The Kingmaker System Chapter 716 - 715. Vanguard: Healer (1)

"Master, we require your presence here!"

"H-Help me! It's agonizing!"

Doc and the rest of the Sanctuary town guards were completely swamped with patients; there wasn't even enough room to maneuver amongst them. Lyall and Enora assisted as much as they could, fetching water and fresh clothes, while others helped guide the injured being teleported in from various other locations.

Ocean had issued separate instructions to the teams not directly engaged in combat. With a multitude of individuals from the noble factions available for the fray, there was no need to deploy his personal army. Their primary objective was to minimize casualties throughout the kingdom.

Consequently, these teams were tasked with shadowing the marching armies onto the battlefields, retrieving the wounded after administering preliminary aid, so they could be subsequently healed by Kai.

Those with minor wounds found solace in the persistent rain, which aided their recovery for the most part. However, individuals with severe injuries were rushed to the Sanctuary Hospital, which was currently facing an overwhelming influx. The injured were everywhere – cots, floors, and corridors were all occupied to their limit.

The pungent aroma of the medicine Doc was administering saturated the air, while those teetering on the edge of death were attended to by Kai, who was ceaselessly casting healing spells. He had lost track of the number of times he had invoked the spell and the count of individuals who had managed to walk away. Yet, the moment a space cleared, it was instantly filled again. The patients ranged from the elderly to the young, some suffering grievous wounds and limb loss, while others were barely clinging to life.

The cacophony of cries in pain and desperate pleas for assistance was enough to disorient anyone, but Kai desperately fought to maintain his focus, knowing he was indispensable here. He could not leave because he was the sole individual capable of mending these unfortunate souls.

Healers were exceptionally rare in Sestia; the majority resided in Denril, as healing was considered a sacred power. Sestia, established upon the remains of a Dragon, maintained cordial relations with other believing kingdoms, but a deeper connection was unattainable. Sestia possessed its advantages, but also its inherent drawbacks.

One might consider it providential that the Dragon, absent for centuries, chose to manifest in Sestia. Yet, paradoxically, this event brought no discernible change.

The present crisis demanded healers, and no alternative was available. Thus, besides those on the front lines, Kai bore the most significant burden.

Should he fail even one life, self-forgiveness would be an impossibility.

"Young Master, you must rest. You've been casting the healing spell for three hours straight," Lyall urged, offering him a glass of water. Roan and the others were occupied guiding the newly healed individuals out of the chamber.

Kai accepted the glass and drank it down greedily, only then realizing the extent of his thirst. A wave of nausea washed over him.

"You appear quite unwell, Young Master. Please, I implore you, sit for a moment," Lyall pressed.

Kai shook his head resolutely. "I can't... Master entrusted me with this responsibility."

"He did not instruct you to push yourself to the brink of collapse," Lyall corrected gently. "Furthermore, you are aware that you are the only one capable of healing. Consider the practical implications: what becomes of these people if you collapse from exhaustion?"

Kai's lips thinned; he had no retort. He understood his limitations. Unlike Ocean, he did not possess an inexhaustible reservoir of mana, nor was his healing instantaneous. The complete recovery of each patient was contingent upon the severity of their injuries, requiring a considerable amount of time.

Lyall sighed, observing the conflicted expression on Kai's face. He then placed a hand on Kai's shoulder and spoke in a low, soothing tone.

"Ultimately, Young Master Kai, your well-being is paramount to Master. Should anything befall you, his distress would be immeasurable."

Lyall's gaze then shifted towards the window. The rain had been incessant since the battle commenced, and he knew Ocean was the architect of this downpour. He still couldn't fully comprehend the extent of his Master's powers, but it was easier to rationalize if he viewed his Master as a divine entity. In truth, given his capabilities, for many—himself included—he was nothing short of a god.

Even while engaged in a solitary battle against a single adversary, the clouds showering the land with life-giving rain spanned the entirety of Sestia. It was his method of ensuring the salvation of as many as possible, despite his inability to be everywhere at once.

Standing in the shadow of such a being, and even being designated as his successor, must undoubtedly entail immense pressure. Lyall recognized that Kai was currently succumbing to this pressure. However, if he allowed it to overwhelm him, the consequences would be detrimental. Kai needed to learn to overcome intimidation and develop the capacity to navigate challenges independently.

Kai placed the empty water glass back on the table, then turned to face the window, his gaze unfocused.

"I can hear Master fighting," he murmured.

Lyall’s brow furrowed; he was aware of Ocean’s presence and had previously instructed everyone to withdraw immediately upon the arrival of the leader of the dark forces, though that confrontation was occurring some distance away.

"That's a ghastly sound," Kai remarked, his voice tinged with discomfort. "It resembles the struggle against numerous monstrous beings..."

Lyall opened his mouth to speak, "Young Master-"

Kai began to move towards the open window. A significant portion of the floor near the window had already transformed into a pool due to the persistent rain.

Lyall observed Kai as he stopped at the window, the shower descending upon him. Kai closed his eyes, seemingly engrossed in the sensation of the rain on his face. He remained still, eyes shut, like a statue.

"More casualties arriving!" Lyall turned to see Roan and Remi carrying more wounded individuals.

Kai took a deep breath, in and out. The overpowering scent of blood stirred a disquieting memory of his time in the dark cell. The oppressive weight of the chains on his ankles resurfaced, bringing with it an almost suffocating sensation. To think, he hadn't experienced nightmares of that period in months, yet this moment propelled him back to confront his younger self, who had so desperately pleaded for deliverance from his torment. And indeed, his prayer had been granted.

"Grant me strength," Kai implored inwardly. "...I yearn to save everyone present... Therefore, please... bestow upon me the fortitude to do so..."

The rain had thoroughly soaked his shirt, and cool droplets cascaded from his aqua-blue hair strands. His pallid face gradually regained its color as his heart gave a sudden leap before commencing a powerful, accelerated beat.

Before long, a peculiar sensation began to course through Kai’s entire being, as though he were no longer confined to his physical form. The feeling of detachment from the limitations of flesh and bone washed over him, as if he had suddenly accessed something far beyond his conscious awareness.

He could have sworn he felt the cool embrace of Ocean’s arms encircling him, and with that comforting coolness came a surge of mana, flowing within him like an unleashed waterfall.

Though he heard no words from Ocean, for reasons unknown, he knew his prayer had been acknowledged and answered. For a fleeting moment, he reveled in the sensation before opening his eyes.

He reached for his chest, feeling the shimmering azure scales that now adorned his chest and forearms. He blinked in astonishment; it had been years since he last received Ocean’s blessing, which aided him in maintaining his human form. To suddenly witness his scales reappear was indeed shocking.

He touched his face, encountering scales across his cheeks. It was fortunate he was facing away from the others, lest he be discovered. For a moment, he continued to explore the scales, pondering how to make them vanish while simultaneously registering the injured being brought into the hall.

Their cries and moans once again permeated the air, and he gritted his teeth fiercely, wishing with all his might for his scales to recede.

Gradually, the scales began to fade from his arms, and he swiftly touched his face, feeling his skin return to its normal state, though faint traces of scales lingered on his chest. It was a fortunate circumstance that he wore a blue shirt, as even when drenched, the scales would remain largely concealed.

But why had the scales manifested so abruptly? Was it a consequence of the sudden mana surge he experienced? Or was it yet another affirmation that he was indeed the chosen successor to Ocean Ryujin?

"Young Master?"

Kai turned around, observing that the room was already filled with the injured.

Lyall gazed at him, his earlier apprehension replaced by evident relief. Kai offered a faint smile before stepping towards the afflicted individuals and invoking the healing spell once more.