The estate of Baron Fumiya stood at the edge of the South District. It had an iron gate and a line of carefully trimmed hedges, making it quite easy to find…

The manor itself was modest by noble standards. It only had two stories, stone walls, and a tiled roof, but the guards stationed at the entrance made it clear that status mattered more than size.

Rayven approached on foot, his coat buttoned, and his guild token was in his palm. The guards spotted him early. One of them stepped forward, with his hand resting on the hilt of his sword.

"Halt," the man said. "This is private property. State your business."

Rayven stopped a few paces away. "I'm here for the healing request. Adventurers Guild."

The guard looked him over. He was simply too young to even know about medicine or healing magic… "You?"

Rayven already expected this much and nodded. He then held up his silver-rank token, something that he couldn't replicate so easily…

The second guard leaned in to inspect it, then exchanged a glance with his partner. "You look too young to be a healer."

"I'm not a healer…" Rayven replied. "But I was sent by the Guild. That's all that matters."

The first guard grunted. "Fine. You're the thirteenth one today. Go around the side. They're holding the applicants in the east wing."

Rayven nodded and followed the gravel path around the estate. The east wing was quieter, shaded by tall trees and with some narrow windows for fresh air. A steward waited by the door with a clipboard in hand. He barely looked up as Rayven approached.

"Name?"

"Rayven."

The steward listed his name, then gestured toward a small waiting chamber.

Inside, six others were already seated. There were three mages in formal robes, two older physicians with leather satchels, and one armored adventurer who looked more like a mercenary than a healer. They all turned when Rayven entered.

He could feel their eyes on him…

One of the mages, a man with a neatly trimmed beard and a silver-threaded robe, looked surprised as he turned toward his companion and whispered something.

The other chuckled.

Rayven didn't have to guess what he whispered just by looking in their eyes.

The armored man gave Rayven a once-over and smirked. "Didn't know they were letting in apprentices now."

Rayven ignored them and took a seat near the window.

The room was quiet for a few minutes, filled only with the occasional cough or the rustle of parchment. Then the door opened.

A man in a dark green coat stepped out.

He was tall, with gray in his hair and a physician's badge pinned to his collar. His expression was grim.

"You won't be able to cure her," he said flatly, addressing the room. "None of you."

He didn't wait for a response. He simply walked past them and out the door…

The steward called the next name.

Apparently, the man just failed to cure the girl… Rayven really thought that it was a statement coming from the baron.

Nonetheless, one of the mages stood, adjusted his robe, and followed the steward inside.

Fifteen minutes later, he returned. He was silent, pale, and visibly frustrated. Unlike the other man who had left earlier, this person didn't discourage the rest of them.

He just looked so frustrated.

The next was called.

Then the next.

Each one entered with confidence and left with a frown.

Some muttered about mana interference. Others claimed the girl's condition was beyond natural or magical understanding. One of the physicians even accused the family of hiding symptoms.

By the time the sixth candidate returned, the room had grown tense…

They believed that even today, no one would be able to identify the girl's sickness…

The steward looked at his list, then glanced at Rayven.

"You're the last one."

Rayven stood.

The steward hesitated. "You sure you want to go in? The Baron's already furious. If you waste his time, you might be the one he takes it out on."

He gave this warning since Rayven looked young. He believed that the kid was an apprentice and wanted to try this mission.

"I'll take the risk…" Rayven said as he realized that the steward wasn't aware that he was a Silver Rank Adventurer.

The steward sighed. "Suit yourself."

Soon, he led Rayven down a narrow hallway, past a pair of closed doors, and into a quiet chamber. A butler stood outside the final room…

After seeing so many people who wanted to cure the young lady, his posture was now stiff and his expression was weary.

He looked at Rayven, then at the steward. "This one?"

The steward nodded. "Last one."

The butler frowned. "He's too young. The Baron's patience is gone. If this one fails too, it won't be pretty."

Rayven stepped forward. "I understand. Let me try."

The butler studied him for a moment longer, then slowly opened the door.

"Don't say I didn't warn you."

Rayven stepped inside.

The room was dimly lit, with heavy curtains drawn over the windows. A faint herbal scent lingered in the air, and it was quite understandable..

There even seemed like burnt incense in the air…

At the center of the room was a large bed, and on it lay a girl no older than twelve. Her skin was pale, her breathing was shallow.

Then, a woman who was most likely the Baroness sat at her side, holding her hand.

Baron Fumiya stood near the fireplace and looked stern…

He turned as Rayven entered.

"You're the last one?" he asked with his tired voice…

Rayven nodded. "Yes, my lord."

The Baron squinted as he didn't believe that the old doctors, mages, and other alchemists would be bested by this apprentice.

"You look like a student."

"I'm a silver-ranked adventurer," Rayven replied, showing his token. "I was sent by the Guild."

The Baron didn't respond immediately. There were many people sent by the guild after the reward he had prepared.

In any case, the Baron also wanted this done, so he gestured toward the bed.

"Do what you came to do. But if you waste our time…"

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