The hospital corridor was filled with nothing but the cold sound of machines.
Beep… beep…
Lily had been moved into the highest-security ICU in Japan.
Leo stood there, his arms and legs wrapped tightly in thick bandages. Blood stains were still visible beneath them, but he didn't feel the pain anymore. His eyes were locked on the ICU door.
That door.
Yuna stood a few steps behind him, her hands clenched together so hard that her fingers were trembling.
Minutes passed like hours.
Finally, the doctors stepped out.
The senior doctor took a slow breath.
Doctor:
"We've done everything we can for now."
Leo stepped forward instantly.
Leo:
"Tell me the truth."
The doctor looked at him carefully.
Doctor:
"There is something you need to know."
Leo's heartbeat grew louder in his ears.
Doctor:
"Lily is… pregnant."
Time stopped.
Leo's eyes widened.
Leo:
"…What?"
Yuna covered her mouth with both hands. Tears flowed down her face without control.
The doctor continued, pointing toward the medical screen.
Doctor:
"The child is safe."
Leo looked up sharply.
Doctor:
"Lily's beast power reacted instinctively.
It formed a natural spiritual seal around her womb.
That seal protected the child completely."
For the first time since the battle, Leo felt air enter his lungs.
But the doctor's expression did not soften.
Doctor:
"However… Lily's condition is extremely critical."
Yuna shook her head slowly.
Doctor:
"She has suffered severe internal spiritual damage.
And her cervical spine is fractured."
Leo felt his knees weaken.
Doctor:
"There is a chance… she may not wake up."
The words hit like a blade.
Yuna broke down completely, sobbing as she leaned against the wall.
Leo's eyes filled with tears.
Leo (whispering):
"…No. That's impossible."
His fists clenched so tightly that the bandages began to darken with blood.
Leo:
"I was supposed to protect her…"
His spiritual aura flickered violently.
Leo (low, furious voice):
"Kito Jin… you will pay for this."
The doctor quickly spoke.
Doctor:
"Please remain calm. Any emotional surge can worsen her condition."
Leo turned away, unable to breathe properly.
Elsewhere — Ireland
A television screen flickered.
Breaking news filled the room.
"Tragic events at the Japan Tournament Arena…"
Chen Wei stood frozen.
His eyes widened as Lily's condition was shown on screen.
The next second—
The air exploded.
In a single burst of water-like energy, Chen Wei vanished.
Back at the Hospital
The corridor doors burst open.
Chen Wei rushed inside, his breathing heavy, his eyes searching.
Yuna noticed him first.
She ran forward and hugged him tightly.
Yuna (crying):
"Where did you go?! Do you know what happened here?!"
She pulled back, pointing with shaking hands.
Yuna:
"Your friend is lying unconscious…
And Lily— she almost gave her life to protect Leo."
Chen Wei's face went pale.
He walked slowly to the bench in the corridor and sat down.
His head dropped into his hands.
Silence surrounded them.
Only the machines inside the ICU continued to beep.
The chapter ends.