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Chapter_234
Brian, sensing Hera’s rising tension, smiled reassuringly. “Miss Zabel’s high fever is just a normal reaction to the medicine’s powerful components. It’s a sign that her body is responding as it should. There’s no need to worry; she’ll be fine.”
Though Brian had never seen the exact prescription his grandmaster had prepared, he was certain of one thing—the medicine was incredibly potent, almost miraculous, with the power to restore even the most fragile of lives.
Despite Brian’s calm words, Hera’s worry didn’t abate. Bianca, noticing the strain on her face, offered gently, “Hera, you should go rest. Let me stay with Skadi for a while.”
Hera hesitated, but her loyalty to Skadi was unwavering. “I’m fine. I’ll stay here tonight.” Skadi was her closest friend, and Hera could never leave her in this condition. Despite her busy life as the president of a company, this was the one moment she could truly be there for Skadi, and she wasn’t about to back down.
She’d tried to help Skadi before—like the time she’d gotten scolded for asking the Smiling Grim Reaper for his contact information. She had done what she could, but it always felt like it wasn’t enough. Now, with Skadi injured and vulnerable, Hera couldn’t think of anything else but staying by her side.
Zakariah, pacing anxiously, muttered under his breath, “Where is Justin? He’s been gone for so long. Why isn’t he answering his phone? Could something have happened?”
His words were quickly followed by the sound of fighting outside.
Everyone in the room immediately rushed out, and to their surprise, they found a few students from Hero Martial Arts School sprawled on the ground, while a figure in black—wearing the unmistakable smiling mask of the Smiling Grim Reaper—stood over them.
Zakariah’s eyes widened, and he barked, “Stand down!”
He had forgotten to inform the students guarding the gates about Justin’s role as the Smiling Grim Reaper. This lapse in communication led to the chaos unfolding before them.
One of the students, clutching his chest, struggled to his feet and said, “Master, this man knows the Palm Punches Technique.”
Zakariah’s face went pale. “Of course he does,” he muttered. “Justin’s pretending to be the Smiling Grim Reaper. It makes sense that he’d know that technique.” He waved his students back.
The figure in black, oblivious to the tension, swaggered into the house. As he walked, he scratched his behind, much to Zakariah’s dismay.
“Be a little more cold-blooded when you’re in front of Skadi!” Zakariah growled, watching the man’s antics with growing irritation.
The Smiling Grim Reaper nodded and followed Zakariah up the stairs, where he nearly tripped on his way up.
Bianca, watching from the side, frowned. “This guy is too unreliable. Do you really think he can fool Skadi?”
Hera, deep in thought, replied, “It feels like he might actually be the Smiling Grim Reaper.”
Bianca blinked, clearly surprised. “Why do you say that?”
Hera smiled faintly. “I met the Smiling Grim Reaper at the Lees’ residence. I even helped Skadi track down his contact information. I was so close to him back then, and that cold gaze of his? It’s not something anyone can imitate.” She smiled knowingly and said no more.
Meanwhile, on the second floor, Skadi lay on her bed, staring at the ceiling in a daze. Her mind kept replaying the image of Father Cillian feeding her the medicine, her heart fluttering at the memory. She was almost drooling just thinking about it.
But then, her grandfather’s voice broke through her thoughts. “Skadi, the Smiling Grim Reaper has come to see you!”
Skadi quickly closed her eyes, feigning sleep.
The door creaked open, and Zakariah’s voice came softly, “Pretend, just a bit.”
The Smiling Grim Reaper walked in, his presence as imposing as ever. His cold, emotionless eyes, framed by his smiling mask, sent a shiver down Skadi’s spine. She barely kept herself from gasping. Her heart raced. Here was another of her idols, standing before her—Father Cillian had been a dream, but the Smiling Grim Reaper was a reality she never thought she would encounter. This was almost too much to bear.
Her joy was evident, but she tried to suppress it. “Can… can you hug me?” she asked, her voice trembling with excitement.
The Smiling Grim Reaper flicked his wrist, and in a flash, a scarlet diamond-shaped dagger appeared in his hand.
Skadi froze, her face draining of color. “I—I was joking…” she stammered, too scared to make eye contact.
The Smiling Grim Reaper seemed unfazed. With a shake of his head, he turned and walked toward the window. Without a second glance, he pushed it open and jumped straight out.
Skadi, still lying in bed, sat up abruptly, her heart pounding in her chest. The sudden movement sent a spike of pain through her head and body, and she collapsed back onto the bed, wincing in agony.
Zakariah, witnessing the scene, turned pale. His face twisted in anger. “This… this is exactly what I was worried about!”
Skadi’s eyes fluttered closed as the pain from her sudden movement took hold, but her mind lingered on the absurdity of what had just happened. First, it had been Father Cillian, and now the Smiling Grim Reaper. Her two idols, both in one day. This was a day she would never forget, even if it left her feeling more conflicted than ever.