Chapter 272 - Graduation (2/2)

P.S. Drop by from time to time and check on my domain, won't you?

Zero read the letter several times and silent tears created the illusion of rain. Dark spots started forming on the floor where they landed. Zero couldn't stop himself but also didn't dare make any noise in fear of ruining the festive mood on the other side of the door.

”You're too sneaky, Bell...” Zero cried and wiped away the tears. He knew that Baal had always overdone things and exhausted himself too much trying to help him when Zero was at his lowest. It was expected that Baal wouldn't be able to keep up with the pressure for long. He was the Lord of Sloth after all.

Still, the parting had been too sudden. Even though Zero said his goodbyes, he said it with faith that they would see each other again soon. Why is it that of all the Demon Lords attending his party, only Baal couldn't make it? Didn't he know that Zero was looking forward to reuniting with Baal the most?

Coux gave Zero some space to cry in silence and said nothing. Baal had warned her before he started hibernating that Zero could be stubborn. If he were to visit the castle, Zero wouldn't find Baal. The Demon Lord had thought things through and was hibernating in an unknown location. Only Mammon, Lilith and Lucifer knew where he was hiding.

Zero took some time to calm down and excused himself to wash his tear-streaked face. He stored Baal's precious letter away in his inventory and told Mii to make a copy of it in digital format on his reading device. He would refer to it from time to time so that he wouldn't lose the sight of the light in his life once he starts his adventure.

Hua Tuo and Coux exchanged some brief words when Zero left. The physician drank a whole flask of alcohol trying to numb his feelings. He was happy with having a hospital and had even taken on some students. However, nothing could ever replace the person who gave him the courage to pick up medicine again. Zero was his very first and last disciple. Whether the teen knew it or not, Hua Tuo had never imparted so much knowledge to any one individual before. To think that the boy who grew into a young man would leave him so soon, Hua Tuo's heart couldn't bear it.

The gift had been prepared a long time ago but now, Hua Tuo was hesitating. Would this be good enough? Shouldn't he do more?

Zero came back to the party and Lilith wasted no time. The lights dimmed and Zero was dragged to the front.

”Dearly beloved! Today, we celebrate the official graduation of Zero here. After almost a long year of brutal training, our boy is finally ready to become a full-fledged doctor!”

There was thunderous applause but Zero couldn't hear any of that. His eyes were tearing up again when he saw his teacher approaching him with two small rolled-up leather pouches. He didn't need to see the contents to know what they were. Zero was torn on the inside. Becoming a doctor had been his dream for the longest time. He enjoyed every single moment he spent learning under his teacher. However, he was also devastated at the thought of leaving the nest. Half Moon Village and the abyss was the closest to what Zero could consider as a home. Accepting the graduation gift meant that he could no longer remain here.

Hua Tuo smiled. Zero had a look similar to a puppy that has been abandoned. He felt like he should say a few things just to clarify that misunderstanding and send his student off with a smile.

”Zero. You're a very intelligent person with talents like no other. I cannot be prouder to have you as my first and last disciple. Although the training was harsh, you never faltered. After receiving this acupuncture needle set and surgical toolset, know that you are no longer an apprentice but a full-fledged doctor. With the knowledge and skills that I have imparted, use them to carve out the change you seek in the world. With the use of these tools, always remember that you will always be the only disciple of the greatest doctor to ever live.”

The Sage God smiled and passed the two kits to Zero, eliciting another loud cheer and applause from the guests. Hua Tuo leaned in and whispered in Zero's ear while he held his student in a rare hug.

”Your home will always be with us. If it gets too difficult and tiring, come back for a while to rest.”

Zero nodded and returned the hug tightly.

”Yes, shifu. Thank you for the wonderful graduation gift.”

Hua Tuo smiled but didn't say anything. Now that Zero was a recognised doctor, the Sage God's job was done.

The rest of the night was wild with everyone trying to talk to Zero before he left for Heaven the next morning. Hua Tuo drank more than usual and became tipsy. The old man was spotted drunk and crying. He clung onto the jar of wine, refusing to let go and was inconsolable. Nobody mentioned it to him the next morning but everyone knew that he was heavily affected by the parting with his student.

The Demon Lords allowed Zero to visit Baal's castle one last time just so Zero could have somewhat of a closure. As expected, Baal was nowhere to be found in his castle. Zero wasn't allowed too much time to search for his friend because Pegasus was already waiting.

Today was the day of the meeting that Mammon was supposed to attend. Zero had to attend it no matter what and being late isn't a good first impression. Hua Tuo mounted his cloud and helped Zero get up the tall horse. The teen might have grown taller but he wasn't tall enough for some things.

”Are you ready?” he asked Zero. The brunet was dressed in formal wear today because of the meeting's agenda. If he was going to represent Hell's interest, he had to be treated seriously.

Zero did the last check on his appearance. He had that stiff suit on and nodded. The bowtie wasn't crooked and he tucked in the shirt properly. The laces of his shoes were also done neatly, there shouldn't be any complaints. Freya's etiquette lessons paid off and Zero looked very smart in the attire.

”Let's go,” he said and they went through the portal at Ten-Path Crossway with a crowd cheering them on from behind.