Chapter 26: Heartfelt Reunion
An aged woman covered in a white cloak entered Cardinal Peaks's town hall holding a white, oak wood quarterstaff. Sheriff Nathkin was in the middle of his daily routine when the woman caught his attention.
「 Sheriff Nathkin 」
"I see Moonlight is still by your side..."
"Marris."
「 Marris Johnson 」
"Nath..."
"You haven't changed a bit."
After receiving Sheriff Nathkin's request, Marris Johnson made the trip to Cardinal Peaks to meet with her old friend. Stories about Zanno have reached her ears in the capital, and she had decided to see him with her own eyes.
Sheriff Nathkin was taken aback by the sudden appearance of Marris Johnson, the renowned Grandmaster Healer. They hadn't seen each other in years, and her arrival in Cardinal Peaks brought back memories.
「 Sheriff Nathkin 」
"It's been too long, Marris."
"I'm glad you made it to Cardinal Peaks as soon as possible."
「 Marris Johnson 」
"Glad to see an old friend."
"How has it been?"
「 Sheriff Nathkin 」
"I'm doing fine, Marris."
"What about you?"
"Being an important person to the sultan must've been..."
"Colorful!"
"Haha?"
「 Marris Johnson 」
"Oh my god... Nath."
"You can joke around now?"
"Hehe..."
「 Sheriff Nathkin 」
"Hahaha..."
Sheriff Nathkin and Rammis, two dear friends, reunited after a long period of time. They spent hours exchanging heartwarming stories and reminiscing about the past.
"Remember when we used to go on adventures together?"
"Those were the days."
「 Marris Johnson 」
"Indeed, Nath..."
"We triumphed over countless challenges."
"You were always clueless back then."
"Asking about every little thing."
"Like an infant growing up."
"It was amusing, to say the very least."
"Hehe."
「 Sheriff Nathkin 」
"And now, we find ourselves here, in Cardinal Peaks, with a new purpose."
"I called upon you because there is someone I want you to meet..."
"A boy named Zanno."
「 Marris Johnson 」
"Ah, I've heard tales of his remarkable spirit and the challenges he has faced."
"I would be honored to meet him."
"I haven't seen grey æsther in years."
"The last time was..."
「 Sheriff Nathkin 」
"Yes..."
"It was when he sacrificed himself to let us escape."
A moment of silence passed between Sheriff Nathkin and Marris as they remembered their fallen comrade. The memory of his sacrifice weighed heavy on their hearts, but they knew that it was his choice.
「 Marris Johnson 」
"He was a true hero."
"His sacrifice will forever be remembered."
"Look at what we have achieved today."
"Magical engineering wouldn't even be a thing if it weren't for him."
Sheriff Nathkin did nothing but nod in absolute agreement. The hall went silent again as tears welled up in the eyes of the two old friends.
◈◈◈
Later that night, Sheriff Nathkin led Marris to Jengo's house, where they found Jengo and Zanno engaged in lively conversation. Zanno's eyes widened in surprise as he saw the legendary healer standing before him.
「 Zanno 」
"You're the Royal Physician Marris, the Grandmaster Healer!"
"I've heard so much about you."
「 Marris Johnson 」
"Yes, young Zanno."
"It's a pleasure to finally meet you."
「 Zanno 」
"Sheriff Nathkin told me about your offer to help."
"I can't thank you enough for considering it."
Marris smiled warmly at Zanno, her eyes filled with compassion and understanding.
「 Marris Johnson 」
"Zanno, your determination, and strength have inspired many."
"I've heard of your remarkable spirit and the challenges you have faced."
"It would be an honor for me to assist you on your journey."
Zanno's face lit up with a mixture of excitement and gratitude.
"Now... Can you get out of your wheelchair so that I can have a closer look at your left leg?"
Zanno was hesitant because it had been almost a year since he and his father put up the charade of him still being crippled. He awkwardly stared at Marris as he slowly got out of his wheelchair.
Marris's soft hands touched Zanno's left leg as she began to appraise its condition. Soft light began to glow from her fingers, radiating rays of warmth.
Moments later, the lights faded and Marris slowly let go of Zanno's left leg as she closed her eyes. Anticipation filled the living room as everyone held their breath, waiting for Marris to say something.
"This is Regeneration magic, a branch of light magic."
"I thought it had vanished from Aena for thousands of years."
Jengo and Zanno were astounded by the fact that Marris knew exactly about the magic that healed the crippled left leg. Her knowledge of light magic was unquestionable.
「 Zanno 」
"How..."
"How did you know?"
Marris smiled as she began to share stories of her adventurous youth, which were a testament to her mastery of light magic. But still, something was troubling her while she was analyzing Zanno's left leg.
「 Marris Johnson 」
"I sense a foreign element present within you."
"A presence the sheriff and I knew too well..."
「 Zanno 」
"Presence?"
"Foreign element?"
「 Marris Johnson 」
"Zak'nagi..."
「 Councilor Jengo 」
"But Dr. Ahmed said that they had disappeared!"
「 Marris Johnson 」
"I believe the doctor assumed that because they were too discreet to detect using modern technology."
"Zak'nagis are ancient and mysterious."
"Their ability to evolve is beyond comprehension."
"I'm sure I found traces of them within your body."
Zanno's eyes widened in shock and concern. The mention of zak'nagis brought back memories of the dangers they posed to his family and the town.
「 Zanno 」
"But... What does this mean?"
"Are they still a threat?"
"Are they still dangerous?"
「 Marris Johnson 」
"It's hard to say for certain, but it's possible that remnants of the zak'nagi within you may still exist."
"We need to investigate further and understand the extent of their presence."
「 Sheriff Nathkin 」
"We should contact your brother, Marris."
"He is an expert on zak'nagi, am I right?"
"He might have more information that could help us."
「 Councilor Jengo 」
"We should act swiftly to ensure Zanno's safety and the safety of our town."
"I am willing to do anything."
"Just say it."
「 Marris Johnson 」
"Hmm... That crazy twin of mine is hard to reach."
"But I will try my best."
"In the meantime, please keep an eye on Zanno."
"We are dealing with something that I have not seen in ages."
"And you... little Zanno."
"I will try my very best to uncover this mystery."
Zanno nodded, his determination burning in his eyes.
「 Zanno 」
"I won't let the zak'nagi hold me back."
"I'll face it head-on!"
Marris smiled, impressed by Zanno's bravery and determination.
「 Marris Johnson 」
"You have the spirit of a true hero, Zanno."
"We will do everything we can to protect you and Cardinal Peaks."
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
Babazam
Babazam Edit: 15 Nov 23
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