The dust of the battlefield had barely settled as Haruto hoisted Renjiro's limp form onto his back, the weight of his unconscious friend pressing heavily against him. Blood seeped through the bandages hastily wrapped around Renjiro's legs, staining Haruto's hands a grim crimson. Beside him, Selena's steps faltered, her gaze fixed on her brother's pale face, her jaw clenched to hold back the tears threatening to spill. Tetsuya led the way, his strides purposeful yet tinged with an unspoken guilt as they raced toward the village hospital.
Behind them, the arena stood silent, its echoes of bloodlust fading into the wind. In the adventurer's guild rest hall, a different scene unfolded. Reina, Himari, and Takeshi stirred awake, their bodies heavy from the overwhelming force that had knocked them out. Yuki stood over them, her arms crossed, relief softening her usually sharp features.
"I'm glad you're all awake," she said, her voice steady despite the tremor in her hands.
Himari rubbed her hair, wincing as she sat up. "Where's Renjiro? Is the match over?"
Yuki nodded, her expression darkening. "Yes, it's over. But Renjiro… he's been admitted to the hospital. He's injured—badly."
Reina's face fell, her eyes clouding with a mix of sadness and fear. "Was that really Renjiro? I've never seen him like that. That madness… it still terrifies me."
Takeshi folded his arms tightly across his chest, his body trembling despite his effort to appear composed. "It's like he's someone who's killed countless monsters—and humans. I swear, it felt like someone was about to stab me, even from the stands."
Himari's gaze darted between her friends, her resolve hardening. "We should go to the hospital. We need to check on him."
The hospital was a whirlwind of chaos. The sharp scent of blood and antiseptic stung the air, mingling with the muffled sobs of those who had lost loved ones. Nurses darted between rooms, their footsteps a frantic rhythm against the tiled floor, while doctors barked orders in clipped tones. In the waiting area, Tetsuya, Selena, and Haruto stood in tense silence, their eyes fixed on the door to the treatment room where Renjiro lay.
A doctor emerged at last, his white coat splattered with faint red stains. He adjusted his glasses, his expression grave as he addressed them. "He lost a significant amount of blood and sustained severe injuries. His legs took the worst of it—multiple fractures and extensive tissue damage. Honestly, I don't know how he kept fighting with those wounds. It's pure madness. Fortunately, he has a rare blood type, and we had enough units in reserve to stabilize him."
Selena's voice wavered, her hands clenched into fists as she fought to keep her composure. "Are the injuries life-threatening?"
The doctor shook his head. "No, not now. His condition isn't critical, thanks to you getting him here in time. If he'd lost any more blood, though, with that rare type… I'm not sure he would've made it. Our healing team is working hard to heal him. Don't worry—he's in good hands."
As the doctor walked away, Haruto's frustration boiled over. With a sudden, furious motion, he swung his fist, striking Tetsuya square in the jaw. The commander stumbled back, crashing to the ground with a grunt. Haruto loomed over him, his voice raw with anger. "You told us you wouldn't hurt him! Look at him now—he's a mess! If he'd taken any more damage, he'd have died out there!"
Tetsuya rubbed his jaw, his eyes flickering with regret as he pushed himself up. "I admit it—I got carried away. It was a sin, and I'll take responsibility. I'll cover his medical bills until he's fully healed, and I'll still pay the reward I promised."
Haruto's glare didn't soften. "That doesn't make sense. You think we'll just let this slide like it's nothing?" He turned to Selena, his tone urgent. "Did you tell your mom?"
Selena nodded, her voice quiet but firm. "Yes. I informed them. Mom, Misaki, and Yuki's dad are on their way."
Tetsuya remained silent, his mind still reeling from the match. That incredible bloodlust—how could someone so young wield such a force? He cleared his throat, meeting their eyes with a sheepish expression. "I'm sorry, but I never asked your names. Could you tell me?"
Haruto's gaze was icy, his terror barely masked. "I'm Haruto." He jerked a thumb toward Selena. "She's Selena."
"Fine," Tetsuya said, brushing off his coat. "Then let me ask—what is Renjiro? How does he possess that much bloodlust?"
Selena's lips pressed into a thin line. "Even we don't know. Honestly, he's never been interested in anything. We were as shocked as you were to see him like that today."
Before she could say more, the hospital doors swung open. Naomi, Selena and Renjiro's mother, stormed in, her eyes wide with fear. Behind her trailed Misaki, their younger sister, clutching her skirt, and Kaito, Yuki's father and the head of Mizuhara Village. Following close behind were Himari's parents, their faces etched with worry.
Naomi's voice trembled as she grabbed Selena's arm. "Where's Renjiro?"
Selena pointed to a nearby room. "He's in there. He's not conscious."
Naomi rushed inside, her breath catching as she saw her son. Renjiro lay still, his head swathed in bandages, his arms and legs marked with bruises and cuts. Tears welled in her eyes, spilling over as she sank to her knees beside his bed, her hands hovering over him as if afraid to touch.
In the hall, Kaito turned to Haruto, his deep voice steady but concerned. "Where are the others?"
"They're on their way from the battlefield," Haruto replied, his shoulders slumping with exhaustion.
Moments later, Reina, Himari, Takeshi, and Yuki arrived, their footsteps faltering as they took in the scene. Yuki's eyes widened. "Dad? What are you doing here?"
Kaito's stern features softened slightly. "Selena informed us about the situation, so we came as fast as we could."
Tetsuya stepped forward, bowing slightly to Kaito. "It's an honor, Mr. Kaito."
Kaito waved a hand dismissively. "The honor is mine, meeting one of the continent's strongest people with my own eyes."
Naomi emerged from the room, her face streaked with tears. Tetsuya took a deep breath and began to explain everything—the battle, Renjiro's ferocity, the bloodlust that had shaken the arena. The group listened in stunned silence, their expressions shifting from disbelief to horror.
Naomi's eyes widened, her voice shaking as she pointed at Haruto. "How is this possible? He doesn't have a core! He mostly just trains in the backyard, roaming around with Haruto all the time!"
Haruto hesitated, his gaze dropping to the floor. "There's something I need to tell you—something only Renjiro and I know."
The air grew thick with anticipation. Selena's brow furrowed, her voice sharp. "What are you talking about?"
Haruto took a shaky breath, his hands clenching into fists. "Renjiro… and me we bothhave been hiding something to all of you.