Chapter 193: Whiskers?
The moment Ty's transformation completed, the arrow holding Fernando vanished. Fernando began to descend rapidly towards the ground, but just before crashing, he landed on an invisible platform. A group of six, dressed in green and white outfits, appeared. "Please come with us to the infirmary, you have won your match," they informed him.
As Ty processed his victory, the announcer's voice rang out across the arena, declaring Ty's triumph over Fernando. Boos filled the air, but Ty's attention was elsewhere. He searched the crowd, finally locating the woman who had begged for his help, now carrying a smile.
In that moment, Ty reflected inwardly, "As long as I can do some good, that's enough for me." His sense of accomplishment wasn't just in the victory, but in the difference he had made for someone in need.
Ty felt a firm shove on his shoulder from one of the six escorts. "Keep it moving, this isn't a moment for you to enjoy. Now, keep it moving," one of them instructed, a note of urgency in their voice.
"Sure, sure," Ty replied, his tone nonchalant as he was guided through a lengthy tunnel. Curiosity in his voice, he asked, "Any idea if that Fernando guy died? I didn't get a chance to check his body."
One of the medics, a woman with dark brown hair and light skin, wearing a green mask, responded tersely, "Just worry about yourself. I mean, you put a flaming arrow through his chest. What more damage do you think a human body needs?"
She quickly pushed open a door marked with a plus sign, signaling the infirmary. "Take a seat on the table so we can tend to your wounds," she directed.
"Sure," Ty acquiesced, settling onto the table. "I guess you have a point," he mused, his thoughts lingering on the aftermath of the battle as the medical team began their work.
As the medical team worked, they attached small pads to Ty's arm and chest, areas where his clothing had been burnt off. The woman with the dark brown hair remarked, "You sure took a beating. I'm surprised you were able to even stand after getting shocked like that." She then pulled out a piece of wood from her coat.
She waved the wood in a circular motion, chanting, "Heal thy flesh and heal thy wounds." A green energy glowed around the wood, completing a full circle before washing over Ty. His pain began to ebb away gradually.
Feeling relief, Ty moved his previously burnt shoulder and commented, "Wow, you really did quite the work."
Unplugging the pads, the woman responded pragmatically, "Don't thank me. I wouldn't have done this if I didn't get paid for it." She then instructed the team, "Okay everyone, pack everything up and let's get a move on."
As the team began to pack and shuffle out of the room, Ty, left somewhat bewildered, asked, "And what am I supposed to do exactly?" His question hung in the air, reflecting both his uncertainty about the next steps and his newfound position in this strange, challenging world.
As Ty waited, the medic instructed, "You are to wait for your mentor to show up." She then added, "I forgot to give you this. Hold out your wrist."
Feeling a mix of confusion and curiosity, Ty complied, extending his right forearm. The medic opened a metal cabinet, retrieving a syringe with a green capsule inside. Without hesitation, she quickly injected it into Ty's arm, causing him a sharp wince of pain.
"There, that should ensure you fully heal from any injuries. You should be good to go now," she said, finishing her task.
As she turned to leave, she unexpectedly collided with someone entering the room. Her mask fell off, revealing long, white whisker-like strands protruding from her cheeks. The newcomer, identified as Lieutenant, apologized, "Sorry, I should have announced myself, Lady Yin. Thank you for attending to Demon Boy."
Ty took in the scene, his attention briefly caught by Lady Yin's unique features. The term 'Demon Boy' echoed in his mind, a label that seemed to follow him even in this new environment.
Lady Yin, acknowledging the Lieutenant's remark with a bow, responded, "Of course, it's my job that I get paid to do."
The Lieutenant chuckled, "True, but you don't always give patients that expensive syringe. That's easily 1,000 credits, you know. But let's keep that between us," he said, giving her a light tap on the shoulder. Ty, observing the interaction, realized he towered at least 2 feet taller than Lady Yin, a fact he hadn't noticed earlier while she was tending to him.
With a slight bow, Lady Yin excused herself and walked away down the corridor, leaving Ty and the Lieutenant alone in the medical room.
Ty, still seated on the examination table, watched as the Lieutenant took a seat in one of the metal chairs, stretching out comfortably. "I really thought you lost for a moment there," the Lieutenant admitted.
"To be honest, I believe if Fernando was a 'good person' and went through the kingdom's magical system, he would easily be a rank A fighter, if not higher."
The Lieutenant's words highlighted not only the intensity of the battle Ty had just endured but also the potential and moral complexities of their adversaries.
So the fact you managed to beat him at the end with that flaming arrow was really impressive, though those black marks were shocking to see and those orange eyes.
Neither of those are tied to Demons from what our records show, but even so those red eyes and black flames are, it just means you are more mysterious than we had intended.
The Lieutenant, relaxing further into his chair with his legs propped up, replied, "But it's way too late for all of that, don't you agree, Demon Boy?"
Ty, feeling the weight of his recent experiences, nodded in agreement. "Honestly, I'm dying for a good night's sleep," he admitted.
The Lt responded and stated" How about we get some rest and then go over what the next weeks will have in store for you? The Arena of Life will feature somewhere between 22 and 26 fighters of equal talent to that man. We can draw up some plans, review past winners' strategies, and delve into your past as well."
The Lieutenant yawned, indicating his own fatigue. "How does that sound?" he asked.
Matching the yawn, Ty responded, "I can't recall the last good sleep I've had. Though, aren't you supposed to return me to the jail cell with the old man?" His tone carried a hint of curiosity mixed with resignation.
He added, "Also, I do have some questions about that 50-year window since the last demon appeared. But for now, sleep is definitely a priority." There was a sense of relief in his voice, a break from the relentless pace of events he had been thrust into.
The Lieutenant, acknowledging Ty's concerns, offered a solution with a hint of a smile. "Yes, I should get you back to the jail cell, but being a Lieutenant comes with a bit of leeway. As long as you promise not to cause any problems, I won't kill you. Sounds fair, doesn't it?"
Ty, running his hand through his hair, responded with a mix of humor and resignation, "I suppose that's fair enough. But where are we going to sleep, anyway? These medical beds aren't exactly the epitome of comfort for someone looking for a good night's sleep," he said with a slight laugh.
At that, the Lieutenant snapped his fingers, as if struck by an idea. "Right you are, Demon Boy. That's why we're going to a luxury hotel about three blocks down.
It has amazing food, beds, and the most luxurious dancers." His tone suggested a blend of indulgence and practicality, offering Ty not just a place to rest but an escape from the stark realities of the jail cell and the recent tumultuous events.
Ty, considering the Lieutenant's offer, voiced his concern, "That does sound like an interesting plan, but I don't think people will be so relaxed seeing what they believe is a demon walking around, right?"
The Lieutenant, acknowledging Ty's point with a snap of his fingers, revealed, "You're the observant one for sure. That's very true, my boy. But you'll soon learn something about me – I always come prepared for any situation." He then produced a capsule from his jacket and tossed it towards Ty.
The capsule ejected a set of new clothes and a hat emblazoned with the words "Arena Fan" in a dark blue color.