After parting ways with Hikari, Mirai headed straight for the city's library. Upon entering, she rushed toward the section dedicated to healing magic.

  "I'm certain I've read about that spell before," she murmured, her fingers moving swiftly through the pages of various tomes.

  She searched tirelessly for hours, her eyes darting rapidly across lines of ancient text, fingers eagerly flipping through yellowed pages. Yet all her efforts proved fruitless. She had combed through every available book without finding anything relevant. Mirai left the library deep in thought about Hikari's mysterious magic. Returning to the inn, her mind continued spinning with unanswered questions.

  That night proved restless. She tossed and turned for hours, unable to silence the relentless flood of thoughts. When morning came, Mirai left the inn and headed straight to the guild.

  Upon entering, the guild hall bustled as usual—loud voices mixed with laughter, and conversations echoed from every corner. She scanned the area for Hikari, but he wasn't there. Finding a quiet corner, she sat down, attempting to calm her racing mind.

  While Mirai was lost in contemplation, approaching footsteps drew her attention. She looked up to see Hikari walking toward her, wearing a gentle smile. Sitting beside her, he said, "Mirai, there's something I need to do today, and I thought you might like to join me."

  Intrigued, Mirai asked, "What is it?"

  "Vinal-san, the owner of the magic items shop, asked me to visit. It seems he wants me to try something special," Hikari replied.

  A small smile appeared on Mirai's face as she raised her eyebrows slightly. "Something special? Sounds interesting. I'll definitely come along."

  Hikari nodded. "Great, let's go now."

  The two left the guild and headed to the far end of the city. They reached Vinal's shop, a small building squeezed between two larger stores, giving the impression it had been forced into the narrow space. Upon entering, an elderly man greeted them with infectious enthusiasm: "Hikari! Good to see you!"

  "Good morning, Vinal-san. You seem cheerful today," Hikari replied.

  Vinal laughed heartily. "Yes! I've finally done it!" He then noticed Mirai, asking curiously, "And who's this young lady?"

  "This is my new teammate. Mirai and I formed a team recently," Hikari explained.

  With a teasing tone, Vinal asked, "Kicked out again, were you?"

  Hikari awkwardly avoided his gaze. "Not exactly kicked out. Mirai invited me to join her, so I left willingly."

  Vinal nodded approvingly. "Good decision. Those fools didn't deserve you anyway." Turning to Mirai, he introduced himself. "I'm Vinal, owner of this humble shop."

  "I'm Mirai," she replied briefly, her attention already shifting toward whatever was about to unfold.

  Vinal eagerly turned back to Hikari. "Let's get to it—I can't wait any longer." He produced a small white diamond from his pocket, handing it to Hikari. "I poured everything into making this diamond. This time, I'm certain it'll work. You can begin."

  Holding the diamond in his left hand, Hikari extended his right hand toward it, closed his eyes, and focused. A soft golden light emerged from his right palm, flowing into the diamond and causing it to glow faintly.

  Excitement sparkled in Vinal's eyes as he watched intently, while Mirai observed in silence, an uneasy feeling gradually creeping through her. Once Hikari finished, Vinal took the diamond with trembling hands. "Look! It didn't shatter! It worked!"

  Suddenly, he pulled out a small dagger. Concerned, Hikari asked, "What are you planning?"

  Vinal reassured him with a confident smile. "Just a little test." He made a small cut on his thumb, and within seconds, the wound healed completely, leaving smooth skin behind.

  Amazed, Hikari's eyes widened. "Incredible!"

  Vinal handed the diamond back to him. "You try now. Maybe you can finally heal yourself."

  Hikari took the diamond, gripping the dagger with noticeable hesitation. His heartbeat quickened as he placed the blade against his thumb. After a brief pause, he made a small cut, watching closely—but nothing happened. The wound remained open.

  Surprised, Vinal took the diamond back. "Maybe it ran out of energy. Let me check again." He cut his thumb once more, and it instantly healed.

  Confused, Vinal looked apologetically at Hikari. "I'm sorry. It seems it still can't heal you."

  Hikari forced a faint smile, masking his disappointment. "It's fine. The important thing is that you succeeded. Now I can place magic in the diamond without destroying it."

  He reached into his bag for a bandage, carefully wrapping his wound.

  Mirai stared intently at the diamond in Vinal's hand, curiosity evident in her eyes. Noticing her interest, Vinal asked, "Do you want to try?"

  Without hesitation, Mirai answered, "Yes." She took the diamond confidently, gripping the dagger firmly and deliberately making a slightly deeper cut on her hand.

  Everyone held their breath, waiting tensely for the result.

  The wound began healing immediately, but the instant it fully closed, the diamond shattered in Mirai's hand, shocking everyone present.

  Vinal dropped to his knees, devastated. "Another failure. The diamond breaks when its magic is exhausted. I'm still so far from success."

  Hikari placed a comforting hand on Vinal's shoulder. "Don't be discouraged, Vinal-san. You're almost there. You just need to preserve the diamond's integrity after its magic is spent."

  Gathering himself, Vinal nodded with renewed determination. "You're right, Hikari. Next time, I'll make sure I succeed."

  He added apologetically, "Sorry for wasting your time again, Hikari."

  "No apologies needed," Hikari reassured him. "I believe you'll succeed soon."

  They left the shop, walking back toward the guild. Mirai's thoughts drifted deeply toward the diamond she'd witnessed.

  "Want to explore the dungeon?" Hikari's voice broke through her concentration.

  "Sure," Mirai answered, still somewhat distracted. Then, curiously, she asked, "What exactly was that diamond? And what did you do with it?"

  Hikari explained, "Ah, that was a Magic Diamond. Adventurers often use them offensively, storing attack spells inside for use in combat. Usually, healing spells don't work with them, so Vinal-san is trying to create one specifically designed for instant healing."

  If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.

  Mirai recalled something. "I obtained a diamond called an Energy Diamond recently. Is there a difference?"

  "Yes," Hikari answered. "Energy Diamonds replenish a user's magical energy and are cheaper than Magic Diamonds."

  Mirai remembered her fight with the demon inside the dungeon. "That diamond must have been why my sword returned. Using it might let me wield my sword longer."

  Suddenly recalling something, Hikari pulled out a small pouch. "Oh, I forgot to give you this. We received a substantial reward from the village mission."

  Mirai took the pouch without much interest. "Listen, there's something I need to do. See you tomorrow."

  "Alright, see you tomorrow," Hikari replied, and they parted ways.

  Mirai headed straight to the weapons shop, purchasing several Energy Diamonds before returning to her inn room.

  Sitting on the floor, she took an Energy Diamond in her right hand and summoned her Spiritual sword into her left. Closing her eyes, she breathed steadily. After a minute, she crushed the diamond, feeling a slight rush of energy. Two and a half minutes later, exhaustion nearly made her sword vanish. Crushing another diamond, she fought to maintain her grip, but after just thirty more seconds, extreme fatigue overcame her, and her sword faded.

  She stood unsteadily, lying down heavily on the bed. Whispering softly to herself, she said, "Thirty seconds. One diamond only grants me enough energy for thirty seconds. Still, not bad. A single second can be decisive in battle—but only if I don't attack recklessly. I must conserve energy carefully."

  The rest of the day passed uneventfully, and Mirai soon drifted to sleep.

  ---

  The next morning, she rose from bed and glanced at her gold coins, deciding to return to the weapons shop for more diamonds. She stepped outside into the fresh early morning air, stores just beginning to open their doors.

  Upon entering the shop, she was met with a loud, distressed shout:

  "What do you mean?!"

  Mirai saw Vinal shouting at the store owner, clearly upset. He continued, "How could they all have been sold?! I need them now!"

  The shopkeeper apologized earnestly, "I'm truly sorry, Vinal-san. I only had a few Energy Diamonds left, and yesterday a young lady came in and bought all of them."

  Vinal sighed deeply, visibly frustrated. "I was eager to start over—I can't afford to wait any longer."

  Mirai approached them with composure, addressing the shopkeeper. "I'd like to buy some Energy Diamonds."

  The shopkeeper looked at her apologetically. "We're completely out. Besides," he paused awkwardly, "Miss, it was you who purchased all the diamonds yesterday."

  Vinal, who hadn't noticed Mirai earlier, turned to her in surprise. "Do you still have any left?" he asked urgently. "Even one would help greatly. I'll pay double its worth!"

  Mirai hesitated briefly before stepping toward the shop's exit. "Let's talk outside."

  Vinal quickly followed her. As they walked away from the store, Mirai withdrew a diamond from her pocket. "I'll give you this diamond—but first, I have some questions. I need clear answers."

  Surprised by her request, Vinal replied cautiously, "What do you want to know?"

  "Hikari told me yesterday that you're trying to use a Magic Diamond to heal people instantly during combat," Mirai began. "That's precisely the kind of power Hikari possesses, isn't it?"

  "Oh, you mean his large-scale healing magic?" Vinal nodded knowingly.

  "Exactly. Do you know anything about it?" Mirai pressed.

  Vinal shook his head. "I know nothing specific about that kind of magic. But I can tell you it's by far the most powerful healing magic I've ever encountered. Honestly, I've never even read or heard of something comparable before."

  Mirai frowned slightly. "If Hikari has such incredible magic, why is his rank so low? Also, yesterday you asked him if he'd been kicked out of his previous team."

  Vinal's expression darkened. "Because they're fools. No one in this city appreciates adventurers who specialize solely in healing magic. Potions are readily available and affordable, so only novice adventurers who lack money genuinely need healers. Moreover, the guild's ranking system evaluates adventurers based strictly on combat power."

  Mirai reflected thoughtfully. "I've encountered many powerful healers, yet none are quite like Hikari."

  Vinal smiled warmly. "It pleases me to see someone finally recognizing his value." Then he paused, looking at Mirai curiously. "Were you in this city three years ago?"

  "No," she replied. "I arrived here only recently."

  "Then let me tell you a story," Vinal began, his voice taking on a distant quality. "Three years ago, this city suffered a devastating attack. Monsters suddenly went berserk, assaulting from every direction. The situation was dire; adventurers and civilians alike suffered severe injuries. Even I got badly wounded, fleeing desperately into an alley."

  He took a deep breath before continuing. "In that narrow alley, I found Hikari. He was severely injured yet completely disregarded his own safety. Instead, he cast an immense magical circle covering more than half the city, glowing softly with comforting warmth. My injuries healed immediately, and I felt revitalized, ready to fight again. Hikari continued his spell until he collapsed from exhaustion. Miraculously, not a single person died that day. Afterward, I carried him to the hospital. Yet nobody in this city knows it was Hikari who saved their lives. He never used that power openly again."

  Mirai listened intently, astonished. "Wait, Hikari's young, isn't he? How old is he exactly?"

  "Hikari is nineteen now," Vinal answered.

  Mirai's eyes widened slightly. "He used such powerful magic when he was only sixteen?"

  "Yes," Vinal said with evident pride. "At sixteen, he demonstrated magical capabilities beyond what even experienced healers possess. Unfortunately, his inability to heal or protect himself made him a liability to most teams."

  Mirai nodded thoughtfully. "So healing potions rendered healers unnecessary, especially since potions require no protection."

  Mirai handed the diamond to Vinal. "I have some business to attend to," she said, turning away.

  "Thank you!" Vinal called after her, gripping the diamond gratefully.

  Mirai then walked swiftly to the guild.

  Upon arriving, she chose a seat in a quiet corner, watching the doorway intently.

  After a few minutes, Akane approached hurriedly. Standing before her, she said with formal urgency, "Mirai-san, Saito-sama requests your immediate presence in his office."

  Mirai looked up, somewhat surprised. "What could he possibly want from me?"

  Akane shook her head slightly. "I'm not certain. He only instructed me to bring you to him."

  After brief hesitation, Mirai nodded decisively. "Alright, take me there."

  Akane led Mirai through the crowded guild hall to Saito's office, knocking gently before opening the door. "I've brought Mirai-san, sir."

  Mirai stepped inside as Akane quietly closed the door behind her. Saito's office was decorated tastefully, clearly displaying his experience and status within the guild. Seated behind a broad desk, he gazed at Mirai with a mixture of curiosity and calculation.

  "Thank you for coming promptly, Mirai. I've heard a great deal about you lately, and there are some matters I'd like to discuss." Saito gestured toward a chair opposite his desk.

  Mirai took the seat, alert and prepared. Saito got straight to the point. "I'll be brief. I'm promoting you exceptionally to Rank A."

  Mirai's expression remained indifferent. "Tell me what you really want. You didn't summon me here simply to announce a promotion."

  Saito smiled faintly. "You're perceptive." Leaning forward slightly, he asked, "Were you the one who killed the demon in the dungeon?"

  "If you're referring to the demon everyone was searching for, I never saw it," Mirai replied evenly.

  "Are you certain?" Saito pressed. "We searched extensively without success."

  "Perhaps it escaped the dungeon," Mirai suggested.

  "Impossible," Saito insisted. "The moment we received the report, our magic-sensors checked everywhere. They detected no demon presence outside the dungeon."

  "Then maybe there was never a demon to begin with," Mirai remarked.

  Saito sighed deeply. "You won't admit it, will you?"

  "What makes you so certain it was me?" Mirai asked with genuine curiosity.

  "There are two reasons," Saito explained. "First, your exceptional skills, possibly surpassing even mine. Second, the witness who reported the demon mentioned seeing a girl in a kimono alongside a white-haired healer. Once I learned you teamed up with Hikari, I was certain you were involved."

  "But that's beside the point," Saito continued, leaning back. "I called you here to invite you to join a special guild unit called Monster Hunters. Their missions are incredibly dangerous but extremely rewarding. They handle everything from monsters to dangerous criminals, even demons and vampires. The risk to your life would be significant, but so would the rewards."

  Mirai felt a slight rush of excitement but quickly shook her head. "At the moment, I'm not interested."

  "Fair enough," Saito conceded. "But the offer stands. Come back anytime if you change your mind."

  Mirai paused at the door, turning back briefly. "By the way, did you promote me because you believed I killed the demon?"

  "No," Saito replied firmly. "Your promotion was due to your success in the village mission."

  Mirai frowned slightly. "What about Hikari? Wasn't he promoted too?"

  "No," Saito answered bluntly.

  "Why not? He contributed significantly," Mirai argued.

  "Hikari lacks sufficient combat power," Saito said plainly. "If he takes high-ranking missions alone, he'll certainly lose his life. In teams, he's usually considered a burden."

  Ending the discussion, he added, "You may go now. Think about the offer. We genuinely need someone of your caliber."

  Mirai stood in silence, leaving the office without another word.

  (End of Chapter 3)