Haruto slowly opened his eyes, only to find himself back in the guest room. He raised his right hand and gently touched his left jaw. "Ouch…" The pain was still there—along with the bandage wrapped tightly around his face.
"Damn… she really messed me up back there." He slowly sat up on the bed, turning his gaze toward the door, as if expecting someone to walk in.
Click.
The door opened. It was Alex. "How are you doing, kid?" he asked calmly.
"I'm—"
"I told you I'd beat your butt, didn't I?" Before Haruto could finish, O Yung stepped out from behind Alex, grinning proudly. "But honestly, I'm impressed. You actually tanked my attack." Her words sounded sincere—but her expression didn't match at all.
"Let's just say I got lucky," Haruto replied, his tone sharp. "But seriously—were you trying to kill me? Your kicks are insane even without your power, you little brat!" His eyes flared with frustration, veins faintly visible on his forehead.
"Hey! Don't call me that, you flame boy!" O Yung snapped back, leaning toward him. "You should be grateful I didn't use my power. I could've killed you if I wanted to."
"You almost did—even without it!" Haruto shot back, standing up from the bed. "You could've at least held back!"
He turned toward Alex. "Right, Mr. Alex?"
"…"
Alex said nothing. He simply closed his eyes, ignoring both of them as if they weren't even there.
Then—
He reached out and lightly touched Haruto's jaw with his index finger.
"AHH—!!" A sharp scream escaped Haruto as he stumbled backward and collapsed onto the bed, clutching his face.
"Damn, that hurts!" The door suddenly swung open again.
"What's going on?!" Elina rushed in, clearly alarmed. She moved quickly to Alex's side. "What happened?"
"I touched his jaw. That's all," Alex replied calmly.
"Mr. Alex…" Elina frowned. "Didn't I tell you not to hurt him while he's still recovering?" She walked past him and sat beside Haruto. "Let me see. How bad is it?" she asked gently.
"It feels like my jaw's about to fall off…" Haruto groaned, still covering his face.
"Sit up, please. I'll heal you."
"…Okay."
He slowly sat up, facing her. His hand trembled slightly as he lowered it from his jaw.
Elina gently took his hand and moved it aside. Then she raised her own hand near his face. She closed her eyes and whispered softly—
"Heal…"
A soft white light bloomed from her palm, illuminating the room. The glow reflected against Haruto's face as warmth spread through his jaw.
"…Wow…" Haruto stared in silence, completely absorbed in the sight.
O Yung's eyes sparkled. "Whoa… that's so cool…"
"Don't act like it's your first time seeing it," Alex muttered.
"Oh, come on," she said, smiling brightly. "It's still beautiful. I could watch this all day."
"…Haa."
Alex let out a quiet sigh.
After a few moments, the light faded.
Haruto slowly touched his jaw. "…It's like it was never injured. Thank you, Elina."
"Don't mention it," she said with a gentle smile as she stood up. "But the healing is only temporary. It might start hurting again, so don't rely on it too much. Focus on recovering properly… and try not to break it again, okay?"
She turned to leave—
"Wait." Haruto looked confused. "What do you mean… break my jaw?"
"Oh—you didn't know?" O Yung answered casually. "My kick broke it."
"…What?" Haruto looked at Alex, hoping it was a joke.
Alex simply nodded. "…No way…"
Haruto's gaze dropped to the floor. How can I be this weak…?
Defeated by someone younger than him… someone he thought he could beat.
"I'm… pathetic…" His voice was barely audible—but the room heard it.
"I thought I was strong… but in this world… I'm nothing." Elina stepped closer, her expression soft.
"You don't have to be so hard on yourself, Haruto. Just rest for now."
Haruto took a slow breath. She's right…
He lifted his head again. Then looked at Alex. And O Yung.
"Mr. Alex… O Yung…"
"…"
"Please… train me." He bowed his head deeply.
"I want to become stronger… like both of you."
Silence filled the room.
Then—
Tap.
Alex lightly chopped Haruto on the head.
"Ow—! What was that for?"
"Didn't I tell you this morning?" Alex said calmly. "You're already my student."
"…Ah."
"Hey, flame boy." Haruto turned toward O Yung.
"I might be annoying," she said with a small grin, "but I'll train with you. For real this time."
"…Thank you… both of you." Haruto smiled faintly, genuinely moved.
Behind them, Elina watched quietly—
Smiling.