After Mizai Istom left, the hospital room fell quiet again.
Leo leaned against the headboard and looked out the window. Afternoon sunlight spilled through the glass, casting a warm patch across the floor.
He tried moving his fingers. Stabbing pain shot through his body at once. The doubled pain was still in effect, magnifying even the slightest movement.
But he had grown used to it.
Through past battles, he had gradually adapted to the doubled pain brought on by Proof of Humanity.
Though bandages covered his body and several fractures and internal injuries had yet to heal, the powerful healing ability within him was repairing everything at an astonishing rate.
He could clearly sense his cells rebuilding, his bones knitting together, and damaged tissue regenerating.
"Five days at most."
Leo made the estimate.
"Then I'll be fit to fight again."
The door to the hospital room opened softly.
Sophia stood in the doorway, unable to hide the worry on her face.
When she saw Leo was awake, her eyes lit up, and she hurried into the room.
"Master! You're finally awake!"
Her voice trembled with excitement.
"I came as soon as I heard you were hurt yesterday. Oh, and Mr. Wing asked me to give you his regards. He said he'd buy you a drink once you've recovered."
Leo smiled faintly.
"That's kind of him. Don't worry, I'm not dying yet."
Sophia walked to his bedside, about to say something. But when she saw all his bandages, she swallowed the words.
She bit her lip, guilt filling her eyes. If she had been stronger, perhaps she could have gone with her master. Maybe he would not have been hurt so badly.
"While I was gone," Leo said, changing the subject, "you kept up with your training, right?"
"Mm."
Sophia nodded.