Everyone fell silent seeing Shoun's pitiful current state. Without a word, Kaze opened the base, and with Deuz and Robin's help, the young man was carried to the infirmary.
—I won...— The youth kept mumbling this even as his teammates dragged him along.
—Liam, full analysis— demanded the beret-wearing boy while settling Shoun on the stretcher.
—...analysis complete. Results show abdominal fractures, broken bones, ligament tears, perforation in one or more organs— A screen lit up displaying a projection of Shoun's body with the most injured parts highlighted— Suggested treatment: First apply bandages to prevent secondary administrator from bleeding out.
The scientist and Deuz worked to keep Shoun alive with their limited medical knowledge, while Kaze assisted as best he could and Sein recharged his core to heal him with his ability.
When the youngest finally gathered enough energy, the young man had already lost consciousness, making the healing process quick and easy.
—Ugh...— The youngest slumped back down, exhausted from energy spent both in battle and healing Shoun—Everything happened so fast...
—Yeah...those vestiges seemed desperate to kill us...well, not sure about Shoun's part, but if they separated him from the group, there must've been a reason— The scientist remarked as they sat beside Sein.
—Hmm...the Vestige we killed was called "Thorn Defender", maybe that references something. Let's check the Codex— At Deuz's suggestion, everyone opened their Codex to the brute's entry:
[Thorn Defender: Brute, one of two defensive lines guarding a hidden history.]
—Seems you were right. This journey might not have been in vain, and with the material Shoun obtained, this could be an extreme gain— declared the scientist. Shoun remained unconscious, yet still clutched the material dropped by the Fang Defender.
—Plus, we can't be far now! Just need to wait for Shoun to wake and we can go!— the youngest shouted excitedly. They began waiting, but minutes passed with no change—...Is this gonna be like last time when he was out for hours?
—Well...he took more physical damage than last time. At least his core's fine, so who knows— Deuz replied while leaning against a wall.
—...What if we wake him up?
—That'd be really stupid...even coming from you, Sein— Even Robin, who usually endorsed most of his antics, wasn't approving of waking the young man.
—Fine, at least let me heal him more thoroughly to see if that wakes him faster— Earlier Sein lacked energy, but now with his nearly full core, he approached to heal each injury individually. When his hand neared Shoun's skull, the young man suddenly grabbed it violently, jolting awake with aggressive eyes—Shoun!?
Everyone froze momentarily until Shoun relaxed again and released Sein.
—Haaah, forgive me Sein. Had a rough dream— During his unconsciousness, he'd been dreaming about his fight with the Fang Defender—more specifically, the pain it had caused him. The adrenaline during combat had let him ignore it then, but now even with his body healed, he still felt the weight of the tiger's blows and an entire building crushing him—(I don't even know how I survived that entire fight).
He was about to reflect further when his senses detected something approaching his shoulder again. Despite the pain, he flexed his body to dodge. It turned out to just be Deuz trying to grip his shoulder, but Shoun still said:
—Don't touch me— declared the young man. Ignoring their stares, he returned to his combat reflection—(I've only been awake briefly, but my energy detection seems sharper now. I could even sense objects approaching me...must be because during the fight I stopped relying on my eyes and focused on energy perception. Otherwise, I couldn't have kept up with that brute).
He wanted to keep analyzing, but something appeared before his eyes that shattered his poker face - none other than Iron Serpent, or rather, its remains, which the masked one held before him.
—We found it where you fought...sorry for your loss— Shoun took the fragments, clenching them in his fist, then finally addressed the group.
—You all fought a vestige too?
—Yeah, a brute like yours...You alright? Pretty sure I'm not the only one noticing you're different— Deuz asked, crossing his arms.
—...I'm fine. Just not in the mood after getting beaten half to death. I want to shower and get this uniform cleaned, so if you've got anything else to say, speak now or forever hold your peace.
—Our vestige's description mentioned guarding hidden history. We're probably close to discovering something. Can you check if yours has a similar entry?— At Robin's request, he shared the Fang Defender's description, which matched the Thorn Defender's—Hmm...seems we were right. How about continuing our expedition here tomorrow? You know...— The scientist suggested, noticing Shoun's lingering odd vibe. Everyone agreed, and the young man was first to leave the room.
After showering and sending his stained uniform to wash, he retreated to the room he claimed as his own. He placed the material dropped by the Fang Defender on his nightstand, while carefully arranging Iron Serpent's remains on the desk.
—(...You truly were special, Serpent. Even in death you remain with me... Again, forgive me for failing to protect you. From now on, rest - you've earned a good retirement)— With a pseudo-smile, he bid farewell to Iron Serpent, then sat on his bed to contemplate everything—(At least this time I only lost Iron Serpent. I was fond of it, but it can't compare to my friends... Maybe Robin on a bad day, but that's it. Even now with an S-rank ability, I'm still at the mercy of vestiges and those stronger than me)— Finally, Shoun lay back on his bed staring at the ceiling, lost in thought—(The path I've followed until now... Is it the right one? I'm stronger than ever, yet it never feels enough... Is the world I live in truly this cruel?).
Just as the young man's thoughts began drifting toward surrender, he heard a knock at his door. Opening it, he found Kaze standing there.
—Oh hey Kaze. What brings you here?
—Wanted to talk. Can I come in?
—Sure— The young man stepped aside, letting the masked one sit on his bed. Though Kaze's uniform wasn't particularly dirty, he still wore the base-issued clothing—something Shoun assumed meant he liked wearing it, which was odd since he normally refused anything but his standard uniform—What did you want to discuss?
—You didn't seem well when you woke up.
—...My body still hurts, and I had things to think about. Wasn't really in the mood for anything.
—...Is it about Iron Serpent's death?
—It's an artifact. It can't "die"...but yeah, losing it affected me somewhat. Makes me think it could've been one of you next... We might not be on the right path anymore.
—Does that mean you want to stop coming here?
—Not exactly... It's more that we're completely adrift, just the five of us. Sein's fifteen, Deuz is nineteen—we're too young to really know what we're doing. Together we've overcome every obstacle so far... But what if one day we can't? I even considered...maybe we'd be safer under government or guild supervision— As he admitted this last part, he covered his face with one hand, ashamed to voice such thoughts. Hate might be too weak a word for what he felt toward those institutions, yet he couldn't shake the idea.
—Hmm... I think those are valid doubts. We do what we can to advance carefully, but today proved that might not be enough... I don't know much in general, but from news reports, Codex Bearer mortality rates are higher than ever—mostly guild and government affiliates. So I don't think affiliation would make us safer directly.
—Well that's because they fight rifts. It's not the same as us hunting individual vestiges.
—I suppose. But you might be being too hard on yourself. You can't expect to become strong overnight, and doubting like this might backfire on your goals.
—...You're right. I think a good night's sleep will reset me by morning.
—Hope so. Anyway Shoun... I never properly thanked you for coming here with me.
—No need.
—It's just... Even if the first time was accidental, you helped me make friends. I enjoy being with everyone. I'm growing stronger too because you all inspire me in ways I never imagined... If you decide not to come anymore, that's fine. Don't feel obligated by my goals—you've already helped more than enough— These words came straight from the masked one's heart, and though delivered with zero vocal emotion, still reached the young man's core.
—Heh...don't worry Kaze. Even if I decided not to come back here—which I really don't think will happen—I'd still support you every step of the way. That's what friends do, right?— All doubts had vanished from his mind as he smiled at his companion.
—Thanks Shoun— The masked one stood to leave but paused at the door. Before the young man could ask, Kaze spoke again—...One last thing. Can you use it? I'm curious to see what it'll become— He asked while pointing at the material resting on the nightstand.
—Assuming I'll claim it? Maybe I'll sell it instead.
—Iron Serpent broke and you're weaponless. You'll have to claim either this or the one at the refinery. Since you earned this one yourself, it's the logical choice.
—...Fine, guess you're right— Shoun approached the artifact and grasped it, channeling electricity into the material. It immediately began glowing as the transformation commenced.