Magical Kingdom of Hifung.

The next morning, early.

Hifung woke up, sat up, and looked around.

Elric was staring out the hospital window.

Vlyn was nowhere to be seen.

Hifung: Sir, where is Mrs. Vlyn?

Elric turned around and looked at Hifung.

Elric: You're awake? Vlyn went to your house to explain your condition to your parents.

Hifung: Oh...

Elric walked over to Hifung.

Elric: Hifung.

Hifung: Yes?

Elric: I have good news and bad news for you. Which one do you want to hear first?

Hifung: Eh? (Confused)

Hifung (In his thoughts): "Good news or bad news? Maybe the good news is that I'm close to recovering. Let's go with the good news first."

Hifung: The good news first, sir.

Elric: Alright.

Elric: The good news is that you'll be able to leave the hospital tomorrow.

Hifung: Oh... What's the bad news?

Elric had trouble speaking.

But he braced himself.

Elric: Your left hand has a minor paralysis. It will recover, but it'll take some time.

Hifung: Eh? (Disbelief)

Hifung tried to stay strong.

Hifung: My left hand... how long will it take to heal?

Elric: According to the doctor, with an injury that deep, if you take care of your hand, it will recover in three years.

Hifung couldn't believe it—he was in shock.

Hifung: T-three years?

Hifung: What kind of care?

Elric: Your left hand must not cast magic, must not be hit by magic, must not move too much, and must not be bumped.

Hifung: What? (Shocked, in disbelief)

Elric: I know... it's hard to accept. But you have to stay strong.

Hifung calmed down a little and looked at Elric.

Elric: You must stay strong.

Hifung lowered his head.

Hifung: May I have some time alone?

Elric looked at Hifung, saddened, and left the room.

Hifung reflected in silence.

Cut to King of Milty.

He was in a meeting with the defense general.

King of Milty: Absolutely not!

King of Milty: We can't let them do whatever they want.

King of Milty: The students from Refolt Academy were attacked in the Hakao Kingdom. One ended up with a seriously injured hand. General Feds was also hurt.

King of Milty: They declared war on us. We cannot just stand by and accept this.

Defense General: But the King of Hakao continues to deny the attack.

Defense General: They claim they didn't break the treaty.

Defense General: They were cunning. They launched the attack outside of Hakao's sovereign territory.

Defense General: So they cannot be held accountable. In times of war, wandering through unclaimed zones is very risky.

King of Milty: But they attacked our students at the tournament site, which was inside Hakao's territory!

King of Milty: The treaty clearly states that representatives of Milty Kingdom must be protected!

Defense General: But there is no evidence of the attack inside Hakao's territory.

Defense General: The testimonies of the students aren't valid, so they can't be held responsible.

King of Milty looked angry and confused about what to do.

King of Milty: Strengthen our defenses. We didn't have issues with any kingdom before this. But now we're in conflict with Hakao.

Defense General: Understood.

Cut back to Hifung.

Vlyn and Elric entered Hifung's room.

Vlyn walked up to Hifung.

Vlyn: Dear, are you alright?

Hifung nodded.

Vlyn: I've told your parents about your condition. Since Hakao Kingdom has declared war, they've been assigned to guard the border.

Vlyn: So your parents won't return home for at least a week.

Hifung: I'd like to be alone today.

Vlyn: But—

Hifung: Don't worry, ma'am. I just need time to reflect.

Vlyn: Alright then.

Vlyn and Elric left.

Hifung looked out the window.

Cut to Ray.

Ray was seen training at Refolt Academy.

Vlyn and Elric arrived at Refolt Academy.

Ray saw them and walked over.

Ray: How's Hifung, ma'am?

Ray: I was just about to visit him.

Vlyn: Hifung asked to be alone for today.

Vlyn: His left hand has minor paralysis. Though it can heal, it'll take about three years with proper care.

Ray: What? (Shocked)

Cut back to Hifung.

Micyl suddenly entered Hifung's room.

Hifung looked at her.

Micyl: I made you some food again today.

Hifung: Thank you.

Micyl walked over to Hifung.

Micyl: How's your injury? Did the doctor give you any news?

Hifung: Yes.

Micyl: So...?

Hifung: The doctor said my left hand has minor paralysis. It'll take about three years to heal.

Micyl, who was pulling out a lunchbox from her bag, was shocked and dropped the spoon from her bag.

Micyl: Ah!

Hifung: Are you okay? (Worried)

Micyl: I'm fine.

She picked up the spoon and wiped it clean with a cloth.

Then she opened the lunchbox.

Inside were rice, eggs, and vegetables.

She took a spoonful and fed Hifung.

Hifung sat up and ate, enjoying the meal.

Micyl placed the spoon back in the box and set it on the table next to Hifung's bed.

Micyl: Hifung.

Hifung: Hm?

Micyl: I'm sorry... because of me, your left hand ended up paralyzed.

Micyl lowered her head and began to cry a little.

Hifung: Hey, don't cry. (Panicked)

Hifung: I'm just glad you're safe.

Hifung: How old are you?

Micyl: Me? I'm 16.

(Speaking through tears)

Hifung: I'm 17. You know, even if you were just one second younger than me, that would be enough reason for me to protect you.

Micyl was moved and cried again onto Hifung's stomach.

Hifung: Hey, don't cry again.

Hifung held Micyl's hand to comfort her.

Micyl then hugged Hifung while still crying.

Hifung's face turned red, but he understood she was in shock.

He hugged her back and tried to calm her down.

A little while later, Micyl was seen feeding Hifung until all the food was gone.

Micyl closed the lunchbox and packed up.

Hifung: Are you alright?

Micyl: Yes.

Micyl put everything back in her bag and zipped it shut.

Micyl: Once again, thank you for saving me. And I'm sorry that your left hand ended up like this because of me.

Micyl: If you hadn't saved me that day, I might not be alive right now.

Hifung: I wouldn't mind losing a hand if it meant saving someone's life.

Hifung: You also need to be strong. Don't keep blaming yourself.

Micyl smiled.

Micyl: Thank you.

Micyl: I'll go now. I'll come

back again tonight.

Micyl opened the door.

Hifung: Before you go, thank you again for bringing me food. It was really delicious.

Hifung: And also… you look really beautiful today.

Micyl blushed.

Micyl: Thank you... (Shy)

Then Micyl left.