Midnight in the capital was a different world entirely from its daytime bustle. As Kael and his companions slipped out of the Silver Griffin Inn and into the empty streets, an eerie quiet had settled over the city like a heavy blanket. The usual crowds were gone, replaced by shadows and the occasional distant sound that echoed strangely in the emptiness.
Street lamps provided pools of golden light at regular intervals, but between them darkness reigned. Kael noticed figures occasionally—people huddled in alleyways, their faces obscured. Mythbeasts that might have been strays or might have belonged to those hidden figures, watching with glowing eyes as the group passed.
Stay alert, Vera cautioned through their bond. Not all who wander at night have good intentions.
Noted, Kael replied, though he wasn't particularly worried. Between his own elemental powers and four powerful companions, he could handle most threats. Still, caution was wise.
They moved quickly but not suspiciously so, following the route Seraphina had shown them during the day. The park's entrance loomed ahead after about twenty minutes of walking, its gates standing open even at this late hour. Apparently, the sanctuary's nature meant it was always accessible.
Once inside the park, the atmosphere shifted again. The eerie urban emptiness gave way to natural nighttime sounds—insects chirping, leaves rustling in the breeze, the distant sound of the stream burbling over stones. It was peaceful, almost calming.
Kael led his companions toward the park's center, choosing a spot near a cluster of large trees that would provide some cover. Then he turned to Ember and Vera.
"Alright, let's find that sandsnake first—the one with the broken back. He seemed like he was in the worst condition, and I want to start with him."
On it, Vera projected, her violet eyes beginning to glow as she extended her psychic senses outward. Ember flickered beside her, providing light.
The two companions moved off into the darkness together, Vera's mental presence stretching ahead while Ember's gentle glow illuminated their path. Kael waited with Fulminus and Mushy, watching the surrounding park for any signs of danger or unwanted attention.
After about five minutes, Vera's mental touch returned. Found him. He's about two hundred meters northeast of your position. Can't really move easily due to his injury, so you should come to us.
Be right there, Kael confirmed.
He followed the thread of Vera's mental presence through the darkness, Fulminus perched on his shoulder, and Mushy swaying along beside him. The walk was short, and soon he could see Ember's glow ahead, marking where Vera waited.
The sandsnake was massive—even larger than Kael had estimated during the day. Easily twenty meters long and about two meters high, its body rested on the ground. Its scales were a pale tan color that would blend perfectly with desert sand, but here in the park's grass, it stood out starkly in the moonlight.
The break in its spine was visible even from a distance—a distinct bend about a third of the way down its body where the vertebrae had healed wrong, creating a permanent kink that clearly caused pain and severely limited movement.
As Kael approached, the sandsnake's head—easily the size of Kael's entire torso—lifted slightly. Yellow eyes, still sharp despite obvious age and injury, fixed on him with wary assessment.
Vera, can you translate for us?
Already doing so, she confirmed.
Kael stopped about ten feet from the massive creature and spoke aloud, "I'm here to help. I saw you during the day and noticed your injury. I believe I can heal it—restore your spine to how it should be, remove the pain you've been living with."
The sandsnake was silent for a long moment, then Vera translated its response. Why? What do you want in return?
"Just two things," Kael replied honestly. "First, keep this secret. Don't tell anyone about my healing ability—it could cause complications I'd rather avoid. Second, help me decide who should be healed next. You've been here longer than I, you know which mythbeasts need help most. I trust your judgment more than my own quick observations."
You expect me to believe you can heal an injury this old? This severe? The snake's mental voice carried deep skepticism. I've lived with this broken back for over forty years. Every so-called healer who's examined me has said the same thing—too old, too established, impossible to fix without killing me in the process.
"I understand your doubt," Kael said calmly. "But I'm asking you to let me try. If it doesn't work, you're no worse off than you are now. If it does work..." He gestured at the snake's broken spine. "You get your life back."
The sandsnake studied him intensely, and Kael could practically feel it assessing for danger, for hidden motives, for any sign of deception. Then, finally, a grudging response came through Vera's translation.
I sense no malice from you or your companions. And if you try anything harmful, I still have enough power left to defend myself. A pause. Very well. Attempt your healing. I don't believe it will work, but I'm willing to be proven wrong.
"Thank you," Kael said sincerely. "There will be a small light when the healing begins. Try to stay still and let the power work. It shouldn't hurt."
He moved closer, placing his hand on the sandsnake's neck where he could feel the powerful muscles beneath surprisingly smooth scales. Then he reached for Divine Restoration, letting the golden-white light flow from his palms.
The effect was immediate and dramatic.
Light spread across the sandsnake's entire body, sinking into scales and flesh and bone. Kael watched with fascination as the broken section of spine began to shift, vertebrae slowly rotating and repositioning themselves. The unnatural kink started to straighten, the snake's body gradually forming the smooth, continuous line it was meant to have.
Old scars faded across the creature's scales. Internal damage Kael hadn't even been aware of healed as the Divine Restoration worked its magic. Every ailment, every injury accumulated over decades of hard living, simply melted away under the golden light.
The sandsnake's eyes widened with what looked like shock, then wonder. Through Vera's connection, Kael felt waves of sensation—not pain, but the strange feeling of a body being remade, of damage being undone, of restoration in its truest sense.
The healing took perhaps two minutes, though it felt longer. When the golden light finally faded, Kael stepped back to assess his work.
The sandsnake's spine was perfectly straight. Scars had vanished. The creature looked... younger, somehow. More vital. As if decades had been rolled back.
Then sand began to stir.
It started small—grains lifting from the ground around them. But it quickly intensified, sand from the park's paths swirling upward in response to the snake's unconscious power. A localized sandstorm formed, centered on the massive creature.
Kael tensed momentarily, but sensed no aggression in the display. This was just power—tremendous power—being released after being suppressed by injury for so long.
Sorry about that, little guy, the sandsnake's mental voice came through Vera, stronger now than before. Couldn't control my powers for a moment there. Haven't felt this good in... I can't even remember how long.
"No worries," Kael replied, waving away the apology. "How are you feeling?"
I feel amazing, the snake responded, and Kael could hear genuine awe in its mental voice. Like I've re-entered my prime. Better than my prime, even. My power feels... stronger. More refined.
"Well, you might have," Kael said. "Healing doesn't just restore you to your previous state—it brings you to optimal condition. All that experience you've gained over the years, combined with a body that's now functioning perfectly? You're probably stronger than you ever were."
Kael, Fulminus's mental voice chimed in. That snake is way more powerful than before. Easily rank 15 now, maybe higher. More than twice what it was when injured.
The sandsnake seemed to sense this too, moving its body experimentally. The movement was fluid, graceful, completely unlike the pained struggling Kael had witnessed during the day. Twenty meters of serpentine muscle coiled and uncoiled with perfect control, power radiating from every scale.
I don't know what to say, the snake projected. You've given me back more than just mobility. You've given me back my life, my purpose, my strength. If you ever need anything—anything at all—you just ask. I am in your debt.
"No debt necessary," Kael assured him. "I just wanted to help."
The commotion from the localized sandstorm, though it had quickly subsided, had drawn attention. Mythbeasts began emerging from the darkness—approximately twenty of them, all moving toward the central area where the sandsnake now rested in obvious perfect health.
They were the park's other residents. The elderly, the wounded, the damaged. Some missing limbs, others bearing deep scars. All of them radiated curiosity and hope as they saw their fellow sanctuary dweller completely restored.
Kael heard a soft chime in his mind—the system's notification tone. He'd almost forgotten about that aspect of his abilities in the intensity of the healing. Focusing inward, he checked what had changed.
Divine Restoration Cooldown Reduced: 30 minutes
His eyes widened. The cooldown had been cut in half! From sixty minutes down to thirty. And the notification seemed to suggest it had happened because he'd healed a mythbeast equivalent to rank 10 or higher.
Good news, everyone, he projected to his companions with barely contained excitement. The healing cooldown just dropped to thirty minutes instead of an hour. If we stay here for about three hours, I can heal six more mythbeasts before we need to get back for sleep.
Approval and satisfaction flooded through his bonds from all four companions. This changed everything—they could help twice as many creatures in the same amount of time.
Kael turned back to the sandsnake. "Can you help me choose six more mythbeasts who need healing most? I can do six tonight."
The massive serpent's head swiveled, those yellow eyes assessing the gathered mythbeasts with the knowledge of long familiarity. When it spoke through Vera's translation, its mental voice carried absolute authority.
I know exactly who needs it most. You four— Four mythbeasts stepped forward, responding to the snake's mental summons. A wolf missing its front right leg. A bird-type with a shattered wing that would never fly again. A bear with only three functional legs. A deer-like creature missing both its hind legs, forced to drag itself everywhere. And you two— Two more approached, these bearing fewer visible injuries but moving with obvious pain. Vera conveyed that they had severe internal damage from old battles, organs that had healed incorrectly, and now caused constant suffering.
The sandsnake turned its gaze back to Kael. These six need it most from those who have gathered here. Is this acceptable?
"More than acceptable," Kael confirmed. "Thank you for the guidance."
The snake addressed the gathered mythbeasts directly, its mental voice apparently broadcasting to all of them simultaneously based on how they all reacted. Through Vera's translation for Kael's benefit, he heard: This human has come here to heal us. He restored my broken back—completely. I'm stronger now than I've been in four decades. He can heal six more tonight. Trust him. Let him help you.
The gathered mythbeasts had all seen the sandsnake's transformation with their own eyes, had sensed its dramatically increased power. Skepticism remained—how could it not, after so many years of being told their conditions were permanent?—but they were willing to try.
The wolf with the missing leg approached first, limping awkwardly on three legs, its stump clearly causing balance issues. Kael placed his hand on the creature's shoulder and channeled Divine Restoration once more.
Golden light flowed across fur and flesh. Where the leg had been severed—probably decades ago, based on how completely the wound had healed—bone began to extend. Muscle formed around it, tendons connected, and blood vessels grew and branched. Fur sprouted across the new flesh, matching the wolf's dark grey coat perfectly.
In less than two minutes, the wolf stood on four complete legs, looking down at the restored limb with something like disbelief. It tested the new leg carefully, putting weight on it, then more confidently. Finally, it let out a howl—pure joy and gratitude combined into sound.
The other mythbeasts watched with growing hope. If the wolf's leg could be restored after so long, maybe their own injuries weren't as permanent as they'd believed.
Thirty minutes later, Kael healed the bird-type's shattered wing. Watching it take flight for the first time in who knew how many years was genuinely moving—the creature soared in tight circles above them, calling out in what could only be celebration.
Then the bear with three legs. Then the deer, missing its hind legs, actually wept when it stood fully upright for the first time in living memory.
The two with internal injuries were last. Their healings were less visually dramatic—no missing limbs to restore—but Kael could sense the Divine Restoration working deep within their bodies, correcting damage to organs and systems that had been causing silent suffering for years.
When all six were healed, they gathered around Kael with expressions of devotion that made him somewhat uncomfortable. He could feel their gratitude through Vera's psychic senses—overwhelming, absolute, bordering on worship.
"Really, it's okay," he said, trying to defuse the intensity. "I'm just glad I could help."
We will repay this gift, the wolf projected firmly. All of us. Whatever you need, whenever you need it, you need only ask.
"Just live well," Kael replied. "That's repayment enough. And I'll be back around the same time tomorrow."
He started to make farewells, ready to head back to the inn for desperately needed sleep. But confusion rippled through the gathered mythbeasts at his parting words.
Wait, the sandsnake projected. This wasn't a one-time event? You'll return tomorrow?
"Of course," Kael said, surprised they'd doubt it. "I'll be back tomorrow night to heal seven more. And the night after that, for another seven if needed, until every major injury here has been addressed."
The reaction was immediate and overwhelming. Hope, gratitude, disbelief, joy—all cascading through the gathered creatures in waves so intense that Vera actually winced from the psychic pressure.
"Are there any mythbeasts not here tonight who need healing?" Kael asked. "If you know of any, tell them to be here tomorrow night. I want to make sure no one gets overlooked."
We'll spread the word, the sandsnake promised. Every wounded resident of this sanctuary will know. They'll be here, waiting. And we'll make sure no one disturbs you while you work.
"Thank you." Kael smiled. "I'll see you all tomorrow night, then. Same time, same place."
The walk back to the Silver Griffin Inn was quiet, all of them processing what they'd just accomplished. Seven mythbeasts are completely healed, their lives fundamentally changed. And the promise of more healings to come.
Lyssa was still awake when they slipped back into the room, reading by lamplight. She looked up immediately, assessing them for any signs of trouble.
"How did it go?" she asked.
"Better than expected," Kael replied, settling onto his bed with a satisfied sigh. "Healed seven total—started with that massive sandsnake. You should see him now, Lyssa. Completely restored, stronger than ever. Then six more after him."
"Seven?" Lyssa's eyebrows rose. "I thought Divine Restoration had an hour cooldown?"
"It did. But after healing the sandsnake—he's rank 15 or higher in power—the cooldown reduced to thirty minutes." Kael grinned. "The system rewarded me for healing such a powerful creature. Now I can do twice as many heals in the same time."
"That's incredible." Lyssa set down her book, genuine happiness in her expression. "So you'll go back tomorrow?"
"And the day after, if needed. Until every major injury in that sanctuary is healed." Kael felt determination settle in his chest like a warm weight. "They deserve better than what they've been given. And I have the power to help, so I will."
"Only you would rescue a princess, ask a duke for a legendary dragon as a reward, and spend your nights secretly healing wounded mythbeasts in a sanctuary," Lyssa said with fond exasperation. "You're impossible, you know that?"
"So I've been told." Kael smiled. "But it's working out pretty well so far."
They talked for a few more minutes about the healings, speculating whether the cooldown might reduce even further if he healed more high-rank mythbeasts. Eventually, exhaustion caught up with both of them, and they settled in for sleep.
Kael let himself sleep in the next morning—he'd more than earned it after the late night. When he finally woke, the sun was already well above the horizon, streaming through their room's window in golden shafts.
"Finally awake?" Lyssa teased from where she sat eating breakfast. "I was starting to think you'd sleep until noon."
"What time is it?"
"About ten. You were out cold—didn't even stir when Granite came back from his morning walk."
Kael stretched, working out the stiffness in his muscles. "Well, we've got the whole day free. Want to do some training? Real training, with the healing cycles?"
"Absolutely. I saw a good spot yesterday during the tour—Silvermere Lake has some secluded areas along its shore. We could set up there, work without being observed."
They gathered their companions and set off for the lake, which turned out to be about a forty-minute walk from their inn. The massive body of water was indeed almost the size of Thornhaven itself, crystal-clear and beautiful in the midday sun.
Lyssa led them to a spot along the western shore, tucked behind a small grove of trees and completely hidden from the nearest roads or buildings. Perfect for intensive training without drawing unwanted attention.
"Alright, everyone," Kael announced. "Three sessions each. Train to absolute exhaustion, get healed, repeat. We're going to push hard today."
What followed were several hours of the most intense training they'd done since leaving Thornhaven. Each companion took their turn pushing to complete failure—Fulminus with his aerial speed work, Ember with flame compression, Vera with telekinetic strength, Mushy with poison generation and condensation. Even Granite participated, working on his defensive capabilities and raw pulling strength.
Kael rotated through them with Divine Restoration, the thirty-minute cooldown allowing for efficient cycling. He also worked on his own abilities between healing sessions, practicing multi-element control and power fusion techniques.
By late afternoon, everyone was visibly stronger. The progress from just a single day of healing-assisted training was remarkable—probably equivalent to a week of normal training without it.
They returned to the inn thoroughly exhausted but satisfied, grabbed a hearty meal from the common room, and then rested until evening.
As midnight approached, Kael prepared for his second night at the sanctuary. Lyssa gave him an encouraging smile as he and his companions slipped out once again into the capital's empty nighttime streets.
The walk to the park felt familiar now, less eerie than the previous night. When they arrived at the central meeting spot, Kael found it already occupied.
Mythbeasts waited—more than twenty of them this time. Some had been there the previous night and were clearly spreading word to others. The sandsnake was present, its restored form radiating power and authority. All of them looked at Kael with expressions ranging from hope to desperate need.
"Alright," Kael said, with Vera, translating for the assembled creatures. "Seven healings tonight. Who needs it most?"
The sandsnake had clearly prepared for this, because it immediately indicated seven mythbeasts to step forward. Among them was a lion-type that made Kael's breath catch.
The creature had a literal hole through its torso—right through where vital organs should be. Scar tissue had closed the wound, and somehow the lion had survived, but the injury was clearly causing massive problems. Every breath seemed labored, every movement pained.
"How are you even alive?" Kael murmured as he approached.
Through Vera's translation, the lion responded with grim humor. Stubbornness, mostly. And a very skilled tamer who managed to stabilize me before dying himself in the same battle. I've been living like this for twelve years.
"Not anymore," Kael promised, placing his hand on the lion's mane.
The healing for this injury was particularly dramatic. Divine Restoration had to reconstruct organs from scratch—lungs, portions of the digestive system, blood vessels, and muscle tissue. Golden light intensified as the power worked overtime, filling in the massive gap with new, healthy tissue.
When it finished, the lion stood fully upright for the first time in over a decade. The hole was gone, replaced by sleek fur and powerful muscle. The creature roared—a sound of pure triumph that echoed across the entire park.
The other six healings went smoothly after that. A bird missing both wings that would fly again. A bear with a shattered skull that had healed wrong, causing constant pain and partial blindness. A deer with a broken spine similar to the sandsnake's original injury. Two wolves with severe internal damage. And a small fox-type mythbeast who'd lost both front legs.
By the time Kael finished, he was tired but deeply satisfied. Fourteen mythbeasts healed over two nights. Lives restored, suffering ended, hope given where there had been only resignation.
As he walked back to the inn with his companions, Kael found himself hoping this wouldn't cause too big a commotion. The more mythbeasts he healed, the more word would spread. Eventually, someone would notice. Someone would ask questions.
But that was a problem for future-Kael to handle.
For now, he was just looking forward to spending tomorrow with Lyssa, Seraphina, and all their mythbeasts. A day of relaxation and fun after two nights of intense healing work.
He slipped back into their room at the inn to find Lyssa already asleep, and he settled into his own bed with a contented sigh.
Seven more healed. Dozens more to go.
But he'd get there, one mythbeast at a time.