The sun soon set on Elliona.

When he left the castle, it was still well above the horizon. On Earth, Sev would look at its position and think it was in the early afternoon. But as he and the others walked along the narrow forest path, the sun was almost falling from the sky.

The sky darkened, and deep purple seeped in from the distant horizon, surpassing the blue. Dusk quietly came, and thousands of stars showed their brilliant light. The wind direction changed, bringing with it a pungent smell of smoke. He wrinkled his nose and looked forward to a burn to his throat or a stinging in his eye, but nothing happened. Even when the cloud of smoke thick enough to bury them in darkness drifted by, he didn't feel sick or wanted to cough.

When the road disappeared in an instant, the rest of the team was surprised. Now it's not just a handful of pastors; They were joined by dozens of players in armor and weapons, sent to help. Some of them gasped for breath as the smoke briefly dissipated, revealing a scene straight out of a disaster movie. Yellow flames licked at a huge building. Much of it lay in the smoking ruins, engulfed by a hungry fire.

Dozens of people lined up, buckets of water passed from one hand to another, and the water shook on it until it reached the hand of the person closest to the fire.

The others ran through the smoke into the building, while two staggered out, gasping for breath and coughing. Sweat ran down their soot-blackened skin. They carried small bags in their arms, and the children were tightly wrapped in blankets.

One of them fell to his knees, and his precious flesh overflowed. A woman ran up to him, bent down and spoke to him in a hurried tone.

Seve

a

The world of CE has stopped turning. He had never seen anything so terrible. However, the other players didn't seem to notice. They chirped excitedly, shocked at the authenticity of the scene.

He knew it wasn't true. It's just a made-up story that gives him a mission to do as a healer. However, his gaze returned to the fallen woman. She took the burden into her arms and tried to get the man back on his feet. But he just curled up, struggling to breathe.

The woman looked up desperately, her eyes scanning her surroundings for someone who could help. She notices nearby players, but helpless despair crosses her features. It's like she didn't see them as an option at all.

Severance didn't understand the reason for this expression, but he understood the feeling of helplessness. He was well aware of this. He walked forward.

"Inventory." When the staff appeared, he held it tightly, the leaves swaying with each of his steps.

Just then, a player erupts in laughter behind him. It sounded garish and so out of place that Severance almost faltered. But the woman next to the fallen man had noticed him. She was looking at him. He's halfway to her, so he can't stop now. That would be worse than not wanting to help in the first place.

The other player laughed. Seve

a

CE tensed and his pace slowed. Are they laughing at him? Did he do something wrong again?

The man who had been coughing fainted. Shocked, the woman turned her attention back to him. "Atul? Atul! Can you hear me? “

Seeing her distress, the laughter of the players faded away. Severance hurried the rest of the way and knelt beside the woman. Her eyes snapped at him, cold and wary. "What are you doing?"

At such a close distance, he couldn't help but notice how the specks of ash turned her chestnut hair gray. Exhaustion rippled across her soot-covered face. And the anger, a kind of hostility, that made it seem like she would chase him away with her fists in a moment.

His eyes twinkled when her name appeared. Keita. She took a sharp breath, ready to say something else.

"I can help!" Before she could speak, he said it suddenly.

Her eyes widened. "What?" "I'm a pastor," he explained. "I can heal."

"Is that so?" She said flatly. "Then let's go. Or are you going to watch this person die? “

The viciousness in her voice felt like a slap in the face. Did she think he just came here to do nothing?

His fingers curled up in the smooth bark of his staff. He looked down at the man and said softly, "Supplement." “

Leaves rustle in the branches. A faint light appeared in the midst of them, and then flowed towards the man like a wind carried away. The light sank into him, and his heavy breathing immediately became lighter. The man shook his body and opened his eyes to find him. "Thank you," he said hurriedly. His name is shown as Atul.

+1 Intelligence

"Give him another one," Keita ordered.

"Okay," he agreed. He'd do it anyway, because Atul still looked terrible. "Make it up."

The second healing worked. Atul's expression softened, and he had the strength to sit up on his own. He nodded gratefully, then looked at Cayta G

The burden in ISS's arms.

He asked in a gruff voice, "How is she?" Kaita shifted the weight to one arm and carefully pulled down the edge of the blanket. A small, still face was revealed. That's a child who can't be more than four years old. She had dirt on her cheeks while a bunch of brown hair curled up on her temples.

Leaned over, unable to tell if she was still breathing. His gaze roamed her face, looking for signs of life, but found nothing. His heart fell.

Kajita calmly placed a finger under the child's nose. After a long time, she pulled her fingers out, and with a sigh of relief, her face softened. "She's breathing."

"Good. That's good. Atul rubbed his eyes quickly.

"You." Caita looked at Severance with a commanding gaze. "Heal this child."

Suddenly, another voice arrogantly said, "Mending". Pale light slid between them and fell on the child.

Startled, Sev looked up to see a familiar priest with a low V-neckline. Queenie's pretty lips curled into a smug smile.

"You should heal the child, you know. And not adults. She raised a perfect eyebrow. Have you read the mission book? “

Seif did not respond to this. It didn't matter anyway, because Queenie spotted someone nearby, and her whole face lit up in disgusting adoration.

"Aslan! You're here! She ran out, bouncing a little more in her footsteps, causing something else to bounce as well. A handsome blue-eyed team member turned to her, a polite and distant smile on his lips.

Seif immediately looked away and lost interest. What an eyesore. Why can't she get lost in the forest on her way here? Maybe some murderous forest ninja will help get her back to the city.

The child in Kaita's arms had opened his eyes and was looking around sleepily. Sev breathed a sigh of relief when he saw it, even though he had been saved by Queenie.

"Look, lad." Atul said to him. "If you don't mind, we can use your help here."

"Yes," "I can heal others." “

"Just kids?" The way Caita looked at him could have peeled his flesh off the bone.

He swallowed and shook his head. Whoever needs it, he will heal.

"Then stay here," Atul suggested, "those people suggested." "Those people are pulling out any survivors they can find. The rest of the ...... Been in there for too long. A therapist will give them a better chance. “

Atul did not say whether the rest were children, men, or both. It doesn't really matter. He nodded quickly. "Okay."

"Okay." Atul nodded to him and strode to the entrance of the orphanage again. He seemed to have forgotten how he had nearly killed him the last time he went in.

Shortly after he disappeared through the smoky door, another figure stumbled out. Instead of taking a child with him, he half-hung another on his shoulders.

I saw that she was looking at him, and there was a challenge in her eyes. It stung him. Does she think he's like Queenie, who refuses to do anything but the demands of the mission? He is completely different from her.

He went to see the two men. The smoke didn't bother him, it just made it difficult for him to see at times. For others, it is difficult for them to breathe. As he approached, he could hear them coughing. His first focus was on the unconscious man.

"Make up for it."

The healing light glides through the smoke as if it didn't exist at all. The man twitched, but did not wake up. His companion caught the action, his eyes looking around, and then finding Sev nearby.

"Is that you?" He asked hoarsely. A name appeared above his head: Hull.

Sef nodded. He was ready to make another move.

"No, wait." Hull stopped him. "Let's get out of the smoke first, or you'll have to drag us both out. Help me. “

He carefully slid the unconscious man's arm over his shoulder, mimicking Hull's approach. The proximity to the other person made him nervous, but there was no way around it. These people need assistance.

Together, the two of them dragged the man to a meadow outside of the most smoky area. Hull bent over, panting and bracing himself on his knees.

"Thank you," he blurted out between breaths.

"You're welcome," Saitian said. He hadn't done anything, so he didn't feel like he deserved the gratitude. He threw tonic medicine on unconscious people. It took one more time to wake him up, and two more times to get him back to function. Severance couldn't tell if they were in perfect health, so he stopped when the man's breathing returned to normal. After that, he cured Heruman.

When he was done, Kata walked over with two burdens in his arms. As she stood in front of him, her expression carefully remained neutral. "Treat them next."

The little face poked its head out of the blanket. There were terrible burns on one side of one face, but the only discomfort the child showed was its teary eyes. The other didn't seem to wake up, much like the child before it. He chose to focus on the child first. "Tinker," he murmured.

1/5 children are cured

The child's little mouth opened in surprise as the healing light lingered on her face. Her cheeks flushed, and her little face came alive with curiosity. She looked up at him with bright eyes.

It made him feel like someone reached into his chest and gently pinched his heart. In his entire life, no one had ever looked at him like this. He stared down at her, frozen in place.

There is an indescribable lightness that grows in the body. It felt strange and incredible, like he had just grown wings and had been given a chance to fly.

"Hurry up, healer," Chaita's stern voice shattered the dream. "There are many more people who need to be healed."

"Okay." He moved on to the next child. It was the man who had severe burns on his face, which took two tonic pills to completely get rid of. The boy touched his freshly healed face, stared at Severance with wide eyes, and immediately burst into tears.

2/5 children are cured

In astonishment, Sai Tian took a few steps back. Didn't the boy want his face to be healed? There is no reason to cry.

"Leave him alone, he'll be fine." Surprisingly, Kayata's voice had thawed a few degrees, as did her expression. Her gaze slipped to Hull Trueman. "There was only one room left to check, but it was locked down. Atul said they had to break through. “

Hek looks grim. "The one in the back corner?"

"Yes."

“K

Ako's teeth. Hull pinched the bridge of his nose. That's the worst-case scenario. I doubt anyone will be alive there. “

"There are three children that we haven't found yet," Kajita-Gris said firmly. "I'm going to find everyone before the end of tonight."

A heavy sigh trembled at Hur Trueman. "Alright, Kaita. All right. We're going to go into that room. Will you stay for a while, therapist? “

All eyes turned to Sef. Most of the clergy had already left by the time they reached their quota. He is one of the few people, and it is clear from the grim faces around him that there is still hard work to be done.

Sef's gaze fell on the two children in Kaita's arms. The little girl was still staring at him, her thumb stuck in her mouth. He nodded slowly.

"Yes," he said. "I'll stay."

The next hour passed in a blur. Under Kaita's guidance, he found himself treating men, women, and children. Progress was slow due to Mender's annoying cooldown, but he quickly got into a rhythm. This skill is more handy to use, although he has to switch the twig staff from one hand to the other when his arm is tired.

During that time, the system sent out several notifications. It told him that he had reached his quota for the mission, but Severance threw it away. As long as there are people who need his help, he won't go anywhere. It also tells him that he has gained several increases in wisdom and that he has actually risen two levels.

But whatever the system tells him, it pales in comparison to seeing people come to him in a bad state. It doesn't matter if they're limping, expressionless, or being carried in by someone else; They all went away with new strength and energy after healing.

He couldn't understand why the other clergy left in such a hurry. It's incredible. Why are they reluctant to do so? Tinkering is an incredible skill. With just one word, he was able to undo the damage and make people feel better. Ha

Sev continued on until the flow of wounded people who came to him slowed down. Time passed in a blur, and eventually, the system gave him a hint. Time Remaining: 00:05:00

Warning, your time is about to expire. Please exit immediately.

"Oh." Sev stopped.

"Is there something wrong?" Kaita asked. She was carrying a bucket of water and was handing spoonfuls of water to everyone who needed it.

"Hmm," Sef was a little dazed. Did four hours really pass? "My time is up. I have to go. “

Kaita paused, a strange look on her face. "I see."

The level of guilt is increasing. Hull and Atul: They also work in an orphanage. A landslide halted their progress into the last room. "I'm sorry. I want to stay until--"

She interrupted him with a wave of her hand. "Don't worry, therapist. You've done more than most, and we're grateful for that. “

Looking up hesitantly, Sef saw that the woman was actually smiling. This caught him off guard, as she had been expressionless all this time.

He gave Kata an uncertain smile. Then he put away his staff. After one last glance at the orphanage, he said, "System, log out." “

Teta waved her hand. "Don't worry, therapist. You've done more than most, and we're grateful for that. “

His world immediately flashed white. Sef faded away.

And he gradually entered ...

The carton cannot pass through the door.

Sev kicked it, but it was only halfway stuck in the jamb. So he leaned against it and slammed it with all the weight of his body. It moved an inch, then resolutely stopped moving. Even if a hurricane blows, it is estimated that it will not move.

He stood behind and stared at the stupid box. The door tried to slam shut, but could only go so far under the obstacle. Fortunately, no one tried to get in and out of the apartment building, as he had just managed to block the main entrance and exit of the entire place with one hand.

All he needed now was the fire alarm to sound. All of them will be trapped in the building, and they will all die. No, wait - there are fire escapes. Most people will probably survive as long as they can figure out how to use these.

He sighed and rubbed his tired eyes. I should have used a smaller box.

That's the smart thing to do. Instead, he picked the largest box and used it to hold all the other squashed boxes he used to move. Now here he is, wondering why this apartment building can't go through the trouble of installing a set of double doors so people don't get things stuck. Stupid plan!

Annoyed, he kicked the box again. Not only was this completely ineffective, but it also caused him to lose his balance, and he stumbled and almost fell to the ground. The box sits there like an undefeated champion defending its hill.

Then he heard a low laugh, followed by a low, rough voice. "Have fun, boy?"

In an instant, his face turned red. He was horrified by the realization that someone had been observing his tragic endeavors. Reluctantly, he turned to see who was talking.

If someone mixed a withered granny with a street thug and a very tall female bodybuilder, they would create a strange person like the one standing in front of him right now.

She is 6 feet tall with broad shoulders and a solid frame that could easily have a lot of muscles in her heyday. Now, she has more bones than anything else, and her skin has become shriveled and leathery from nearly 80 years of life. There were more wrinkles on her face than plum blossoms, and her thick gray hair was wrapped tightly around her head like steel hair. Who the hell is this person?

Eyes darker than night twinkled on her. The old woman—he wasn't going to call her a lady—grinned with her teeth bared.

"Want to help?"

Still staring, he nodded wordlessly. She strode forward, and he dodged away.

Without the slightest hesitation, she lifted a foot and kicked the box, just as Seth did. However, this time, in the face of the might of an 80-year-old woman, the box never stood a chance. It rushed out of the door like a rocket, and the cardboard fell to the ground. Like rubble after a tornado.

Sef's jaw dropped. The door staggered shut, creaking feebly as it shut him and the old woman at the entrance.

She put a hand on her hip and looked quite pleased with herself. "Let's go. Just need some healthy encouragement. “

Encourage? Healthy? It's more of a terrifying display of how she can smash a person's face with one hand.

"Thank you," he murmured. He stared at her as he hurriedly pushed the door open and fled after the wreckage of his box.

He picks up the drops, stuffs them back into the box, and begins to drag it towards the recycling bin sitting next to the apartment. The box was heavy, and he had to put in a lot of effort to get it moving.

It reminded him again of how an old woman kicked it out of the door, like playing football. How strong is she?

Or maybe I'm just that weak.

Yes, this may be the second case. Even just moving the boxes up the stairs to the main building made him sweat, and now he's starting to breathe again.

His stomach gurgled and gurgled as a reminder that it was running on an empty stomach. Seth ignored it. There was not even food in his apartment. A shopping trip is necessary, but the thought of wandering around an unknown neighborhood full of strangers makes him less excited. Food could have waited a little longer.

With a grunt, he stopped in front of the dumpster. His back hurts, so he took a moment to try to stretch.

"You just moved in?"

He was so startled that he almost jumped out of the place where he spoke. There she was, just a few feet away. Before he realized what he was doing, he had already raced around his box and placed it between him and the old lady.

She shook her scruffy gray eyebrows, and her wrinkled face was full of interest. "Come on, kid. I'm just a harmless old woman. I don't bite. “

Sef's face turned red again. Rather awkward moments, no doubt. He must have been lost in thinking about her sneaking up on him. He just wanted to get this done now and hurry back to the safety of his apartment. He carefully grabbed one of the folded boxes and pulled it out. Then, looking intently at the strange old woman, he clumsily threw the box into the trash.

He wasn't dodging at all. He just took out his recyclables and that's it. She's sure she'll see it, right?

Her sudden laughter shattered this futile hope and turned it to dust. "You're lovely, kid. I'm sorry if I scared you. “

She also grabbed a crate and proceeded to help him unload everything into the recycling bin. He glanced at her, surprised by the move, but didn't say anything. He didn't even know what to say to this crazy woman.

When they were done, he stood awkwardly, wondering what to do next. She blocked his way back to the house. He had to get past her to get to the door. Her lips stretched into a rather toothy smile as she watched him fidget.

"I'm Mrs. Bicker," she said. Her voice was rough, like the hoarse voice of a smoker. "I live in Unit 2, on the ground floor."

He nodded silently. So she lives here too. Is that...... He wasn't sure how he felt about it. Scared, maybe?

She snorted. "This is the place where you introduce yourself, kid."

HOL: "Oh. Now his ears know how to spontaneously combust. He rubbed his cheeks, trying to hide the horrible flush that had spread across his face, but to no avail. She must have noticed this, but she didn't call him out. She just kept looking at him with smiling eyes. And he hates that. This made him feel even more embarrassed and uncomfortable.

He looked sideways at the trash can, unable to make eye contact with her eyes for more than a second.

"My name is Sef," he muttered at last. "Second floor. Unit 4. “

"Hello, Sef," she said enthusiastically. "Nice to meet you, neighbor." It was a long time before he realized that she had approached and that she had extended a hand to him.

"It's called a handshake," she told him when he didn't move. "It's one of the things people do when they greet each other. You see, a man stretches out their hand. The other guy holds it, and then--"

"I know what a handshake is," he said suddenly. His eyes glanced to her face. She was smiling at him. He could tell.

If one day he can disappear in an instant, he hopes that this is the time. It's getting worse and worse, and it's all her fault.

Desperate to put an end to it all, he grabbed her hand. The moment he did so, her fingers tightened, gripping him tightly. They feel warm and powerful. He stared at their folded hands, confused. It's weird. This actually feels ...... OK. He felt good. Sure, it's a little uncomfortable, but there's no immediate urge to pull away.

She gave him a gentle squeeze before letting him go. "Okay then. Now that we know each other, how about some grilled noodles? “

"What?" Sai felt a little dizzy. It was as if the world had been crooked, and before it could correct itself, Mrs. Bickel reached out and gave it another heavy slap in the face, making it continue to spin.

"Do you know what lasagna is?" She tilted her head. "You poor boy. What kind of life have you lived so far? “

He flinched. Her words inadvertently touched his heartstrings. What kind of life? It's the kind of life I have to run. His fingers curled up in his arm, scratching at the skin that didn't itch at all.

How many days have passed, five days? Six days? They may be trying to find him. They will knock on Uncle Finn's door, and there is no doubt that they will blame him for his disappearance. Honestly, they would be 100% right.

Ever since Seif's accident, Finn has struggled to intervene, even though it has gotten him countless screams from his own family. But he never gave in.

Only Finn understands, which is why he helps Seth slip away in the middle of the night. This is Sef's last chance. Otherwise, Seth is sure he won't survive the next accident.

"Hey, now, are you alright?"

A hand landed on his shoulder. Saida turned around quickly, and he almost tripped over his own foot. His heart was beating faster, and he touched the position on his shoulder, every muscle in his body stiffened. He looked up at Mrs. Bickle. His face turned pale, and a knot in his throat was thickening.

She would ask me what was wrong. She'll ask. How should I tell her? She won't understand. She's going to think I'm stupid, weak, and worthless, and she's going to be right because the only thing I can do is run away. I'm such a coward. A stupid, useless coward!

His eyes were burning and he was scared. It's going to be like a high school graduation ceremony. Each face shows disgust. Every voice, laughing. Mocking eyes staring, pointing, no one cares, everyone hates --

"Sef," said Mrs. Bickle.

He looked up. He couldn't allow himself to make eye contact with hers, so he peeked at the bridge of her nose.

"I had a whole lasagna in my fridge and it was too much food for an old woman. I'm going to have to throw it away, it's going to be a terrible shame. A crime, really. This time the corners of her mouth curled into a gentle, affectionate smile. I think it would be much better to share it with you. What do you think? “

Sai's stomach chose that moment and agreed with extreme enthusiasm. It roared so loudly that even people across the street could hear it.

Sai placed a hand on his stomach, as if he could calm it with his body.

"I guess that's an affirmation." Mrs. Bickle laughed. "Come on, then."

She headed inside.

Seif told herself that he would not go, that he had no intention of following the stranger into her own home. But somehow, his feet moved on their own. They led him through the hall, into the hall, all the way to Unit 2.

When she opened the door to her apartment, the music rang out. There's bass, steady throbbing, and there's a guy playing some kind of ballad. It sounds like old rock 'n' roll, exactly the kind that an old man would love.

She kicked off her shoes inside the door, revealing her bare feet, and grinned at him. "Well, what are you waiting for? Come on in. “

Sef hesitated. Every part of him stagnated, and hundreds of reasons popped up telling him why he couldn't do it. Why was it a bad idea, why he shouldn't expect anything good from a stranger, why he couldn't trust ------them until he almost convinced himself to turn away.

He himself bravely broke into the crowded Arsendas, and then went to heal dozens of wounded strangers. Both of these things were things he had never imagined. He thought of the amazing, uncanny feeling of being needed.

If you can do all of this,

So--

- Then maybe he will survive a dinner with an old lady.