"Thank you for taking care of her," I didn''t really address her remark; honestly, it wasn''t my responsibility to visit her at all, but I see no way of saying that without making me look like a total douchebag.


    She looked different than the last time I looked at her. Though she still looked pale even now, her blue hair was in a much better state and her sharp eyes looking at me right now. Although looking at me, her expression was mostly empty. I emphasized with her, knowing the pain she must have been coping in the aftermath of her losing her entire family, alone.


    Erina glanced at me, her expression unreadable, but I pressed on, determined to break through the palpable tension that hung between us like a thick fog.


    Erina turned her sight on her hand, then on me; her expression showed that she was surprised by how dumb what I said was.


    "It was... quite the spectacle," I continued, my voice faltering as I searched for something—anything—to grasp onto. "I mean, I''ve seen my fair share of bar fights, but to see a smaller person wrestle that towering giant of a man, that''s something else."


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    Her lips twitched in what might have been the beginnings of a smile, and I felt a surge of hope blossom within me. Maybe, just maybe, I was getting through to her.


    She looked at me, finally with determination in her sharp eyes now. "What do you mean?" she asked, her tone tinged with curiosity.


    I took a deep breath, making sure that whatever I promised her would be worth it. "We can start your training tomorrow," I told her as I shared one more apple with her. "I know that your base mana reserve is quite okay, so training you to become a mage might be worthwhile."


    Erina''s eyes widened in surprise, a glimmer of hope flickering within them. "Do you think I will be able to kill them after training with you?"


    I flashed her a self-deprecating smile, though it felt more like a grimace. "Well, I myself am not strong enough to put a scratch on them," I admitted, the weight of my own inadequacy hanging heavy in the air. "But... anything is possible. Let''s focus on making you the greatest mage of humankind alright?"


    While she continued munching on the apple, a newfound spark of determination ignited within her eyes, casting aside the shadow of emptiness that had clouded her a while ago. It was as if she had found a glimmer of hope, a reason to persevere once more.


    "Thank you, and I''m sorry," she murmured, her voice soft yet tinged with a newfound resolve. "I know it''s not your fault, but it''s just—"


    "No problem," I interjected, cutting off her apology with a gentle wave of my hand. "Let''s just move on, alright?"


    She nodded in agreement, a faint smile playing at the corners of her lips. "Now, please accompany me to go out, I''m sick of this place already."


    We prepared everything and made our way to the front desk, where the nurse who had taken care of her greeted us with a smile. "Ready to go, I see," she remarked, her voice warm and gentle.


    Erina nodded with a determined and grateful expression. "Yes, I am ready," she affirmed, her voice steady despite the lingering fatigue.


    The nurse nodded in understanding, quickly gathering the necessary paperwork and instructions for discharge. As she went over the details with us, Erina listened attentively, asking questions when needed to ensure she fully understood what was required.


    With paperwork in hand and final instructions given, we made our way through the hospital corridors once more, stopping briefly to bid farewell to the nurses and staff who had cared for Erina during her stay. Each goodbye was met with heartfelt gratitude.


    And so, we made our way through the streets. As we strolled through the market, Erina''s spirits seemed to lift, her laughter echoing through the crowded thoroughfare.