No one had expected such an intense clash in the very first lesson. Yu Haidong hadn't brought any medical staff from the school infirmary, and W's injury was more serious than it looked—it likely involved ligament damage. She could barely walk properly.
The infirmary wasn't far from the training grounds. From a distance, the tall building complex was clearly visible. But since it was class time, the campus shuttle ran infrequently—one round trip would take up nearly an entire period.
Aside from the on-duty doctors, many specialists were busy in research labs. Going back and forth would take too long.
Fortunately, compared to spirit beasts that had only been born for a few months, W didn't really need structured combat classes. As long as she trained steadily, she could gradually regain the strength she once had. Missing one lesson didn't matter.
Twenty minutes later, Lin Guang and W got off at the "Comprehensive Research Center" stop—a massive complex consisting of the infirmary, research center, faculty housing, ecological park, and more.
They entered the first floor of the infirmary. At this hour, there weren't many people. After a short wait, they reached the front desk.
"Most doctors are busy. The earliest available is probably Dr. Kevin. About half an hour ago, a third-year student's Tyrant Dragon swallowed one of a Blazing Flame Horse's legs. She's still in surgery, but it should be finished soon. You can wait inside."
The receptionist pointed them toward a treatment room.
After thanking her, Lin Guang led W inside.
The room was simple and clean—pure white. The desk was piled with books, documents, and a nameplate. Several commendation banners hung on the wall, the most eye-catching one reading: "Thanks to Dr. Kevin for saving my dog's life." Beneath it was a photo of a student and a large dog, half its body wrapped in bandages. A cabinet nearby displayed medals and certificates.
At first glance, Lin Guang only skimmed it—but then he realized something.
This Dr. Kevin wasn't ordinary.
She was both a researcher and a Miracle Master.
Not knowing when the surgery would end, Lin Guang searched the room briefly and found a medical kit. When he returned, W was sitting on the examination bed, legs crossed, staring boredly at the photos on the wall.
Seeing him, she asked casually, "What were you doing?"
"Looking for this."
Lin Guang lifted the white box marked with a red cross, crouched down, and reached for her right leg.
"Hey—no, I'll do it myself!"
For some reason, realizing he was about to treat her wound made her flustered. She lifted her leg and tried to dodge, but failed.
Her stockings were smooth, causing his fingers to slip at first—but he quickly adjusted and firmly held her calf.
"You can't even dodge me at this speed. Stop forcing it."
Seeing her stop resisting, Lin Guang removed her shoe with one hand, then used scissors to cut open the black silk-like stocking, peeling it away to reveal her slender ankle and pale toes.
Whether it was due to her Sarkaz bloodline or some transformation during her arrival in this world, her foot was surprisingly well-formed—smooth, balanced toes without calluses, nothing like someone who had survived in harsh wilderness.
But the wound ruined that beauty.
About one centimeter wide and five centimeters long, the flesh had been torn open by the barbs of the earthen spike. Blood trickled down across her foot—the stark contrast of red against pale skin was jarring.
Lin Guang showed no hesitation. He carefully cleaned away dirt and debris around the wound, then took out disinfectant cotton soaked in the fluid of a plant-type spirit beast and began treating it.
Focused on the task, he didn't notice—
The moment his hands touched her blood and wound, W's expression flickered.
She went silent.
Her left foot curled tightly inside her shoe, toes gripping unconsciously—but she didn't resist anymore.
It looked like she was enduring the pain of disinfection… or perhaps something else entirely.
"…Sorry."
Lin Guang suddenly broke the silence.
"If I were faster, you would've had time to react."
"…What kind of nonsense is that?"
W finally snapped back, her tone full of disdain.
"In Kazdel, this wouldn't even count as an injury. I've had far worse."
"This was just training," Lin Guang said softly. "But in the wilderness or a secret realm, an injury that affects mobility can be fatal—just like your fight at noon."
"I only need to observe and make decisions. You're the one fighting with your body on the front line. The risk isn't the same."
"I need to do better."
"… "
W lowered her head slightly, looking at him.
In those dark eyes, she saw nothing unnecessary—only her own reflection.
"…Just don't drag me down next time."
She muttered quietly, turning her gaze away.
At that moment, footsteps sounded from the doorway. Lin Guang released her leg and stood up.
The door opened.
A woman walked in.
She looked to be around twenty-four or twenty-five, though enhanced spirit power made age difficult to judge. Her shoulder-length short hair framed a composed face. She wore a white lab coat over a light green dress, and high-heeled boots that brought her height close to 1.7 meters—about the same as Lin Guang.
Her features were delicate, but her expression was almost unnervingly calm.
For some reason, she felt… familiar.
Her name badge read: Kevin.
"Hello, Dr. Kevin," Lin Guang said quickly. "My partner is injured. Could you take a look?"
Kevin glanced at the already cleaned and disinfected wound, then at W. Without a word, she walked into the inner room and soon returned with a glass vial.
Inside were several black ants, each about the size of a fingernail, with large mandibles.
"Do you know how to use these?" she asked Lin Guang. Her voice was cool, but noticeably gentler than her expression.
"…Yes."
After a brief pause, Lin Guang took the vial from her. She turned and sat at her desk, picking up a pen.
Pulling over a chair, Lin Guang sat in front of W.
"Lift your foot. Put it on the bed."
"What, these things can heal wounds?"
Living in Kazdel had taught her to be wary of unfamiliar things. She grumbled—but still did as he said.
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