"Teacher, you should still call and ask again. After all, it's a life. It's not like the Red Hair Pirates can just ignore it!"
Vic still didn't give up, Barnett looked at Zephyr expectantly, and Rebecca stopped crying. She heard what Vic said and believed Vic.
"It's fine if we don't intercept the Red Hair Pirates, it's fine if I stay on the island, I'm very confident in leaving the warship in your hands."
That's settled then. You lead the warships to the Drum Kingdom, and then come back to pick me up. It's alright if this training session takes a little longer! Just bring everyone back safe and sound!
Zephyr patted Vic on the shoulder with relief, saying, "This is the best solution for now."
"Teacher! You should call and ask. Doing this is against the rules, and it's not the only way."
Vic persisted, not wanting Zephyr to face any punishment for this. He believed this request wasn't a big deal; pirates were always around, and it wasn't absolutely necessary to go. He could just have other nearby Marines cover for him; it wasn't about keeping Zephyr there.
"Since you insist, I'll go apply!" Zephyr said and walked out of the room, leaving only Wendy and a few of her close friends in the room.
" Vic! Tell me Wendy will be alright!"
Rebecca looked at Vic with teary eyes, pitiful and expectant. Barnett and Frodeku also looked at Vic; he was their Mind Power, their faith.
" Wendy will be alright!" Vic looked at Wendy lying on the bed, his words firm and resolute, without the slightest hesitation.
"Cough cough!"
Then Wendy coughed from the bed, but it was weak. This was the first time Wendy had woken up since falling into a coma. Her face was still unusually red, and she seemed to be having some difficulty breathing.
Rebecca was the first to come to Wendy's side, followed by Barnett, and then the others gathered around Wendy's bedside.
" Wendy, how are you feeling? If you're in pain, let Ain help you recover!"
Rebecca's mood improved considerably when she saw Wendy was awake. Wendy, upon hearing Rebecca's words, managed a weak smile, but could only shake her head with difficulty, unable to utter a word. The Black Death was truly devastating; it had rendered people incapable of movement in just one day.
" Rebecca, don't ask Wendy any more questions. She must be feeling terrible right now. Let her have some peace and quiet."
Barnett felt a pang of pity seeing Wendy's weak state, and a strange sadness welled up inside him. Wendy didn't say anything, but stared at Barnett for a while, then at Vic, and then looked at each of them one by one, as if trying to imprint her companions deeply into her mind.
" Wendy, we'll take you to see the best doctor right away, in the Drum Kingdom. That country is very ancient, and its medical skills are unparalleled throughout history. For them, this is just a minor illness. Persistence is key to success. Have you forgotten what I told you? The determination to not be afraid of failure!"
Vic had a bad feeling about Wendy's behavior. It was like she was silently making her final arrangements. This wouldn't do!
"Yes, Wendy! We've already made plans. We can set off as soon as Professor Zephyr informs headquarters!" Rebecca quickly added.
"Yes, did Vic say anything wrong?" Barnett could only trust Vic's words now.
" Wendy! Keep going, don't give up!" Frodeku encouraged.
" Wendy will get better, and I want to play with Wendy again!" Ain said with a smile, wiping away her tears.
Looking at the people who had come together along the way, Wendy had so much to say, but she couldn't utter a single word. Her eyes were filled with emotion and tears were streaming down her face. Wendy smiled from the bottom of her heart.
" Wendy, what's wrong? You were fine this morning. How did you suddenly fall ill?"
Just then, Konan followed Zephyr in. Her voice reached them even before they were in front of her.
Konan had just been pouring water for her grandmother when she overheard other students talking about Wendy in the cabin corridor. She learned that Wendy had fallen ill and rushed over anxiously, only to be blocked by Zephyr. She then followed Zephyr inside.
" Konan, Wendy's illness is very serious. She can't speak anymore. You don't need to worry about Wendy. Taking good care of Grandma is the most important thing," Rebecca advised.
"How can I not worry! We're friends! We're... we're friends, right?"
Konan asked with a mixture of uncertainty and anticipation, glancing at Rebecca and then at Wendy on the bed. In Konan's mind, they were now from two different worlds, and she didn't know if they would ever see each other again after this parting, so she was still hesitant.
"Of course we're friends, friends for life! You've slept with Wendy!" Rebecca affirmed. Even Wendy nodded slightly at Konan Konan was overjoyed and completely oblivious to the remark about sleeping with Wendy.
"Alright, let's get down to business. I just spoke with Fleet Admiral Kong on the phone, but the result was unexpected."
The World Government forbids the warships from leaving this area; they must wait until their people arrive. Something must have happened.
Zephyr's face was grim. He roughly understood why, but he wasn't afraid. He had already made preparations. Only a few people knew the truth, and he would arrange everything before the World Government arrived.
"Do we have to interfere in something like this? If warships can't be used, then we'll have to use other ships. That won't stop us!" Vic didn't expect to be suspected after all, but those who know the truth are all on his side, so he's not afraid of being investigated.
"The warship should have the Drum Kingdom's Eternal Pose, right? Let me take Wendy to see a doctor!" Barnett said, feeling he had to do something for Wendy now.
"Wow! We're all girls, it's easier for us!" Rebecca retorted.
"With your abilities, any of you can go. I'm not worried. Only one person needs to go. Once we reach Twin Cape, we'll take the Drum Island route to pick you up. You can decide for yourselves who goes!"
Zephyr also had his own considerations. Sending too many people would increase the World Government's suspicions. After all, these were the people involved, and if they all left, it would be strange if they didn't feel guilty.
"Shall I go with you?" Rebecca smiled as she moved closer to Wendy, but she noticed that Wendy wasn't looking at her; the hope in Wendy's eyes was almost overflowing.
Rebecca initially thought Wendy was watching Barnett, who had seemingly forgotten his friend for the sake of a pretty boy. However, following Wendy's gaze, she discovered that Wendy was staring intently at Vic, while Vic was also looking at Wendy. Their eyes seemed to be exchanging a silent message.
Rebecca instantly felt a green glow on her head, as if the scent of a grassland was spreading through her.
Barnett looked at Wendy with some surprise. He hadn't expected Wendy to want Vic to go with her. Thinking of Wendy's previous hints to him, even his powerful CPU was about to overheat and he still couldn't figure out what was going on.