Chapter 26: Energy Sickness

A sharp, stabbing pain tore through Joshua's chest the moment his consciousness returned. His body felt like it was on fire, every nerve screaming in protest. When he tried to move, an overwhelming wave of nausea hit him like a freight train. His vision blurred, his stomach clenched, and before he could even think—

Blech!

A violent cough racked his body, forcing up a thick, metallic-tasting liquid. He barely registered the crimson splatter staining the floor beside his bed. His throat burned, his muscles convulsed, and his limbs felt like they were wrapped in lead chains.

What the hell…?

He tried lifting his arms—nothing. His fingers twitched, but the rest of his body remained completely unresponsive. It was as if something had hijacked his nervous system and locked him inside his own flesh. Every breath was a struggle, each inhale scraping against his ribs like sandpaper.

A gentle hand pressed against his forehead.

"How are you feeling?"

Joshua barely managed to turn his head toward the familiar voice. Maydee was sitting beside him, watching with an unreadable expression.

"Like… shit," he rasped. Then, realizing his mistake, he quickly corrected himself. "Like shit, Master."

Maydee let out a small huff, her lips twitching. "At least you have the energy to curse. That's a good sign."

"What… happened to me?" Joshua forced the words out between heavy breaths.

Maydee sighed, her hand still on his forehead. "Energy sickness."

Joshua blinked. "Energy sickness?"

She nodded. "That's what happens when you overexert yourself and completely deplete your core. Not only did you push past your limits, but you burned through every last drop of energy in your body. If I hadn't been there, some creature would have feasted on your defenseless corpse."

A cold chill crawled down Joshua's spine despite his burning fever.

He swallowed hard. "Thank you… Master. And... I'm sorry."

Maydee studied him for a moment before leaning back. "At least now you know. Your body isn't invincible, and magic isn't just some toy for you to experiment with recklessly. You're lucky to be alive."

Joshua clenched his teeth. He knew she was right. His excitement, his hunger for knowledge—it had almost gotten him killed. He had spent years being careful, calculating every move, making sure he understood everything before acting. But this?

He had thrown caution to the wind, and it had nearly cost him everything.

Maydee exhaled through her nose. "You'll be fine after a few days, but don't push yourself too hard. Start small—just focus on gathering energy while lying down. It'll help replenish your core. And don't forget to drink your medicine."

Joshua let out a weak chuckle. "Great. More of that bitter crap."

Maydee smirked. "Yes. More of that bitter crap. Now shut up and start recovering."

Joshua closed his eyes, forcing himself to focus despite the pain. He inhaled shakily, trying to remember the feeling of energy flowing through him. He had done it before. He could do it again.

Maydee stepped out of Joshua's room, shutting the wooden door behind her. Her expression darkened as she walked down the hall, making her way to her father's chamber.

Inside, Amador was seated in his usual chair, polishing a large hunting knife. He barely looked up as she entered.

"So?" he asked, his deep voice rumbling through the dimly lit room.

Maydee crossed her arms. "Still alive. Barely. He's one lucky fool."

Amador finally looked up, his sharp eyes narrowing slightly. "Energy sickness usually cripples the gifted. He survived?"

"Yes," she admitted. "Though he won't be moving anytime soon."

The village chief hummed in thought, setting his knife down. "That boy… He has more talent than you, doesn't he?"

Maydee stiffened. A flash of irritation crossed her face, but she quickly smothered it. "Yes," she said through gritted teeth. "To be able to do something like that on his first attempt—without proper training—speaks volumes about his talent. His ability to manipulate energy is raw, but his potential…" She exhaled. "His potential is terrifying."

Amador watched her carefully. "You don't sound pleased."

Maydee looked away. "It took me nearly ten years to master my flames. He read a book and—" She cut herself off, shaking her head. "He's reckless, but he learns at an unnatural pace. His talent for magic and the sheer power of his attribute… It's not normal."

Amador was silent for a moment before speaking. "Just be careful."

Maydee frowned. "I know."

"Bran has been instructed," Amador added, his tone carrying an unspoken warning. "Don't make things difficult."

"I understand, Father," Maydee said evenly. "When the time comes, I'll personally send him home to Mother's embrace."

Amador nodded in approval. "Good."

Maydee clenched her fists behind her back.

I have to be more careful. Father is always watching and Bran is Joshua's shadow now. Joshua needs to recover quickly and learn to control his power faster. Stupid Joshua.

Maydee turned around, a small smile appeared on her lips and vanished just as quickly.

Amador looks at his daughter's retreating figure and sighed. "Bran" he called out.

"Yes chief."

"Make sure to keep an eye on the both of them. It seems my daughter is developing feelings for the boy." Amador silently commanded the shadow.

"Yes chief. I know what to do." Bran replied before he vanished.

Joshua lay motionless on the bed, staring at the wooden ceiling. His body felt like it had been crushed under a collapsing building. Every muscle burned, his bones ached, and his skin was hypersensitive to even the lightest breeze.

Damn it…

His fingers twitched. It felt like moving through thick mud, his limbs refusing to cooperate. He clenched his jaw and took a slow, deliberate breath.

Pain shot through his ribs. He grunted, his vision blurring. But he didn't stop.

Breathe. Gather. Focus.

The process was agonizingly slow. The energy around him felt like an ocean, just out of reach. He could feel it, but grasping it was like trying to catch smoke with his bare hands.

It hurts.

A bead of sweat rolled down his temple. His muscles trembled, but he didn't stop.

I need energy.

His fingers curled slightly.

I need to experiment.

His breathing grew steadier.

But first… I need to get better.

Joshua's eyes burned with determination as he forced himself to continue, despite the pain. Despite the exhaustion. Despite everything.

He would not waste this second chance. He needs to get better. He needs to earn money.

Step by step.

I will master this power. I will make it submit to me.

Even if it kills me.