As they exited the dungeon, they were met with an empty courtyard. The guild had efficiently cordoned off the area, ensuring all civilians were evacuated and sent home for safety.
Only Leo and their driver remained, anxiously waiting for their return. It had been three hours since they had first entered the dungeon.
Eamon glanced around, the eerie quiet a stark contrast to the chaos they had just faced. The sky was a dark shade, hinting at the late hour and the gravity of the situation.
"Brother Eamon! Brother Evan!" Leo called out, rushing towards them. The relief in his eyes was palpable.
Eamon managed a tired smile, kneeling to hug his brother.
"We're alright, Leo. Don't worry too much, alright." Eamon said, his voice shaking slightly as he ruffled Leo's hair with a trembling hand.
Evan stood by, his eyes filled with concern for the young master he had sworn to protect.
"Darius, take young master Leo back home right now." Evan continued firmly, his protective instincts kicking in.
"We'll follow you shortly after ensuring everything's secure here."
Darius nodded, understanding the urgency. He gently took Leo's hand and led him to the car.
"Let's get you home safely, young master Leo," Darius said, his voice calm and reassuring.
Leo looked back at his brother with worry in his eyes.
"You'll be alright, right, brother Eamon?" he asked, his voice wavering.
Eamon managed another reassuring smile, though the fatigue was evident on his face.
"I'll be fine, Leo. Just go with Darius and I'll see you soon."
As Darius drove away, ensuring Leo's safety, Evan turned his attention back to Eamon.
"Let's get you to the hospital. We need to take care of your condition before it worsens."
Eamon nodded weakly, allowing Evan to guide him to the car. The drive to the hospital was tense, the weight of the day's battles pressing heavily on their minds.
Eamon leaned back, closing his eyes and his breath laboured, trying to manage the worsening symptoms of his arcane fatigue syndrome.
Upon arriving at the hospital, the medical staff quickly sprang into action.
This wasn't the first time Eamon had been warded, and they were well-versed in his condition. They guided him to a private treatment room, where state-of-the-art equipment awaited.
Evan stayed close to his side, ensuring that Eamon received the best possible care. The doctors and nurses worked efficiently, administering IV fluids and specialized medication to counteract the effects of his arcane fatigue syndrome.
"Eamon, we'll need to run some tests to assess the extent of your condition." the head doctor explained, his tone calm yet urgent.
"Do whatever you need to." Eamon replied weakly, his exhaustion evident.
Over the next few hours, the medical team conducted a series of tests, monitoring Eamon's vitals and energy levels. They noted the severity of his energy depletion and its impact on his physical and mental state.
Meanwhile, Evan coordinated with the hospital staff, ensuring that everything was in place for Eamon's treatment plan.
He also kept Drake family informed, providing updates on Eamon condition.
By the time the doctors completed their assessments, Eamon was already feeling the effects of the initial treatments. His energy levels began to stabilize, and the mental fog slowly lifted.
"We'll need to follow a strict treatment plan to ensure a full recovery." the head doctor said, giving Evan a list of instructions.
"Meditation sessions, energy healing practices, and regular counselling will be essential or else it will be like seven years ago."
Evan nodded, determined to support Eamon through the recovery process.
"We'll do whatever it takes."
That evening, as Eamon rested in his hospital bed, Evan stayed by his side, offering words of encouragement.
"You've got this, young master. Don't worry and just sleep." Evan reassured him.
Eamon managed a faint smile, feeling a glimmer of hope.
"Thanks, Brother Evan. I couldn't do this without you." With those words, he allowed the exhaustion to take over and drifted into a much-needed sleep.
In the Drake mansion, Leo waited anxiously by the grand fireplace, the flickering flames casting dancing shadows on the walls.
He couldn't shake the worry gnawing at him, even though he tried to stay positive for his brother's sake.
The front door creaked open, and in walked the Drake couple, fresh from their urgent meeting at the guild. Leo sprang up, rushing towards them with eyes wide and filled with anxiety.
"Father, Mother! How is Brother Eamon? Is he okay?" Leo's voice trembled with fear.
Mr. Drake, a tall man with a stern but caring demeanour, placed a reassuring hand on Leo's shoulder.
"Your brother is receiving the best care, Leo. He's strong and he'll get through this sweetheart." he said, his voice steady.
"Now, it's late, and you need to rest sweetie." Mrs. Drake added, her voice filled with gentle concern.
"We don't want you falling ill with worry. You don't want Eamon to feeling worried right?"
Reluctantly, Leo nodded and made his way to his room, casting one last worried glance at his parents.
Once Leo was out of sight, Mrs. Drake's composed facade crumbled. She sank into a chair by the fireplace, tears streaming down her face.
"Oh, my dear Eamon..." Mrs. Drake sobbed quietly, her heart aching for her adopted eldest son. Mr. Drake knelt beside her, holding her hands and offering silent comfort.
The weight of their son's condition was heavy, and they prayed that the incident seven years ago would not be repeated.
Remembering those lifeless eyes and the room full of a metallic scent, they both shuddered at the memory.
"We can't let that happen again." Mrs. Drake whispered, her voice barely audible.
"We have to do everything we can to help him recover and we won't let him go through that again."
Back in the hospital room, Eamon remained asleep for three days. His body slowly recovering from the brink of exhaustion.
Evan stayed vigilant by his side during that time, ensuring that Eamon had everything he needed.
The hospital staff continued to monitor his condition closely, adjusting his treatment as necessary.
The morning sunlight gently filtered through the hospital blinds, casting a warm glow over Eamon's hospital bed.
Evan was seated nearby, checking over the detailed instructions from the head doctor, ensuring that Eamon's treatment regimen was meticulously followed.
Eamon stirred, feeling the now-familiar signs of energy replenishment beginning to take hold. His mind was clearer, and the physical weakness slowly receded.
Eamon stirred, feeling the now-familiar signs of energy replenishment taking hold. His mind was clearer, and the physical weakness slowly receded.
He opened his eyes to find Evan nearby, diligently reviewing the treatment instructions.
"Brother…" Eamon murmured, his voice still weak but filled with gratitude.
Evan looked up, relief flooding his features.
"Young master, you're awake. How are you feeling?"
"Much better." Eamon replied, his smile faint but genuine. He was happy just to live another day.