Ball of Nothing

Hua Tuo returned to his house and cleaned up the evidence of the foiled attack. Merlin texted earlier with a picture of the dishes piling beside Zero. The boy had quite the appetite and they weren't returning any time soon. Hua Tuo got busy and started preparing extra beds for the guests in his house.

The straws were easily gathered but the cloth was slightly more tricky. He had to use some old clothes to make the bedding covers but he was thankful that he had just the right amount of cloth needed. Hua Tuo made a mental note of the things he needed to buy when he stopped by town in future. Although living in the mountains was a good thing, there were also many inconveniences.

Truen was pale and his fever was back. The doctor got to work immediately without showing signs of fatigue. The elf was struggling silently and Hua Tuo shook his head. For such a young being, his dedication was commendable. However, blind faith was simply foolishness. Without capability, his efforts were only as good as serving for cannon fodder in a war.

Hua Tuo may be a mere physician but he grew up during the era of the warring states. He knew a thing or two about strategy. There were many things that he needed to impart to his two foolish students but first, they had to be in top condition.

"Do you think I should teach Zero about magic? He has an aptitude for it."

Hua Tuo raised a brow at Merlin's text. Buddha did mention that the Zero was keen about learning medicine and healing magic. However, he didn't know if Zero would be keen to learn other magic. Merlin sounded enthusiastic and that could only mean that the wizard had found an unpolished gem.

"It's Zero's decision. Although I could do with a tutor for basic magic control. My healing magic isn't exactly magic after all. Buddha probably didn't explain the difference between healing magic and healing blessing."

After sending his reply, Hua Tuo sterilised the thin needles. Acupuncture was a technique not known to the people on this planet. Many relied on healing magic and potions. This was a world who relied too much on external factors rather than internal, another reason why Hua Tuo preferred to live in isolation. He simply could not adapt to the change of views.

By the time Merlin returned with Zero, it was past midnight. Truen's fever had stabilised and Hua Tuo pulled out the newly made straw beds for the brunet and Sage God. To his surprise, Zero refused and insisted on sleeping with Truen. Merlin decided to pass on the offer and went back via a portal. He did say that he would drop by again tomorrow morning to continue on Truen's treatment so Hua Tuo wasn't worried.

Zero held the elf's hand and apologised to him before falling asleep. Hua Tuo reinforced the barrier to keep the wild animals out and followed suit; the earlier events were forgotten just like a candle that's burned out.