Chapter 77: Making things right
"I... I’m so sorry."
The moment Riku’s apology reached her ears and she felt him hugging her back, Lila felt relieved. However, it was extremely short-lived.
The immense tension that had kept Lila on her feet, the adrenaline that had fueled her desperate courage, suddenly snapped. Her grip on him loosened, and her body went limp. Without any warning, she slumped against him, unconscious, the emotional and physical toll of the past few minutes finally overwhelming her.
"Lila!" Riku cried out in alarm, carefully supporting her weight and easing her gently to the floor, his heart lurching with a new wave of fear and self-recrimination. He quickly checked her pulse – steady, but she was out cold.
He immediately tried to channel his healing magic. A soft golden light enveloped his hands, but as he was about to touch Lila, the System chimed in, its voice calm but firm.
Ding!
[Dear Host, your companion is safe.
The immediate crisis has passed, largely due to her bravery. Trust in her resilience and let her recover naturally.]
Riku looked at Lila’s peaceful, albeit pale, face. There were some streaks of hair stuck to the now-drying tears that he gently tucked behind her ears.
I... I understand, System, he thought, a wave of shame washing over him again. I almost...completely messed up
[It is important to route all future spells via the system in the future to prevent such circumstances. It is also recommended to avoid situations with emotional duress.]