Recovery

I silently opened the door and entered the art-room.

I saw the familiar cabinets, the strewn about chairs and tables, even the wrapper from the granola bar I ate earlier.

It all brought weird sense of familiarity. A feeling of familiarity that I had began to unconsciously cherish. In a world were familiar things were changing and familiar logic was being overturned, I clung to such concepts desperately, as if some semblance of familiarity was a treasure greater than the heavens.

Now, the only thing missing were the girls.

I did a double take of my surroundings once more, as if to affirm the essential thing missing in this familiar scene. At first glance, it was relatively obvious that right now, I was the only person in the room.

My eyes focused on the now empty table. This table was the one I helped place Hina on. The fresh bloodstains were all still visible even now.

This brought a bitter smile to my face.

The possibility of them leaving was even greater than me surviving my harrowing brushes with death. It was within my range of expectations for the girls to not be here when and if I ever returned. Although I thought like this, the sight of the empty room still brought surprise to my haggard mind.

I regretted the fact that I didn't get here in time. I regretted all the hard work that, now, seemed all but pointless. But most of all, I regretted not being able to save the first person who relied on.

Thoughts like these, and many more, swirled my mind

But before my spiral of chaos got even deeper, my eyes caught sight of the blood on the table.

More specifically, the blood trail it formed and where it led.

Taking a closer look, I noticed that the blood weren't just random splatters, rather, they were a carelessly forgotten leftovers, indicating someone had moved Hina... or Hina's body.

At first, I followed the blood trail with my eyes before my body naturally moved towards the trail.

I silently walked, making sure to keep my steps as light and subtle as possible. I was taking maximum precaution. While there existed a possibility that what lay at the end of this trail were merely Hina and Cielle, there also existed a possibility that something... else waited.

Leading my follow with my eyes, I discovered that the trail led to a very familiar place.

Of to the corner of the room was a semi barricaded area. The familiar teacher's desk was positioned in such a way that it blocked the view of what lay behind. Various other pieces of school furniture adorned the surrounding area, making quite an effective blockade.

As I moved closer to the barricade, my sensitive ears began to pick up subtle nuances I had not heard prior to my entry. The faint pitter patter of breathing, an indistinguishable shuffling, which, in my honest opinion, was poorly hidden.

All these sounds and noise were picked up now that I was standing less than a meter from their source.

Hesitantly, I peered inside.

Like, I half-expected, I was now staring directly at a girl, who also stared back, albeit through a curtain of thin, silky, dark, black hair. Next to her, was another girl. This one was sleeping with a emotionless expression. Her skin was pale, and her larger than average chest was rising up and down, in-sync with her faint breathing.

It was Cielle and Hina.

I breathed out a sigh of relief. It was good to know that these two weren't in any immediate danger, and frankly, it was kind of smart in Cielle’s part to form a barricade such as this. It hid there bodies fairly well, and unless scrutinized real closely, it was hard to tell that the barricade was, well a barricade, and not merely a jumbled collection of strewn about furniture.

Although the blood trail made it rather easy for someone to discern her location, but that’s besides the point.

Cielle, who heard my exasperation and had exchanged glances briefly with me, spoke up. Her voice soft and faint, barely a sliver above silence.

“H-Hide..?”

She widened her eyes for the first time. Going by her expression, I’m guessing this is the first time she noticed that someone other than the two of them had entered the room.

I smiled faintly upon hearing her voice. It was a sharp contrast from the wailing screams of the goblins, and the slight fluctuation in her voice was somehow… pleasing to my ears.

“Yes.” I answered simply.

Without another word, I quietly began dismantling the barricade.

I moved and re positioned the chairs carefully, taking care so that the structure wouldn't collapse in on itself.

Cielle, was a bit startled at first, but quickly, she too began dismantling her impromptu barricade from the inside.

After about 5 minutes have passed, I could now clearly see the two girls.

Cielle was sitting with her knees bent as she caressed Hina’s head, who slept listlessly.

“...I didn’t think you would comeback.” She spoke gloomily.

Although her words were simple, and if viewed onesidedly, one would think she was merely concerned for my well being, but there was an underlying meaning to her words, which I quickly understood.

Her voice had a hint of apprehension to it, as if she was chiding herself for how accusatory her sentence came off.

But it’s not like I blamed her. In a situation like this humans are quick to abandon, so its no surprise that the possibility that I left drifted into her mind.

Heck, even I don’t know why I returned. I could have just as easily walked out on my promise.

So, instead of refuting, I simply nodded.

“I’m sorry I kept you waiting then.” I said, as if that was enough.

Due to our height difference, Cielle ended up looking up towards me upon hearing my voice. She stared for a moment, not knowing what to do. In the end, she just nodded.

Something I returned with another nod.

“....”

“....”

“Um… Did you..?” Cielle broke the quickly forming awkward silence as she posed a question that quickly trailed off. She hesitated, as if to say the full expression of her inquiry would warrant the worst outcome to occur.

I nodded with a slight bob.

Just from that action, her face lit up like an enchanting Christmas tree. The locks of hair that covered her face magically seemed to part ways, revealing a cute and lively smile.

Before Cielle’s expression could blossom into the full blown joy it was quickly turning into, I interrupted her.

“Help me move Hina back to the table.” I spoke while I bent down to carefully grasp Hina’s slender legs.

They were pale, much like her face, and her skin was cold to the touch. If I hadn’t known any better, these were the legs of a corpse.

Cielle, who was still in a bit of a daze after hearing the good news, squeaked out a soft Ah, before her body promptly moved into action. With determined readiness, she grasped onto Hina’s head and back and moved her with finely controlled finesse.

As Cielle’s butt lifted off the ground and her overgrown sweater fluttered down to her thighs, her body made way to reveal the small first aid kit which stood near the corner. The supplies were haphazardly strewn about, and much of the gauze, bandages, and basic medical supplies had been exhausted.

To me, it was as if her determination was revealed in that small corner.

I broke my stare with the first aid kit and focused in on the immediate task.

In a short while, with the help of both of our combined power, we lifted the fatally injured girl onto the cleared away table.

Cielle and I stood back, and just looked at Hina’s cold body.

Cielle’s eyes darted back and forth, to me then back to Hina. Her expression contorted into uncertainty. Although I had confirmed successful accomplishment of my task for her, Cielle was still unsure as to what my nod meant.

I ignored the feverish girl, and focused in on Hina.

I didn’t get the opportunity to do this 5 hours ago, but now there was something I wanted both to try and to confirm.

[identify!]

I used my rare skill on Hina’s quiet frame.

Like I originally assumed, not a moment later, a pale blue window popped up above HIna’s undisturbed face.

Hina Nayer - Level 1

Hp: 006/100*

*Afflicted with a status effect*

The new status window displayed Hina’s relevant information. Like I thought, [identify] could be used not only with items and monster, but also with other players.

Really, this skill of mine just keeps getting better and better.

I silently read Hina’s information and confirmed its contents.

The immediate detail that caught my eye was that Hina’s hp was drastically low. A moment too late, and I doubt Hina would have survived.

Also, while her status window displayed that she was indeed afflicted by a status effect, it didn’t explicitly tell what type of status, or what effect it had.

Regardless, I think the only reason Hina was able to last this long in the first place, despite her ever dwindling hp, was due to Cielle’s presence. I don’t know how she did it, but she somehow managed to delay or weaken the status. It just goes to show the determination of a loved one can have massive effects.

While I was collecting my thoughts, Hina’s Hp suddenly dropped by one bringing her ever closer to death. My face reflexively contorted into a look of shock and agony.

“W-what’s wrong?!” Cielle, who noticed the immediate dismay in my facial expression worriedly asked me, as she peered down Hina’s sickly white face.

“No… nothing.”

I managed to grunt out a reply as I steadied my face once more.

I turned back to look at Hina.

It was now or never. I’ve kept both Hina and her sister waiting long enough.

I pulled out one of the red vials of potion I kept in my pocket and uncorked its lid.

Hina who saw this, instantly frowned in confusion.

Noticing her awkward face, I turned around and raised the vial to eye level.

“Ah, this is an hp potion I found outside.” I spoke bluntly with not much information. I didn’t really have any time for any long drawn out explanations so I didn’t bother.

Cielle’s face shifted from confusion to uncertainty.

Certainly, I myself would be a bit dubious if some stranger pulled out red liquid and told me it was a potion that held the power to save my sister’s life. I defintely wouldn’t trust such a shady fellow.

But right now, I fully realized how little time we had. How little time Hina had.

I didn’t have the luxury of explaining to Cielle in the hopes of convincing her about the authenticity of the potion I held in my hand. I needed to move wit haste and certainty.

Before Cielle could stop me, My body moved forward. Using my boosted attributes, I moved at a far faster rate than Cielle as I forcibly shoved the opening of the vial into Hina’s mouth and forced the magical red liquid down.

Cielle, who’s face showed shock, motioned to stop me until her movements abruptly halted. While Cielle couldn’t see Hina’s hp visibly rise, she still awed at the site of her sister’s once pale face flushing with a somewhat healthy glow.

I looked at Hina’s status again.

Hina Nayer - Level 1

Hp: 45/100

*Afflicted by a status effect*

The potion immediately took its effect and Hina’s hp left the immediate danger zone.

Added with the orignal 20 recovery plus an additional 20 due to the fact that I was the one who applied the potion, Hina’s hp rose by 40.

Her skin visibly brightened and some of the external wounds that covered her body either healed completely or they shrank a considerable size.

I inwardly admired the effects of the potion. True to my original theory, once Hina’s hp rose ], much of the injuries she succumbed healed. Although unfortunately, the status effect still remained.

Will it dissapear if Hina’s health goes back up to 100?

Cielle who saw such a marvel whimpered through the curtain that covered her face. I couldn’t really tell, but I’m certain a portion of her bangs go a bit wet. Some form of salty water perhaps.

While I looked on at the scene with the crying sister, and the “not-so-dead” other sister, something unexpected happened.

With a loud and audible ding another blue pop up blinked in to life in front of me.

Achievement!

You are the [9th] person to forcibly raise another person’s HP using unworldly methods.

Reward(s):

Unique Magic Skill: [All Heal]

“Hmmm?”

I unconsciously raised my voice upon seeing the new panel. My lips twitched excitedly upon rereading the information.

Apparently, I managed to get a new skill due to healing Hina.

It was an unexpected bonus, although the little bit of detail regarding this “magic” label on the skill brought my high spirits back down.

Seeing my rapidly changing facial expressions, Cielle’s ecstatic expression contorted and frowned somewhat curiously towards my direction.

“What is it now?” As if angry I ruined her happy moment, Cielle tiredly questioned.

“Ahh, no its nothing…” I absentmindedly replied as I continued to look at this new Achievement Panel.

Skills.

Skills are unique things to this world -- this new world. From what I’ve gathered, there are several ranks of skill. So far I’ve seen Unique, Rare, Basic, and going by this new one, Unique Magic.

In all likelihood there are probably more, but as of yet, I haven’t come across them. Although, going by the familiar pattern, I could guess that skill ranks such as “Epic” or “Legendary” also exist.

Now, speaking of this new skill, [All Heal], it seems like its a unique skill too, like [Equip]...

A goofy grin floats to my face at the fact that, right now, I have two unique skills.

Either unique skills aren’t really all that unique, or I’m one damn lucky son of a bitch. Really, maybe the lady luck really does love me, hehehe...

...Ah-- No, I can’t get too conceited now. Conceit leads to accidents, and accidents lead to tragedies. I’d seriously dislike it if my unfolding tale ended up as a tragedy.

I shook away the bloating self confidence and bursting despair growing within in me and refocused on my new skill.

I could afford to ignore Hina for a short time now since her condition has stabilized somewhat, so, with a thought, I opened up the window panel for my new skill.

ding!

[All Heal] (Active)

Skill Type: Unique Magic

Skill Rank: Beginner

Skill Level: 1

Skill Experience: 10.30%

Effects:

Allows access to all Healing based skills outside [Unique] rank with no limit. Although the possibility to learn all healing skills exist, there are several restriction and set conditions in order to acquire more skills.

Ways to get more Healing skills; Raise the Skill level of [All Heal], other outside means.

Currently Known Skills:

Basic Heal Spell - Heal’s a set amount of health based on the Skill owner’s proportionate Intelligence and Wisdom. Int and Wis can be switched out if the Skill owner has the holy stat. Basic heal affects one directed target.

Mana Cost: 20 mp

I frowned at the information presented. While all heal was definitely a good skill, no, rather it might be something as useful as [Equip], I did still have my immediate concerns.

[All Heal]’s true value shines, especially when you consider how important survivability is in this New world.

The ability to raise such a vital stat such as hp is very important.

Although, in regards to my situation, there’s just one problem.

Magic.

Or more specifically, the fact that I can’t use magic.

While I got such a good Unique Skill, my previous Unique Skill is blocking its use. I don’t know whether to laugh or cry because this.

[All Heal], according to the window panel, is a Unique magic skill. Meaning, in all likelihood, I needed the ability to use magic/mana in order to fully utilize this skill.

And Equip stopped be from using magic.

This train of thought filled my head while I blankly stared at the screen.

My eyes were almost in tears thinking about this shitty situation, but I wasn’t one to be discouraged.

I shook of the negative thoughts and looked from a new perspective.

Who knows, maybe the existence of another Unique Skill will block out the demerits of [Equip]. Maybe it was a lie that I could never use magic. Maybe [All Heal] won’t become a skill I conveniently have that just rots in the back all because of [Equip].

With such foolishly ambitious ideas, I went to confirm whether or not I could use [All Heal].

I closed the status window and redirected my eyes back on to Hina.

The big breasted girl was still unconscious, but the new, vibrant light to her skin complemented her already dazzling silky blonde hair. She looked better, but she could go for some more healing.

With an anxious gulp, I tried using [Basic Heal].

I inwardly shouted the name of the skill within my mind.

[Heal!]

“....”

As expected nothing happens.

A-although that doesn’t necessarily mean I can completely say that magic based skills are unavailable to me. Despite doing basically the same thing I did when I used [Dissect] or [Identify], [Basic Heal] did not activate on Hina. But I wouldn’t give up simply because of one setback.

Maybe my early failure just means that there was a different way to use magic based skills compared to my other skills.

Maybe I had to actually say the skill out loud or something, a particular action I see a lot of magicians or wizards do in movies whenever they use their spells.

With this thought, my eyes naturally darted over Cielle, who was intently looking at me. While I wanted to test out the possibility, it would be embarrassing if I randomly yelled out [Heal!] and nothing happened.

It might be an apocalypse but that doesn’t mean regular, normal, human concepts such as reservation and embarrassment would completely dissapear.

Glancing back and forth between Cielle and Hina, I swallowed my weird pride and yelled with all my might; [HEAL!].

“...”

Although I say, that wasn’t quite the reality.

*cough* “H-heal…” *cough* cough*

Disguised in several random coughs, I discretely whispered the skill as low as possible. My face was reddening like an apple. Was it weird that I found saying a healing skill out loud to be embarrassing? What’s wrong with me? Where did the stoicness I displayed during my fight with the goblins go? I really need my stoicness back!

“...”

“...”

I coughed once more, as if to further disguise my earlier actions.

“...”

Like I expected, this rather embarrassing action was pointless. The Unique skill didn’t activate and Hina’s hp didn’t increase. Rather, the only thing I got was a weird stare from Cielle.

I sighed dejectedly.

I knew I was escaping from reality. No matter what I do, [All Heal] would probably be out of my range due to the sole existence of [Equip]... I would probably never be able to use [All heal] as long as I had [Equip]... Although [Equip] may be useful...but... really, sometimes I hate that skill…

I sighed once more as if to exasperate all my sadness away.

I moved on from this disappointing period in my apocalyptic new life, and decided to finish healing Hina first before I fully wallowed in sadness.

I began to uncork another HP potion, when a brief idea flashed across my mind.

“...”

I turned a furtive glance over to Cielle.

The girl in question, who had been intently focused on the new HP potion I pulled out noticed my stare and looked up. Our eyes met, and I exchanged a brief nod to her (although that was mostly to myself).

Cielle tilted her head in question.

She probably thought I was weird at this point. Since I stared at people for far too long… well, the good thing is she doesn’t voice out her thoughts. That at least save’s me some face.

Putting my idea into motion, I handed Cielle the hp potion.

“Here.” I said simply.

“Huh???” She recieved the vial with blood stained hands (the blood was most likely from Hina), and looked at me with questioning eyes.

I nonchalantly explained as I turned my attention back to Hina.

“Like I said before, this is a Healing Potion. Now that you know it works, I think it might be better if you’re the one who heals your sister.” I lied.

Thinking about it logically, of course I would be the best choice when it comes to healing Hina, or anybody in that regard, considering my Equip bonus granted additional hp. But, if I’m right, then Cielle just might….

“Just try it.” I flashed a tired smile as I continued to urge her on.

Cielle looked down in thought. He hands paled as her hand formed a fist and clenched tightly. She was deliberating over something. I don’t exactly know why though, considering something as simple as getting someone to drink liquid wasn’t exactly a tough debatable topic.

After a while, Cielle looked back up and solemnly nodded.

I returned that nod with my own nod, except more ridgid and awkward.

Taking the vial in one hand, the Cielle who reluctantly agreed turned to face her sister with determined eyes. While she was still a bit unsure as to why I wanted her to be the one who heals Hina, nevertheless Cielle was more than eager to see her sister back and healthy.

With surprisingly stable arms, Cielle rested the Vial’s opening up against Hina’s mouth and allowed the red liquid to slowly seep into Hina’s soft lips and down her throat.

I watched all this transpire and observed as Hina’s HP gauge rose by 20 hp. It was about half of what I healed, but still, it brought Hina’s HP up to a total of 65.

While this was proceeding, I focused my attention mainly on Cielle’s facial expression. Since after all, my new idea mainly involved Cielle.

After Hina was successfully healed, Her skin once again returned color and some of the wounds closed and healed. Cielle, who had an originally satisfied smile plastered on her face upon healing her sister, suddenly jerked up in surprise as her eyes widened in astonishment.

Her face twitched a little as I saw her small lips curve upwards through her curtain of hair.

I smiled as well upon seeing this scene. It seems like my idea was a success.

“So, anything interesting happen?” I asked nonchalantly, pulling Cielle back from her distant imagination and back into reality.

Cielle absentmindedly turned towards me, and, as if realizing my intent, dazedly nodded.

“I-I gained a new skill.” She spoke.

“That’s good.” I complemented.

After a brief pause, she nodded with a faint, mhmm.

Without me having to prompt her, she began reading out loud the information on her panel. Although going by her separated tone, it seems like she was mostly talking to herself, rather than explaining to me.

“... It says here… that I’m ‘the [10th] person to forcibly raise another person’s HP using unworldly methods.’”

“Hmm, I was the 9th.” I spoke, not meaning to brag, but rather, just a means of confirming.

Cielle nodded as she continued reading.

“My new skill is a Unique Magic Skill.” Cielle squinted at air, as if trying to confirm what she was seeing.

“It’s called…G-gemini…[Gemini Blue].”

***

Author's Note: This Chapter came out unexpectedly long...well, it's not like that's a bad thing so, meh.

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