Heaven's Greatest Professor

"Should we try to return now?" Jenni asked. They had mostly collected their belongings after he returned with Cassandra, but they hadn't decided to rush out yet.

Aside from the earthquake and the lifted suppression, they hadn't felt any other changes that warranted an immediate withdrawal. Moreover, May and Cole were waiting for the rest of their team. Jenni had been worried about Agnes, but after he reassured her that Agnes was fine, she felt much more relieved.

"I'm inclined to leave as well," he said. He had already changed into a plain tunic after cleaning himself.

Cassandra and the women from Azalea Garden silently agreed, but the two members from Marcus's group were reluctant to leave before their party member returned.

"You guys can return," May said. "All the danger is dealt with; we can take care of ourselves."

He met her gaze and smiled softly. "While that is true, I'll stay here for a day or two," he said, patting her shoulder. "They won't take longer than that, as far as I'm aware. That reminds me, I noticed Marcus there, but I was in no position to deliver the smack you asked me to."

"Thank you," the half-elf said, her posture relaxing.

"Great, with Sir Warden here, I can leave you without worry," Cassandra said as their group stood up. They bowed, exchanged tight hugs with the two ladies, and talked a little before deciding to depart.

"I'm staying a little longer," Jenni told Lady Cassandra, hugging her tightly. "I'm sorry, I was a complete deadweight the whole time."

"Nonsense, you did better than most," Cassandra said, kissing her softly on the cheek.

"If you ever need rune work, feel free to contact me," Jenni said, turning to him. "I may not be as good as him yet, but I'll always do my best."

"I'll keep that in mind," Cassandra said, finally turning to him.

She bowed deeply, this time to only him. Unsure what to do, he returned the bow. She stopped him, catching his arm.

"We lost two of our sisters here," she said, clasping his palm. "If not for you, I fear the number would be higher. I cannot thank you enough for all your assistance."

"It is only natural for me—" he began.

Cassandra shook her head. "Most people do not go out of their way to help those they don't even know. If you ever need my help, or the help of Azalea Garden, we'll always be there for you."

Saying that, she tiptoed and brushed her lips softly over his cheek. The kiss looked no different than the one she gave Jenni, though her cheeks were a tad redder than usual.

She moved to May and kissed her on the cheek as well, causing the half-elf to become flustered. Unsure what to do, she exchanged glances between Jenni and him.

Finally, for Cole, she patted him on the shoulder before they departed, which left the adept runesmith somewhat relieved and at a loss at the same time.

The warden let out a breath and turned to find Jenni giving him looks.

"Already feeling down that the beauties are gone?" she smirked.

He snorted and smacked a clumsy palm over her head. She was about to throw his arms off, but he held her in place. "I forgot to tell you, I can heal you completely now."

"No thanks, I'm already good," Jenni snorted. "May already did her part, and there's nothing more you can— Ahhh!"

He didn't listen to her, caught her palms, and sent silver radiance essence into her channels. A soothing warmth surged through her body, causing goosebumps to crawl up her arms.

"What... What?!" she stammered, almost falling. Thankfully, he caught her. "This is... nothing like before..."

"You haven't seen half of it yet," he said.

May was also staring at the light pushing through his arms to Jenni's with a frown on her brows.

"You're a complete healer now?" she asked, sounding somewhat offended.

"I wouldn't say complete..."

"You're healing my channels," Jenni cried in disbelief. "They're returning to my peak state after they absorb the light. This is a miracle."

"Really?" May moved closer to check and caught Jenni's arm. "Let me see."

Soon her expression changed to shock as well.

"Why do I always feel like I'm losing out on everything," Cole muttered, but nobody took note of him.

"Such a pure life affinity," May cried. "This is so unfair. I've worked all my life to get this close, and yet you're casually showing something practically impossible for most high-ranked healers."

"Don't be hard on yourself," he patted her again, causing her to glare at him. "You'll get there someday."

May snorted. "I'm not talking to you."

"Until when?" he raised an eyebrow.

"Until never," May said, throwing a tantrum so unlike her.

"So never is when you need me to feed you some good meals?" He pinched her cheeks.

"I hate you."
Continue reading at m|v-l'e m,p| y- r

"Really? I thought of making something special tonight, but I guess I'll just warm the leftovers."

"Special? What special dish?"

He snorted and turned his attention back to the healing. Jenni was sweating hard, her face red, though more relieved than ever.

"I'll go over one more time later to purify all the foulness you've accumulated in this place."

Jenni nodded and embraced him tightly. "Thank you," she said, eyes tearing up. "Thank you..."

"I'm still going to tell your dad about your stupid decision," he patted her back. "Don't think you can get away with it."

"I hate you." Jenni punched him in the chest, only hurting her fingers.

"I hate you too," Cole added, causing all of them to turn at him. "What? I was feeling left out."

"I guess I'll make a spicy soup of full of hatred tonight," he said.

That was when the warp gate blared into light, and out came flocks of soldiers. Good, looks like their rescuers were here, even if they were late by a fair margin.