Chapter 30: Xavier’s Friends

As Xavier sat up in the medical bay, still adjusting to the rush of energy coursing through his body, the door swung open. Mara, Felix, and Eddie burst in, their faces lighting up with joy at the sight of him awake.

"Xavier!" Mara exclaimed, rushing to his bedside with Felix and Eddie close behind.

"You're finally awake!" Felix said, clapping him on the shoulder with a grin. "We were starting to think you'd sleep through the tournament!"

Xavier blinked, confused. "Tournament? Wait… how long was I out?"

"It's been two weeks," Eddie replied, his tone light but with a hint of concern in his eyes. "The outer core tournament is in just one week."

Xavier's eyes widened. He had known his time in the dream realm felt stretched, but he hadn't expected this much time to pass in the real world.

"We've been checking on you every day," Mara said, her voice softer now. "We didn't know what was happening, but the healers said your body was going through some kind of… evolution. They didn't understand it, but we knew you'd pull through."

As the initial excitement settled, the three friends took turns thanking Xavier.

Eddie spoke first, his expression unusually serious. "Xavier, I don't know how to put this into words, but those spiritual herbs you gave us? They changed everything. I hit noble rank 10 yesterday, and I know it wouldn't have been possible without your help. You didn't just give us herbs—you gave us hope."

Mara nodded, her eyes glistening with gratitude. "Same here. I've been stuck at noble rank 8 for months, but after using the herbs, I broke through to rank 10 in just two weeks. You believed in us even when we doubted ourselves, and that means more than you know."

Felix grinned, clapping Xavier on the shoulder again. "And don't think I'm letting you take all the credit. But seriously, man, you've done more for us than anyone else at this academy ever has. Noble rank 10—we're all there now. Ready to back you up in whatever comes next."

Xavier felt a swell of pride and gratitude as he listened to his friends. He hadn't realized how much the spiritual herbs would impact them, but seeing their confidence and strength renewed was worth every silver coin he had spent.

"You don't have to thank me," Xavier said, his voice steady and warm. "We're a team. Your success is my success. Besides, the stronger you all get, the less I have to worry about you in the field."

Felix laughed. "Oh, don't worry. We'll still make sure you're the one doing the heavy lifting."

Mara smirked. "But seriously, Xavier, you're not just our leader—you're family. We'll always have your back, no matter what."

The mood shifted as the topic of the tournament came up again.

"So, one week until the outer core tournament," Xavier said, rubbing his chin. "Are you three ready?"

Felix grinned confidently. "More than ready. I've been itching to show these outer core disciples what we're made of."

Eddie nodded. "We've been training non-stop while you were out. We wanted to make sure we're at our best to stand beside you."

Mara added, "And with all of us at noble rank 10 now, we've got a real shot at making a name for ourselves. But we need to stay sharp—this tournament is going to draw attention from everyone, especially the inner core."

Xavier's expression turned serious. "Good. Then let's make these next few days count. We train harder than ever, prepare for anything, and show the academy what we're capable of. No more holding back."

His friends nodded in agreement, their determination mirroring his own.

As his friends chatted excitedly about their training plans, Xavier's thoughts turned inward. He couldn't ignore the lingering threat of Alexander or the demonic cult the ancient void goddess had warned him about. The tournament was a stepping stone, but the challenges ahead would demand everything he had—and more.

He clenched his fists, feeling the power of his bloodline simmering just beneath the surface. One step at a time, he told himself. First, the tournament. Then, the rest of the world.

As Xavier sat up straighter, his face grew serious. He turned to Mara and asked with a steady voice, "How's Jessica? Has she recovered from the attack?"

Mara hesitated, her eyes darting toward Felix and Eddie for support before speaking. "She's… better, but not fully healed. The healers did everything they could, but the wounds were deep. She's been pushing herself to recover, even though she should rest more."

Before Mara could continue, Xavier's left pupil suddenly shifted into the shape of a dragon's eye, its golden hue glowing faintly. Felix froze, his voice barely above a whisper. "Xavier… your eye."

Xavier blinked, unaware of the change, his concern for Jessica overriding everything else. Just as Mara finished explaining, the door creaked open, and Jessica staggered inside, her steps slow and unsteady. A bandage was wrapped tightly around her torso, and her face was pale but resolute.

"My love," she said, her voice soft yet filled with relief. "You're awake. I've been waiting for you, checking every day, hoping you'd come back to us."

Jessica took a step forward but faltered, her legs giving out as she fell to one knee, a sharp gasp escaping her lips.

"Jessica!" Xavier shouted, rushing to her side in an instant. He gently scooped her up into his arms, careful to avoid her bandaged wounds. Her weight felt lighter than usual, a reminder of how much the attack had drained her.

"You shouldn't be out of bed," he said, his voice laced with worry as he carried her toward the door.

Jessica offered a weak smile, resting her hand against his chest. "I couldn't wait any longer. I needed to see you with my own eyes."

After settling Jessica back into her room, Xavier and the others gathered around her bed, keeping their voices low so as not to disturb her further. She insisted on staying involved in the conversation, even though her energy was visibly waning.

"I'll recover," Jessica reassured them, her tone firm despite her obvious discomfort. "Don't let my condition hold anyone back. We have too much to prepare for."

Mara frowned, clearly unconvinced. "You say that, but you pushed yourself to get here. You need to focus on healing, Jessica. The tournament isn't worth risking your life over."

Jessica gave a tired chuckle. "It's not just the tournament, Mara. We all know the dangers coming our way—Alexander, the cult, the dungeons. I can't sit idle while everyone else fights for our future."

Xavier placed a hand on her shoulder, his dragon eye faintly glowing again. "We'll handle everything together. But for now, you focus on getting better. No more pushing yourself past your limit, understood?"

Jessica gave a reluctant nod, her gaze softening. "Understood."

After some time, Xavier stood and gently took Jessica's storage ring from her hand. "Rest," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument. "I'll take care of things for now."

Jessica smiled faintly, her fingers brushing against his. "Be careful, Xavier."

"I will," he promised, turning to leave the room.

As he stepped out into the hallway, Xavier's mind was already racing. The dragon eye's sudden activation, Jessica's condition, and the threats looming over them all demanded answers. He tightened his grip on the storage ring, his resolve hardening.

Time to find Lord Cedric.