Over thousands of tropes, hundreds of fantasy stories proliferating everywhere, and countless new ideas emerging in every conceivable way, one might ponder: what truly defines a healer in a fantasy world?
Is it merely a generic healing ability that mends wounds, relegating them to a supporting role from the backlines in every adventure? This seems to be the enduring archetype, a tradition upheld since the very beginning of such tales.
Yet, I've been cultivating my own healing ability, and while I haven't yet unlocked its full potential, I consider myself quite exceptional. The village elders and common folk alike hail me as a prodigy of healing magic; some even bestow upon me the title "master of healers." But in my own estimation, I often feel like just another classic, perhaps even generic, healer in this expansive world. I may have mastered several facets of my healing skills, but I'm keenly aware that I'm still far from reaching my ultimate, outermost potential.
Then, quite suddenly, the distinct chime of a bell resonated at my doorstep. I slowly opened it, my curiosity piqued, eager to discover who stood on the other side.
"Yes?" I inquired, my voice carrying a note of polite inquiry.
To my genuine surprise, it was none other than my big sister, who had journeyed over a thousand miles, an arduous trek, solely to pay me a visit.
"Good... good morning... little brother..." she uttered, her voice heavy with an unmistakable weariness that spoke of her long travels.
"Goodness, you look absolutely disheveled right now," I remarked, a touch of concern lacing my tone. "Thank goodness you haven't sustained any injuries. It simply appears to be extreme fatigue." With gentle hands, I carefully guided her to the plush sofa in my living room, ensuring she was comfortably seated as she slowly regained her composure and regulated her breathing.
My first act was to apply my healing to her back, specifically targeting her profound exhaustion. I invoked the [Essence of Healing: Fatigue], a unique ability that completely nullifies every trace of tiredness from my sister's body. Concurrently, I utilized the [Essence of Healing: Soreness], which meticulously eradicates all muscular aches and discomfort that had accumulated in her body from her extensive journey.
Remarkably, my sister experienced an immediate and profound sense of revitalization. She felt incredibly well, her previous weariness and soreness vanishing without a trace. With renewed vigor, she leaned in and embraced me tightly, much like one would hug a comforting pillow.
"You are truly the best brother we've ever had! Probably the best of the best!" she exclaimed, her voice brimming with affection and genuine admiration. She even went so far as to compare me to our other brothers, but I simply shrugged off the comparison.
"Please don't compare me to them," I said, a gentle smile playing on my lips. "They're still our family, after all."
My sister, a little sheepishly, scratched the back of her head. "Oh right... sorry! I got a bit carried away because you truly are the greatest brother! Even though you're the youngest, you always step up immensely and without hesitation! It's like you're a true knight in shining armor, always ready to protect and help!"
I chuckled softly at her unwavering adoration, her words of praise and cherishment washing over me. Instead of pushing her away or shrugging off her affection, I allowed her to continue her heartfelt expressions while I attended to various tasks around my house.
She watched, amused, as I playfully tapped every single corner and surface of my home, each touch instantly rendering it sparkling clean. This was courtesy of my [Essence of Healing: Cleanliness], an ability that allows me to meticulously cleanse not only individuals but also entire houses, rooms, or even towering structures.
"You really are such a hardworking person, Senmon!" she observed, a look of impressed admiration on her face.
Yes, that's my name: Senmon Kurame. Most people affectionately call me Sen or Mon for short, though I generally prefer to be addressed by my full name. Still, the shortened versions sometimes linger.
"Yeah, I know," I replied, a hint of playful resignation in my voice. "I've always been a hardworking person, whatever the task! But I truly cherish my siblings whenever I get the chance to adore them, so seeing you here really makes me feel relieved. Thanks, Erica."
That was her name, Erica Kurame, my dear, loving, and wonderfully biological big sister. She has always harbored an almost obsessive affection for me, and she makes it a point to visit at least three times a week. Despite the thousands of miles separating us, she knows that I possess the means to negate all the troubles associated with her lengthy travels. This knowledge has, over time, emboldened her resolve to visit me with even greater frequency than before.
I don't possess a "system," nor could I ever have one, for I was born purely and organically into this world. I've heard tales and whispers of the floating, futuristic, bluish glowing screens that surround transmigrated or reincarnated individuals. However, the very thought of it sends a shiver down my spine; it's quite terrifying to imagine that they alone can perceive "that" system around them.
I can only conclude that it must be incredibly peculiar, perhaps even a little creepy, to have some sort of blue rectangular or square-shaped light persistently following you everywhere you go.
Eventually, a comfortable lull settled between us, and I found myself growing slightly bored. I leaned back into the soft cushions of the couch, settling in right next to my sister, and decided to voice a few lingering questions.
"Hey, how are mom and dad doing?" I asked, breaking the comfortable silence.
She scoffed playfully. "Hah! Better than they've ever been! All thanks to your... unique anti-aging ability, of course. You've consistently managed to keep our parents looking as if they're perpetually in their mid-40s. At least you haven't made them look younger than that, or things might get a bit... diabolical, wouldn't you say?"
I laughed aloud, already familiar with the humorous implications of her statement. The anti-aging power she referred to was my [Essence of Healing: Anti-Aging]. This remarkable ability grants me the power to touch a person and adjust their age within an astonishingly vast range, truly without any discernible limitations. Whether it's a thousand years, a million, a billion, or even beyond, the potential is boundless. Elves, with their naturally extended lifespans, could probably handle even the most extreme applications. Because I love my family more than anything, and because I've diligently applied this ability to my own parents, they are, in essence, immortal within the protective embrace of my powers.
"I see," I mused, a knowing smile on my face. "And I bet they're still constantly bickering over some 'stroking' ideas, aren't they? I heard Dad accidentally shattered my favorite vase, and Mom, predictably, smacked him hundreds of times because of it. That is, until I showed up and healed both the vase and Dad. But even after that, Mom just kept on smacking him, didn't she?"
She smirked. "Heh. Dad and Mom always seem to find something to argue about, especially when it involves your favorite things. They can be so utterly careless sometimes!"
"Yeah, I know that all too well, mostly," I agreed, shaking my head good-naturedly. "It's almost comedic, really!"
Finally, the clock on the mantelpiece chimed, signaling two o'clock. It was a clear indication that I needed to depart soon for some pressing matters, possibly even business.
"Alright then! I'll see you again in the meantime, sis!" I called out, waving a quick goodbye as I headed for the door. My sister's voice, laced with her usual concern, echoed after me just before I stepped out.
"Don't be too late, okay?"
I simply waved once more, a reassuring gesture intended to convey that I would be perfectly safe. After all, I am a healer, one who possesses the extraordinary capacity to heal virtually anything I desire.