Volume 2 Chapter 35 Return
When we met up with Ice and the others halfway and returned home, we were already exhausted.
"Ugh... I can't focus..."
"Are you okay, Wade-kun?"
"If you're bleeding this much from almost running out of magic, it's no wonder! Come on, let's get inside quickly!"
While being carried by Clay, we were worriedly ushered into the house by Ice and Toxy.
"Lay him down there! And someone bring bandages!"
Toxy gave orders, and everyone else scattered. Toxy stuffed a potion from a bottle into my mouth and said, "Drink it!"
"Gulp gulp gulp..."
"Drink this too! That should kill most of the bacteria that entered the wound. Now drink this too. It'll help your wound heal faster."
"Gulp gulp gulp..."
"Toxy-chan, here...!"
"Ice-chan, thanks for the bandages! Wade, I'll wrap your arm while sterilizing it. Wade, it might hurt, but bear with it."
"Hey, I beg of you."
"It's not a life-or-death situation, Wade. Let's do it."
Toxy splashes disinfectant on my arm. Ouch, it stings. It's tingling.
Then, Toxy skillfully wraps a bandage around it.
"Alright, I think we're done here. I'll prepare a few more potions for you to take in the morning, afternoon, and evening."
"You're like a doctor, Toxy."
"I thought it might come in handy if I ever join a party, so I learned some first aid stuff from a doctor friend! ...Well, I never really got invited to any parties though."
Toxy smiles in relief, glad that it was useful for Wade who found us.
"But it takes quite a while to heal, doesn't it? I always thought water magic or strong potions would heal instantly."
"You only use those in life-or-death situations, Wade. I'm not sure about water magic, but instant-heal potions have big side effects and can lead to dependency. It's better to stick with the weaker ones."
"Ah, I see... Thanks, Toxy."
Toxy chuckled and replied mischievously, "You're welcome. I'm looking forward to what you'll do in return."
As I stood up, Ice gently pushed me back with a hand on my shoulder, putting me in a position for a lap pillow.
"Um, Ice? ...Ice-san?"
"..."
Without saying a word, Ice looked down at me with a somewhat dissatisfied expression.
"Are you telling me to rest?"
"If you take it easy, it might be reassuring, perhaps..."
Unusually, Ice's tone was soft. As I lay there with the lap pillow, Clay, sitting on a nearby chair, remarked, "It seems like Ice-san was worried this time too."
"However, Ice-san usually supports Wade-kun's decisions wholeheartedly. But this time, there was quite a bit of worry. Personally, I'm more worried, but as a matter of principle, I want Wade-kun to live as he pleases. So, in a situation like this, it's a bit..."
"Clay, you're noisy."
Ice throws the snowman made at hand towards Clay. Clay holds his nose and raises his hands, saying, "Got it, silence is golden."
I look up at Ice from her lap and say,
"...Sorry for making you worry."
"Uh, no...! Uh, Wade-kun, I want you to live as you like... But, I still don't like seeing you hurt..."
"My bad, I'll be careful. I don't know if I can fix my habit of jumping out recklessly."
"Don't say unnecessary things, Wade."
Toxy says this, and I surrender and silent like Clay.
Sandra, who was watching our exchange, mutters softly,
"...You guys have a good relationship. It makes me worry watching you."
"Huh?"
When we look at her, Sandra quickly averts her gaze.
"I said something unnecessary. I'm going home today. I'll come back tomorrow."
"O-Okay... See you tomorrow..."
Sandra suddenly became cold and left the house. The four of us could only watch her go.
Clay tilted his head.
"I wonder what's wrong with Sandra-san."
"I don't know. But she said she'll come back tomorrow, so she should be fine."
Maybe she still feels a bit out of place since she hasn't fully settled in yet. I was the one who decided to invite her to the party. I need to make sure to treat her kindly.
"Is it guilt for causing the injury?"
"No, it's not that."
"My denial isn't bothering Sandra, right? Is she okay?"
I shrugged my shoulders at Toxy's wry smile.
For now, let's stay quiet until things settle down. As I thought that, feeling comforted by Ice petting my head, someone opened the door.
"Hey, you guys are getting along well today too. It's Alex-sensei's return. Hic!"
"""..."""
With a red face, everyone stared coldly at Alex as he stumbled back, clearly drunk.
"Hmm? What's up, Wade? Did you get hurt? You look like a mess. Who was the enemy?"
"A Wyvern."
"A Wyvern? You got those injuries just from being hit by a Wyvern?"
"No, I rode the Wyvern and punched it with my gauntlet and magic. It pierced through the scales and gave me a painful experience. But when I pulled out my gauntlet, it was shattered, and my hand was full of scales and wounds."
"Huh... Wade, are those injuries from the one you fought?"
"I was defeated by the enemy's tough body."
"After hearing that story, I feel like I should do something about your habit of jumping into fights that I've been tolerating until now, Wade-kun"
I averted my gaze at Clay's cautious words.
Meanwhile, Alex chuckled and said,
"Haha! Even in a vast world, you're only the second person I've seen who has punched a dragon species. And you even pierced through the scales! You're such a fool, but in a funny way."
Blushing Alex patted my head, while Ice swatted his hand away.
"Wade-kun is injured... Don't handle him roughly."
"My bad. You're like a protective mother bear with her cub. So, where's the broken gauntlet?"
"Clay."
"Here it is, Alex-san."
"Sure thing, thanks Clay."
Alex took the bloodied gauntlet I had previously removed. Then, without permission, he said, "It's the same material as that one, right? Give me that too," and he took it off.
"Ugh... this is the cheapest and lowest quality one for beginners, isn't it? Well, I'll cover this with the leftover study fee."
Alex then took out a brand new gauntlet from a nearby bag and tossed it to me. Just by touching it, I could tell it was much harder and sturdier than the previous one.
As I was about to thank him, Alex continued.
"Hey, since we're at it, why don't I go ahead and teach you about rune magic too?"
...What?
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