When I got back home, I went through my usual routine.
"I’ve looked after the slimes, confirmed the research schedule, had dinner with the goblins, and taken a bath... I’ve finished everything I needed to do. Now then..."
It was late, and I decided to use the spare time before bed to think about magic in relation to the slimes. To test an idea that had just occurred to me, I called over a Mad Slime that was idling by the water’s edge in the corner of my room. I decided to try using Sensory Link with it.
"Hmm..."
Sensory Link is a technique from Taming Magic, primarily used to gather information. While sharing vision is the most common application, it’s also possible to share hearing, touch, and even taste. However, it’s generally accepted that the spell has no effect on slimes because they lack sensory organs.
Or so I was told by Reinhardt and the others when I first learned the magic. Indeed, the common five senses—sight, hearing, smell, touch, and taste—failed to transmit anything from the Mad Slime.
But the real test was what came next.
The sense I wanted to share was Mana Perception—the ability to feel mana itself. This is an essential step for both learning and exercising magic. While the degree of sensitivity varies, every mage can sense it. In other words, it isn't a delusion; it is a definitive sense that exists in this world. One could even call it a sixth sense.
Based on my research into slimes thus far, I’d come to the personal conclusion that mana was involved in almost every observation, hypothesis, and result I’d encountered. For these reasons, I attempted to link our Mana Perception. I felt a momentary surge of resistance, and then...
"Ugh... ah...!"
A physical shock hit me. It was a staggering avalanche of information, far too vast to be called a mere sensation. I couldn't comprehend any of it; I could only brace myself against the torrent of data rushing into my mind.
My body grew feverish in seconds. Dizziness, nausea, and a pounding headache set in. It was a crushing lethargy that brought back vivid memories of the burnout I’d experienced in my previous life.
Back then, I had no choice but to keep working even when my body failed me. But I wasn't in that world anymore. There was no need to push myself, and no one would blame me for stopping. I immediately severed the Sensory Link, cutting off the inflow of information.
Though the disconnection allowed me to catch my breath, the lingering exhaustion was so profound that even remaining upright felt like a chore for quite some time.
"This is going to require some caution... and a proper investigation into the cause."
By the next morning, my physical condition had returned to normal. Since I was scheduled to work and study at the hospital today, I used Space Magic to travel to the city and then to the clinic. After changing into the white coat specially prepared for me, I reported to the medical staff's waiting room.
The five doctors dispatched from the Ducal House, led by Mafrar, were already assembled.
"Good morning!"
"Good morning, Ryoma. We look forward to working with you today."
We began our morning briefing to confirm the day’s schedule. As we reported on our respective duties and research, we found ourselves with a bit of extra time. I decided to take the opportunity to ask about my symptoms from the night before. Since I was in an important stage of my research, I wanted to be certain of my health. I hoped they might know of similar cases, given that the overload had caused such immediate physical distress.
"As it stands, there appears to be nothing wrong with your body," Mafrar concluded after a brief check. "The cause is likely mental burden and fatigue. It seems you overexerted your mind rather than your physical form."
"Mental burden... so, stress or brain fatigue?"
"Exactly. No specific treatment is required. If I had to suggest anything, it would be rest, but if you don't feel any lingering issues, you may go about your day as usual. However, the circumstances of the onset are curious. You said a vast amount of information flowed into you when you shared senses with a slime? I have heard that inexperienced casters can feel unwell when their own senses mingle with a monster’s, but..."
Mafrar was likely describing something akin to motion sickness from a shaky camera. I had experienced that myself when I first started practicing Sensory Link.
"It was a bit different from that, Doctor," I explained. "To use an analogy, it felt like being forced to read a mountain of documents at lightning speed."
"In that case, I cannot say for sure. As a servant of House Jamil, I have some peripheral knowledge of the subject, but Taming Magic is outside my specialty."
"I have plans to meet with Branch Master Taylor soon, so I’ll try asking him then."
"Yes, for Taming Magic, that would be the best course of action."
As we were talking, one of the residents spoke up.
"Could it be... no, surely not."
"Did you think of something, Clarissa-san?" I asked.
"Ryoma-kun’s story reminded me of a tale about Magic Eyes I heard as a child."
The conversation had taken a sudden turn into pure fantasy.
"Clarissa-san, what exactly are Magic Eyes?"
"You aren't familiar with them? There are anecdotes about famous adventurers, and I’m fairly sure they’re featured in several fairy tales. Though, I suppose they go by different names depending on the region or race. For instance, among Elves like Mafrar-sensei, they are known as Spirit Eyes."
"My apologies. I’m afraid I’m quite illiterate when it comes to fairy tales and folklore."
"Oh, really?"
"And here I was, marveling at how your medical knowledge puts mine to shame..."
"You always have the image of someone who knows so many difficult things. It’s surprising to find out you don't know a story everyone’s heard!"
"Hahaha..." I gave a strained laugh. My medical knowledge came from the gods, after all. They were always a massive help, especially lately.
"To give you a simple explanation," Clarissa continued, "legend says that possessors of Magic Eyes can see a world entirely different from the one ordinary people perceive. However, the cost—or perhaps the result of failing to master them—is that the eyes inflict agonizing headaches on the owner or even consume their consciousness."
"Is that so?"
The situation did sound somewhat similar.
"Magic Eyes are powerful if you can control them, but the headaches are supposedly excruciating," another resident added.
"People usually describe it as being struck with a blunt object or having your brain scorched!"
"It’s said that most people born with them eventually choose to take their own lives..."
"That’s quite dark."
"Yes, which is why I said it’s merely a similar situation," Clarissa said with a smile. "If you actually had them, I doubt we’d be standing here having a conversation."
"Fair enough." The residents and I shared a laugh.
"Now then, everyone, it’s almost time," Mafrar called out. "Let’s do our best today!"
"Yes, sir!"
At his command, we moved to our respective stations. I headed for the compounding room first.
"Shall we?"
"Let’s go."
Accompanying me was Hector, one of the residents. He was a somewhat somber man, but he was a professional in pharmacology and a specialist in detoxification. At this hospital, he was primarily responsible for preparing the medicines used for treatments and those prescribed to patients. Working as his assistant was a key part of my training.
He was a researcher at heart, and perhaps because of that, I got along with him better than any of the other residents.
"Oh, right, Ryoma-kun. About that herb inventory we discussed..."
He was referring to our conversation during the briefing. Hector and the others predicted that this winter would be particularly harsh, and they were concerned about the impact on the patients. Because of that, they wanted to stockpile as many essential medicinal herbs as possible.
"If you give me a list of what you need, I’ll procure as much as I can. By the way, I’ve already collected the herbs I left with the children yesterday."
"Those children... ah, from the home you rebuilt."
The volume of medicine used by a hospital is on a completely different scale from personal use. Mass-producing medicine requires a massive amount of materials and labor. Furthermore, "medicinal materials" vary wildly in nature; some require expert knowledge to handle, while others can be processed easily by anyone.
Recently, I’d approached the orphans at the Children's Home I’d renovated and asked if they’d like a side job. I asked if they could help with simple pre-processing of medicinal herbs for the hospital, and they’d accepted immediately. I’d heard they were already doing low-risk work to support themselves, so they likely saw it as a good opportunity.
"Can we use them right away?" Hector asked.
"I checked them over last night, and they looked fine. Should I take them out now?"
"Yes, all of them. I’ll inspect them."
I began pulling the bundles from my Item Box.
"...Perfect. They’ve been processed very carefully."
"Difficulty and diligence are two different things. In that regard, those kids are very sincere. I plan to keep sending work their way."
Hector opened the boxes one by one, grinning as he inspected the herbs. He seemed satisfied with the children's work.
"...Shall we begin, then?"
"Yes."
Conversations often shifted or died out suddenly when we worked. We organized the materials I’d just provided and got to it. During the compounding process, we were almost entirely silent. If the dosage or handling is wrong, medicine can easily become poison. We both focused intensely on our own tasks, exchanging only the absolute minimum amount of words. We simply immersed ourselves in creating the required medicines with precision and care.
"...Whew."
"Ryoma-kun."
"Yes?"
"Let's take a break."
Hector was holding two steaming cups.
"Wait, really? Ah! It’s already been three hours."
It seemed he’d timed the drinks for the moment I reached a natural stopping point.
"I only just realized it myself... though usually, I’m the one being told to take a break. I don't think I’ve ever met anyone more focused than me. By the way, is this drink okay?"
"Huh? Oh, this is..."
"The one you’re always drinking. I watched how many leaves and how much water you use, so I should have the ratio right. I’ve been curious for a while, but this is a medicinal tea, isn't it? It has roasted Dante roots and dried Mugwort... and if I’m not mistaken, Gilkoda leaves as well."
"Impressive."
He’d correctly identified three of the ingredients for my Dandelion Coffee (Modified) just by looking at the cup.
"What are the effects?"
"Nourishment, improved circulation, anemia prevention, mental stabilization, detoxification, stomach health... it covers quite a lot."
"Mugwort is effective for so many things that it’s often called the 'panacea of the roadside,'" he noted.
"...If you’re interested, would you like a taste?"
"Is that okay?"
His eyes were practically glued to the cup. I knew that feeling well; I’d be the same way if I saw someone with a slime I didn't recognize. We swapped cups, and I took the black tea he’d been holding. Out of politeness, I didn't say it aloud, but his tea really wasn't very good.
"Oh, right." Hector suddenly looked at me, momentarily diverted from his focus on the coffee. "It’s a bit late to ask, but how do you manage to source so many medicinal herbs in the dead of winter?"
"I’ve started cultivating Mugwort and a few other varieties myself. Other than that, it’s thanks to the slimes."
"I figured you’d say that, but I assumed it was more realistic to use the fluids from Medicine Slimes as a substitute. Is there a slime that can actually grow herbs?"
"Actually, I only recently realized it myself, but Weed Slimes can produce them."
Weed Slimes—named for "zassou" (weeds). However, there is no actual plant called a "weed." Mugwort, which we’d just discussed, is a medicinal herb. But because it grows so aggressively in empty lots, it is often treated as a weed. In other words, a "weed" is simply any plant that is inconvenient or unwanted by humans in a given situation.
Weed Slimes feed on an incredible variety of plants. They don't have the specialized diets of Medicinal Herb Slimes or Poisonous Herb Slimes; they eat any plant that grows on land. They are essentially the plant-based equivalent of Metal Slimes.
Because of this, I realized I could apply their ability to grow weeds for camouflage or mimicry to grow medicinal herbs instead. The reason they hadn't produced herbs before was entirely my fault—my own mental image of "weeds" was being transmitted to them, so they didn't produce anything useful.
Preconceptions are dangerous precisely because you don't realize you have them. As a researcher, it was a point I needed to reflect on deeply.
"Weed Slimes only need water, sunlight, and the fertilizer made by Scavenger Slimes. Since the waste processing plant provides a massive, steady supply of fertilizer, I think mass-producing herbs will be quite easy from here on out. In fact, I’ve already started."
Now that I knew Weed Slimes could grow herbs and toxins, I still wanted to find actual Medicinal Herb Slimes or Poisonous Herb Slimes. Currently, I was selecting individuals from my vast number of Weed Slimes who showed an interest in Poison Attribute mana—in addition to their natural Wood Attribute—and was waiting for them to evolve.
"To be honest, I didn't have any interest in slimes before I came here," Hector admitted. "But they really aren't to be underestimated."
"I’m just glad you’ve recognized their charm and potential."
I’d also discovered another fact through my research into slime fluids, but explaining that would have pushed our break time way over the limit, so I decided to save it for later.
Once the break was over, we returned to our work, losing ourselves in the process until my quota was finished.
"Hector-san, I’ve finished my portion of the tasks."
"Thanks. I can handle the rest from here."
"Then I’ll head to my next assignment."
The next phase of my day was examining and treating patients. In other words, practical training. Most of the patients were laborers we’d hired for our various projects. Many of them had come to Gimul from far away and hadn't been living in the best conditions. Some had fallen ill due to the change in environment, and others were finally feeling the effects of long-term fatigue now that they were in a stable job.
Treating these people was part of their welfare benefits, and it served as vital experience for me and the resident team.
"Good work, everyone."
"Ah, you're here. Perfect timing."
When I arrived at the back of the examination rooms, Mafrar was waiting. The other three residents had already begun seeing patients. Seeing the nurses we’d hired scurrying back and forth, I figured it was going to be a busy day.
"Some members of the Guard Force just arrived," Mafrar said.
"Then those are mine. I’ll get ready."
Mafrar’s teaching style was very practical, tailored to our specific goals. In my case, my objective was health maintenance for my adventurer activities and increasing my survival rate in the field. To that end, what I needed wasn't necessarily the knowledge to treat every possible ailment.
Of course, mastering every facet of medicine would be ideal, but that takes an astronomical amount of time. It’s a path that can consume an entire lifetime. My goal was simply to manage my own health and that of my companions, and in an emergency, to provide enough treatment to keep someone alive until they could reach a true specialist.
And the core of that training was...
"Thanks for seeing me!"
"Amos-san? Weren't you just here last week? As a citizen, I appreciate the Guard Force putting their bodies on the line, and as a student, I appreciate the experience, but aren't you pushing it a little?"
"Hah! The captain told me the same thing. But I was so focused on protecting those kids..."
"And the result is your arm in a sling."
"Caught a square timber with it."
"Any other injuries? Did you hit your head?"
"No, I kept my head safe. He got me in the back, too, but that’s nothing."
"I’ll be the judge of that. Please turn around."
This was my specialty: Combat Trauma Treatment.
To learn how to use the magic, medicine, and equipment needed for such wounds, the Guard Force members who fought daily to keep the city safe were the best possible teachers. It was also excellent experience for the other residents. Although we gave the guards priority and better rates, I was deeply grateful that they trusted a rookie like me with their health. I had to ensure I didn't betray that trust.
Looking at the injury and the results of my exam, I determined that the bruise on his back could be fixed with Heal, while his fractured arm would need High Heal.
"You’ve got a nasty bruise, but your spine is fine. I’m going to use healing magic now, all right?"
"Please, Child Doctor."
Somewhere along the line, the patients had started calling me "Child Doctor." I’d thought "Young Doctor" would be more appropriate, but apparently, the patients felt all the doctors here were young. The residents were in their twenties, and Mafrar—regardless of his actual age—looked like he was in his twenties too. So, the name Child Doctor had stuck to me specifically.
After receiving a nod from Mafrar, I began the treatment.
"...?"
Mafrar had recently re-explained the fundamentals and tricks of healing magic to me. In the past, I’d just vaguely imagined the wound closing. But a professional healer uses specific mental anchors.
One of those is the "Mana Body."
It is believed that living beings have a second body made of mana that overlaps with their physical form. This is the same "internal mana" one focuses on when casting spells, but it is vital for healing. Mafrar said that the Mana Body contains the "blueprint" of a person's physical state. To heal someone properly, you must sense their Mana Body, read the complete information of their physical form, and visualize bringing the flesh back into alignment with that blueprint.
It was much easier said than done. While I could focus enough to sense the Mana Body, it had always looked like a blurry, human-shaped mass of mana. I hadn't grasped the feeling of "reading" information at all.
But today... things felt different.
I still couldn't "read" it per se, but I could perceive the Mana Body far more clearly than ever before. As I focused on the bruise on his back where the physical and mana bodies overlapped, I felt a slight discrepancy. It was like a subtle misalignment between the two layers.
Was this it?
"Heal."
I visualized the bruise being corrected and cast the spell. In an instant, the bruise vanished, and his skin returned to its normal color. I’d estimated it would take at least two casts, but the healing was already complete. Had my magic become more efficient?
I checked the area and found no issues. I moved on to his arm and used High Heal. I’d expected it to take three casts, but two were more than enough.
"It’s as good as new! Thank you, Child Doctor!"
"Take care, Amos-san."
As I watched him leave, I turned to find Mafrar smiling.
"It seems you’ve finally grasped the secret of sensing the Mana Body."
"Was that sensation just now what you meant?"
"I cannot know exactly what you felt, Ryoma-kun, but based on the results, yes. A healer’s skill changes fundamentally once they can sense the Mana Body and read its information. Your spells were significantly more effective than they were before. However, you’ve only just scratched the surface. If you truly master the Mana Body, you can eventually reattach severed limbs, or even diagnose hidden abnormalities in an instant."
That sounded incredible. It was basically human X-ray vision or a living CT scan.
"Of course, reaching that level takes decades of effort. I have lived the equivalent of a human lifespan and I still haven't truly arrived. But now that you’ve found the knack, you must not let it go. Let's move on to the next patient. I’ll find someone who needs healing magic specifically, so wait here."
With that, Mafrar left the room and rounded up more injured guards. From then on, I was subjected to a relentless stream of patients. Mafrar was always polite and his teaching was sound, but he was a pragmatist who bordered on being a Spartan instructor.