The Thunderborn Chronicles: Rise of a Healer

When it was time for lunch, a maid informed Ranav that everyone was in the dining room. Ranav followed her to join the meal. During the conversation, he brought up a question that had been on his mind.

"Aunt Vedika, I want to read some books on advanced healing. Master doesn't have high-tier books or resources that could help me learn about practical healing experiences. Could you help me get access to the healing center's library for a few hours?"

The countess nodded thoughtfully, considering his request. "It shouldn't be too difficult to arrange a visit. However, books in that library are highly valuable. You won't be allowed to borrow them; you'll have to read them on-site."

"That's perfectly fine. Thank you, Aunt Vedika," Ranav replied gratefully.

"It's no trouble at all. I'll call the director later today," the countess promised with a smile.

That evening, during dinner, the countess shared the outcome of her efforts. "The director has agreed to let you visit the healing center tomorrow. You'll have two hours to browse the library during their official opening working hours. However," she added with a serious expression, "you must take great care of the books. If you damage any, you'll be responsible for replacing them, and that won't be cheap."

Ranav nodded earnestly. "I'll be careful."

The countess continued, "The healers will be busy during this time, so you'll have a quiet environment to study. After two hours, you must leave, as only official healers are allowed in the library beyond that time. If you come across a book you find interesting, remember its title, and I'll try to procure a copy for you from elsewhere. Remember, don't try to read an entire book there; just browse to familiarize yourself and make a list of what you'd like to study further. Understood?"

"Yes, Aunt Vedika. I understand," Ranav assured her.

Satisfied, the countess turned to Paramita. "After two hours, I want you to go to the healing center and fetch Ranav. Although the director has granted permission, there's always the possibility of eccentric healers causing trouble. I'd like you to be there to handle any issues."

Paramita nodded. "Okay, Mom. With school closed, I don't have much to do anyway. I can show Ranav around the city afterward if he's interested."

"Good. It's settled, then. Ranav, don't be late tomorrow morning," the countess said firmly.

"I won't, Aunt Vedika," Ranav promised.

The next morning, Ranav decided to skip his usual practice session to ensure he wouldn't be late. After freshening up, he went straight to the dining room for breakfast. He was nearly finished when the countess entered and looked at him in surprise.

"Didn't you go out for your magical practice today?" she asked.

"No, I didn't want to risk being late, so I decided to skip it this morning," Ranav replied.

"Good choice. Since you're done, get ready and meet me in the waiting room in ten minutes," she instructed.

"Yes, Aunt Vedika," Ranav said, finishing his meal quickly.

As he was leaving the dining room, Paramita entered. "Ranav! I've been waiting for you outside," she said with mild annoyance.

Ranav realized his mistake and apologized immediately. "Sorry, Paramita. I forgot to inform you that I wouldn't be practicing today. I should've told you, and I'm sorry for making you wait."

Paramita's expression softened. "Fine, I'll forgive you, but you owe me for this. You better make it up to me."

"I promise I will," Ranav said with a smile. "Now, I need to get ready. See you later."

After changing into a fresh set of clothes, Ranav went downstairs to wait for the countess. She arrived shortly, and together they boarded her personal carriage. The carriage's luxurious interior amazed Ranav, with its plush seats and intricate detailing, far grander than anything he had experienced before.

The countess noticed his wide-eyed expression. "A noble's carriage must reflect their status," she explained. "Appearances are important in our society. When you grow older, you'll understand how crucial it is to maintain your social image. Sometimes, it's necessary to display more opulence than you might want, just to keep up appearances."

"I understand. Thank you for the lesson, Aunt Vedika," Ranav replied sincerely.

"It's my duty to guide you," she said with a smile.

The carriage stopped in front of the healing center, and a uniformed guard approached, bowing politely. "Your Ladyship, how may I assist you?"

"This is my nephew," the countess said, gesturing toward Ranav. "I've arranged for him to visit the library. Please guide him there and inform the director after you escort him. She's busy, so I don't wish to disturb her right now."

"Understood, Your Ladyship," the guard replied. He turned to Ranav and said, "Young Master, please follow me."

Ranav bid farewell to the countess and followed the guard through a series of corridors. After some time, they arrived at a door guarded by another uniformed man. The two guards exchanged a few quiet words before the door guard addressed Ranav.

"Young Master, you may enter the library. I'll be here if you need assistance," the guard said.

He then took out an emblem, which caused the door to slide open smoothly. Ranav stepped inside and was immediately struck by the rows of shelves filled with books.

At first, Ranav felt a tinge of disappointment. The library seemed smaller than the count's personal collection.

"This is a healing center. Naturally, the library specializes in healing-related materials," Jessica's voice chimed in his mind.

"You're right," Ranav admitted. "I shouldn't have judged it prematurely."

"Let's not waste time," Jessica said. "We need to gather information quickly. Hand over control to me."

Ranav obliged, and Jessica took over. Within an hour, she had mentally cataloged the contents of most shelves. However, one shelf was protected by intricate magical arrays, making it inaccessible.

"We'll need to ask about that shelf," Ranav thought.

When he tried to leave the library, he realized there was no visible mechanism to open the door from inside. Hesitant, he touched the door, which slid open automatically. Relieved, he stepped out and approached the guard.

"There's a shelf protected by magical formations. Do you know what's inside?" Ranav asked.

"That shelf contains case records meant for research. Only the director can access it using her emblem. If you wish to see those records, you'll need her permission," the guard explained.

"Thank you," Ranav said. "That won't be necessary."

Before leaving, Ranav asked for directions to the nearest washroom. After using it, he heard muffled sobs coming from the end of the corridor. Curious, he followed the sound and found a girl in ragged clothes curled up against the wall, crying softly.

Concerned, Ranav approached her. "Miss, are you unwell? Do you need help? This is a healing center; the healers can assist you. If you are unable to walk, I can bring you to them."

The girl stopped crying and looked up, her tear-streaked face showing a mix of shock and disbelief, "You!"