Chapter 19

After escaping the Labyrinth, the first place I headed was the hospital.

Without hesitation, I chose the largest hospital in Wald. I had them examine Dia’s body, which was riddled with wounds from massive blood loss, using magic while on the verge of death, and reckless physical self-restoration.

The doctor informed me that hospitalization was necessary.

I agreed, but when I saw the astronomical medical fees presented to me, I panicked. I managed to pay the deposit somehow, but my remaining funds weren’t nearly enough to cover the final amount that would be required.

I immediately set out to sell off items from my “Inventory” to raise the money.

—In the end, the financial problem was solved instantly.

The magic stone Teida dropped was an extraordinary specimen. Its purity was higher than the highest grade currently known; apparently, it was unprecedented. During the exchange, negotiations eventually involved high-ranking government officials coming out to meet me—and while there was a fair share of trouble, Teida’s magic stone successfully turned into a fortune. I rushed back to the hospital and finished the payment.

With that, I could finally breathe a sigh of relief knowing Dia wouldn’t be kicked out.

After paying, the receptionist guided me to the patient’s room. Being the largest hospital in the country, the room provided was high-quality. Although it was a wooden structure, it was meticulously cleaned, and I had no complaints regarding its hygiene. Compared to the sanitation in my world, there was a world of difference, but by the standards of this world, it was quite impressive.

Inside the room were simple nursing tools and magic instruments I had never seen before. Since medical technology in this world has developed through magic, these were likely devices to support that.

The beige curtains swayed in the breeze, and beneath them lay a bed. On that bed, Dia was breathing softly in his sleep. Thanks to the doctor’s treatment, his complexion looked much better.

Sitting on a wooden chair beside Dia’s bed was an elderly doctor. Sensing my presence, he spoke up.

“—Ah, so you are Dia’s companion. Was the payment handled alright?”

“I’m sorry for the concern. I exchanged some belongings for cash, so there were no issues.”

“That’s good to hear. In that case, I would like to explain Dia’s condition in detail, if you’re ready.”

“Please do.”

The doctor brought over another wooden chair and gestured for me to sit. I took a seat and listened quietly.

“Let’s start from the beginning. …First, regarding the loss of the right arm: it will be impossible to restore it. Even with the best magic in the most optimal environment, reattaching a limb is difficult. Too much time has passed since the amputation, and the wound is a mess due to the forced magical restoration. I know you were most concerned about the arm, Christ, but I am sorry—you must give up on it.”

“…I understand.”

I bit my lip. I didn’t know the medical standards of this world, but because it was a world with magic, I had held onto a sliver of hope. It seemed that was a fleeting dream. If it were that easy to fix, adventurers missing arms or legs wouldn’t be a common sight in town.

“Next, the gash on his torso extending from the shoulder to the waist. This will leave a large scar. The cause is the healing magic Dia performed on himself. In a near-death state, one cannot expect delicate restoration from the magic constructed.”

“…A scar? I don’t mind that.”

“Hm? If you don’t mind, then that is fine… Next. Next is ‘Mana Refinement Deficiency’ due to blood loss. This can be treated with a specific diet, and if necessary, we can manage with magical instruments. It should take about a week for a full recovery.”

Mana Refinement Deficiency due to blood loss? Does that mean his MP recovery will be slow? I knew from library records that there was a deep connection between blood and mana, but apparently, such a symptom existed. Being ignorant in this field, I had no choice but to follow the doctor’s orders.

“Please, do whatever is necessary.”

“Understood. And finally, there is a concern that his mental and physical balance will be disrupted due to losing his right arm. This will undoubtedly hinder his swordplay and mana construction, which will likely be a significant shock for an explorer like Dia.”

“I imagine so…”

“I think it would be best for you both to think carefully about the future. That concludes the explanation. For now, we will schedule a one-week stay. If you wish for rehabilitation, separate procedures are required at the reception.”

Confronted with the grim reality I had expected, my heart grew heavy.

“Ah, one more thing. Christ, are you alright? Even if your wounds were closed with healing magic, you look quite haggard.”

“…I’m fine. My mood is just down for a different reason.”

That wasn’t a lie. My HP and MP had already begun natural recovery, and physically I felt okay. Whether that was because my body was simply built tough or because of the System—I couldn’t tell.

“Don’t push yourself too hard. Well then.”

“Thank you very much.”

The doctor finished his explanation and left the room. I watched him go while remaining seated. Suddenly, the room fell silent, the only sound being the wind coming through the window.

“Holy Magic: 《Cure Full》.”

I heard a voice behind me, and a warm light filled the entire room.

“Hmph. That old man exaggerates. Sure, my balance is off, but it’s no big deal.”

“You were awake…”

On the bed, Dia had pushed himself up and was using magic. Pointing at that light, I whispered:

“That—”

“I’m sorry for everything until now, Christ. I… I’ve been hiding this magic all this time.”

Dia bowed his head. I felt a pang of awkwardness. I had known and had been looking the other way. But to Dia, he likely felt he had been hiding something vital to his companion’s survival for his own selfish reasons. He showed no sign of raising his head easily.

“N-no… Dia, it’s fine! I was surprised, sure, but that’s it. You had a reason for hiding it, right?”

“A reason… a reason, huh? It was a pathetic one…”

Saying so, I raised my head just a little and juggled the magical light like a beanbag.

“I was saved because of it. I have no right to complain. From now on, you can just use it when it’s important.”

“No, I’ll use it whenever. From now on, I’m going to keep using this. I’ve decided.”

He crushed the flickering light in his hand and spoke with conviction.

He was using magic now—the very magic he had refused to use until the moment he was about to die.

I wonder what reason could have driven him to decide to use it now? I have a small hunch.

Unconsciously, my gaze drifted toward Dia’s lost right arm.

Noticing this, Dia began to speak in a calm tone.

“…Christ, this isn’t the reason. Since I’m exploring the Labyrinth, I was prepared for something like this. So, please don’t make a sad face about this arm. I can’t stand it if you’re suffering because of me.”

“But, your dominant hand…! You can’t even use a sword anymore…!”

He worried about me as if it were nothing at all.

However, I couldn’t be as stoic as he was. Dia himself cut off my words.

“I’m done with the sword.”

“Eh?”

“I have Holy Magic, after all. It’ll take a while to get back to full strength, but… well, as you can see, I’m fine.”

Leaving me behind, Dia continued to speak.

“On the contrary, I think this was a good opportunity to focus on magic. It’s the perfect time to rethink my fighting style and mindset. Right… I think I’ll ponder that while I’m resting.”

“Wait, hold on. What?”

It was an answer that felt like a complete 180-degree flip.

A way of thinking exactly opposite to how he was before. It was as if he were under a spell… much like the sudden change in personality I experience when I use the skill 『???』.

Despite how much he had obsessed over the sword, the sight of him giving it up so easily was eerie.

If it were the result of a calm, realistic transition, that would be fine. But in my opinion, Dia isn’t the kind of person capable of that sort of cold calculation.

I felt a sense of dissonance at how composed Dia was being.

Back then, the eyes Dia had when he stared at his severed arm were filled with despair and emptiness. And yet, I couldn’t see a trace of those emotions now.

I didn’t think it was just a lack of observation on my part. I’m not the best judge of character, but Dia should be the type of person who is easy to read.

Right now—Dia truly thinks that the sword doesn’t matter anymore.

“…!?”

Could a brush with death really change a person’s mindset that much?

In books and stories, that might be a common trope. But witnessing it in person felt like watching someone button their shirt starting with the wrong hole; it felt a little nauseating.

“Christ, what’s wrong?”

“…No, if you’re okay with it, Dia, then that’s fine. For now, just get some rest… Don’t worry about the payment here; stay as many days as you need. Oh, right! Dia, it’s amazing! When I sold that magic stone from Teida, it turned into a fortune!”

I reported our success. Since one of Dia’s goals in the Labyrinth was money, he should have been delighted by this massive achievement.

“Heh. Is that so? But for now, Christ, you keep all of it. I’m stuck in a hospital bed, so I don’t need it right away. In fact, if you need to, you can even use my share.”

“…Eh? But didn’t you need the money, Dia?”

“Someday, maybe. But I don’t need it right now.”

There was no firm resolve in Dia’s eyes. I couldn’t feel that unwavering obsession he used to have.

I wondered what kind of emotional shift had occurred within him. The most likely explanation was that by losing his arm, he had given up on something precious.

“…”

“I have no choice but to rest for now… But wait for me, Christ. I’ll be back soon. It pains me that I can’t help you until then…”

As he spoke of his distress, Dia showed an expression that was typical of him. This was the Dia I knew—the one who trusted me unconditionally and felt apologetic for not being able to be of use.

“No, if you’re not here, I was thinking of taking a break from exploring the Labyrinth too… I think it’ll be tough on my own.”

“…That’s not true.”

Suddenly, Dia’s unexpected denial cut in. There was a firm resolve in his eyes now. However, I couldn’t tell what kind of resolve it was.

“I think you can advance through the Labyrinth even alone, Christ. I know you were terrified the first day you tried to enter. But you’re okay now. You’ll be absolutely fine.”

Dia said I’d be fine even alone. I was perplexed by his certain tone.

“Even by myself…?”

“You can cut down monsters alone, and you can handle almost everything by yourself. To be honest, I’ve always wondered… why you would make me your companion when you’re this strong. I was always curious. But I couldn’t bring it up… because I needed you, Christ.”

Why did I use Dia?

Because… he had talent…

That was part of it. But now, I clearly understood it wasn’t just that. The biggest reason was that I hated the idea of entering the Labyrinth alone.

“Dia, it’s because I’m a coward… I can’t feel at ease unless I have someone with me…”

“Christ, I guarantee it. You are strong. This is a good opportunity, so I want you to reconsider that yourself. Then, I want you to decide whether you truly need me or not. Otherwise, I… I…”

I could tell that Dia had his own doubts and suffering, and he was trying to open up to me now. Feeling his straightforward emotions, I decided to take them seriously.

“…I understand. I’ll try going in alone. I don’t know how far I’ll get, though.”

“Yeah, I’m relieved. I didn’t want you to stall because of me. You have your own dream, Christ.”

When I made the promise, Dia smiled. It was a carefree smile, with nothing hidden behind it. I could tell he was seriously thinking about me and was happy about my progress.

Then, Dia continued.

“Right. Use this. I don’t need it anymore.”

With that, Dia threw his sword, which had been leaning against the wall, toward me. I caught it in a hurry and checked the sword’s name with my “Display.”

The Heirloom Sword of House Alais.

A sword that must have some kind of sentimental value to Dia.

“This helps, but is it really okay? To give me your sword—”

I understood that this wasn’t just about handing over a weapon.

“It’s fine. If that sword protects you while I’m gone, I’ll be happy.”

There was no hesitation. If anything, I felt even stronger resolve than before.

“…Thank you. I’ll hold onto it for now.”

It was certainly more meaningful for me to borrow it than for it to sit with someone who was sleeping. I had no reason to refuse. I looked at the sword closely. It was a well-used item that felt aged. While prioritizing practicality, it was engraved with silverwork that didn’t get in the way. It was a simple yet beautiful one-handed sword.

“—I will absolutely protect Christ, and Christ’s dream. ‘I’ definitely will.”

“Eh—”

While I was captivated by the sword, I heard Dia’s small voice. It wasn’t directed at me, but seemed to be words he was telling himself. More than the content of that small declaration of resolve… I was bothered by the fact that he used a different first-person pronoun.

“Well then, I’m going to sleep for a bit… I have to get better quickly…”

But Dia lay down as if nothing had happened. Had I misheard him just now…?

I wanted to talk a bit more, but Dia said he was sleeping to heal. In that case, I couldn’t continue the conversation. Even if we were to talk, it would be better to do so another day.

“Alright. You rest up here, Dia. In the meantime, I’ll see how far I can go on my own. I’ll come back in a few days to report.”

After making that declaration to Dia, I left the hospital room. As I walked through the hospital corridor, I began to plan my solo challenge of the Labyrinth. It wasn’t a passive plan full of excuses, but a real one suited to my actual strength.

We both had to show each other that a wound of this caliber wouldn’t change anything. I thought that was what the bedridden Dia wanted.

Next morning.

I stood alone in front of the Labyrinth.

My physical condition was fine. I thought there might be lingering effects from cutting into my maximum HP, but that wasn’t the case. I was perfectly healthy. By this morning, both my HP and MP had fully recovered. After all, I hadn’t received any truly deep wounds.

Preparations were complete. My goal was a speedy “Return” to my original world. Above all, I had my promise to Dia. I couldn’t afford not to dive in.

It was the first time I had come alone since the very first day. I can still clearly remember what happened that day. But that was a series of events that occurred because I was Level 1; I have the confidence that now, things wouldn’t become life-threatening.

Thinking about the future, I can’t keep saying childish things like being afraid of being alone. Until now, I’ve raised my game-like levels too much. But that’s not all that’s necessary.

“Numerical values that don’t appear in numbers.”

I took a step forward to strengthen my heart.

I passed through the entrance of the Labyrinth.