ONE HOUR LATER
Vanarah manifested through the ring portal Cresson had given her, immediately grabbing everyone’s attention.
“Van, I’m glad you came,” Cresson greeted her with a warm smile, while Grovan and Keiro exchanged slightly awkward smiles.
Vanarah simply nodded in response, wasting no time. In one fluid motion, she shed her lab coat and tossed it to Cresson before swiftly heading toward Grovan’s room. Urgency filled the air as she called out, “I’m in the middle of something important, but since my husband made a request, I reluctantly decided to drop everything and attend to it. Now, follow me immediately.”
Without hesitation, the three fell into step behind her. Then, she clarified, “I meant you, Cresson, and Grovan.”
With that, Keiro paused and chose to remain in the basement.
Vanarah directed Grovan to lie down on the bed, instructing him to remove his top. As Cresson provided her with a brief overview of his condition, she nodded in understanding. With a focused expression, she stood by the bedside and commenced her examination. Her eyes sparkled with an otherworldly glow, and as she placed her hands on Grovan’s body, a soft, ethereal green light emanated from her fingertips, enveloping him like a delicate, glowing smoke.
“From what I’ve observed, the Arcanian DNA has undergone a significant increase in quantity. It seems that the Helthier injection he received has been detrimental to his DNA, overriding its original composition and leading to this multiplication. I will attempt to repair and stabilize his DNA,” Vanarah concluded after carefully examining the situation for a few minutes.
“You truly are incredible, Van. Scientifically, that process would take years, but you seem capable of accomplishing it instantly. I could never catch up to you. We should have sought your assistance from the very beginning,” Cresson remarked.
She shook her head and gently grasped his hand. “Don’t underestimate your efforts, Cres. You mentioned that this happened to Grovan two years ago. I’m certain that my skills at that time wouldn’t have been sufficient for the healing process. You are the truly amazing one here, honey.”
Grovan cleared his throat. “Please, spare me the reminder that I’m still single.”
Vanarah turned towards him, giving him a stern glare. “I didn’t ask for your input. Speak when I permit it. Right now, I’m calling the shots here.”
He pressed his lips together, nodded, and glanced at Cresson, whose face was flushed. Rolling his eyes, Grovan closed his eyes and remained silent. Meanwhile, Vanarah began the healing process. After approximately fifteen minutes, she finally paused, taking a moment to catch her breath. The procedure had taken a toll on her body.
“Are you okay?” Cresson asked, concern evident in his voice as he approached her and gently placed both hands on her shoulders. “Is everything all right?”
Vanarah let out a heavy sigh and sat down on the bed, with Cresson assisting her. “That’s all for today. This is proving to be more challenging than I anticipated. I can’t heal him instantly in one go. It will require gradual healing over time. Perhaps every day for a couple of weeks.”
“That would be much better than a year. You’re amazing, honey,” Cresson said, gently pulling her into a warm embrace. “This means a lot to me, especially considering how busy you are with your work.”
She returned the hug with a soft smile. “No worries. You and our son mean the world to me. Your happiness is my ultimate joy.”
Once again, the couple’s moment was interrupted by Grovan’s clearing of his throat. He attempted to say something without opening his mouth. Vanarah rolled her eyes and gestured for him to speak.
Sitting up, he grinned. “Thank you so much, Van. I will be forever grateful to you. You can boss me around or be rude to me, and I promise I won’t talk back. I’ll gladly accept it all.”
She just stared at him for a moment before turning to Cresson. “I’ll be back tomorrow, probably around lunchtime. I should head out now.”
“No. Let’s wait for Rin. I’ll ask him to transport you to the lab.”
“Sounds good to me.”
Cresson took out his phone and dialed Rinporter’s number. After two rings, he picked up. “I hope I’m not interrupting you. Can I ask you for a favor?”
“Don’t worry, I’m just sightseeing at the moment. What do you need?”
“Van is here at the hideout. Could you transport her back to Ranace Laboratories?”
“Sure thing. I’ll be there in a minute.”
Cresson ended the call and motioned for Grovan and Vanarah to follow him to the basement. And so, in approximately forty-five seconds, Rinporter arrived and fulfilled his promise.
After they left, Cresson took a moment to apologize to Keiro for Vanarah’s earlier attitude towards him, but Keiro brushed it off, showing no offense. Keiro then inquired about Grovan’s condition, noting that there seemed to be no visible changes. Cresson proceeded to fill him in on what Vanarah had shared about the gradual healing process. He updated Rinporter too, upon his return. Then, the conversation shifted to his recent whereabouts.
“I was in Australia,” he shared. “It’s fascinating to travel without the need for a visa and passport, although that’s only natural since there are currently no commercial flights available due to the overseas travel ban. But who cares? My powers leveled up! I’ve even enhanced my abilities to create a portal within a 10-kilometer radius of my location, even if I haven’t visited or seen the place before.”
“That’s incredible!” Grovan exclaimed. “I’m so envious. I’d join you on one of your adventures once I’m fully healed.”
“You have an amazing superpower, Rin,” Cresson chimed in.
“I couldn’t agree more. It’s extremely efficient,” Keiro added, his expression serious. “Rin . . . could you do me a favor? Can you take me with you?”
“Sure, why not? Are you interested in sightseeing too?”
Keiro shook his head. “No, I have something important to do.”
Curiosity piqued, and all three asked in unison, “What is it?”
“I need to find something,” he replied, his tone determined.
“Uh . . . like a laboratory?” Rinporter suggested, causing Keiro’s eyes to widen in surprise.
Grovan raised his eyebrows playfully. “More specifically, Arcane Laboratories, perhaps?”
Keiro’s forehead creased. “How did you . . . ?”
“We all knew that you’ve been tirelessly searching for another Arcane Laboratories,” Cresson interjected, speaking with a knowing tone. “We were aware that you never gave up on our mission from two years ago.”
“Yes, Cres is right,” Rinporter affirmed. “I’ve been honing my powers to be able to locate laboratories in other countries as well. I’ve already searched extensively in Ranace, but haven’t found any trace of it. So, we assumed that the other laboratories must be located overseas.”
Keiro was left speechless. Grovan chuckled. “Are you touched? I know you are. But remember, we’re always here for you. We’re a team, we’re family. You can always count on us, although I wasn’t able to help this time.” He sighed. “I apologize for my Arcanian condition getting in the way.”
Cresson and Rinporter rallied to uplift Grovan’s spirits. Finally, Keiro, who had remained silent, found his voice. “Guys . . . I can’t express my gratitude enough. Thank you. I never expected this level of support from all of you. You truly are the best.”
“Of course we are!” Grovan chimed in enthusiastically.
Rinporter turned to Keiro with a smile. “So, are you coming with me to my next destination?”
He nodded. “Yes. Where are we going?”
“Manila!”