His mother cleared the forested trail quickly. The forest here differed from the clearing where he was conceived—the trees were smaller, the underbrush less lush.

  At the forest's edge, a gap of about fifty yards of grassland stretched before a massive stone wall rose from the eastern landscape. The land had begun to slope upward as they traveled from the cottage.

  The wall stood at least twenty-five yards high, with towers rising even higher. Only the faintest hint of seams could be seen between the megalithic stones. Like the cottage walls, no mortar connected the irregular blocks.

  At the forest's edge, the trail transformed into a short paved road leading to a small gate. A young Wylderfolk man with spots framing his face stood by the entrance, wearing a leather outfit. He looked impatient and irritated.

  Shinobin arrived without sweating or even being out of breath. Shada wondered if her Body Cultivation granted such endurance.

  "I'm so sorry, Jessip," Shinobin said. "I had a, uhmm, family emergency. Thank you for waiting and not just locking the gate."

  Shada only caught vague impressions from her speech through Polyglotism, but got a general impression . He definitely couldn't speak the language yet, but his understanding seemed to be growing quickly.

  "Everything all right in the Westwoods?" Jessip replied, shaking his head. "I still can't believe your family lives out there. Give me high walls over wards any day."

  "You know my family is famed for their wards!" Shinobin replied with exasperation. "The path and cottage are as safe—if not safer—than this pile of stones, and you know it. I spent my childhood playing in the woods, you know."

  This sounded like a familiar debate between them.

  "So they say," Jessip shrugged. "Anyway, get inside so I can lock the gate. Brevly's might still have those breakfast pastries if I hurry."

  The Forest Gate opened into a long hall with three more gates before finally revealing a plaza surrounded by multi-story buildings. The structures resembled the family cottage but were taller—most had stone on the first two floors, with upper stories built in a style reminiscent of Tudor buildings on Earth, though with logs and branches rather than squared-off beams.

  The plaza looked picturesque with planters surrounding the buildings and climbing the stone walls. The plants weren't ornamental but appeared to be herbs and vegetables, which struck Shada as strange. The ground floor windows were scarce and narrow when present, and all the doors looked sturdy.

  The plaza connected to another road lined with similar buildings. Shinobin walked briskly now, no longer jogging. Various people went about their business—mostly Wylderfolk, but a few Eastern Imperials like his great-grandfather Alexzandros were visible too. The Imperials typically had light blood to platinum hair rather than the pure white of Alexzandros.

  There were no cars, but Glowstone street lights stood at intervals along the road. Some people pulled rickshaws and carts that seemed too heavy for a human to manage. At one point, Shada glimpsed what looked like a floating barge or boat as they passed a side road, though the view was brief.

  The road meandered through the city until his mother finally stopped at a bright green building—a stark contrast to the off-white, pastel, and earth-toned structures around it. A sign hung above the entrance, displaying a mortar and pestle surrounded by various plants and bandages.

  Inside was what appeared to be a waiting room. Vanestra had called it a clinic, so that wasn't surprising, but Shada was taken aback by how many people already filled the space.

  An Imperial woman—clearly a receptionist—frowned as Shinobin entered. "What happened to you?" she asked as Shinobin approached. "I know last night was Spring Frolic for you Wylderfolk, but you normally don't participate. Why are you late? Some people have been waiting specifically for you."

  "Sorry, Jellena. I had to deal with a family issue this morning," Shinobin explained.

  "Is everything okay? I know your grandparents are old and must be hitting their Decline soon," Jellena replied, her voice softening with concern.

  "They're fine. I'd rather not discuss it, if that's alright." Shinobin's tone grew more professional. "I'll go get set up. Have someone send the first patient back in about five minutes."

  Jellena shook her head. "Sorry, there's already a patient in the high priority room. Besta is keeping his vitality up, but you're needed as soon as possible."

  At this news, Shinobin hurried into the back of the clinic, opening one of several marked doors. Inside was a man with what appeared to be a gut wound and a young woman dressed similarly to Shinobin sitting by his side.

  The room and man laying on the table were a bit of a mess. Blood and other fluids could be seen to have dripped onto the floor.

  The young woman, Besta, was in a trance and holding the man's hand. Shada guessed that Besta was Cultivating and Channeling Vital Essence to keep the man alive. Another man in rough looking leather armor was also in the room trying to be non intrusive.

  Shinobin assessed the situation quickly with a particular focus on the bandage covered stomach wound.

  “I am Healer Shinobin Aseralis. Can someone tell me what happened here and why this man isn't at one of the temples instead of this clinic?” Shinobin asked while examining the shirtless man on the padded table with eyes, hands, and Skills, and Spells.

  The rough looking man in leather was the first to speak. The man on the table was unconscious and Besta was still in her trance.

  “There was an incident with the Dungeon under the Central Fort. There were an unusual number of injuries. The Priests and Clerics were a bit overwhelmed so they shunted some patients that they could to the various clinics. Derrin here has the Regeneration and Recovery Skills so wasn't going to die immediately so they sent us here. I had to carry his heavy ass most of the way.” The man explained.

  Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

  “And you are?” Shinobin asked.

  “Sorry ma’am excuse my manners I have had a long day. I’m Jakup of the Adventurers Guild, Derrin is my delve partner.” Jakup replied in a respectful tone.

  Shada made sure to have Essence Perception Active as he watched Shinobin using her Skills and Spells to diagnose her patient. Essence Perception took Essence to activate and concentration to maintain, but didn't have a constant Essence cost.

  “So it looks like Derrin’s Skills are keeping him alive and from going into septic shock, but his bowels are perforated, there is internal bleeding, and foulness has migrated into his bloodstream. You are lucky they sent you here. The purging and cleansing he needs are my specialties. The Essence cost between me and a Besta here will be high. Do you have the crystals with you or do we need to bill the Guild?” Shinobin gave Jakup a cost breakdown and list of services needed.

  “I can pay, we have had a bit of luck the last few delves. Just do what you can and I will make sure it is covered.” Jakup said with sincerity.

  “I will get to work then. I hope you have a strong stomach as this will be nasty.” Shinobin told Jakup.

  With that Shinobin's magic flared and instead of the normal muttering Shada associated with her casting she spoke in a deeper, richer voice. With his Essence Perception active Shada watched as Essence poured into Derrin’s wound and spread throughout his body. It joined a separate stream that had been coming steadily from Besta.

  Shada was once more grateful for his lack of a sense of smell as a Spirit. Foulness poured from the wound and every one of Derrin’s orifices before gathering in a ball above him. More Vital Essence poured from Besta as the ball of filth accumulated then began slowly disappearing.

  Once the ball vanished Shinobin started a new series of incantations. Shada was amazed as the now pristine wound began to knit itself back together. It was one of the most miraculous things he had ever witnessed.

  Once the wound was closed the magic light show ended and Shinobin slumped before sitting on a nearby stool. Besta woke from her trance and also slumped in her seat.

  “Ok, Jakup was it? Wake your friend here. He should be fine, but nothing strenuous for a few days, light foods like broth only, and no alcohol for at least three days. If he doesn't follow these instructions he will likely reinjure himself and open his wound. When you talk to Jallena up front, she will give you a list of foods, herbs, and potions that will speed up recovery. He lost a lot of blood and likely more than a few pounds of flesh to fuel the healing.” Shinobin said in a practiced tone that brooked no dissent.

  “Yes ma'am, can he walk or do I need to carry him?” Jakup asked.

  “He will be incredibly weak, but with his Body Cultivation he should be able to walk out of here. Just take it slow.” Shinobin replied.

  Shada watched as a man that would have spent weeks in a hospital and required extensive surgery walked out of the clinic under his own power albeit with the support of his friend.

  After the two men left, another young woman brought a tray of tea and cookies for Besta and Shinobin. Along with the snacks the wooden tray held some unknown crystals. Shada's Analyze Skill told him that they were Essence Crystals.

  “Thank you Jensa, that was a rough start to the day.” Shinobin told the new girl. “Are there any other severe cases?”

  “No Healer Aseralis, Miss Jellena said that Healer Harren was working on the other less serious cases, but today would be busy and to recover your Essence quickly.” Jensa responded.

  Shinobin nodded. Shada watched after Jensa left: Besta and Shinobin both held crystals while going into a trance. The crystals slowly dissolved in their hands. Only a trace of powder remained when they finished, which was collected in a small jar.

  Shada wondered where the crystals came from. Were they used as currency or just a Cultivation aid?

  Both women looked refreshed after they were done.

  —

  “Alright Besta, let's see what else Jellena has for us today.” Shinobin said as the pair left the room.

  “Hopefully nothing like that case. I was channeling for an hour at least before you arrived.” Besta responded tiredly.

  “With the temples backed up there is no way to know what we will get. The lobby was quite full when I came in. Please let Jellena know I will be in the triage room and you can start bringing patients back.” Shinobin told Besta.

  It appeared that Besta was a regular assistant of some sort for Shinobin. Polyglotism was still working on the language, but Shada could already pick up on many things even if true understanding eluded him.

  The new room was empty when Shinobin entered. Shada had more time to examine the space now that no one was in danger of bleeding out. The furniture in the workroom was more functional, less rustic, and appeared to be designed with efficiency in mind. However, wood, stone, and cloth were still the dominant materials.

  A work area for preparing herbal remedies dominated one wall. A padded table, multiple chairs, and storage cabinets filled the rest of the space.

  Besta returned shortly with a mother and son duo. The child appeared 7 or 8 years old and held his arm protectively.

  “Healer Aseralis, this is Miko and Tomen who hurt his arm playing Dungeons and Delvers with some older boys. I suspect a fracture.” Besta explained as the boy was directed to the padded exam table.

  “Ok, let’s look at that arm. Tell me why you were playing with the older kids. Dungeons and Delvers can be pretty rough.” Shinobin asked the boy as she did a visible exam of the injury while using her diagnostic abilities.

  While she worked Tomen began to excitedly describe why he just had to play, because his older brother was a famous Delver and he wanted to be just like him. Shada was surprised the boy was so animated considering his arm was likely broken. Tomen’s mother was much less enthused.

  “So it is definitely broken Tomen. The break is clean. Now I could heal it up fully, but that would be a waste of Essence and opportunity. I am assuming you don't have any self healing Skills right?” Tomen shook his head.

  “Well a broken arm is a good way to get one if you use Cultivation to circulate your Essence while focusing on your Body Stat and the injury while it heals. Every good Delver needs a healing Skill.” Shinobin explained patiently.

  “I will bind your arm, then give it a light healing to get it started, then some medicine that will help with bone repair, and after that you can be on your way. How’s that sound?” Shinobin asked with a smile.

  “Are you sure that is a good idea Healer Aseralis? I don't mean to second guess you, but wouldn't it be better to just heal it now. He doesn't have to get a skill, like that, this young I wouldn’t think.” Miko, Tomen’s mother, suddenly spoke up.

  Shinobin gave the mother a pitying look. “Miss Miko, some Skills are easier to get when young and injured by accident. Without this chance he would have to get another serious injury on purpose to get the skill. Not to mention a full healing would cost more. Not to worry, though, just bring him back in a few days and we will check his progress. Unless you really want to pay the full price and miss an opportunity for growth for your son?” Shinobin’s response was hard to refute for Miko.

  “No you are right, Healer Aseralis, I just worry so.” Miko told Shinobin while hugging her son Tomen.

  “All mothers do Miss Miko. Now make sure he rests, takes the Body Setting potion, and I will see you in a few days. Good luck on your potential Skill Tomen! Besta will show you out.” Shinobin instructed after grabbing a bottle from one of the cabinets for Miss Miko.

  The rest of the day a continuous stream of patients came and went. Treatment varied with some patients getting just some herbal treatment or a potion while the more serious cases involved multiple spells.

  Shada found the experience surprisingly interesting. He developed a strong respect for Shinobin, his new mother. She didn't let her shocking news stop her from caring for her patients. Despite her stoic demeanor Shada caught her staring off into space frequently between patients.

  His language Skill got a real workout especially at lunch when they visited a cafe in a crowded plaza. Words were starting to slot into place slowly, but surely.