Chapter 2

As dusk fell, a handsome vulpine clansman appeared at the entrance of the Vive Infirmary.

He wore a flowing white robe, and his white hair and fox ears gave him an almost otherworldly appearance. Tall and slender, his features were warm and refined. The subtle, inviting smile on his lips made him seem effortlessly approachable.

"You must be Dr. Schmitt," the vulpine clansman said, stepping inside. His eyes scanned the clinic before settling on Vivian. "I'm Noel Valentine, healer of the vulpine clan. I've heard you're quite talented, so I thought I'd stop by for a little exchange."

Vivian locked eyes with him. Those fox eyes looked gentle, but she could see the sharp wit lurking underneath. She felt it was better to stay on guard.

The vulpine clan had a reputation for being clever and scheming, and their healers were the most knowledgeable of them all. Noel was clearly not here for a casual conversation.

"You're flattering me, Dr. Valentine. I'm really a beginner, nothing impressive," Vivian replied, keeping her tone modest.

"No need to be so humble, Dr. Schmitt," Noel said with a smile. His gaze shifted to the herbs on the treatment table. "This mix is unique. It looks like it could significantly enhance the healing effect. Would you mind explaining how you prepared it?"

Vivian steadied herself and gave a simple explanation, combining elements of modern pharmacology with the unique properties of the herbs from this world.

Noel listened attentively, nodding occasionally. His eyes betrayed a hint of admiration and a barely noticeable probing curiosity.

After about half an hour of exchanging ideas, Noel finally stood up to leave. " Dr. Schmitt, you're indeed knowledgeable. I've learned a lot from our discussion. I'll be sure to visit again."

Once Noel had left, Vivian sighed in relief. 'He's far too perceptive,' she thought. 'At this rate, my secret won't stay hidden for long.'

*****

As night deepened and the town fell silent, Vivian finished tidying up the infirmary and was about to call it a night when a faint noise from the roof drew her attention.

Her nerves went instantly on edge. She grabbed a wooden stick from the corner and slipped behind the door.

Moments later, several shadowy figures crashed through the window, daggers glinting coldly in the moonlight as they charged straight for her.

"Who are you?" Vivian snapped, her voice icy as she twisted out of the way, narrowly avoiding their first strike.

The intruders said nothing and pressed forward, wild and relentless.

Vivian recognized the danger immediately. 'Either they are connected to Omar's surveillance, or they are after my healing powers,' she thought.

She could not afford a mistake. Channeling more of her healing energy, she let it edge toward aggression. Her fingers brushed against one intruder's arm, sending a sudden numbness that slowed his movements to a crawl.

Seizing the opportunity, Vivian kicked one intruder to the ground and slammed her stick into another's knee. But there were too many of them, and she was beginning to tire.

At that moment, heavy footsteps pounded at the door. Omar stormed in, flanked by a few lupine clansmen. His golden gaze swept over the scene, and his eyes darkened. Without a word, he launched himself into the fray.

Omar was a powerhouse, and his lupine clansmen fought with fierce, unyielding ferocity.

The intruders did not stand a chance against them and were quickly subdued.

"Take them away and make them talk," Omar commanded, his voice cold.

The lupine clansmen dragged the intruders out, leaving Vivian and Omar alone in the clinic.

Vivian leaned against the wall, gasping for breath, cold sweat beading her forehead. She had pushed her powers farther than ever to survive, worried if Omar had noticed.

Omar approached her, his gaze lingering on her flushed face, his voice still cold. "Who are you, really?"

Vivian looked up, meeting his gaze. "I'm only a healer trying to survive in this world."

Omar stepped closer, his expression unyielding. "You are more capable than you let on. Those intruders came for your powers. On the border, lacking strength invites disaster."

Vivian fell silent, worry flickering in her eyes. He was right. Her abilities had already drawn attention. 'If I stay here, trouble will find me sooner or later,' she thought.

"I can give you a safe place," Omar said abruptly. "Become the battle healer for the lupine clan. I will protect you, but you must tell me the truth. What exactly can you do?"

Vivian wavered. The lupine clan's territory would be safer, and as their battle healer, she could uncover more secrets about the beast world and possibly find leads on the Level-5 Healer.

"Alright," she said, nodding. "I have one condition. I will not violate my principles, and I need the freedom to make my own choices."

Omar studied her silently for a moment and then nodded. "Fine. Tomorrow morning, you come with me to the lupine clan's territory."

Vivian stood in the doorway, gazing toward the lupine clan's lands under the night sky.

She knew this step meant her peaceful life was over. But if she wanted to survive and find her way home, she had no choice.

With danger lurking in the shadows and Omar, the mysterious wolf leader, at her side, her future was uncertain.