Determination For Love

The healing chamber's warm, comforting energy seeped into every fiber of Yomite's being, tending not only to his physical injuries but also providing emotional and mental solace. Though the chamber's healing capabilities were considerable, it could not regenerate lost limbs or save someone on the brink of death. Additionally, it was unable to heal Yomite's burnt skin, leaving an ugly scar on his arm.     

As the healing process drew to a close, Yomite sat up, testing his newfound strength and flexibility. To his delight, he felt even better than before his ordeal. The healing chamber had not only repaired the damage but revitalized him entirely.     

"Thank God something like this exists. I didn't see anything like this before entering the door to the first challenge."     

Lisa explained, "The reason being, it only opened upon your entrance. This healing facility, just like the training areas, will yield greater benefits as more doors are completed. Now, tell me, what adversaries did you face?"     

Yomite took a deep breath, ready to recount his experience. "When I first entered the trial, I encountered a group of cannon fodder Hilichurls and Abyss Mages. Then around ten or more Ruin Guards which was annoying and exhausting but bearable, the burn on my arm however, is from the creatures I believe are called Geovishaps. Those were tough."     

He paused for a moment, gathering his thoughts. "Then at the end, the most difficult part was when I faced a flying wolf. It was massive, and its speed and ferocity were like nothing I've ever seen before, but somehow I killed it. Thankfully it let its guard down because I was badly wounded."     

Lisa frowned as Yomite described his encounters, her eyes narrowing in thought. Suddenly, she recalled seeing Yomite having a bite mark on his arm, "Wait a moment, you were bitten by something, correct? Was it the flying wolf that bit you?"     

Yomite nodded. "Yes, it bit my shoulder, but the pain was almost immediately overshadowed by the intensity of the fight. Why?"     

Lisa's eyes widened in realization. "That flying wolf you faced is mostly known as the Golden Wolflord, its bite is said to inflict a deadly corrosion effect that's mostly incurable. It can kill a person within minutes if not treated, and yet…you're completely fine."     

Yomite looked down at his shoulder, where the bite mark had been. The healing chamber had worked wonders, leaving no trace of the injury. "I didn't even realize. Is it possible that the healing chamber saved me?"     

Lisa shook her head. "No, the healing chamber can't cure the corrosion effect. It must be something else. Perhaps your body has a natural immunity or resistance to it, which is incredibly rare."     

Yomite grinned mischievously, "Well, maybe it's because of my natural charm and good looks that the corrosion didn't affect me. Or perhaps it's because the Golden Wolflord knew that you wouldn't be able to resist me if we had the chance to be alone together, so it spared me, to have a good time."     

Lisa sighed, her expression softening, "You're definitely alright if you can still make jokes like that," shaking her head with a small smile. "But seriously, this immunity or resistance you have is something we should investigate further. It could be a valuable asset in the future."     

Yomite chuckled, "Well, if it's as valuable as you say your legs are, then I'm sure we're onto something incredibly important." he teased, dodging a playful swat from Lisa.     

She smirked, but didn't take the bait, "Very funny, Handsome. But let's keep our focus on the task at hand. We can discuss my 'legs' another time."     

"Fair enough. I apologize for the cringe jokes, it seems I was infected by the terminal Hu Tao disease."     

"No, don't apologize. Your humor is one of the things I like about you, after all." The moment the words left her lips, she realized what she'd just said.     

Yomite raised an eyebrow, but otherwise didn't react. "like, huh? That's a pretty strong word there, Lisa."     

"Of course, I meant it, uh, as your mentor and friend, Handsome. That's all. You are my precious student and nothing will change that." she replied in a calm and collected tone.     

"Oh, really? As a student, huh? Are you sure you don't want to upgrade that to something more, Ms. Teacher?"     

Her eyes twinkled, and she leaned in slightly, her voice dropping to an alluring whisper. "Perhaps... there could be room for... something more in the future." Her gaze locked onto Yomite's, daring him to respond. "The current you, however, is no good."     

A slow, delighted smile spread across Yomite's face, and his eyes darkened with intrigue. "Is that so, Ms. Teacher? I might have to consider that offer."     

She rolled her eyes but couldn't help but laugh. "It all depends on how well you train. I'm not interested in anyone ordinary. Either way, let's get back to work before I change my mind and decide to put the restraining bracelet back onto you with ten times the gravity now."     

Yomite grinned, "Ordinary? Fuuh...that makes me sad, my dear Teacher. Oh well, lead the way."     

"The next trial will be an interesting one."     

"What would it be about?"     

"Nightmare."     

***     

Right as Yomite left for the second trial, Lisa entered Barbara's training facility.     

Barbara looked up as Lisa entered the room, her eyes widening at the sight of her mentor's grim expression. "Lisa...what happened...why do you look like that...?" she asked, her voice trembling with concern. Fearing that her worst fears came true.     

"It's...Handsome," Lisa replied, her tone heavy with worry. "He's badly wounded and won't be able to fight for a while... He needs time to rest and recover for a couple of weeks...He is currently unconscious..."     

Barbara's hands flew to her mouth, her eyes filling with tears. "No! Yum-Yum! Please! Let me go see him! I need to see him!"     

Lisa shook her head, her eyes sad but firm. "No, I'm afraid that's not possible. Handsome needs time to heal, and seeing him now won't do anything for him. Besides, he wouldn't want you to worry about him like this."     

"...But I-I-I have to do something," Barbara protested, her voice rising in desperation. "I-I can't just sit here and do nothing...while he's hurt."     

"You can do something," Lisa said firmly, her eyes meeting Barbara's with a stern gaze. "You can train. Handsome needs you to be strong, and needs your healing before he enters the next trial. He is counting on you."     

Barbara nodded slowly, her tears drying up as determination took over. "You're right...I need to do my best for the person I love..."     

"Good girl, now, where is the knife?"