Chapter 116 Village Life 3 (1/2)

Hua Tuo frowned. Zero was back early. Lovina and Cleo stopped talking and watched as the werewolf let Zero down gently. They couldn't hear what was said but judging from Zero's worried expressions, they could guess what happened.

Wordlessly, they made their way down to meet the brunet.

”Ah, you're here. That's great. Could I leave Zero in your care for a bit? I have to return to help.”

”Sure, no problem. How would you like some tea, Zero?” Lovina asked.

Reluctantly, Zero cast one last worried look at Gweshr before he was pushed along by Lovina who left Cleo and Hua Tuo behind to get details from the scout.

”What happened?” Cleo asked, beating Hua Tuo to it.

”Zero used detection magic and shared it with us for the hunt. He spotted some strange movements with it to the northwest. Vrald and Gerald went ahead to check the numbers and strength. The others should be there by now. I'll return to see what they need help with.”

Hua Tuo frowned. ”Are the humans still bothering this village?”

Cleo grimaced. ”Humans can be a rather generic term. Most humans wouldn't set foot into the cursed forest or Endow Hill. They know better than to do that. However, there's a newly instated Count who wants to gain the favour of the King. He's been going on about bringing down the beasts living in the cursed forest to gain recognition and more wealth. Carrabas is his name. It's not the first time he's attempted to attack us.”

Hua Tuo sighed. This Count of Carrabas sounded like a real piece of work and the Sage God wished he didn't have to step in. He didn't want to take sides or be involved with any conflict. Zenobia and Half Moon village knew this very well. However, the doctor's main concern was Zero. His charge was still very ignorant and naive. There's no telling what Zero would do.

”Understood. We won't delay you any further, please keep us updated.”

Gweshr did a half bow and ran off towards the forest once more. Cleo and Hua Tuo shared a look before heading back.

Meanwhile, Lovina was very skilful at getting Zero comfortable. If Hua Tuo didn't know better, he would've thought of her as a charming lady. The witch gave the doctor a sly wink when Zero was not looking and Cleo looked at the cup of herbal tea. She shook her head gently and decided to get to work. Hua Tuo didn't say anything as the half Dryad left. As the protectors of the forest, Dryads had extensive control over plants. There was no better informant than a Dryad in a forest. If Carrabas had any men planted in the forest, Cleo would sniff them out in no time.

”Zero, I think the kids are up already. How about a game of tag before lunch with them?”

Lovina worked her magic and Zero didn't suspect a thing, happily agreeing and bouncing off to find the children. The physician watched his apprentice go with a troubled heart. The discussion earlier prematurely. Although they now had some sort of idea about how to test it, they had no means to do so. Testing it on Grandma Moppo was out of the question. They needed to be sure that it would work before risking the use of the new healing magic on anyone.

”I feel so bad for influencing his emotions,” Lovina groaned when Zero was out of earshot.

Hua Tuo chuckled. ”You have no idea how useful it is sometimes. Knowing Zero, he wouldn't leave it. That child would find loopholes to get what he wants. If I said no reading in the kitchen and no food in the room, he would sit in the centre of two spaces to read in the room and eat in the kitchen boundary. That's the kind of apprentice I'm dealing with so don't feel guilty.”

Lovina wasn't too sure about it but agreed anyway. ”I suppose it's a good thing they detected the threat before it got too late. The last attack, we got away with some casualties. Carrabas wouldn't let it end here. He's sure to bring in bigger cavalry and I heard from Coux that rumours have spread in towns about his recruitment for beast hunts. Many mercenaries have signed up and they're not the amicable kind.”

Hua Tuo sighed. ”I just hope that he doesn't get any ideas.”

Lovina giggled. ”We'll just have to keep a close eye on him then. I'm sure nothing will happen to him if we keep him busy. Is he interested in stories? I'm sure some of our warriors can entertain him with stories of their valiant battles. I'm guessing Mitchnew has taken a liking to him from how he talked about her. That elf never smiles.”

Hua Tuo's eyes were wide with surprise. ”Mitchnew? Smile?”

Lovina nodded with mirth. There was hardly anything that could faze the immortal. His apprentice was surely something. Hua Tuo massaged his temples.

”I think Gerald and Vrald would be better candidates than Mitchnew. I don't want Zero to hear about the darker side of life. Zero treasures life as a doctor. He wouldn't be pleased to know that there are jobs out there taking away the lives he's trying to save.”

Lovina grimaced. She didn't think about that. ”I guess not... Being an assassin isn't something most children would aspire to be. Yes, Gerald and Vrald would be better storytellers, especially Vrald.”

Hua Tuo wasn't too sure about it. And Lovina tutted at the dubious look he was giving her.

”Don't be so judgemental! Give him a chance... he's not as bad once you get to know him. If you ignore the part about him that lacked intellect, he's a good boy.”

Hua Tuo cringed. ”Idiocy is infectious. I don't want Zero anywhere near that walking muscle head.”

Lovina sighed. ”Gerald will be there so don't worry too much alright?”

Hua Tuo gave in reluctantly as Lovina started pulling out dusty books after dusty books. ”Let's get started, shall we? I'm sure we can catch some fishes from the river to try it out. I'll have Douglas catch some for us. That lad hardly does anything around here anyway.”

Hua Tuo agreed and they continued their earlier discussion on a more serious note.

***

”Oh gosh, Zero! How are you so good at this?” Leon groaned and flopped to the grass, panting. Jacqueline was visibly tired as well and only Rima appeared fine.

”I didn't do much. You guys gave it away too easily.”

Leon sulked and Jacqueline frowned.

”But how? I was so careful too...”

Zero grinned. He didn't use the map because Mii was with Zenobia and the hunters. Tag was easier than he thought. Using magic perception boosted by meditation, he was able to sense any life forms including spirits. It was startling to be able to sense where Zoe was but Zero got over the initial shock easily. It was tricky to identify which life pulse belonged to who. The brunet would initially run to a location where there was magic only to find that he was chasing a bird. It took trial and error to know how to differentiate and identify each and every villager's unique magic in the effective radius. Zero tried to sense further than the limit but found himself suffering from a massive headache so he stopped. He wanted to know what Zenobia and the rest were doing but they were too far.

Before Zero could tell them the secret behind his skills, they heard Qin Yun calling out to them. Leon leapt to his feet immediately and Jacqueline chased after him despite being fatigued only a moment before. Zero was puzzled when Rima took off like a comet, leaving Zero in the dust.

”Last to reach won't get to choose the meat!” the werecat hybrid yelled and that got Zero running too.