After the fierce battle, Zeke and Seraphina gently brought the young boy back to his mother.
His name was John—only eight years old, trembling but alive. As the boy ran into his mother's arms, she dropped to her knees, tears of joy streaming down her cheeks.
"Thank you… Thank you so much," she said, her voice quivering with emotion. "I will be forever grateful."
Gratitude and deep respect were etched into every line of her face. In that moment, she felt like the luckiest person in the universe.
With the village still in disarray, Zeke and Seraphina didn't stop to rest. They immediately joined the locals, helping to clear debris and ensure everyone's safety. They checked every alley, every home, determined to restore peace.
The villagers, moved by their efforts, tried to offer gifts in thanks.
"There's no need," Zeke replied kindly to an elderly woman who approached with a bundle of dried herbs. "We're just doing our duty. That's what hunters are meant for—to protect life."
The woman before him was the oldest in the village. Her name was Grandma Lily, though most fondly called her Grand Lily. Her husband and son had once served in the Hunter Corps—until the abominations took them away.
Though the loss had scarred her deeply, she carried her grief with grace, stepping up to take her husband's place in the community. Known for her kindness, especially toward children, Grand Lily was loved and respected by all.
"Oh, thank you, my son," she said warmly, her eyes gleaming with heartfelt appreciation.
Zeke bowed his head. "Please, ma'am. Like I said, we're only doing our duty."
Seraphina stepped closer, drawn by the touching exchange. "That's right. We've got everything under control. It's our responsibility to protect the lives of the people," she said, her smile glowing with reassurance.
"My child," Grand Lily replied, her voice soft with emotion, "we will never forget what you've done for us."
Meanwhile, far from the village square, Alex lay unconscious in the healing ward. His body had finally given in—overwhelmed by the immense power he unleashed during the battle. His strength had far surpassed what his body could endure, and the toll had left him collapsed and unresponsive.
With the village now safe, Zeke and Seraphina made their way toward the ward to check on the young warrior—the true savior of the people—Alex Morgan himself.
Grand Lily insisted on joining them, her steps slow but determined, her heart full of gratitude.
As they walked through the recovering village, the sound of hammers echoed through the streets. Carpenters rebuilt shattered homes, erecting new shelters where old ones had fallen.
Villagers called out as Zeke and Seraphina passed, offering blessings, praise, and humble bows. Many repeated the same sentiment—
"If not for you… we wouldn't be alive today."
"Everyone hail the young hero!"
A man suddenly shouted, drawing everyone's attention toward the passing hunters—Zeke and Seraphina.
Cheers erupted from every corner of the village. People raised their hands, clapped, and called their names with joy and reverence. The expressions on the hunters' faces grew more composed, firm, and proud, though humility still flickered in their eyes.
---
Now, Zeke, Seraphina, and Grand Lily stood in front of a wooden house painted in soft blue—this was the village hospital.
Yes, the very place where Alex, the true hero, lay unconscious since the battle with the abomination.
They stepped inside carefully, escorted by the village's alchemist doctor—a seasoned man named Ballo Craig. In his middle age, Doctor Ballo was well-respected, known for his mastery in refining healing pills and performing mystical treatments.
Inside the room, Alex lay still on the bed, his body wrapped in layers of clean bandages. He didn't move, didn't speak—only the rise and fall of his chest proved he was alive.
They paused by the bedside, eyes fixed on him, their hearts heavy with concern.
Zeke finally broke the silence. "Will he recover? Most importantly… will he wake up?"
There was no reply.
"Doctor?" Zeke asked again, his voice sharp with worry.
All eyes turned to Doctor Ballo, who remained quiet for a moment too long.
"Say something, Doctor," Seraphina demanded, her brows furrowed, a hint of anger in her tone.
The doctor shrugged lightly, giving a soft chuckle. "No problem. No problem at all. He's in stable condition. Truly, he is."
A faint smile played on his lips, but it couldn't fully ease their worries.
Everyone let out a breath of relief—until he added,
"But… I can't say when he'll wake up. That's the only concern troubling me."
"What?"
Zeke and Seraphina both tensed, their gazes sharpening like blades. It was clear now the doctor had delayed the real truth.
"Rest assured," the doctor said quickly, standing tall. "He will recover. Give him time. I'll be taking my leave now."
With that, he turned and exited the room, leaving the three behind.
They quietly took their seats around Alex's bed, sitting in solemn silence. Time passed, and night began to fall. Eventually, Grand Lily rose, deciding to return to her home across the village.
Zeke and Seraphina, however, remained behind.
"I think I'll take a walk… clear my mind a little," Seraphina said softly.
"I'll join you," Zeke replied.
Together, they strolled through the quiet village, the air filled with a stillness only night could bring. The moon hung in the sky, a perfect half-circle glowing like a beacon of quiet strength. The silence wrapped around them like an invisible veil, heavy and unmoving—like fate itself was holding its breath.
"I hope he wakes up soon," Seraphina said, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Yes… I hope so too," Zeke responded, his tone low with concern.
After checking every corner of the village to ensure no lingering threats remained, they made their way back to the hospital.
Though Grand Lily had kindly invited them to rest at her home, they declined.
They chose instead to stay with their comrade—because in times like these, nothing was more important than being by the side of the one who risked everything to protect them all.
---