38. Let's challenge together

Jiwoo excitedly celebrated when Kayden complimented him and hissed in pain because of his injuries. I followed his instruction since Kartein asked me to try and heal him. It took me 10 minutes to completely cure him, though I knew it would take not even a minute for Kartein to do the same.

Jiwoo stretched his body and spoke, "Thanks a lot, Eunwoo. I feel as good as new!"

DING DONG~

Jiwoo checked who was at the door. It was Leah Eresby. Apparently, she had come to check up on Jiwoo's condition, though it was not out of concern for him but for the sake of the top 10 of The World Academy.

"You want to challenge again? And you also said you'd fight against any one of the top ten that's available?", she asked.

"I didn't mean to offend anyone. I only said that because I don't know who's who or anyone's ability. Plus I thought some of them might not wanna do it, for that matter." Jiwoo said. "Did I... Make a mistake?"

Leah sighed, "I see now. Honestly, it's to say that your behaviour was a mistake. But... it's true that we do feel belittled by you. We're not used to this kind of situation, after all."

"Ah... But that wasn't my intention..."

"And the fact that you said anytime is fine despite the injuries you sustained yesterday has us quite confused."

"My injuries are all recovered."

"How's that possible?", she asked in confusion." Even our academy's healers said you'd need at least several days to heal..."

"Ah, That's because I was treated by Eunwoo", Jiwoo explained gesturing toward me. I greeted her with a slight nod and a polite smile playing on my lips.

"That boy... treated you? But he's around the same age as us. The healers of our Academy are one of the best and even they said that it would take a few days... That's-"

"What's this?", She was interrupted by Jisuk and the rest of the kids who had just come to visit us.

"What are you doing here?", Subin asked, folding her arms to her chest.

"We were just having a talk."

"Oh, yeah?"

"Yo, what's gotten into you-"

I interrupted Jisuk, now standing beside Jiwoo, "I think you got the answer you were looking for, Leah. And I hope all the misunderstandings are left behind, since my hyung plans to spar all the top 10, I hope you can arrange that for us."

At this, the rest of the kids turned to glare at Leah before Jisuk spoke, "We're joining in as well."

_____

"I really didn't expect all the other kids to jump to challenge like you did. The opponents must be feeling pretty speechless", Kayden joked.

"Yeah." Jiwoo said, "Too bad that I can't get the chance to fight every one of them, though."

"Of course, you should feel like you're losing out", Kayden said with an evil expression displaying on his face.

I shook my head saying, "They make such a greedy pair..."

"Don't you slack off, Eunwoo. This one's gonna be even tougher and for that, I will unseal only half of your energy and you better utilise it well. If you have any new tricks up your sleeve, I suggest you'd refrain from using them in this spar." I nodded and he continued, "Anyways, I got you both. So don't worry about getting hurt and fight all you want."

"Yes, sir!", Jiwoo and I exclaimed simultaneously.

~KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK!~

"I'll take that", I said before opening the door.

"Mr, Principal?"

"I heard everything." The elder kept glaring at me.

"About what?" What is he talking about? Does he know about Kartein? But this time I healed Jiwoo.

"About how good your healing abilities are", he spoke up with a devilish grin forming on his face. "When I first heard that, I couldn't believe my ears. Of course, healing abilities are not common among the awakened ones but to have such excellent capability is extraordinary. That too with your combat abilities. That's on another level... You're much better than the academy's healers even though they're some of the best. Eunwoo Seo, I propose this to you. I give an offer to join our World awakened academy. I'll be waiting for your answer. Just tell me anything you want. If nothing comes to your mind, you can tell me later."

Without waiting for another minute he excused himself.

Wow... He's scary...

"What just happened?", Jiwoo asked.

"I don't know, hyung."

Kayden spoke up, "That was sooner than I expected." Noticing our confused reaction, he continued, "It's exactly as the principal said, having such advanced ability that too at such a young age, I don't think I've heard of anyone as such before."

I felt shy at such praise as I rubbed the nape of my neck and said, "It's all thanks to Mr. Kartein's training along with you, Mr. Kayden..."

"Even though that is the case, and that I'm a great mentor, your abilities grew faster than many healers I've known. After knowing that you're my apprentice there will be people who will try to get revenge on me by hurting you. From now, many will try to use you for their own benefit and upon refusing they can even harm you", Kartein explained.

Jiwoo started, "How about you take a chance to let others know that Eunwoo is your apprentice?"

"I agree", I said. "Since they'll know I'm your apprentice, even if they come after me, you're with us most of the time but if they think I'm an easy prey, they won't think twice before attacking..."

"You don't have to worry. I won't let any harm come to you."