Theo stirs. He tries to open his eyes, but they feel heavy, as if glued shut. He tries to move his hands, but they're just as heavy.
What's going on? Panic starts to rise in his chest. His breathing grows uneven.
A machine beeps nearby.
A machine? Beeping? This sound… it's familiar.Hospital? Why am I in a hospital again? What—
Then, like a wave crashing over him, his memories return.
Dungeon. Fissures. Vines. The two-headed serpent. The green-eyed stranger. Magic. Mana.
He groans softly. Judging by how heavy this body feels, I guess it really happened… and I pushed it beyond its limit.
And now… Theo sighs inwardly. I'm paying the price.
Click.
Someone opens the door and steps inside.
Theo groans again. His whole body aches, every muscle feels like it's been replaced with lead.
"Aww, you're waking up. It's about time, Princess." Leila's gentle voice fills the room.
Leila? Not a nurse? Theo tries harder to open his eyes.
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