Died for a Million Times: I can Copy Infinite SSS Talents!-Chapter 38 --A New Problem

"You're awake!?"

Seraphine immediately rushed to Link's bedside, her face lit up with excitement.

In that moment, she no longer resembled the cold, aloof goddess she usually was —

Instead, she looked just like an innocent girl whose heartfelt wish had finally been fulfilled.

"Link, you're finally awake!" she said, voice trembling with emotion.

"Don't move just yet. I'll go call the doctors right away."

Unconsciously, tears were already streaming down her cheeks.

This scene —

this moment —

was something Seraphine had waited over a month to witness.

It had nearly become an obsession, a burden gnawing at her heart day after day.

And now, that long-held obsession had finally been realized.

The wave of emotion that crashed over her in that instant was almost overwhelming.

Link, just barely regaining consciousness, still felt dizzy and disoriented.

He frowned slightly as he watched Seraphine's retreating figure disappear through the door.

"Lib," he muttered weakly in his mind, "what the hell just happened?"

Roughly five minutes later, Link had pieced together the full story.

According to Lib's explanation,

he had been in a coma for over a month.

And the place he was now —

was Sanctilum's most renowned medical facility: Holy Light Hospital.

Link quietly studied his surroundings, trying to digest everything Lib had told him.

So...

the Moon Worshipers back at the training ground —

were actually instructors disguised as enemies?

Had he known that earlier, would he have risked his life so recklessly?

And those instructors —

their strength was absurdly high, even boasting SSS-tier talents among them!

According to Lib's detailed report:

At the time, what Link had witnessed —

Sergeant Martin being killed, the students being slaughtered —

was all the effect of an illusion-based talent.

[SSS-tier Talent: Dreamwing]

Figures.

The people running the camp really knew how to put on a show.

They even went as far as deploying a full-scale illusion scenario for an Entry Test.

Such extravagance!

Just then, Lib's voice once again echoed in Link's mind.

"Master, based on my analysis, your coma was actually the result of an accident."

"Because your mind power is exceptionally strong, you didn't immediately fall unconscious after receiving the first staged attack."

"The instructor playing the role of the Moon Worship Sect member didn't notice this discrepancy.

When he struck at Seraphine, he had calculated the force appropriately for her defensive artifacts."

"But then you —"

Lib's voice grew slightly exasperated —

"You idiotically threw yourself in front of her."

"And unlike Seraphine, who had protective gear, your body couldn't withstand the blow.

Thus, you suffered real, critical injuries."

Link sighed heavily.

He didn't need Lib to spell out the rest.

It had been a complete accident —

one colossal, well-intentioned blunder.

He had selflessly taken a blow meant for someone else —

and nearly died for it.

Still, one thing puzzled him:

With injuries that severe,

he should have triggered Death Rewind and resurrected.

Why hadn't it activated?

As if sensing his doubts, Lib quickly provided the answer:

"Master, under normal circumstances, you would have died instantly, and Death Rewind would have triggered."

"However, due to the intervention of an extremely powerful esper — likely someone arranged by the camp —

your life was forcefully saved at the critical moment."

"Thus, Death Rewind never had a chance to activate.

Your body survived... but your mind suffered devastating trauma,

leaving you trapped in a coma."

Well.

That explained everything.

Link rubbed his forehead, a wave of helplessness flooding him.

And yet, beyond the frustration, deeper concerns gnawed at his heart.

The worst-case scenario he had feared had actually come true.

Link himself didn't fear death —

After all, with Death Rewind, he could theoretically come back to life indefinitely.

The real problem was that the people around him didn't know about this ability.

They would always try desperately to save him.

And their well-meaning efforts could backfire catastrophically —

just like this time, where he had fallen into a coma, and might even have remained unconscious forever if things had gone wrong.

He needed a solution.

He had to find a way to patch this hidden vulnerability.

Shaking his head to clear his thoughts,

Link decided to set these worries aside for now.

He opened his personal panel to check his current status.

Fortunately, his body had recovered remarkably well.

Not only were there no hidden injuries,

but his Power Values had even increased slightly.

He couldn't help but feel curious:

Who exactly was the mysterious esper who had saved his life?

To pull someone back from the brink of death —

it had to be someone truly extraordinary.

According to Lib's estimates,

Link would be fully fit for camp training within another two to three days.

Just as Link was reflecting on these matters,

Seraphine returned, leading a group of doctors into the room.

Trailing behind them were Sergeant Martin and an imposing noble elder.

The doctors immediately began a thorough examination.

It didn't take long before they delivered their verdict:

"Congratulations, Link," one of them said warmly.

"Your body has made a full recovery.

With two more days of rest, you'll be ready for discharge."

Upon hearing this, everyone present breathed a collective sigh of relief.

Link, however, feigned confusion.

He turned toward Sergeant Martin and asked in a puzzled tone:

"Sergeant Martin...

Can someone please explain what exactly happened?"

Sergeant Martin coughed awkwardly,

then offered an apologetic summary of events —

one that Link listened to carefully,

playing his part perfectly and responding with appropriate surprise and acceptance.

Seeing that Link showed no anger, only calm understanding,

Sergeant Martin visibly relaxed.

He pointed toward the nobleman beside him and introduced him formally:

"Link, this is the Supreme Commander of the Eagle Hatchling Camp,

and also the current Headmaster of Astral Nexus University —

Professor Ryze."

"Good day, Headmaster Ryze,"

Link said respectfully, nodding.

At the same time, he covertly pulled up Ryze's attribute panel:

[Name: Ryze]

[Power Values: 9876]

[Flesh Forging Art: Time Flesh Forging Art]

[Meditation Technique: Time Meditation Technique]

[Skills: None]

[Talent: Pending Analysis]

A Tier-9 Esper!?

Link couldn't help but gasp inwardly.

Aside from that mysterious super-tier figure he had glimpsed once before,

Ryze was easily the most powerful person he had ever personally encountered!

"You don't need to be so formal," Ryze said kindly, adjusting his glasses.

"Just call me Professor Ryze."

He smiled gently and exchanged a few pleasantries with Link,

inquiring about his recovery and offering words of encouragement.

After a few minutes of casual conversation,

Link seized a small opening and asked:

"Professor Ryze, Sergeant Martin —

when can I return to the camp and resume training?"

Truthfully, he was a little anxious.

He had lost over a month of precious time.

If he missed Astral Nexus University's selection,

he would lose the chance to unlock the secret notebook he carried.

"There's no rush, Link,"

Ryze reassured him warmly.

"Focus on making a full recovery first.

Camp matters can wait."

Link nodded obediently.

After chatting a bit longer,

Ryze and Sergeant Martin finally excused themselves and left,

leaving Link and Seraphine alone in the ward.

An awkward silence settled between them.

Link scratched his head, feeling a headache coming on.

How was he supposed to explain throwing himself in front of a lethal attack for her?

But before he could even open his mouth,

Seraphine spoke first.

Her voice was soft, almost hesitant:

"Link...

can you tell me..."

"Why did you choose to save me?"