The pristine white shell of the machine slowly rose in response to the system’s notification sound. Its edges and details exuded an air of impeccable craftsmanship. As the chamber door opened, the anesthetized Valk was gently placed inside. The door then gradually closed, expelling excess gases as it sealed shut.
Once the chamber was secured, the cutting-edge medical device began a comprehensive scan of Valk’s physical condition, analyzing everything from bone structure and vascular distribution to molecular-level details of various systems. It even assessed the flow and state of magical energy within his body.
Four senior doctors, clad in white coats, gathered in the medical room. Among them were renowned experts from the Verdant Veil region and a specialist flown in from the Central Star Region.
After reviewing the data and reports, they began to analyze and discuss potential treatment plans.
“Overall, while the injuries are severe, 99% of the tissues and structures can be restored. However, the most critical issue lies in the neural connections. A minuscule portion cannot be fully restored to its original state post-repair,” explained Partridge as he pointed to the data displayed on the screen.
“It’s like a robust water pipeline being cut and replaced with a narrower section. The flow through the system is restricted, and the thinner portion endures greater pressure, making it more prone to damage during intense magical bursts or combat.”
“This isn’t something mainstream medical techniques can resolve,” noted the doctor from the Central Star Region after thorough analysis, shaking his head.
“If perfect restoration is the goal, it might require alternative approaches.”
“What do you suggest?” the others inquired curiously.
“In the Central Star Region, cases like this are not unheard of. Athletes, military prodigies, and even elites in higher society often face similar complications. Perfect solutions generally fall into three categories.”
“First, seek help from major specialized medical corporations like Aquarius Star, Shelu Life, Falling Bell Cradle, or Bright Moon Lake Palace. These institutions have unique technologies and talent pools, often capable of resolving highly complex issues. Their expertise has deep roots, predating the establishment of the Federation.”
“Second, consult independent specialists. Figures such as Tevinelan the Silken Moth, Gorsmyth of Vital Substitution, Aiwass the Bloodworm, and Ji Yan of Eternal Daylight are notable for their unconventional but highly effective methods.”
“Lastly, there are the exceedingly mysterious organizations. While I don’t know much about them, one known entity is the group that carries on the legacy of Golden Flame Rose Isanisha. They are reputed to have a variety of techniques.”
“That third option is off the table,” Partridge interjected, adjusting his glasses. “Such mysterious organizations are neither easy to locate nor safe to engage with. The academy would never risk contact over this matter.”
“As for the independent specialists, their methods are indeed unique, but it’s akin to gambling. If their approach happens to work, it’s a success. If not, you’ll have wasted a fortune and possibly been used as an experimental subject.”
“The most suitable option is the specialized medical corporations. Unfortunately, the only one with a branch in the Verdant Veil region is Shelu Life, and they have an alliance with St. Ingo Academy. Sending Valk there would likely mean we wouldn’t get him back,” Partridge said with a wry smile.
“They wouldn’t harm Valk, but the condition would likely involve his transfer to their academy. Given the increasingly intense competition between our institutions, the board wouldn’t want to lose face by negotiating with St. Ingo.”
“For now, let’s proceed with preliminary treatments while I report this to the higher-ups,” Partridge concluded.
“Understood.”
Though the medical team members were of comparable status and expertise, Edess Academy was hosting and funding the treatment, granting Partridge the final say.
…
Time passed, and another weekend arrived. At Edess Academy, students gathered in the picturesque campus, luxury hover cars parked in neat rows, and groups of students strolled casually.
“Hey, did you hear? Ruby just starred in a major film production. Her fame is skyrocketing!”
“Ruby of the second-year class? She’s practically a celebrity now.”
“She was a child star, and now she’s landing critical roles in major productions.”
At Edess Academy, apart from students with prestigious family backgrounds, the rest were either geniuses or individuals with notable achievements in specialized fields. These talents were not mere hobbies but skills that had made a significant impact in their respective industries.
A luxurious hovercar pulled up, and two bodyguards in tactical sunglasses stepped out first. Then, a pair of amethyst high heels touched the polished pavement, clicking softly.
A glance upward revealed a 17-year-old girl with streaks of purple-red in her hair. She wore a sparkling silver dress and, upon exiting the car, removed her sunglasses, tossing her hair to reveal a long, graceful neck. Her cheeks bore tiny silver heart-shaped decorations, adding a playful charm to her strikingly unique appearance.
“Look, it’s Ruby! I didn’t expect her to be back on campus today. Wasn’t she filming in the Prismatic Star Region?”
“Maybe it’s a break in filming, or it’s already done.”
“Her outfit is dazzling. She’s a professional star, after all.”
“Should we ask for an autograph? Feels a bit awkward, though.”
“Go ahead! It’ll be fine.”
A small crowd gathered, some edging closer to greet their celebrity classmate. But as they approached, the bodyguards and her manager intercepted them.
“Hello, everyone! I’m back~☆” Ruby playfully tapped her cheek with her finger, then waved her hand in a dramatic flourish, sending a trail of sparkling stars toward the crowd.
“I heard some of you wanted autographs, but I don’t have time right now. If I stop, I might not even get to have dinner!” she said with an apologetic pout that melted hearts.
“But don’t worry! I’ve prepared some pre-signed cards in my car. My bodyguards will distribute them shortly. Please don’t fight over them~”
“Now, Ruby’s off to eat. Let’s catch up another time~”
Effortlessly captivating her audience, the young starlet departed, escorted by her bodyguards. She walked with a lively, confident stride, waving and flashing her flawless smile as she passed through the crowd.
Once inside a private elevator and away from the noise, the surroundings fell silent.
Her manager, a professional-looking woman in her thirties dressed in a black business suit, exhaled a sigh of relief and loosened her collar slightly.
“Ruby, you’re incredible. Always keeping up that energy and smile—I could never do it. I suppose this is what they call talent. No wonder I was never cut out to be a star.”
On the other side, the girl looked at her reflection in the elevator glass, her expression relaxed.
“I don’t feel any pressure. Seeing so many people liking me makes me really happy. If no one paid attention to me, that would truly feel lonely.”
“Compared to the fervent scenes in the Prismatic Star Region, the students here in the academy are actually very polite and friendly.” As she spoke, she leaned slightly toward her reflection in the glass, tidying her hair to ensure it was flawless from every angle.
“Perfect~☆” After finishing her adjustments, she made a gesture once more. However, this time, only her manager was watching her in the elevator, while the bodyguards remained vigilant and expressionless, like statues.
Ruby had long grown accustomed to such situations. To her, the bodyguards were nothing more than stones or lifeless objects.
The elevator ascended rapidly and soon reached the second-to-last floor. There were no dining halls or cafeterias here, only a few activity rooms belonging to academy clubs.
Unlike other clubs, this floor was notably quieter and more spacious.
“Let me see~ Dolores said it should be here.” Ruby browsed her newly purchased personal terminal and found Dolores’ earlier message.
The two of them had known each other before. Dolores’ family’s “Fragrant Incense Workshop” occasionally hired celebrities for promotions and advertisements, and Ruby had participated a few times. Given their similar ages, they quickly became acquainted.
“Here it is.” Ruby stopped in front of a clubroom door with a few bodyguards in tow.
“Twilight Ensemble—sounds a bit mysterious and interesting.” She blinked and then knocked on the door.
The door opened quickly, and faint sounds of noise emerged from inside. About seven or eight people were gathered around a large table, on which various cards were scattered.
“I summon three ‘Skeleton Warriors’ at 1/1 and then use ‘Moonlit Funeral Rite.’ When the number of deceased units on both sides exceeds twenty, it activates, granting my necro minions +2/+2,” a young man in a checkered shirt said, his face filled with glee as he swiftly executed his moves.
“Then, I summon ‘Heart-Piercer Witch Tiransha,’ which grants all necro minions +2/0, ‘Bane,’ and ‘Haste.’ This turns my three ‘Skeleton Warriors’ into 5/3 units with two effects.”
“Now, one of the Skeleton warriors attacks the 4/7 ‘Golden Tree Guardian’ with Guard, ignoring its damage reduction and using the ‘Bane’ effect to eliminate it. The remaining two warriors attack the main combatant.”
“-5, -5. One combatant’s health drops to zero, ending the battle.” The results were displayed on a fan-shaped screen, which calculated everything via AI, officially announcing the match’s conclusion.
“Jinzerk won again. Could he really be a card game prodigy?” The onlookers murmured among themselves. However, they turned their attention to the door upon noticing someone entering.
“Is this… a card game? I’m quite interested! I thought joining the club might be boring~” Ruby strolled in lightly. The others, still in a daze, tried to place her familiar face, but couldn’t immediately figure out who she was.
“It’s Ruby!” Dolores approached from the other side of the activity room, waving to the purple-and-red-highlighted-haired girl.
“Hi, Dolores! I’m back.” Ruby dashed over, intending to give her a big hug. However, the young lady gracefully sidestepped and grabbed Ruby’s hands instead.
“Come in and take a seat. Are those your bodyguards?” Dolores glanced past Ruby at the black-suited men outside the door.
“Yes, let me tell my manager to have them wait outside.” Ruby nodded.
After giving instructions, Ruby returned to the activity room, waved to the others gathered there, and followed Dolores into an adjacent room. Inside was a desk, an empty circular space, and a sofa near the window.
However, someone was already asleep on the sofa—a black-haired girl in a navy-blue dress, hugging a gray plush pillow. She was curled up, her black-stockinged legs tucked beneath her, with a pair of shoes featuring simple bow designs placed neatly on the floor.
“Shh, lower your voice. Thilan is still napping,” Dolores whispered, guiding Ruby to sit farther away. She poured her a cup of tea.
“Why are you back so soon? I just got your message and thought you were joking.” Dolores sat across from Ruby.
“There was an incident. The production company got sued, alleging that a character in the drama defamed a small community.” Ruby shrugged helplessly and absentmindedly stirred her tea with a spoon. It wasn’t to improve the flavor but simply because she couldn’t sit still.
“Things like this…” Dolores shook her head slightly, aware of more behind-the-scenes details than most.
Many so-called “organizations protecting minorities” didn’t genuinely care about those groups but rather used such causes to extort donations from major corporations for profit.
What might have started with good intentions often became sullied and even more distasteful after such interference. These organizations, perched on moral high ground, made it nearly impossible to publicly oppose them.
“What about other companies? I’ve seen some recent dramas with bold storylines that didn’t seem constrained at all.”
“That depends on the star region. For example, our Four-Leaf Crystal Star Region, being an industrial zone, is traditionally conservative and uninterested in such topics. But in the Prismatic Star Region, the situation is more complex. It has lingering historical issues, so the local federation government must tread carefully to appease the majority.”
“Politics is always so convoluted and dull. I don’t want to get involved,” Ruby sighed.
“If only I had the talent of a Songstress. A single call to my fans, and I’d be untouchable—alive as an icon, untouchable by petty groups or individuals.”
“These people are bullies. Look at the Songstress celebrities. They occasionally act in dramas, but no one dares to criticize them because their fervent fans would literally fight for them. Just imagine the fear.”
“The talent of a Songstress, huh…” Dolores shook her head but couldn’t help glancing toward the black-haired girl asleep on the sofa.
Perhaps she was overthinking, but if Thilan had such talent, the academy would have already taken her in for focused training.