Just as Riya was about to fall from the tree, Link immediately caught her hand and held it tightly.
"I've got you, don't worry," he said.
It took immense effort, but he finally pulled her back up. After a few tense minutes, Riya was once again standing on the branch, fear still lingering. She looked at Link with a mixture of relief and guilt for ignoring his warning.
"T-thanks…" she whispered.
"Be careful next time," he advised gently.
Suddenly, Link got up and scanned his surroundings. He realized he was in the care of healers, lying on a bed. Just as he was about to rise, the door opened, and a nurse rushed in.
"You're awake already?!" she exclaimed, then immediately ran out. Link frowned in confusion, annoyed by the reaction, but he decided to wait for someone to explain.
It seems my body is still weak from using Mana Overload, he thought.
He tried to recall the battle, but his head throbbed from the effort. The pain was temporary and would fade in a day or two. If anyone else had attempted Mana Overload, they would have been dead or in a coma. Talent truly made a difference in this world, even if it couldn't be measured precisely.
I don't know what happened to Riya. She disappeared just before that guy Rio appeared. I need to investigate…
As Link pondered his next steps, the door suddenly burst open. A beautiful girl with tears in her eyes rushed to his side.
"You're finally awake, Link! I-I was so worried!" Riya cried.
"Yeah… I'm awake. Are you alright?" he asked.
"Even now, you're worrying about me?" she sniffled. "I-I'm okay…"
"That's a relief," he said with a sigh.
"What about you? Are you uncomfortable anywhere? Are you hungry? I can make food for you! They said your arm hurts,is it okay? Why aren't you lying down? The healer said you have to rest properly!"
Link felt his head spin from the barrage of questions, but he smiled bitterly and answered each one. He had long realized that Riya couldn't help talking nonstop. Her concern was genuine, and that was all that mattered.
At least she's safe, he thought.
As they spoke, several healers arrived to examine him. They were amazed at how quickly his body, fatally wounded just one day ago, had already recovered halfway and showed signs of continued regeneration. They concluded he could be discharged in three days at most and advised him to rest before attending to other patients.
After speaking with Riya, Link learned they were in the academy's healer's office and only one day had passed since he fainted. Staff were still repairing the damaged areas. Some teachers were investigating the cause of the incident, while others managed media and other issues. Even the academy principal, Raji Croft, had announced a full investigation.
Coincidentally, Raji had not been at the academy during the incident. Otherwise, she could have rushed there instantly using her SS-ranked power to open portals,allowing her to travel through space to any location she had visited before.
This ability, though limited to previously visited locations, was incredibly powerful. Imagine an enemy targeting you, and in the next moment, you're behind them thanks to a portal.
Link asked Riya about her escape. She admitted she didn't know. She had fainted while he concentrated the surrounding mana to strike the enemy. When she awoke, she was already in the healer's office, unharmed.
As Link and Riya chatted, an unexpected visitor entered. The room immediately felt colder. The woman appeared to be in her late twenties, with white hair, icy blue eyes, and an aura of overwhelming power. Her expression was cold, her demeanor perfect for a frost mage of legendary renown.
"You are indeed worthy of being an SS-ranked person's son," she said. "You killed so many B-rankers and even an A-ranker, yet recovered so quickly. I am certain now that engaging you with Riya was the right choice."
Her voice was icy and devoid of emotion, leaving Link to silently nod in response.
Every time I see her, she's the same,completely emotionless, he thought.
Riya, however, remained unbothered. "Oh! Sister, you're here! I was really scared!" Without hesitation, she jumped into the woman's arms. Surprisingly, the frost mage only shook her head helplessly, as if this was a common occurrence.
"Link and Riya, you will be under the academy's care for a few days. I will send someone to assist you if needed," the woman said.
"Okay!" Riya replied cheerfully.
"Okay," Link answered quietly.
Once she left, Link exhaled in relief.
Riya is so casual around her… it's hard to believe she can talk to the greatest Frost Mage in the human race without tensing up, he thought.
After Riya left his side, Link finally had the time to check his status. During the battle, notifications had flooded the screen, but he had ignored them. Now, he could examine his true capabilities.
Status
Name: Link Rex
Class: Martial Artist
Rank: C+ (Max Potential: SSS+)
HP: 2500/8000
MP: 200/1200 (recovering)
STR: 50/100
SPE: 50/100
AGI: 50/100
DEF: 50/100
INT: 50/100
Talent: Martial Aptitude (SSS), Enhanced Vitality (SS)
Techniques: Basic Martial Arts (C+), Dragon Arts (C+)
Ultimate Skill: Extreme Comprehension (B+)
Skills: Body Enhancement (C+), Draconian Movement Arts (C+), Dragon's Aura (C)
Passive Skills: Fast Recovery (SS)
Evaluation: Exceptional talent that will attract repeated challenges and misfortune.
Looking at his status, Link smiled. He had always known he was a prodigy. With enough time, he could surpass even his father. His talents made it plausible to become the first SSS-ranked individual, dominating the world and commanding all races,even dragons.
What he didn't realize was that this was only a dream. With prodigies like Fade and anomalies like Rio, he would not be the only one striving for SSS rank.
One thing remained true: in this world, effort and strength were necessary for achievement. Even those with low talent could rise with persistent training, though progress would be slower than prodigies like Link.