"...and I slept through it."
His fists tightened beneath the blanket.
"...I couldn't help."
The doctor looked at him for a long moment.
Then smiled.
"You've done enough."
Kai looked up.
The doctor folded his arms.
"The soldiers who carried you here said you collapsed trying to fight."
"You nearly died."
"You don't owe anyone an apology for surviving."
Kai remained silent.
Even so...
The guilt refused to leave.
After several moments—
Kai pushed the blanket aside.
"I'm leaving."
The doctor immediately frowned.
"...No."
"You need more rest."
Kai swung his legs off the bed.
"My friends are out there."
The doctor sighed.
"I said—"
Kai slowly stood.
His legs immediately trembled.
His vision blurred for a second.
Even standing hurt.
Yet...
He remained upright.
The doctor watched quietly.
"...Stubborn."
Kai managed a weak smile.
"...I've been called worse."
The doctor eventually stepped aside.
"I won't stop you."
"But don't overwork yourself."
Kai nodded.
"...I won't."
He took one slow step.
Then another.
Each one hurt.
But they were still his own.
---
...
Outside—
Fresh air greeted him.
Kai stopped.
The city stretched before his eyes.
The northern gate.