Chapter 18 - D-day
28th July 2022 - LA Medical Hospital - 11:15 AM
The air in the hospital room was thick with anticipation. Kai lay on the hospital bed, the faint hum of machinery and the soft shuffle of footsteps outside the door his only company. A team of doctors was busy around him, conducting last-minute tests to ensure he was ready for the surgery. His heart thudded with a mix of excitement and anxiety. This was it—the moment he'd been working toward.
Standing nearby were two figures who had been pivotal in his journey. The younger man with salt-and-pepper hair, exuding an air of sharp competence, was Dr. Steven August. His focused, hawk-like gaze darted between the monitors and the medical charts. Beside him stood Jeffrey "Zephyr" August, the older man whose white hair and easy demeanor belied the depth of wisdom. While Steven was all business, Jeff wore a reassuring smile, though Kai couldn't help but notice a certain heaviness behind it.
"Everything looks good," one of the doctors informed Steven, who gave a curt nod and motioned for the rest of the medical team to leave the room.
Steven turned to Kai, his voice calm but firm. "Don't worry, Kai. These are the best surgeons in the country. You'll be up and walking in no time."
Kai nodded, his voice steady despite the storm of emotions inside him. "Thank you, Mr. August. I wouldn't even be here without your help. I won't forget this."
Steven waved off the gratitude. "Just focus on your recovery. That's all I ask."
Jeff stepped closer, his cane tapping softly against the tiled floor. "He's right, kid. You'll be out of that wheelchair and performing on stage before you know it," he said with a bright smile that almost masked the hint of worry.
Kai chuckled, though his gaze lingered on Jeff. After being absent the entire previous day, Jeff had reappeared this morning, seemingly back to his usual self. Yet, something in the back of Kai's mind whispered that all wasn't as it seemed. He brushed the thought aside. There were more pressing matters to focus on.
"I just have one request," Kai said, glancing between the two men. "Before they wheel me out, could everyone leave the room for a minute? I'd like to pray alone."
Steven raised an eyebrow, his sharp eyes scrutinizing the teen for a moment longer than was comfortable. Kai's heart skipped a beat, but he held his ground, hoping his earnest expression would sell the lie. Finally, Steven nodded. "Alright. But don't take too long."
Kai exhaled in relief as Steven exited the room. Jeff lingered, stepping closer to Kai's bedside. He extended his hand, and Kai grasped it immediately. It was the same gesture they had shared during their first meeting at the hospital, though the circumstances now were vastly different.
"Whatever happens in that room, I want you to know I'm proud of you," Jeff said, his voice thick with emotion. "The growth you've shown these past weeks has been remarkable. I'm glad I took you on as my pupil."
Kai's grip tightened on Jeff's hand. "Thank you, Jeff. I wouldn't be here without you. I'm grateful to have you as my mentor."
The older man's smile widened, but his eyes shimmered with unshed tears. "You're going to be amazing, Kai. I know it."
Steven returned, clearing his throat to signal that it was time. "The team is ready. Kai, pray if you need to, but make it quick."
As Jeff and Steven left the room, Kai immediately summoned the system in his mind. A familiar screen materialized in front of him, its glowing interface as enigmatic as ever.
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[User Stats]
Name - Kai Jones
Talent Grade - E (B)
System Level - 1 (750/1000)
Titles - Voice of Empathy, Limit Break
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Strength- 5 (9)
Agility- 0 (12)
Intelligence- 13
Stamina- 8
Charisma- 6 (13)
Luck- ??
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Skills
Observe
Singing - Level 4
Piano - Level 3
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Inventory
B-ranked Vitality Elixir
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His gaze fell on the B-rank Vitality Elixir. Without hesitation, he clicked on [Claim]. A small jar of glowing blue liquid materialized in his hand, its radiance mesmerizing. Kai stared at it for a moment, both in awe and trepidation. He knew this was his ticket to recovery, but the risks of being caught lingered in the back of his mind.
He quickly uncorked the jar and drank the elixir, but instead of swallowing, he held the liquid in his mouth. It was a risky move, but he couldn't think of a better way to conceal his actions. The cool, slightly sweet liquid tingled against his tongue, almost as if it pulsed with energy.
A knock at the door snapped him out of his thoughts. Steven and Jeff reentered, followed by the medical team. Kai nodded at them and he was wheeled to the Operation Theatre (OT)The room was filled with doctors and the sharp smell of the disinfectant filled the room. The cold sterility of the OT brought a chill down his spine Everything was organized in a meticulous manner and he observed the head doctor going through some documents (likely discussing individual roles before the operation begins).
Eventually everyone took their positions but Kai kept his lips sealed as he waited for the anesthesiologist to begin. The room buzzed with activity as the doctors prepared him for surgery, their movements swift and precise.
"No need to worry, Mr. Jones," the head surgeon said, his voice warm and reassuring. "You're in good hands."
Kai gave a small nod, his mind racing. The anesthesiologist leaned in, instructing him to breathe deeply. As the sedative coursed through his veins, a wave of drowsiness washed over him. His grip on consciousness began to slip.
With a final, deliberate swallow, Kai let the elixir flow down his throat. A faint warmth spread through his body as the darkness claimed him.