The Doctor
As Kaen turns around, something flies into the air at astronomical speeds but Kaen couldn't get a good look at it because of how bright it was then in an instant he is transported back to the clinic.
"Where the hell am I?" Kaen asks as the doctor and Kaen's mother run inside.
Kaen sits on the bed drenched in sweat and quivering.
"Oh good, you're awake." The doctor says.
"I was so worried about you." Kaen's mother says.
"Where am I? What in the world happened to me?!" Kaen asks in confusion.
"Don't worry, you're in a clinic right now. You've just gone through what is commonly known as "The Sickness", It's not that rare but mostly happens at your age. But you've gone through it in far more pain than others." The doctor says.
"You can rest for now. Ms. Senshi. Can I have a word with you?" The doctor asks.
"Sure." Kaen's mother says.
Kaen's mother Nakami Senshi and the doctor walk out of the room to let Kaen rest.
"I just wanted to say that don't let him do any work or let him move around a lot. He needs to strictly rest right now or the symptoms will come back and surely end his life. I hope you understand." The doctor says in a strict voice.
"Okay yeah, I'll give him as much as rest he needs to fully recover." Nakami says.
"Also try not to mention what happened to him while he was sick, like how he was screaming in agony or how what condition his body was in, it usually disturbs the mind." The doctor says.
"Got it, not a word from me." Nakami says.
An hour had passed and Kaen was laying in bed just thinking about everything he saw. He was going to get up, but then the doctor walks into the room with a nurse.
"Oh, not so fast, boy." The doctor says as he laughs.
"Hey there doctor. Didn't see ya there." Kaen says.
"Maybe cause I just walked in." The doctor says.
"I was going to come to you anyway." Kaen says.
"Oh is that so, any specific reason?" The doctor asks.
"Yeah, I wanted to ask you about something." Kaen says.
"And what's that?" The doctor asks.
"It's something I saw when I was in that weird state, I can't seem to get it out of my head." Kaen says.
"Very well then, we need to have a chat. Would you kindly step outside?." The doctor says as the nurse leaves the room.
"Yeah so, after I fell unconscious my body was burning as if someone was pouring lava onto my body." Kaen says.
"Oh, something similar happens to everyone who goes through the sickness, it always indicates what powers they have." the doctor explains.
"Ah, so like would someone with water powers or something be drowning or someone with earth power is crushed under the earth orrrrrr-" Kaen is interrupted.
"Alright alright, chill out now. On that note though, let me congratulate you on having Fire magic, one of THE hardest magic abilities to get. The survival rate of that is so low you wouldn't believe it, around 1.5% if you were curious. Ahem anyways, they've become practically impossible to see these days, you are one incredibly lucky kid I'll tell you that much!" The doctor says as he stands up and is about to walk away.
"One last thing." Kaen says.
"What is it?" The doctor asks.
"While I was burning I got teleported.." Kaen says.
"Teleported?? WHAT?" The doctor asks.
"Yeah, I was teleported to this vast world, it felt like...I dunno like I was in an alternate reality or something. There were really old crumbling buildings and everything seemed to be burning down, as I looked around a bit further I sensed something...something that I can only describe to be the embodiment of absolute power. I tried to get a look at it but then I woke up here." Kaen says.
"That's very very interesting..." The doctor says.
"This is interesting, no one ever remembers what happens during the sickness. Their memories always disappear. Rumors were spreading about those top two adventurers remembering what they went through during the sickness. It's never really been confirmed though, not even sure where the rumors even started. I'm witnessing it myself though! I don't have any idea what that is or how it affects him but it sure is astonishing. What could have caused this, what was that being he sensed and why did this happen to him only, why, and how does he remember it? So many questions... I need answers, I can't figure this out all by myself so guess there's only one way to find out!" The doctor thinks to himself.
"Uhh, yo doctor? You still here?" Kaen asks.
"Huh, oh yes. Sorry, I got lost in my thoughts for a second there." The doctor says.
"No one has experienced such a thing. But well we can figure it out. I work at the Fuseijitsu Association, where we can get some answers. For that though, you have to get in the Association first." The doctor says.
"And how do I do that?" Kaen asks.
"You have to go through the Entrance Exam, prove yourself worthy, pass the exam and the leader might just pick you." The doctor says.
"What is the entrance exam? And how do I prove myself worthy?" Kaen asks.
"Train your magic, master the basics. That's only the first step though." The doctor says.
"So then how do I even train magic?" Kaen asks.
"Let me see if I can do anything about that..." The doctor says.
Kaen's eyes light up in excitement.
"Oh don't get it wrong, I won't be training you. I barely know any of that magic stuff." The doctor says as he laughs.
"Oh.." Kaen says.
"Not to worry though, I do have contacts.." The doctor says with an unnerving smirk on his face.
The doctor then proceeds to take out a strange-looking radio and call someone, he has a long conversation. As the conversation ends the doctor walks back to Kaen.
"Alright, I talked with the leader of the Fuseijitsu association he's permitted one person to train you." The doctor says.
"Let's Go!!" Kaen says excitedly.
"But.. you have to behave. Your trainer is rigorous, he will spare no sympathy during training. He trained someone similar to you before but that kid died shortly after and he has not chosen to train anyone since then but for now, only he is the only one available to train you." The doctor says.
"I don't care what the risks might be, I'll admit I'm scared right now but I've got to do it.. I've got to get stronger so as to never be helpless again and so I don't worry my mother. I accept this challenge gladly." Kaen says.
"You've got guts I'll give you that but remember. If you fail, you die. Simple as that. Are you sure you wanna train with him? I can cancel it if need be. You'll have to be prepared mentally and physically for it." The doctor says.
"Yeah, thanks! Well, what are we waiting for let's go!" Kaen says with determination.
"Go where? You got it wrong. You will have to rest for a whole two weeks at least and you will be discharged from the hospital in a few days." The doctor says.
"Ah man, Come on." Kaen says with disappointment.
The Doctor then walks outside the room to let Kaen rest.
The Doctor then takes Kaen's mother to his office to explain the situation.
"Since he's awakened his powers, he's got to train to master it." The Doctor says.
"No... absolutely not!" Kaen's mother says.
"Ma'am, please try to understand..." The doctor tries to convince her.
"No! Kaen can live a normal life even with his powers, there are many people like that!" Kaen's mother says.
"But if he does that he will carry the burden of his friend's death and his helplessness his entire life. He'll live his life in agony. Besides, It's what he wants." The doctor says.
Kaen's Mother breaks down crying.
"I get why you are so afraid, but you have to strengthen your heart ma'am. I know it's tough but this is for the best. By helping others and protecting the ones he holds dear, he might rise up from that guilt." The doctor says.
"Please, do whatever it takes to help him get stronger and overcome his guilt and trauma." Kaen's mother says.
End of Chapter