Chapter 6

"Ah, I certify you as a 5th-class adventurer! I'm sorry for not recognizing your abilities!"

The guild clerk's voice was strained, completely different from the gruff attitude he had just shown.

He was so excited that he firmly gripped my hand as he handed over the adventurer card.

The adventurers who had been pretending to sleep were now fully awake, staring in shock.

"For a moment, it looked like you could cut them down... Are you a user of wind magic?"

"I'll keep that a secret."

"Yeah, that makes sense. Hmm, hmm. It's amazing that a kid like you would become an adventurer in these times."

I was glad he didn't press further.

I was so overwhelmed that I didn't even know what was happening.

"By the way, I don't see many other adventurers around."

"Yeah, nowadays, Hunters are more popular than adventurers."

"Hunters?"

The receptionist sighed deeply, looking troubled, and then explained.

Since the incident with the Holy Maiden, the organization has grown in power, poaching many talented individuals from the Adventurer's Guild.

They offer good rewards and plenty of jobs, making them more popular than adventurers these days.

However, they take advantage of the chaotic times and openly break the law.

That's why they're a problem, but the kingdom's military, busy dealing with the increased number of monsters, has no time to deal with them.

Moreover, the organization has grown so large that it's unclear who the leaders are.

"Originally, they were just one of the adventurer parties, but there are many rumors... Do you understand the situation now?"

"Yes, I see. But, it's impressive that Elna is still with the Adventurer's Guild in such circumstances."

"She's a good girl. She works every day to support her sick mother."

"Sick..."

When I looked at Elna, she put on a forced smile to reassure me.

She didn't even ask for help earlier; I think she doesn't want to be a burden to anyone.

How can this be, Holy Maiden Soaris, when such a child doesn't get the recognition she deserves?

"There are many issues to tackle. I understand. Let's solve them one by one. Are the vigilantes here part of the Hunters?"

"No, they're not even that. I heard they're just trying to get a piece of the action."

"People who can't become anything, huh..."

"And those guys are just the low-level members. The ones you drove off earlier were probably running scared back to their boss."

"Ugh! There are more of them?"

"That's why they're a problem..."

Just like when you see one cockroach, there are more to deal with.

But I discovered something more important than that.

"Elna! Let me heal your mother's illness!"

"Really, Soaris?"

"You need to get better too."

"But, I'm fine?"

"I want you to genuinely smile."

I've felt this way ever since we met.

When I showed her my best smile, Elna's eyes welled up.

"S-Sorry. We just met..."

"You don't have to force it anymore."

"O-Okay..."

I hugged Elna for a moment.

Her body trembled with each sob, and it was heart-wrenching.

It was as if the pent-up sorrow had finally overflowed and broken free.

* * *

The house was barren, with only the bare essentials.

When I looked around, she explained that she had sold most of her belongings to make money.

She works for the Adventurer's Guild, but the household is struggling financially.

"Mom, this is Soaris, the traveling healer."

"A traveling healer?"

Despite coughing, she managed to sit up, so I stopped her.

"Don't overexert yourself."

"Okay..."

When I looked at Elna's mother, I could see that she was weak all over.

She had a chronic illness and complications, and she wouldn't last a year if things continued like this.

I held her hand and meditated quietly.

"First, I'll stimulate your mother's magic to promote healing. Normally, magic isn't a poison or a cure, but with training, you can do many things."

"Like making a big explosion, right?"

"Ah, yes, something like that."

It's a crude way to put it, but she seemed to understand.

One of the things Elna mentioned is enhancing physical abilities.

In my case, I use magic to strengthen myself enough to overpower most opponents.

For this mother, I just need to give her body a helping hand, not necessarily a big explosion.

As a result, her complexion began to improve.

"I feel more comfortable..."

"Even ordinary creatures can recover with the right techniques."

"Soaris is amazing!"

"Hehe, thank you!"

It's been a while since I've been praised, and it feels good. Helping people is truly rewarding.

"So this is healing magic!"

"In a broad sense, yes, but true healing magic goes a step further. I'll explain more next time."

Elna's eyes seemed to sparkle with interest.

She must be intrigued.

Next, I'll target the specific causes of her mother's illness.

"Ultimate healing magic..."

This time, I infused my magic into her mother's body.

I transformed the magic to permeate and eliminate harmful elements.

I had already used her own magic to help her body recover, hoping to support the healing magic.

A healthy body requires less healing than an unhealthy one, so the magic works more efficiently.

Some healers might try to heal immediately without assessing the patient's condition, but that can lead to patchy healing.

I think this is often the reason why some injuries take longer to heal.

"It feels... strange and comfortable..."

"Not yet. Please stay still a little longer."

To determine if the illness had been eliminated, I had to judge by the flow of magic.

I felt it gradually and observed it. If it became as calm and steady as a healthy person's, that would be good.

"Ah..."

"Mom?"

"I feel... refreshed..."

When the ultimate healing magic was complete, Elna's mother got out of bed.

She moved her body a bit and took a deep breath.

"No coughing! It's unbelievable!"

"Yes, the treatment is complete."

"Amazing! Elna! I feel better!"

The mother and daughter held hands and spun around like they were dancing.

It's a heartwarming scene. I'm glad I worked hard.

I'm glad I stopped in this town.

There are people suffering all over the world, and I can't save everyone.

But at least, visiting people like this is a miracle for me.