NOVEL NEXT Chapter 5: The association
Noah navigated through the throngs of people, his eyes scanning the crowded market stalls and towering skyscrapers. The Hospital wasn't far, but his mind wandered to the specifics of Maya's talent and the risks it posed.
"What happened when I went unconscious? All I remember was seeing a message which I just accepted..." he wondered, a faint furrow creasing his brow.
As Noah turned a corner, the sleek, modern design of the El'goroth Hospital came into view. Its silver spire gleamed in the afternoon light, a beacon of hope amidst the bustling city.
Noah's thoughts, however, remained shrouded in uncertainty. "That message... What did it say, exactly?" He couldn't shake the feeling that something crucial had slipped his mind.
With a mental shake, Noah pushed open the hospital's sliding glass doors and stepped into the sterile, air-conditioned interior. The receptionist's warm smile greeted him.
"Welcome, aren't you the one who was discharged just yesterday?" she asked, her tone professional with a hint of curiosity.
Noah nodded. "Yes, I was. But today I came to check on Maya."
The receptionist's expression shifted from curiosity to warmth. "Ah, Maya. She's recovering well. You're cleared to see her, but please keep in mind she still needs rest."
Noah nodded gratefully. "I will, thank you."
With a smile, the receptionist handed him a visitor's badge. "Room 304. Elevators are to your left."
As Noah turned towards the elevators, his gaze swept across the lobby, and halted on a group of four suited men standing near the entrance. Their eyes locked onto him, their expressions expertly neutral, but Noah detected a flicker of interest in their gaze, like a spark hidden beneath ashes.
He didn't stare for too long before making his way into the elevator. The doors slid shut, and the soft hum of the elevator filled the silence.
The display above the doors ticked upwards, finally settling on "3". The doors opened with a gentle whoosh, and Noah stepped out into the quiet hospital corridor.
Soft beeps and muted conversations filled the air as he scanned the room numbers.
"304..." he murmured, spotting the sign on the door to his left.
Taking a deep breath, Noah pushed open the door and entered Maya's ward. The scent of disinfectant and medication enveloped him.
Maya lay in bed, her eyes closed, a gentle rise and fall of her chest the only sign of life. Noah's heart swelled with concern as he approached.
Although he and Maya hadn't been close, the events in the dungeon had forged an unspoken bond between them. Noah's thoughts often drifted back to that fateful day, remembering how Maya's bravery had saved his life.
"Hey Maya," he said, his voice low and gentle.
Maya's gaze shifted, her purple locks spilling across the pillow as she turned to face him. Her eyes, though sunken from exhaustion, lit up with a faint smile. "Noah"
Noah's voice caught in his throat as Maya spoke, her words a gentle surprise. He had assumed she was unable to speak, but it seemed she simply chose to speak rarely.
"Thank you for saving me in the dungeon," Noah said finally, his composure regained. His face filled with sincerity, his eyes locked onto hers.
"If not for you, I probably would have died yesterday," he continued, his voice filled with gratitude.
Maya's gaze held his, a hint of warmth flickering in her eyes. Her smile, faint but genuine, spoke volumes.
Noah's voice softened, his words infused with genuine concern. "I should let you rest. I've got a raid coming up, but I wanted to make sure you're doing okay."
Maya's faint smile conveyed gratitude, her eyes never leaving his.
"Be careful, Noah," Maya warned, her tone shifting to seriousness. "People from the Association came by not too long ago, asking about you. I think it's related to the Calamity you killed."
Her eyes locked onto his, a hint of urgency sparkling within them.
"No one knows what they're planning, but I have a bad feeling," Maya continued, her voice barely above a whisper.
Noah's face clouded with concern, his mind racing back to the four suited men he had noticed near the entrance. Their calculated interest in him now seemed more ominous, and he wondered if they were the Association's agents Maya had warned him about.
Noah nodded in gratitude. "Thanks for watching my back, Maya."
With a final glance at her, Noah turned and left, the elevator doors closing behind him. He emerged on the ground floor, his eyes scanning the lobby with a mix of caution and curiosity.
The suited men were nowhere to be seen, but Noah's instincts told him they hadn't forgotten about him.
As he approached the reception desk, the receptionist's voice caught him off guard, "Goodbye, Noah."
Her cheeks flushed pink, and Noah's heart skipped a beat. He quickly recovered, flashing a charming smile as he replied with a slight wave.
"Thanks, take care."
He pushed through the revolving doors, merging into the bustling streets. His senses remained on high alert, scanning the crowd for any sign of trouble.