CHAPTER 345: THE STING OF SUCCESS

Locking eyes with Dr. Isis, Nero’s thoughts surged in a frenzy. He tried to fathom exactly what had happened over the past few days, and exactly how much the good doctor had learned about him. The number of things he could deduce on his own were limited, but he at least needed to understand clearly what were the most urgent things for him to ascertain right now.

First and foremost, he needed to understand the army’s stance on what happened in Perilith. The change had occurred due to Dave, but Dave was not the only Initiate who came out of that dimension, so was he. Moreover, quite a number of Neophytes had died in the mission, and the mission took place during a very critical time wherein even the Chief of Army Morphius Kade had been summoned to face a tribunal concerning the very use of Neophytes.

It was likely a decision had been reached by now, and depending on that Nero and the others would face varying levels of consequences. At least the mission could technically be considered a success, but that was besides the point.

Then, there was also the issue of Dave himself, and whoever had supported him from the background. Their existence was akin to the existence of traitors in the army operating at multiple levels, and that was a security risk the likes of which could not be tolerated. Had they learned something, or had the issue been pushed under the rug?

That last question lit a fire in Nero’s heart, one that rapidly strengthened his blue flames and expedited the color change of his eyes and hair. Lately, his disgust for Kolar had been waning. It was not because of anything other than the gradual realisation that the people of Kolar, the soldiers, the ones who fought with him, all of them really did embody the ideals he had learned growing up. It might just be a few people in the upper echelon who were poisoning the core identity of what it meant to be a Kolari. So, the result of what had ended up happening with Dave would either renew his disgust, or reaffirm his belief that it was not the whole country that had gone rotten.

"Young man, if you keep looking at me with such fierce eyes I’ll begin to think you want to take advantage of me without committing to marry me," Dr. Iris said as she pretended to blink shyly.

Nero’s expression suddenly relaxed and he looked helplessly at this doctor who had, once again, helped him. She had an unusual personality, yes, but not only was she incredibly helpful, she may very well be the reason Nero was still alive.

The healing aether she left in his body was one of the main reasons why he had been able to resist the effects of the poison Dave had triggered in his body. Without it, things may have turned out very

differently.

"Dr. Iris, I want to thank you very much," Nero said, bowing his head towards her. "You have saved my life again and again, and without the help you gave me before my last mission, I might not have been able to return."

Dr. Iris laughed, as if hearing his sincere gratitude improved her mood drastically. Yet the happier she became, the stronger the mischievous look in her eyes became as well, giving Nero a dangerous feeling.

"Little boy, you were already quite the looker, but it seems like you’re also quite a smooth talker. Word out on the street is that the little princess from Nova calls you lover boy. Just what have you two been doing in Perilith? I’ve heard nothing ignites passion like a hero saving the beauty, so is that why you’ve been out risking life and limb in Perilith with her?"

Iris’ voice was filled with a playful mischief as she watched, hoping to see Nero squirm. Unfortunately for her, Nero was not so easily embarrassed.

"Isn’t it good for my career if I establish good relations with an influential diplomatic envoy? Besides, it’s not like I went into Perilith to take a stroll. There were important missions that needed to be completed, and I played a significant role in accomplishing them. I believe this will not only benefit Kolar, but it might even aid in strengthening ties between Nova and Kolar in the future.

"As for terms like loverboy? I’ve never heard of them. Upstanding citizen, exemplary soldier, spear savant, dastardly handsome, now those are some of the names I’ve been called on a day to day basis. Can’t be helped - I’m just too charismatic I suppose."

Nero flashed the good doctor a smile, though she seemed to lose interest when she saw that he wasn’t bothered by her words.

"Sure, sure, whatever you say spear savant," she scoffed.

"Dr. Iris... since we’re on the subject of Vanessa and the others, could you tell me what happened the last few days? Did we... did everyone survive?" he asked, turning the conversation towards a more serious topic.

That is when Iris’ wide smile faded a little. The Mystic Ayurvedist sighed as she pulled a chair close to Nero’s bed and sat beside him, taking a glance at the multiple saline bags hanging above Nero.

The boy hadn’t even commented on the fact that he had multiple drips going on, or the fact that his body probably felt absolutely terrible at the moment. There was a reason it had taken him three days to wake up - his elevation into the Initiate had advanced his body so much, and there was so little energy in his body, that his body had begun autophagy. Basically, his body was eating itself up to survive!

It had taken three days of treatment to contain the damage, but the incredible thing was that his body continued to evolve even now. As long as they kept providing it energy, it kept improving, so much so that all the negative effects he had suffered from severe energy deprivation had been almost overcome.

To ignore his own state, and ask about others first... it was evident where his priorities lay, which is why the news she had to share might be a little tragic.

"You group... well, I’m sure you already know of the previous casualties. No one else died after the rescue teams found you, but everything is not great. Specifically, Dave is in critical condition even now, though I doubt you care too much about that. Lina and Noman, however, suffered some pretty severe injuries that will require specialised treatment."

Nero raised his eyebrows as his expression turned solemn, but he did not interrupt her.

"Noman suffered multiple hairline fractures along his spine, resulting in some nerve damage. His condition is treatable, but his recovery time will be anywhere from six months to a year with constant aetheric and physiotherapy. Lina, however..."

Nero pursed his lips. Lina had been fine. In fact, she had been great. Even her mind seemed to have started to recover. For her to suffer injuries now...

"The details of her injury are classified. I cannot tell you her condition at the moment. What I can tell you is that what’s happening to her is something we have no record of. In truth, she didn’t suffer any injuries in Perilith. It was only after she came out that she inadvertently became an Initiate. It was her elevation that caused issues. She’s alive for now, but no one knows how things will go. That’s all I can say for now."

Nero did not say anything as he tried to take the news in. He had done his best... he really had. Yet there was only so much he could do.

Nero didn’t allow himself to wallow in sadness, or to feel morose. Actually, he couldn’t control his emotions, but he could control his thoughts and actions, so instead of dwelling on things, he tried to focus on how he could be helpful in the situation.

"Vanessa and Bael are fine, but Bael has been extremely depressed since he returned. That’s not an issue though. The army has the best and most professional therapists to help with exactly this kind of stuff. He’ll be fine. Officially, your mission was declared a success despite everything you went through."

Nero took a deep breath, and sighed. So much had happened... because he and Vanessa wanted to improve their bodies. The sting of this successful mission would not leave him any time soon. Still, he tried to think logically. He would make sure all the sacrifices were worth it. He definitely would!

"What about the army’s reaction to what happened? Did they find out who was behind Dave?" Nero asked, his voice oddly neutral and devoid of feelings as he spoke.

"Not exactly," Iris said, leaning back in his chair. "Dave’s condition does not allow him to be interrogated, and even his memories cannot be searched so easily lest there are restrictions. He will be sent back to Fordham where he will be dealt with properly."