Machines beep softly around me, a rhythmic chorus of life. My limbs feel like they've been filled with lead, every joint aching as though I've been run over by a stampede. I force my eyes open only to slam them shut again. Blinding fluorescent lights slice through my skull.
The sterile sting of antiseptic floods my nose. I groan and raise an arm, shielding my face from the glare. My throat is dry, sandpapered raw. "Status window," I croak, barely more than a whisper. I half expect silence.
But the system answers.
[Status Window]
Name: Zeyra Virewyn
Age: 24
Class: Mage
Rank: S
Titles: Extraordinary Mage, Discoverer, First Explorer, Analyst, Elementalist
Stats:
Physical: 56 ↑
Agility: 50 ↑
Mental: 98 ↑
Stamina: 101 ↑
Mana: 118 ↑
Stat Points: 6
Debuff: Mana halved for two days
I exhale sharply, my gaze settling on the debuff. The price of casting beyond my limits. Again.
I tap the notification tab.
[Battle Rewards]
Congratulations on defeating the Shell of Eternis and contributing the most!
Rewards:
6 Stat Points
Title: [Discoverer]
Key of Eternis
1,200 gold
12% Attack Boost vs. Ocean Monsters
Shell of Eternis
Ocean Rune
I skim the list, too tired to feel anything close to victory. Automatically, I assign two stat points to Agility, dodging death lately has required far too much luck and the rest to Mana. I'll need it.
Curious, I pull up the description for the Shell of Eternis.
[Shell of Eternis]
Grade: A
Description: An extraordinarily dense material, harvested from a newly discovered sea-beast. Known for its resilience and elemental dampening against water-based attacks. Ideal for high-grade armor or enchanted gear.
A soft noise startles me. The door opens, and a nurse hurries in, juggling a tray of supplies.
"Oh, you're awake!" Her eyes widen with relief. She sets everything down and leans over me, checking the monitor. "Hold on, I'll call the doctor."
She's gone before I can even ask for water.
Minutes later, the doctor arrives clipboard, kind eyes, calm voice.
"Well, look who's finally back with us," he says with a faint smile. "Vitals are stable. Do you feel any pain or discomfort?"
"A little", everything aching but tolerable.
He nods. "Well. You had us worried. Between the drowning and the mana depletion, it's a miracle you're conscious already."
I force a tired smile.
"You'll be discharged tomorrow," he says, flipping through his notes. "Until then, move a little. Drink plenty. Let your body remember how to be alive again." He pauses, studying my face. "Need anything before I go?"
"Water," I rasp. "Please."
He nods to the hallway. "Nurse! Water for Miss Virewyn."
The nurse returns different now. This one's younger, with gentle features and warm hands.
"I'm Inni, your nurse for the evening," she says, handing me a cup. I drink deeply, the water cool and divine.
"Thank you."
"How long was I out?" My voice is clearer now, though still scratchy.
"Three days," she replies. "You were completely unresponsive when they brought you in." She sits at the edge of my bed, her tone shifting. "Look… I know it's your job to face danger. But forty minutes? That's how long you were fighting. You drowned. And your mana pool flatlined."
She points at me, stern. "You've got to stop treating your life like it's expendable."
I can't find words, so I nod. She's right. She's right but what else could I have done?
The next morning, I'm cleared for discharge. I barely step out of the building before flashes go off.
A wall of reporters descends on me.
"Miss Virewyn! How did you defeat the Shell of Eternis?"
"Did you really solo the final blow?"
"Are the rumors about the dungeon raid true?"
"She won't be taking any questions," my secretary announces, pushing a path through the crowd. I follow close, my hood pulled low as we slip into the waiting car.
Inside, I let out a breath and rest my head back. "What happened while I was out?"
He's silent for a long moment. "Everyone was going crazy, I mean you looked dead," he says at last. "Pale. Lips blue. The Recrelays went silent after your final spell. Some people thought it was the end."
I glance at him, but his eyes are distant.
"Well… I'm not dead," I say softly. "Thanks for handling things."
He scoffs. "It's my job."
He drops me off at my apartment. Before I go, he adds, "Don't do anything stupid for at least two days. You've got the dungeon raid coming up. You need your strength."
"Understood." I wave him off and head inside.
The moment I walk through the door, I collapse onto the couch. It's like my bones give up. I reach for the remote then groan when I see it perched on the TV stand. Of course.
I drag myself up and retrieve it. "Let's see what the world's saying."
I channel a small burst of magic. Snacks float toward me. "Convenient," I mutter.
[TV Broadcast: Rick & Rik Show]
Rick: Good evening, folks. It's Rick.
Rik: And Rik.
Rick: A major update today the sealed dungeon raid has been rescheduled for the 30th!
Rik: The big question will the Magic Saint join the frontlines?
Rick: After what we saw last time? I doubt she's even standing.
Rik: Then who's taking her place? Jodi?
Rick: Please. Jodi's great, but she's not Zeyra.
Rik: That's kinda harsh.
Rick: Just being real.
Rik: Still sounds like bias to me!
Rick: Maybe. Maybe not! Hahaha!
[End Broadcast]
I shut off the TV, my mood already soured. "Haaa…"
Grumbling, I reach for my phone. Then remember it's still in my bag. I drag myself up again. "Why is everything a struggle?"
Just as I retrieve it, my phone pings with a message.
"Who's there?" I snap, irritation slipping into my voice. I catch myself, clear my throat, and try again. "Sorry. Who is it?"
A familiar voice answers. "It's me, Zeyra."
My breath catches. "Uncle?"
"I saw the broadcast. Wanted to check on you."
I open the door. He steps in, older than I remembered, worry etched deep into his face.
"Coffee or tea?" I offer.
"Coffee."
We sit. I hand him the cup and try not to meet his gaze.
He sets it down and leans forward. "I'm not angry," he says. "I know you do this work because you have to. I respect that."
He pauses.
"But I wish you would've told me. Seeing you collapsed on the news… I thought I'd lost you."
My throat tightens. I bite my lip, unsure what to say.
"I'm sorry," I whisper. "I didn't think it'd get that dangerous."
"I'm not asking you to quit," he says, reaching for my hand. "I know I can't protect you from this life. But please… if you're going into danger, tell me. Even if it's routine. I'd rather hear it from you than from the broadcast of a near-death experience."
I nod. Not because I have an answer, but because I owe him that much.
His grip tightens, warm and grounding. "You're all I have left, Zeyra."
And just like that, the weight of everything I'd been holding back finally settles in.