164 - air

*

An intrusive radiance broke through the shell that is the hospital room. An especially large room at the end of the corridor, usually only for catering those who've paid the highest fee, or those who are royalty. Even nobles would think twice before investing in such an expense.

The curtains fluttered from the current of cold air, shifting around the room after being propelled by a certain someone's awakening. This was no fancy legendary awakening, there were no new powers or special privileges. Just a normal waking from a deep and comfortable sleep.

Her mouth shifted into a shape that pronounced 'u' and opened wider into one for 'a'. Her brain and body functioned as per normal, she had somehow repaired some of her body systems by acquiring some rest. There were only slight improvement as 80% of her body still didn't connect to her soul, or her consciousness. You could say 80% of her nerves do not function, though she could still continue living on the remaining.

Not only was this the most expensive room in the hospital, it also had the best technology. It was rather because of the technology that she was placed here instead of her or Cress or Iyori's preferences. Pale white curtains with extensive navy blue embroidery covered the left and right of the window side of the room. Closets lined at the side with the latest miscellaneous technology that provide the trivial things, like a warm tape water function, or a screen that orders the hospital's beverage service.

Though if you were in this room in the first place, it is less likely for you to be able to make use of these conveniences.

The magical machine hooked up the the bed was connected to multiple magic production farms that harnessed ridiculously large amounts of magic energy. This energy is channeled into the machine and subsequently the bed, to continously heal the patient's body with healing magic circles.

-That... was merely the gist of it, the specifics and functions of the countless magic circles embedded on the inside of the bed were unexplained even to my detection skills. Layers of layers over layers, each filled with intricate spell crafting and formulation, combining multiple complex magics to serve it's primary function. It seemed as if it took centuries of research just to craft up a prototype. They weren't having a grandiose reputation for nothing.

At the end of the day, she was stuck here. Journeying on a mundane eternity, filled with quietness and boredom. No... It was wrong to say it was quiet. After staying for so long, a low signature hum has taken the place of the white noise in her life. ' vvv~~~', the ventilation magic exerts itself, breaking apart any competition available. Her hearing has almost been destroyed, miraculously enough, it has regained a bit of its own proficiency after 2% was repaired overnight.

It was stiff, mind numbingly so. Her neck refused to allow her any leeway, imprisoning her view for all of time. No matter how long she wait, it never came. Madness will not overtake her just because she was a little board, a little pain in a lack of amusement wouldn't kill her at all. Her only solace was the daily visit that Cress conducted, though taking time out of her big sis's life was heartbreaking. To the point that she would feel guilty just talking with her and extending her visit.

But what did she exactly want then?what has she finally learned from this ordeal? 'I am greedy. I want more. Give me more' Her thoughts converged onto a single point, pulling in her sanity for more. Though in conclusion, she has already conquered all of these trivialities. It would be an exaggeration to say she has finally learned self control, however her disposition has started to lean towards it. Invading on the concept of responsibility and improving herself not to breakdown everytime she fights a new enemy.

Yes. She was determined. Her resolve grew thick and deep, reaching the opposite ends of her being and crushed those parts together. Forming a composite entity, her will had grown to the point where it could be referred to as 'strong'. As such, related problems have not surfaced since. And she decided on a decision, just act spoilt. Cress is her bigger sister, she should just let loose and have any semblance of fun that she could have left. After all, her comatose stature was also breaking Cress's heart and dissolving it in guilt. Guilt at being unable to prevent it.

***

"I think you will. You are... You definitely will." (Cress) As if reminded of good memories, she flashed a brighter smile that lightened the whole room.

Iyori was busy as usual, we only met during those critical moments where a significant part of the world was in danger, more specifically an extremely large portion of humans were exposed to danger. It was odd, definitely odd that I would be roped in. Disregarding how I created the opportunity for us to meet the first time, the second time was purely coincidence.

Her skill set was less suited to attacking and more for defending, a rather inefficient guardian of humanity. Though she still has insurmountable strength compared to the average S-rank adventurer. It was only because her enemies were unbreakable monstrous beings that were comparable to herself.

"HahAHAH! I'm glad you asked, only you and maybe a couple others would actually understand that I'm pulling this confidence from somewhere else. I can't tell you where, you'll have to figure it out on your own! " (Cress) Her grin stretched across her cheek, this time she was truly looking at my face. Previously, she only stared at some faraway place.

Perhaps she had a friend before I arrived. Or was it a friend of the queen's? Well, what mattered now was what I made of it. I just had to make our memories so unforgettable, that she can only think about me. Maybe that wouldn't be such a bad goal.

Walking towards the exit, her hair jiggled and flew into the air, the jet black darkness that would become the silvery hue of moonlight, went further and further away. Until she was stopped right before the door.

Unseen under her mask of emotions, her True thoughts will always be hidden as long as they aren't intruded by skills. However this time, a faint trembling was emanating from her petite shoulders, her hair shivering in unison. With a destructive punch into the air, sound waves like a thunder flew out. The damage to the ceiling was contained, nevertheless the message got through. A declaration had been made.

"Are you sure? I could kill you in your sleep and would forever be the better. Well in any case, I possess law defying powers from the Queen. Are you still sure you can break past your limits and defeat me?" (Cress)

All those previously arranged thoughts had no longer mattered. She already had a resolute will, deep resolve. What she needed was one final goal, a proper one that can't be casually achieved. Acting spoilt with Cress, making memories with Cress, trying to live a fulfilling life, those can be achieved in the present without effort. They were the mere dregs of her precious lazy disposition.

What most stood out was her declaration. For something appearing in someone else's status bar, it sounded as if she had said it herself. Such were the emotions consuming Cress, filling her heart to the brim with tension.