if I ended up in this place every time I passed out." Lian no longer felt like prey before that voice, though it still unsettled him slightly.
"I'm not pleased about talking to ignorant beings like you humans, but I don't want you dead... Listen, kid, just because we're connected doesn't mean you can use my powers without feeling the side effects." The voice spoke in a serious tone, clearly wanting Lian to understand the weight of his powers.
Lian's expression grew more serious as he listened, worried that the price for using these powers might be too steep.
"Do I lose part of my life by using these powers?" Lian asked nervously. He didn't want to die early, he needed time to achieve his goals.
"No." The voice's answer was a curt and dry "no," which eased Lian's mind a little. "Your body needs to be stronger so it doesn't overload. If you're not so weak, you'll be able to use my powers without spending days asleep afterward."
Lian understood the explanation, it made sense to him, especially since his goal was to become stronger anyway. But a question lingered in his mind.
"What do you mean by 'spending days asleep'?"
The voice let out a laugh, entertained by Lian's confusion.
"Well, it doesn't matter. There's something I want to know. What's your name? I don't want to keep calling you 'sword' every time you drag me here."
"...Oblivion."
As soon as Oblivion revealed its name, the dimension shattered. Lian opened his eyes and began looking around. He was back in the medical area of the academy's hunting room. While glancing around, he saw Vida sitting with her back to him, once again absorbed in her phone.
"Hey, Vida." Hearing Lian's voice, Vida startled slightly, quickly turning to face him.
Once she recovered from her surprise, she smiled, walked over, and hugged him. With her usual cheerful tone, she began to speak:
"I'm so glad you're awake! I thought you were going to stay in a coma." She released him from the hug, her expression shifting to a mix of relief and scolding. "You're so irresponsible, kid. Don't do that again, or you're going to end up dead, do you hear me?" Even in her anger, it was clear how much she cared about his well-being.
"Sorry, I'll be more careful next time. I won't cause you any more trouble." It was evident that Lian genuinely understood the problems he'd caused her. "Vida, how long was I out?" His expression turned serious, reflecting his concern. Using that power had been truly exhausting during the battle, and he didn't even know where he'd found the strength to cross the portal.
Vida paused for a moment, as if thinking of the best way to respond. Finally, with a sigh, she said, "Three days, Lian. You were unconscious for three whole days. When they brought you here, you were exhausted, covered in cuts, and completely drained. Honestly, I thought it would take even longer for you to wake up."
Lian's eyes widened. "Three days?" he repeated, incredulous. He looked down at his hands, feeling the weight of that information. "I knew I'd pushed myself too far, but... three days? That's way longer than I expected."
Vida crossed her arms, clearly not satisfied with his reaction. "That's exactly what I'm talking about, kid. You can't just go around thinking you're immortal. Whatever happened in that portal, you pushed your body beyond its limit. What if it had been something even more dangerous? You might not have made it out alive."
Lian leaned his head back against the wall, closing his eyes as Vida's words echoed in his mind. He knew she was right. Even though Oblivion had assured him he wouldn't lose his life directly from using the powers, the toll on his body was enough to make him wary.
"I get it, Vida. I swear I'll prepare myself better from now on." He looked at her directly, his expression sincere. "I don't want to die before I accomplish what I need to."
Vida's face softened at his words. She sighed and placed a hand on his shoulder. "You're lucky you're stubborn enough to survive, kid. Just don't push your luck, okay?"
Lian nodded, but before he could respond, the door to the room opened with a metallic creak. He looked up and saw a familiar face entering: Ark Zenith, the vice-director and combat instructor.
Ark looked even more intimidating than the last time Lian saw him. The scar over his right eye made it seem like he could see straight through people. He crossed his arms and stared at Lian as if evaluating a flawed tool.
"Finally awake, kid? I thought you'd need a whole week to get back to normal," Ark said in his rough voice. He took a few steps closer, stopping beside Lian's bed.
"Yes, sir," Lian replied quickly, straightening up as much as he could. He was still weak, but he didn't want to show it.
Ark tilted his head slightly, analyzing Lian with a cold gaze. "You've got potential, kid. But potential alone doesn't keep you alive. I heard you faced a Goblin King in a Rank E portal. Is that true?"
Lian nodded. "Yes, sir. It was... complicated."
Ark let out a dry laugh, clearly unimpressed. "Complicated? You almost died! I thought I was right to put you in Class A so early, but maybe I was wrong about you. What you did was pure stupidity. Here's a warning: the next time you risk your life unprepared, no one will be there to save you."
The comment made Lian grit his teeth. He knew Ark was right, but the way the vice-director looked at him, as if he were disposable, ignited something inside him. He wanted to prove he wasn't just "potential."
"I'll get better, sir," Lian said firmly. "I know I made mistakes, but I'll train. I'll get stronger."
Ark raised an eyebrow and smirked slightly, a mix of cynicism and curiosity. "Better, huh? Well, you'll get your chance. But remember this, kid, no matter how strong you think you are, there's always something stronger waiting for you." He turned to leave but paused at the door, glancing back over his shoulder. "Rest time's over. Tomorrow, meet me in the arena. I want to see if I really made a mistake putting you in Class A."
With that, Ark left, leaving Lian and Vida alone.
Lian took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the expectations placed on him. He looked at Vida, who still seemed worried.
"You know he's testing you, right?" she said, breaking the silence.
"I know. But I'm going to prove to him that I deserve to be here."
Vida sighed but gave him a faint smile.
"Alright, stubborn kid. Just don't get yourself killed in the process."