Chapter 51 - Convenient, isn't it?

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As soon as both of them sit at the back of the cafeteria, it doesn't take long for an elf to appear, offering some bread on a tray, along with several cups of green tea and other flavors.

After placing the food on the table, the elf gives a polite nod before quickly heading back to the kitchen to grab more trays, moving between tables like a waiter, disappearing and reappearing in the blink of an eye.

Kazuki and Rei start talking about the earlier incident, discussing how some situations simply can't be resolved peacefully, —sometimes, a more direct and practical approach is necessary, even if it creates future resentment.

From Rei's perspective, conflict forces people to improve themselves. It drives change, growth, adaptation and evolution - or death. Strength is tied to this concept, not as a universal rule, but as a means to achieve the best outcome in certain situations.

Kazuki, on the other hand, agrees that violence is justified in some cases, but he doesn't see it as the default solution. He believes that the ideal approach is to understand and analyze the conflict in a systematic way.

Finding such a method too boring, Rei sighs and quickly changes the subject, mentioning the fortune teller he met at dawn and discussing various other recent events.

As they eat breakfast, their conversation flows naturally and calmly. The quiet atmosphere in the back of the cafeteria makes for a comfortable space, allowing them to talk freely without worrying about others overhearing them.

Conversations always seem to flow easily when Rei talks with Kazuki. No matter the topic, their discussions are always relaxed and enjoyable.

...

After finishing their meal and morning chat, Rei and Kazuki stand up, ready to leave and return to their room. However, just before they exit the cafeteria, they notice a group of elves carrying a man on a fabric stretcher between the main hallway and the exit leading to the massive blue tree.

The elves move quickly while the people in the cafeteria start whispering and murmuring. Curious about the commotion, Rei and Kazuki approach to see what's going on.

— I heard he came from the east side... — a woman nearby comments.

— What was he doing there? Is he crazy?

— I heard that the whole area was destroyed. What happened to the group he was with? — asks a middle-aged man, watching closely.

— Wait... I know that guy... he was here before. Don't you all remember? He was always talking with the elves. Why did he go to that side? — a mixed-race woman questions, adding more doubts to those around her.

— He must be insane... who would leave the refuge?

— Look at his condition, Mom... — says a child.

— Don't look, sweetheart — the mother replies quickly, covering her daughter's eyes.

— How is he alive with those deep wounds?

— I saw him talking to the leader here before he left. He must be someone important...

"Who is this guy? Is he really so important that all the elves are paying attention to him?"

As he ponders this, a message suddenly pops up in his skill system.

[Analysis]

[Skill Acquired]

[When activated, this skill allows the user to view the status of the selected target.]

"This was convenient... almost too convenient. Did I seriously get a skill just by thinking about something like that? Well, all right..."

— [Analysis]

Name: Terqueo

Age: 26 years old

Race: Human

Level: 50

Titles: Explorer, Archaeologist, Cat Lover, Companion.

Skills: ???

Current Status: Critical

"I can't see his skills. It must be because my level is too low... His level is really high. This guy isn't normal."

Still lost in thought, Rei notices Círdan running over to the man on the stretcher. As he approaches, tears begin streaming down the elf's face, and he quickly mobilizes the other elves to take the injured man to his quarters.

After that, the cafeteria slowly returns to normal and the commotion fades away.

...

Before they go back to their quarters near the blue tree, Rei suddenly stops and asks Kazuki a question.

— Do you think he will survive?

— Who? — the beastman asks.

— The guy on the stretcher.

— …

— There was some miasma covering his wounds… I don't think he's going to make it. If it were just a normal injury… — Kazuki comments, diverting his gaze elsewhere.

— He seems important to Círdan. Did you see how devastated he was?

"I still feel a bit guilty about what I said to him this morning. Maybe I was a little too harsh..."

After that thought, Rei covers his face with both hands, lost in contemplation. Then an idea hits him.

— You know, I was just thinking… what if we… — He begins explaining an improvised plan.

...

[Círdan's Quarters]

Despite countless attempts to use the highest-grade herbs and potions from his supply stock, none of Círdan's treatments have worked so far. His unconscious friend remains in critical condition on the stretcher.

In a wave of frustration, he slams his fist against the wall.

— Damn it... if it weren't for the miasma in his wounds...

— Sir, is there no other way to help him? — asks an assisting elf.

— No. The only way to remove the miasma is with sacred magic or sacred items. You should know that," another elf replies while cleaning the patient's wounds.

— This wouldn't have happened if I hadn't sent him there... damn, damn, damn...

Just then, a knock on the door breaks the heavy atmosphere in the room.

Knock! Knock!

As soon as he opens the door, Círdan finds Rei and Kazuki standing in front of him.

— What are you doing here?!

— Yo, Círdan, what's up?