Chapter 118 Village Life 5 (2/2)

He wasn't too sure about the details but Count Carrabas seemed to be hell-bent on taking Half Moon village down. The number of mercenaries and soldiers recruited for this expedition required every able-bodied member of the village to fight. The village was always disadvantaged in terms of numbers. However, with Wiser's strategy and Zenobia's ability to lead them on the battlefield, the village managed to hold its ground. Hua Tuo wasn't too sure what would happen but he had Zero to worry about. Becoming a village doctor was a very different experience as compared to becoming a doctor during a battle. A village doctor saved anyone and everyone within their means. A doctor on the battlefield decides who gets to live and who to let go. It wasn't something the Hua Tuo wanted to ever teach his apprentice.

”Sorry,” the physician bowed his head in apology. ”You should take this up to Lady Zenobia. I'm in no position to interfere with village matters. If what you mentioned was true, you should tell her your vision in detail so that Wiser can devise a better plan that can save your uncle.”

Amaraline was devastated. Even though a part of her knew that it was hopeless to ask Hua Tuo of such a favour, she still had to try. The power to see the future was both a blessing and a curse. All her visions came true and as much as Amaraline tried to change the course of action, it was like fighting against the strong underwater current. The fortune-teller simply wasn't strong enough to defeat the power of fate. She could shift it just a small bit but she couldn't prevent it from happening.

”I understand,” she said weakly. Amaraline despaired.

The only hope she thought she had was gone when Hua Tuo refused to help. The physician was stoic and Zero felt slightly mad. However, his teacher's next words made Zero change his mind.

”I won't be helping but I will stay. My duty as a doctor doesn't end when there is a battle, I will continue to treat anyone who needs it. If your uncle gets injured, I'll have him treated immediately.”

The brunet looked at his master's hardened gaze and swallowed nervously. Hua Tuo may have his stern moments but this hardened look wasn't something was familiar with. Zero didn't like the look his teacher had now. Although he didn't know what Hua Tuo was thinking about, Zero was certain that it had something to do with the time when Hua Tuo was still alive. It looked sad and defeated. Zero didn't know what he could do to remove that pain.

They left not long after and Zero secretly cast a spell of calming on Amaraline before she went to bed. Hua Tuo didn't speak and Zero followed behind wordlessly all the way to their apartment. There were many things flying in his mind and Zero needed time to sort the thoughts out. Sadly, the day couldn't end just like this.

”After you wash up and get changed, we need to talk. It's about treating Grandma Moppo's knees with healing magic that you mentioned yesterday...”

Zero felt his heart speed up in both excitement and nervousness. What if Hua Tuo said no? Zero didn't know if he would cry or be angry at his teacher.

”Ok. I have something to tell you too, it's about cleaning magic.”

Hua Tuo made a face but Zero glared at the old man and huffed. Conceding, the physician agreed that they would talk about it.

Zero changed and washed up in record time. He even brushed his teeth without having to be told, impressing Hua Tuo.

”Alright, would you like to go first or would you like me to go first?”

Zero hummed and thought for a while. In the end, he decided that it might be better to let his teacher go first because it was only right to respect his elders.

”That healing magic has been tested today. It worked on plants but it is very difficult to control it. We can go over to Lovina's for breakfast tomorrow. She will teach you how it is done. Only you can perform this healing magic for Grandma Moppo and we do not know if it will make it better or worse for her. If done correctly, Grandma Moppo can walk again without the staff. If not, she might never walk again. You will be the one to decide if the risk to heal her knees should be taken.”

Zero swallowed and his hands turned cold with anticipation. He wanted to help ease the half-dwarf's pain but at the same time, he was afraid to make it worse.

”I'm done. It's your turn,” Hua Tuo sighed.

Zero didn't know what to feel. He'd have to talk to Truen about everything that happened today. The wood elf might have some advice and Zero missed his friend very badly now of all times. Still, he told the physician about how he helped clean the soot today as well as Mii's pranks.

Hua Tuo seemed genuinely surprised when he heard of the bubble cleaning magic.

”I see... it might work if you use that bubble magic. I didn't know that it was possible to replicate slimes using magic but the world of magic is full of mystery. Alright, I'll give you permission to use this bubble magic to clean the house when we get back. However, if this still fails, you need to promise me never to try again. The house can't handle any more damage... we still need to fix the roof.”

Zero agreed. He had more confidence in cleaning his teacher's house with magic than healing Grandma Moppo's knees. The physician excused himself to prepare to retire for the night and Zero jumped on the opportunity to call his best friend.

Truen sounded happy to hear from the brunet and Zero almost cried. Without giving the wood elf any chance to speak, Zero launched into a detailed story about his day and the problems he faced. With the patience rivalling Buddha, Truen listened to the brunet babble and rant. When Zero finally calmed down enough, Truen spoke again.

”I get what you're saying now. So you have three problems. Well, the first problem about having enough money to get the lab to create the tools you want... you can leave that to me. Finance will never be an issue for your travels. For your second concern, I think it is best to leave it in the hands of Lady Zenobia. If Lowis is going to die, I believe that you will be able to save him. I have faith in you. That is also my answer to your third worry. If Grandma Moppo has already said that she doesn't mind trying, then you should believe in yourself. If you mess it up, I'm sure you will find a way to fix it. After all, wasn't this idea yours to begin with? Nobody else has the answer to it. You've already exceeded Hua Tuo's expectations so why not go even further and impress him? If anything, this new type of healing magic can transform lives. There is more good than bad to it, have faith in yourself.”

Zero nodded and felt his heart calm down at Truen's reassurance.

”Truen?”

”Yes, Zero?”

”I miss you.”

The wood elf paused. He had to put the flask down to savour the moment. Parallel minds or not, he needed all his minds present to enjoy the short moments he has with Zero.

”I miss you too but we'll be seeing each other really soon. Don't give up alright? I want to see the Great Doctor Zero once we meet again. We're going to go to so many new places and explore so many new things.”

Zero smiled and yawned.

”It's getting late,” the wood elf smiled. ”You should sleep. Also, be careful when the battle happens. If the doctor is hurt, the villagers cannot be saved on time. Don't do anything reckless, ok?”

”I won't,” Zero promised and bade his best friend goodnight.

Hua Tuo was already tucked in so Zero blew out the candle before snuggling into his blanket. He didn't know what would happen tomorrow but it had been a long day. Within moments, the brunet was fast asleep.