Standing before me were five men with the visages of villains, each wearing a grin that could unsettle the bravest of hearts. For a moment, I was under the illusion that I had stumbled into a den of bandits, compelling me to seek Rose's gaze for reassurance.
"Hmm? What's wrong, Usato? Ah, you haven't been introduced yet? Then, let's make the introductions."
I was at a loss. The woman before me seemed utterly unfazed by the daunting appearance of the men before us. Could it be? As the leader, she must have grown accustomed to their fearsome mien.
The men began to encircle me, a prelude to what? An initiation?
"I'm Tongs, specialized in disinfection," a tall man with imposing tongs announced in a grave tone, his smile twisting unnaturally. The sight of him brandishing those tongs sent shivers down my spine, an ominous prelude to what lay ahead.
Following Tongs' introduction, the others followed suit.
"I'm Mil. Pleased to meet you, rookie." "Alec here. A pleasure, rookie." "Name's Gomul. Greetings, rookie." "And I'm Guldo. Nice to meet you, rookie." "Oh, dear, I'm... sorry..."
I couldn't help it—I cried.
It's unbecoming for a second-year high school student to weep, I know. But faced with such a daunting welcome, surrounded by men with stern faces making their introductions, anyone would be forgiven for shedding tears.
"Hey, ease up. You're scaring the newcomer." "Ugoa!?"
Tongs, who had just spoken, vanished from my sight. Rose had dispatched him with a swift kick.
Rose, rubbing her forehead in frustration, chided the remaining men. Honestly, her intimidating presence was the least of my worries now.
"This is how you welcome someone?" "Sister Rose, we were just greeting him in our way!"
This was their idea of a greeting?
Mortified by Mill's justification, I couldn't hide my horror at their misguided notion of hospitality. Rose's gaze, sharp and menacing, turned towards me as she sent Mill flying with a well-placed kick.
"No, Usato. These men are not healers but my subordinates tasked with evacuating the injured from battle zones. Apart from me, there are two others capable of healing magic, though they're currently away. Meanwhile, I'll initiate you into the world of healing magic." "What?" "Your response?" "Yes, ma'am!"
"Training begins tomorrow. Tongs, wasn't there a vacant room next to yours?"
My resolve seemed to evaporate into thin air.
"Yes, it's just me in that room." "Good. Settle him in for the night; it's already late. Rest up, everyone." "Understood." "Come, I'll show you to your room."
Following Tongs, I was led to a spartan room, starkly different from mine back home. It was clean, devoid of unnecessary clutter. I had half-expected chains and torches.
"Hey, rookie." "Yes?" "Drop the formalities with me. Speak freely." "...Understood."
Tongs, whose sheer size was intimidating, handed me a simple set of clothes resembling a uniform. "These are for training. There's a set for you. Use them. The restroom's just outside. Sister Rose will fill you in on the details..." "Thank you."
Grateful for something other than my school uniform, I quickly changed. Tongs, meanwhile, had already made himself comfortable on his bed, turning away from me.
"Prepare for a tough day tomorrow... It's going to be hellish." "Hellish?" "Healing magic can mend your injuries... You'll understand soon enough."
So, the training would push us to our limits, injuries notwithstanding.
My face must've paled, realizing the implication of his words. Yet, determined to learn from Rose and support my friends, I asked Tongs about the Healing Wizards.
"Can you tell me more about Healing Wizards?"
Tongs shared insights into the life of a Healing Wizard - a mage whose sole expertise was healing. Unlike other mages, they were often targeted in battle due to their inability to use offensive magic. Once scorned for their perceived weakness, their importance has only recently been acknowledged.
Tongs, it seemed, had his reservations about Healing Wizards, viewing them with a mix of respect and skepticism.
"Get some sleep!" he suddenly barked, turning away.
Lying in bed, thoughts of tomorrow's training swirling in my head, I couldn't help but feel a mix of dread and anticipation. Healing magic, described as hellish training by Tongs, was my path now. Despite the challenges, I was determined to seize this chance to make a difference.
Tomorrow, I resolve to give it my all.