NOVEL NEXT Chapter 100: Unexpected Reward
Hayden couldn't help but smile as he saw the seal of the Royal Ministry.
It was something that he had seen in the Etiquette Class, including the History Class.
Reading through it, Hayden confirmed that it was declaring the revival of "The Ancient Art of Meridian Restoration"—a formalized version of the techniques Hayden had demonstrated years ago!
'It's not called Acupuncture? Whatever…' Hayden mused.
At the bottom, in bold script:
"Submitted and validated by Dr. Elias Veyra."
Hayden squinted his eyes as he also noticed the date... "You submitted it two years ago…"
Elias' expression turned sheepish. "I did. But only after recording every detail you taught me, testing it on hundreds of patients, and ensuring it was flawless. I couldn't let such knowledge fade again."
He then paused for a moment as he needed to explain the benefits to Hayden…
"Ahem… Then, with my privilege as a Royal Physician, I can now give you a position as my Assistant Doctor. You're background or identity wouldn't matter. You don't even have to attend a special academy. That identity as an Assistant Doctor will give you a license to heal anyone with your skills without getting into trouble… However, you have to be at least 15 years old before I can write that you have finished your apprenticeship with me. How is it?" Elias explained.
However, Hayden was just silent so he hesitated for a moment before continuing "I… may have also implied it was a rediscovered technique rather than one taught to me by a child. The Ministry would never have taken it seriously otherwise."
Hayden finally chuckled as wasn't offended by this matter. He understood politics. He also liked the fact that he didn't have to attend another medical school and he just needed to 'complete' his apprenticeship to the Royal Physician.
"And now?"
"Now," Elias said as he lowered his voice, "the Crown has granted a royal stipend for its propagation—along with a personal reward for the 'restorer.'" He reached into his coat and pulled out a heavy velvet pouch, tossing it to Hayden. "Which, by all rights, belongs to you."
Hayden caught it…
The weight was already telling him it was far more than a coin.
He then started loosening the drawstring of the pouch, before he glimpsed gleaming vials of liquid silver…
'What's this? Mercury? Do you want to poison me?' It was Hayden immediately thought.
After all, it was truly like mercury and was quite scary to consume if it was really for consumption.
"I received three rewards for restoring the Ancient Medical Arts, Hayden… One of the rewards is my current position. The second is money which I also plan to give to you. Lastly, it's these things called Moontear Elixir. a rare alchemical substance used in high-tier healing. A single drop could seal a wound in seconds. They're something that only Magicians can make. Very expensive stuff… That's why the Acupuncture is well received. It's really important for us."
Elias explained.
"That's not all, is it?" Hayden probed.
"Well, it's a privilege after I became one of the Royal Physicians…" Elias said, grinning. "The Ministry has granted me a seat on the Royal Medical Council for restoring the Lost Art. It's a position of immense influence. And while I can't name you publicly yet… I intend to share every privilege it affords."
Hayden gently nodded as he continued to listen to the doctor…
Apparently, part of the privilege was also getting access to restricted medical texts. The doctor will also gain political connections. Even royal favor.
This was far beyond what he'd expected.
"Why?" Hayden asked bluntly. "You could've taken full credit. No one would've known."
Hayden suddenly asked as he looked at the Doctor.
Elias' smile faded, replaced by something solemn. "Because I'm a healer, Hayden. Not a thief." He sighed. "And because you would have skinned me alive if I'd tried. I know you're special and you will become a great Aura Knight in the future."
Hayden chuckled at this and nodded. "Fair."
The two then continued to talk about what they had experienced over the past few years.
Then, as the doctor left, Hayden returned to his room as he needed to store the six Moontear Elixir he had just received. He couldn't just carry them around for obvious reasons.
"This is unexpected…" Hayden muttered to himself while walking to the dormitory.
The Acupuncture Method was now officially sanctioned. This meant that after some time, he could use it openly without fear of accusations of heresy.
He also liked the fact that Elias' position would grant him access to restricted medical archives. He believed that it included texts on Aura-based healing, something Hayden had only scratched the surface of.
Lastly, there was a royal favor although it wasn't directly given to him. It was a currency more valuable than gold. Even if the Crown never learned that he was the true source, he could easily ask the Doctor to use the favor if he ever needed it.
Hayden smiled as he soon continued his daily tasks.
***
With the Inter-Academy Sword Competition just days away, Hayden had already prepared himself as they would have to leave the Academy soon.
As he packed his gear, his Ocularis Lens noticed that everyone else had also finished up their preparations and was starting to gather…
Soon, Hayden followed the group and greeted the Headmaster and the professors.
"I don't see the caravans… Are we too early?" Hayden thought.
However, he soon realized why…
Whom~
A loud vibrating sound of the engine was heard,
"This…" Hayden was shocked by the sight of the brass hull of the Aetherwind Express!
It was a grand airship that easily tethered at Dawnspire Academy's Skyport!
Hayden stood beside Headmaster Mensa as his Ocularis Lens took in the sight.
It was a beautiful flying ship!
It was his first time seeing this and even if it was actually mentioned in the books he had read, he didn't think too much of it before. After all, he also learned how expensive they were since the airship was a product of Magicians. Anything they made was literally expensive!