8. Hospital

𝐀𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥

The doctor finished inspecting Jiwoo and Eunwoo's condition. He sighed sadly before turning the Jiyoung, Inhyuk, and Kayden.

"How are they?", Inhyuk asked worriedly.

"Jiwoo is in terrible shape. We may be able to treat his visible scars but due to severe internal injuries, he won't be able to control his power even after he recovers. His arms are another problem. He would be able to live a normal life even without his awakened power... But his arms are too badly destroyed." Answered the doctor.

"What about Eunwoo?", asked Kayden.

The doctor shook his head before replying, "His legs are terribly crushed. Even if we miraculously somehow heal them, he won't be able to walk on his own. Since his core wasn't shattered, he won't have much problem with his awakened abilities."

Inhyuk inquired, "Is there any way to cure them?"

"As you know my healing ability is one of the best in the country. You'll probably hear the same diagnosis from other doctors as well. Right now, the top priority is to reduce the pain they are in."

He continued, "Whoever did this used their awakened power to cause them pain and they got their purpose. The lingering pain must still be pretty bad."

"Wait, Are you saying they were tortured?", questioned Inhyuk.

"Yes, judging from the scars, they went through unspeakable pain. specially Jiwoo"

Jiyoung glanced at the young boys with pity in her eyes.

"Jiwoo was so brutally tortured that he can never fully recover? And his brother who hasn't even been here for a week won't be able to walk...?", Inhyuk said sadly.

"At least they survived", said Kayden. He had told Jiyoung about Eunwoo and Jiwoo's relationship. "There's nothing new about dying living as an awakened one. They got lucky they got away from such guys alive."

"Mr. Kayden!"

"Am I wrong? Besides, Jiwoo brought this on himself. He's been too reckless for his ability lately. Eunwoo was just at the wrong place at the wrong time. Maybe it'd be for the better. For softies like them, living as an awakened one would be too harsh."

Even though his words were harsh his actions said otherwise as he continued looking at the young boys with guilt.

"What exactly happened?", asked Jiyoung remembering how panicked Kayden was when he came to her office with the two injured and unconscious boys asking for a healer.

"Those who were after me kidnapped Jiwoo and since Eunwoo was with him they thought he was probably my apprentice as well. They tortured them to get information about me. Well, this was bound to happen."

_______________________

Kayden stood between Jiwoo and Eunwoo's bed as the feeling of guilt ate him up.

What a fool. It would have been better for them to tell them at the end up like this... he thought.

"Mr. Kayden?", said Jiwoo finally gaining consciousness.

"Are you awake?"

"Eunwoo..."

"He's here though he's still asleep. He'll recover in some time." Answered Kayden as he gestured toward the unconscious boy on the bed beside Jiwoo.

After glancing at his younger twin, relief rushed over him to find him alive.

Jiwoo asked, "And the cats..."

"I fed them already"

"Ugh... My whole body feels weak. I can't move my arms at all. I thought doing force control would help, but I can't do that either..."

Clenching his folded arms Kayden replied, "That's because you can't use your awakened power properly now. Things won't be much different even after you recover. Basically, your life as an awakened one is over. What's worse... your arms won't be able to get back to normal."

Even though his words were harsh Jiwoo heard the sadness behind them. "I see... How's Eunwoo?"

"He can still use his awakened abilities but his legs are crippled..."

"This wouldn't have happened if I was a little stronger... I couldn't even protect my brother..."

"Being a little stronger wouldn't have made any difference. You're no match for those two," said Kayden.

"What about you?"

"They won't ever be on my level." Kayden replied with a sigh.

"Everyone did say you're one of the world's strongest awakened ones... But I look too pathetic for someone with a mentor like you."

"Don't think about anything and just focus on getting better."

"Okay- Argh...", Jiwoo groaned in pain.

The older worriedly asked, "What's wrong?"

"It hurts so bad..."

That's when Kayden remembered the doc's words 'Right now, the top priority is to reduce the pain they're in.'

After looking at his painful expression Kayden pat the younger's head and using his ability made him go to sleep. At least when he's unconscious he won't feel any pain. He was somewhat glad that Eunwoo hadn't woken up yet because his pain wouldn't be less than that of Jiwoo's however since he had lived a normal life until now, his pain tolerance would be terrible.

Exiting the room Kayden was met by Jiyoung and Inhyuk and demanded they find the culprit.