Two months had passed since that fateful day in the forest, when monsters threatened the lives of two young disciples and forever altered their destinies in Eldraus. During that time, Jered had been bedridden, his body battered and still healing from fractures and deep wounds. Though his usually steely gaze had softened, his determination had not wavered.
Even though Dean Vasra was cold and strict as ever,he had gathered rare medicinal resources and healing potions to speed Jered's recovery. In Vasra's own way, he cared, even if his methods were as uncompromising as they were effective.
While Jered lay confined to his bed, Tashi devoted countless hours to theory sessions right in the infirmary. Day after day, the two boys sat on chairs or cushions by Jered's bedside as the old master lectured on the finer points of Eldraus's healing principles, the flow of mana, and the real essence of support-class power. Kaelen's inquisitive eyes missed nothing; he scribbled notes, asked questions with a hunger for understanding, and soaked up every detail of Tashi's teachings.
Even Jered grudgingly admitted that Tashi's endless explanations were essential. Yet now, after weeks of theoretical learning, the time had finally come to leave the safety of that chamber.
As the soft morning light filtered through the tall, arched windows of the academy's east wing, a new day dawned for these reluctant kids. No longer would their lessons be confined to pages and lectures; today, they would step into the training ground for real experience, where practice would forge power.
Kaelen, dressed in his training gear and his heart alight with anticipation, stood at the edge of a secluded courtyard. Though his face still bore traces of weariness from recent hardships, an inner spark now shone with renewed determination. Beside him, Jered, having regained enough strength to continue daily works adjusted his bandaged arm with a wry smile.
Despite the lingering uncomfort as his limbs were reattached and not fully healed, his tone was edged with excitement.
"Finally. Real training," Jered murmured, attempting to infuse his voice with bravado as he stretched his legs. "After two months of lectures and theory, I'm ready to see what it really means to wield healing power."
Kaelen grinned, though he couldn't hide a trace of nervousness. "You were just resting, little bro. Now it's time for me to learn from Tashi in full."
"Hey I was listening too"
"Yeah half asleep"
" And I'm older than you"
Before they could continue their banter, a measured clap echoed in the quiet morning. From the center of the courtyard, Tashi emerged older and composed, radiating with every bit of a teacher's aura he'd always been. His robe flowed smoothly in the gentle breeze, and his eyes held the steady gleam of one who'd witnessed decades of Eldraus's trials.
They were training in Tashi's courtyard.
"You're both here," Tashi stated, his tone even yet firm. "And it appears that you've embraced both the lessons of theory and the trials of recovery."
He stepped forward and spread his hand over a perfectly drawn circle of flattened grass.
"This will be your training ground from today onwards, a protected space in which the secrets of healing and support may be learned from experience. And today, we will begin the true path of the healer class."
Jered grumbled, "Can we skip another lecture? I want to feel real pain from a real challenge!"
Tashi's lips quirked in a knowing smile. "Ah, spoken like a warrior. But heed this; power is not born of brute force alone. It is crafted through understanding, through channeling one's very essence into every act. Today, you shall learn to harness that essence without relying solely on memorized incantations."
He then surveyed the two young disciples. "Kaelen, I want you to begin by performing healing on a willing subject. But not with your usual spell recitations today, you must do so by pure intent."
Kaelen hesitated for only a moment before nodding. "Alright. What do you want me to do?"
Tashi pointed to Jered.
"Begin with him. But first do not recite any incantation no skills are allowed. Instead, concentrate on the pain, the desire to mend that which is broken. Let your will flow freely."
Jered's eyes widened in surprise as Tashi, with a swift, mischievous glint, playfully tapped him on the stomach. The sudden impact wasn't severe, but it was enough to provoke a wince and a startled exclamation.
"Now you feel pain," Tashi said calmly. "And that pain is real, as are the injuries one may suffer in battle. Kaelen, reach within and let your healing touch become an expression of your care."
Kaelen knelt by Jered. He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and reached deep into himself, beyond the simple formulas and systems he'd been taught. Slowly, he allowed the memory of that terrible day, the fear and the loss of control to blend with his current desire to protect his friend. Without any spoken words, he extended his hand and concentrated.
A soft, golden glow began to shimmer at Kaelen's fingertips. It was subtle at first, like the first rays of dawn, but steadily intensified. The light expanded, warm and steady, as if it carried the very essence of hope and determination. As it touched Jered's skin, a visible change occurred, the bruise that had marred his side began to fade, the tension in his muscles eased, and his breathing steadied.
Jered's eyes fluttered open. "I.. I feel lighter," he whispered, a tone of disbelief and relief mingling in his voice.
Tashi nodded approvingly. "That, Kaelen, is true healing. It is not an empty incantation but an act of will, a merging of your soul with your power. That is what makes you a true healer in Eldraus."
Kaelen's heart pounded as he slowly retracted his hand, still flushed with the intensity of his focus. "It felt… warm. More than just magic. It felt like part of me was alive."
"Well spoken," Tashi said. He then turned his attention to Jered. "And you, though you claim you wish to be a warrior, you have learned something profound today. Remember that strength, even in recovery, is built on every lesson. Do not consider support a lesser path, for it is often the unseen power that holds the battle in your favor."
Jered attempted a grin despite the lingering soreness. "Maybe. But I'm still waiting for the day when my first can truly hit someone and they know what real strength is."
Tashi chuckled softly, "Patience, young one. Today is for control, tomorrow, perhaps, will be for combat."