After escaping the labyrinth, the first place I headed was the hospital.
I went without hesitation to the largest hospital in Valt and entered. I took Dia, whose body was in a crippled state from massive blood loss, overuse of magic in a near-death condition, and forceful body repair, to be examined.
The doctor informed me that hospitalization would be necessary.
While I agreed, the exorbitant medical expenses quoted sent me into a panic.
I managed to pay the down payment, but the amount ultimately needed was far beyond what I had in my possession.
I immediately began selling off the items in my inventory to procure the money.
—To put it simply, the money problem was quickly resolved.
It turned out that the magic stone Teeda dropped was an exceptionally valuable item.
Its purity was higher than any currently known top-grade magic stone, and unprecedented. During the exchange for money, negotiations involved even high-ranking officials from the country, and after a lot of hassle, Teeda’s magic stone was successfully converted into a large sum of money. I immediately returned to the hospital and made the payment.
With that, Dia wouldn’t be forced out, and I felt a sense of relief.
After the payment, I was guided to the hospital room by the receptionist.
As it was the largest hospital in the country, the prepared room was high-class.
Despite being a wooden structure, it was meticulously cleaned and I felt no dissatisfaction with its cleanliness.
Compared to the hygiene of my world, it was worlds apart, but by this world’s standards, it was quite remarkable.
Inside the room, simple nursing tools and unfamiliar magic equipment were installed.
In this world, magic-based treatment techniques are highly developed, so these were likely supporting devices.
Beige curtains swayed in the wind, and a bed was placed beneath them.
On that bed, Dia was sleeping soundly.
Thanks to the doctor’s treatment, his complexion was considerably better.
Beside Dia’s bed, an elderly doctor sat on a wooden chair.
The doctor noticed me and spoke.
“Ah, you must be Dia’s companion. Was the payment settled without issue?”
“I apologize for making you worry. I had no problem after exchanging my possessions for money.”
“That’s good to hear. Then, I would like to explain Dia’s condition in detail. Is that alright?”
“Please.”
The doctor brought over another wooden chair from the room and gestured for me to sit.
I sat down and listened quietly.
“Let’s start from the beginning. …Regarding the loss of his right arm, it’s likely impossible to restore it. Even with the best magic under optimal conditions, reattaching an arm is difficult. Too much time has passed since the amputation, and the wound is a mess due to the forced magical repair. Your right arm, which Christ was most concerned about, I am afraid you will have to give up on…”
“…I understand.”
I bit my lip.
I didn’t know the medical standards of this world, but I had pinned my hopes on it being a world with magic.
However, it seemed to be a fleeting dream. If it were that easily treatable, there wouldn’t be adventurers with missing arms and legs walking around town.
“Next, the slash wound on his torso extending from the shoulder to the waist. This will leave a significant scar. The recovery magic Dia himself performed is the cause. Magic constructed in a near-death state likely could not achieve delicate repairs.”
“…A scar? I don’t mind.”
“Oh? If you don’t mind, then that’s fine… Next. This is ‘Magic Power Refinement Deficiency’ due to blood loss. This can be treated with a special diet and, if necessary, with magic equipment. It should take about a week for a full recovery.”
Magic Power Refinement Deficiency due to blood loss?
Does that mean MP recovery will be slower?
From the information in the library, I knew blood and magic power were deeply related, but it seemed there was such a symptom. As my knowledge was insufficient, I had no choice but to do as the doctor said.
“Please proceed.”
“Understood. And finally, there is concern that the loss of his right arm will disrupt his mind and body balance. It will undoubtedly hinder his sword use and magic construction, so for an explorer like him, it will likely be quite a shock.”
“I imagine so…”
“I recommend you think carefully about what to do from here on. That’s all for the explanation. For now, we will consider it a one-week hospitalization. If you wish to pursue rehabilitation, separate procedures will be necessary, so please contact the reception.”
As the results I had somewhat expected were presented so vividly, my heart grew heavy.
“Ah, and Christ, are you alright? Although your wound is closed by recovery magic, you look quite pained.”
“…I’m fine. I’m just feeling down for a different reason.”
It was no lie.
My HP and MP had already started to regenerate naturally, and I felt no physical issues.
However, I couldn’t determine if this was simply because my body was built sturdily or due to some system-related effect.
“Please don’t overexert yourself. Well then.”
“Thank you very much.”
After completing the explanation, the doctor left the room.
I watched him go while remaining seated.
Suddenly, the room fell silent, with only the wind entering through the window making a sound.
“—Divine Magic 《Cure Fool》.”
A voice sounded from behind me, and a warm light filled the entire room.
“Ha. That old man can be so dramatic. My balance has indeed worsened, but it’s not a problem.”
“You’re awake…”
Dia, who had sat up on the bed, was using magic.
I pointed at the light and murmured.
“That—”
“I’m sorry, Christ. I’ve been hiding this magic… all along.”
Dia lowered his head.
I felt uncomfortable. I had known about it and tolerated it. But Dia probably thought he had hidden something that was life-or-death for his companion, out of selfishness. He didn’t seem inclined to look up.
“N-no! Dia, it’s fine! I was surprised, certainly, but that’s all. You must have had a reason for hiding it, right?”
“A reason… a reason? It’s a trivial reason…”
Saying that, Dia raised his head slightly and juggled the magic light.
“It saved my life. I have no complaints. From now on, just use it only when it’s truly important.”
“No, I’ll use it anytime. From now on, I will continue to use this. I’ve decided.”
Dia crushed the light he was juggling and declared forcefully.
Magic that he hadn’t used until now.
Magic he hadn’t used even when he was on the verge of death.
What reason could there be for deciding to use it now?
I had a slight inkling.
My gaze unintentionally shifted to Dia’s lost right arm.
Noticing this, Dia began to speak in a calm tone.
“…Christ, this isn’t the reason. We’re exploring a labyrinth, so I was prepared for something like this. So please, don’t look so sad about this arm. If Christ looks miserable because of me, I can’t bear it.”
“But your dominant hand…! You can’t even use a sword anymore…!”
Dia, on the contrary, was concerned about me, as if it were nothing.
However, I couldn’t be as detached as Dia. Dia himself interrupted my words.
“—I’m done with swords.”
“Huh?”
“Because I have Divine Magic. It might take some time to return to my usual strength… but as you can see, there’s no problem.”
Dia continued speaking, leaving me behind.
“Conversely, I think this is a good opportunity to focus on magic. It’s a perfect chance to re-examine my fighting style and way of thinking. That’s right… I think I’ll think about these things while I’m resting.”
“W-wait. Huh?”
It was a complete reversal.
A way of thinking opposite to his previous stance.
It was as if he had been enchanted… like the drastic change when I used the skill ‘???’.
He was so fixated on swords, yet he so easily gave them up. It was bizarre.
If he had calmly considered the practical implications, that’s one thing. But I didn’t believe Dia was the kind of person to think like that.
I found it strange that Dia seemed so at ease.
At that time, Dia’s eyes, staring at his severed arm, were filled with despair and emptiness. Yet, those emotions were completely absent now.
I didn’t think it was a lack of observation skills. While I wasn’t particularly good at reading people, Dia should have been an easy person to understand.
Indeed—Dia genuinely seemed to think swords were no longer necessary.
“…!”
Was his way of thinking changing because he was facing death?
Perhaps it was a common occurrence in books or stories.
However, witnessing it firsthand felt unsettling, like putting on the wrong button.
“Christ, what’s wrong?”
“…No, if Dia is fine with it, then it’s fine. For now, please rest well… The payment here is settled, so stay as many days as you need. —Ah, that’s right! Dia, you’re amazing! Selling Teeda’s magic stone brought in a lot of money!”
Here, I reported my achievements from this expedition.
Since one of Dia’s goals in the labyrinth was money, he should be happy about this great success.
“Oh? Is that so? But for now, Christ, please hold onto all of it. I’m bedridden, and I don’t need it right away. Conversely, if you need it, you can use my share.”
“…Eh? But didn’t you need money?”
“Sometime in the future. I don’t need it now.”
There was no firm resolve in Dia’s eyes.
I couldn’t feel the unwavering obsession he once had.
I pondered what emotional shift Dia might have undergone.
The most likely explanation was that by losing his arm, he had given up on something precious.
“…”
“I have no choice but to rest now… But please, wait for me, Christ. I’ll be back soon. Until then, it pains me that I cannot help you…”
He said it pained him, showing an expression that was so typically Dia.
This was the Dia I knew. He trusted me excessively and felt apologetic for not being able to help me.
“No, if Dia isn’t there, I’m thinking of taking a break from dungeon exploration too… I think it would be difficult for me alone.”
“…”
“That’s not true.”
Here, Dia’s unexpected denial cut me off.
There was firm resolve in his eyes.
However, I didn’t understand what kind of resolve it was right now.
“I believe Christ can proceed through the labyrinth alone. I knew you were scared on the day you first tried to enter the labyrinth. But Christ, you’re alright now. Absolutely alright.”
Dia said I was alright on my own.
His confident assertion left me bewildered.
“Alone…?”
“Christ can cut down monsters by himself and can handle almost everything on his own. It was always a question for me. Why, despite being so strong, are you making me your companion… It was always a question. But I couldn’t bring myself to ask. Because I needed Christ more than anyone…”
Why did Dia use me?
It was because… I had talent…
That was part of it.
But now, I could clearly see it wasn’t just that.
The biggest reason was that I didn’t want to enter the labyrinth alone.
“Dia, I’m a coward… I can’t feel at ease without someone to accompany me…”
“Christ, I guarantee it. Christ is strong. This is a good opportunity; I want you to reconsider it too. After that, decide if you truly need me. Otherwise, I… I…”
Dia had his own hesitations and struggles, and I could tell he was about to confide them.
Feeling his straightforward emotions, I decided to accept them sincerely.
“…Alright. I’ll try to proceed alone. I don’t know how far I’ll get, though.”
“Ah, thank goodness. I didn’t want you to be held back because of me. Christ, you have your own dreams too.”
When I promised, Dia smiled.
It was a candid smile, with no pretense.
Dia was genuinely thinking of me and happy for my progress.
And then, Dia continued.
“Here. Please use this. It’s no longer necessary for me.”
Saying that, Dia tossed his sword, which was propped against the wall, towards me.
I caught it in a hurry and checked its name using ‘Display’.
—’Aris Family’s Treasure Sword’.
A sword that must have held some significance for Dia.
“Thank you, but are you sure? You really don’t need the sword—”
I understood that this wasn’t simply about handing over a sword.
“It’s fine. If that sword protects Christ in my absence, I will be happy.”
There was no hesitation in his voice.
Rather, I could feel the strong resolve he once had.
“…Thank you. For now, I’ll hold onto it.”
Indeed, it was more meaningful for me to borrow it than for it to be held by a sleeping person. There was no reason to refuse.
I gazed at the sword intently.
It was a well-used item, showing its age. While prioritizing practicality, it was etched with silver ornamentation that didn’t detract from its design. It was a simple yet beautiful one-handed sword.
[Aris Family’s Treasure Sword]
Attack Power: 5
Adds 20% of Equipant’s Dexterity to Attack Power.
“—Christ, and Christ’s dreams, I will absolutely protect them. I absolutely will.”
“Eh—”
As I was captivated by the sword, I heard Dia’s quiet voice.
It seemed to be a self-affirmation rather than words directed at me.
More than the content of that small declaration of resolve, I was bothered by the fact that his first-person pronoun had changed.
“Well, I’m going to sleep for a bit… I need to heal quickly…”
However, Dia lay down as if nothing had happened.
Was that a mishearing?
I wanted to talk a bit more, but Dia said he needed to sleep to recover. If that was the case, I couldn’t continue the conversation any longer. If I were to talk, it would be better to do so on another day.
“Understood. Please rest well here, Dia. In the meantime, I’ll try to see how far I can go alone. I’ll come back to report in a few days.”
With that declaration to Dia, I left the hospital room.
And as I walked down the hospital corridor, I began to strategize for a solo challenge of the labyrinth.
I started to devise a true plan suited to my abilities, not a passive one based on repeated excuses.
We had to show each other that not everything would change with mere injuries.
I believed that was Dia’s wish, lying in his sickbed.
***
—The next morning.
I stood alone in front of the labyrinth.
My physical condition was fine.
I had thought there might be aftereffects from lowering my maximum HP, but that wasn’t the case. I was perfectly healthy. My HP and MP had both recovered to their maximums this morning. Despite everything, I hadn’t sustained any deep injuries.
My preparations were complete.
My objective was to ‘Return’ to my original world as soon as possible.
More importantly, I had made a promise with Dia.
I couldn’t avoid diving in.
This was the first time I had come alone since the first day.
The events of that day were still vivid in my memory.
However, I was confident that those events only happened because I was Level 1, and it wouldn’t lead to a life-threatening situation now.
Considering what lay ahead, I could no longer afford to say childish things like being scared of being alone.
Up until now, I had leveled up my game-like stats in a game-like manner.
But that wasn’t all that was needed.
‘Stats that don’t appear on the numerical display’.
I stepped forward to strengthen my resolve.
I stepped through the labyrinth entrance.
[Day Six Begins]
