Chapter 26: Comrades in the Same Boat

"Zack, I'm fine. Why are you crying? Stop it, will you?" Ryan patted his wailing guard on the shoulder, his voice slightly hoarse but reassuring.

"Captain, I… I can't help it." Zack wiped his tears with the back of his hand. "I thought I'd lost you forever. It was my fault I couldn't protect you."

Ryan shook his head, a soft sigh escaping him.

Nearby, Commander Victor let out a hearty laugh. "Truly a miracle. I never imagined there were medical skills capable of bringing someone back from the brink of death." He clapped Ethan's shoulder firmly. "Young man, I'm Victor, commander of the third battalion under Regiment Commander Tang. You saved our regiment commander's life — from now on, you're a benefactor to our entire unit. You can't leave tonight; we have to celebrate!"

"That's right!" Zack added, wiping his eyes. "We owe you a drink — or a dozen!"

"Count me in," another voice chimed in. Ethan turned to see Don, Ryan's old classmate, grinning ear to ear. "Ethan, you saved my brother's life. That means you've saved half of mine, too. There's no way we're letting you leave without raising a glass together."

Yuyu from the side. "Oh, Don, you don't know what you're getting yourself into. Do you know how much Ethan can drink?" She smirked, eyes glinting with mischief. "At grandpa's Night 80th birthday, Ethan downed nearly ten bottles of wine without even breaking a sweat. You sure you want to challenge him?"

"What?" Victor gaped. "Brother Ethan, is that true? Then I really must see for myself!"

Ethan chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "Maybe another time. Ryan just got out of surgery. He needs to rest and recover, not drown in liquor."

Victor's expression sobered instantly. "You're right. Ryan, listen to this young man — he saved your life, so his word is law."

Ryan huffed but relented, leaning back against his pillow. "Fine, fine. But once I'm back on my feet, Ethan, you and I are having that drink." His gaze softened. "Honestly, it's a blessing Yuyu became friends with you. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't be here right now."

"You're exaggerating," Ethan said modestly, though warmth spread in his chest.

"Wait a minute," Ryan said, eyes narrowing. "Ethan, did you say you're from Mistwood Town?"

"Yeah. Grew up there."

Ryan's face lit up. "No way! You know Immortal Mountain, then?"

"Of course." Ethan crossed his arms. "My family's farm is at the foot of the mountain. I used to go into the forest all the time with my grandfather." He paused, then frowned. "Wait… Don't tell me you fell from that mountain."

Ryan let out a bitter laugh. "Exactly that. We hired some guides to take us into the forest, but the terrain was too treacherous. One slip, and… well, you know the rest."

Ethan whistled low. "You're lucky to be alive. That mountain's no joke — even seasoned hunters don't dare go too deep."

Ryan looked thoughtful. "If I'd known you back then, I'd have hired you as our guide."

"Hah. Trust me, the guides you hired probably did their best. Without experience, that place is a death trap." Ethan shook his head.

Ryan extended a hand, his expression sincere. "Well, if fate brings us back there someday, I'll count on you."

They exchanged a firm handshake, the bond of near-death and newfound respect solidifying between them.

Just then, Don cleared his throat awkwardly. "Ethan, mind if I borrow you for a moment?"

Yuyu frowned. "Don, you'd better not take him somewhere shady."

"Relax." Don raised his hands in surrender. "It's about an old friend. There's this elderly collector I know. He owns an authentic Edgar Whitmore painting — real treasure. I've been trying to buy it for ages, but he won't sell."

"What's that got to do with Ethan?" Yuyu raised an eyebrow.

"The collector has a granddaughter." Don hesitated. "Three years ago, she lost all feeling in her legs. No doctor has been able to help her — not even the specialists overseas. The old man said that if anyone could heal his granddaughter, he'd hand over the painting and pay a hundred million yuan." Don looked at Ethan pleadingly. "Ethan, after what you did for Ryan… If there's anyone who can help her, it's you."

Ethan shifted uncomfortably. "I'm no doctor. I only stepped in because Ryan's life was slipping away."

Don's face fell. "I get it. It's just… the girl's an orphan. Her parents died in an accident years ago."

Ethan froze. "An orphan?"

Don nodded. "Yeah. It's been her and her grandfather ever since."

For a long moment, Ethan was silent. Then he sighed. "Alright. I'll take a look."

Yuyu squeezed his arm, eyes soft with gratitude. "Thank you, Ethan."

Ryan's parents, Damian and Margaret, watched silently. Finally, Damian spoke, his voice gentle. "Ethan, our home is always open to you. From now on, you're family."

Margaret nodded. "You'll always have a place at our table. And if you ever miss your parents, come visit us, okay?"

Ethan's heart clenched, a familiar ache resurfacing at the mention of his parents. He forced a smile. "Thanks. That means a lot."

As they left the hospital, Don patted Ethan's back. "You're a good man, Ethan."

Ethan just stared into the distance, the weight of the past and the future heavy on his shoulders.