Chapter 3: Determination

There’s a loud noise. Half the operating room’s wall comes crashing down, and a horrible, mangled body climbs in from the outside. The medics who were focused on the surgery freeze in fear, unable to even scream, as the Wanderer lunges straight for the operating table.

Boom!

Just before the Wanderer can reach it, the creature is sent flying past the destroyed wall.

“Watch the patient.”

Zayne quickly pulls a surgical drape over the patient’s chest. He throws a lancer, and countless sharp crystals embed themselves into the Wanderer. In the blink of an eye, blue smoke fills the room and a Protocore falls to the ground.

Everything quiets down, leaving only the gasps of those still in shock.

“Is the patient in stable condition?”

The anesthesiologist grips the table. “Y-yes...”

“Assk if there is an operating room. We’ll move there.” Zayne looks at the second surgeon’s assistant who’s frozen on the ground. “Quickly now.”

**********

The surgery ends without any complications. As Zayne returns to the ward, he hears his colleagues’ worried comments about Wanderers and the unrelenting snowstorm.

“I heard Wanderers attacked the operating room. Are you all right?” William walks over.

When Zayne says it’s fine, William lets out a sigh of relief. Remembering why he came here in the first place, he asks in he hushed tone, “Hey, did you submit a report to our commander? Why was I told—“

“Zayne.”

His mentor stands at the entrance to the ward, his expression serious. “Come here.”

**********

A transfer order rests on the desk, stamped with the hospital’s red seal.

“The hospital told you to return. The medical field can’t afford to lose another person.” His instructor hands the document to Zayne. “Pack your things. A car will take you to the airport later.”

When Zayne doesn’t move, the old professor snaps.

“I know what you’re thinking, but now is not the time for you to show off! Being able to deduce a change in Mt. Eternal’s Protofield from the patients’ abnormalities is helpful to the mission, but that’s where your duty ends.” He once again shoves the paper in Zayne’s hand. “Med sách didn’t teach you everything so you could die young. I’m enough for the cardiac surgical team here.”

Zayne clenches his hands. “I’m sorry, but I have to stay.”

He takes out a pass, two lines engraved deeply into the card by the HQ stamp.

Name: Zayne.

Detachment: Evol Special Rescue Unit, Special Operations.

“I am going to the center of Mt. Eternal’s Protofield to assist them.”

“When did you—?!”

The professor is furious. He slams the table. “Even if you want to study the cause of the patient’ changes, the Protofield’s abnor could lead to even greater tragedies. If you...”

He doesn’t want to say anymore.

Zayne looks at his instructor’s gray hair and steps forward to hold his hand.

“This is my duty. Don’t worry, I’ll return safe and sound.”

If he can’t save everyone, then he’ll go to the problem and eliminate it.

**********

Leaving the tent, William takes a deep breath. “Empathize with him, will you? It’s hard to train a doctor. On top of that, you’re his favorite. Of course he wouldn’t want you to risk your life. But don’t worry.” He shows his card similar to Zayne’s. “As a fellow doctor, I’ll make sure you get back unharmed.”

Zayne is surprised for a moment, then he relaxes. “Thank you, William.”

William smiles and stretches his hand out to him.

“Welcome to the team.”