Outside the hospital room, Adler and As turned their anxious eyes towards the door as it creaked open. Dr. Ray stepped out, looking a bit out of it, pushing a hospital bed draped in a spotless white sheet, hiding whoevery beneath.


    As''s heart sank at the sight of all that white, his eyes narrowing in disbelief as anger welled up inside him. No, this can''t be real. Mr. Nick can''t just be gone. This has to be some kind of sick joke.


    As stood there, fists clenched so tight he was almost drawing blood. Beside him, Adler felt the weight of the moment, even though he had braced himself for it. It was still a punch to the gut. He looked away, gently squeezing As''s shoulder.


    As Dr. Ray approached with the bed, Adler rasped out, "I''m sorry for your loss."


    The words hit As like a ton of bricks, making him stumble back. He fought against believing it, but Dr. Ray''s expression left little room for doubt.


    Adler managed a pained smile, apologizing again, "I wish it wasn''t true, but... we have to ept it."


    Just then, Dr. Ray seemed to snap out of his own fog, looking up at Adler with confusion, "Why the condolences? The patient is still alive."


    Adler was stunned, and As could hardly trust his ears. They both stood there, frozen in shock, unable to speak or move.


    Dr. Ray gave them a quick nce before continuing on to the patient''s room.


    A minuteter, As found his voice and turned to look at Dr. Ray''s retreating figure. "Did he just say the patient is alive? Did I hear that right?"


    "Yeah... seems like it," Adler stammered.


    As''s face lit up. "I knew it! With Miss Mira here, there was no way Mr. Nick could be in danger."


    Overjoyed, As hurried after Dr.


    Ray, while Adler was left speechless, his mind racing back to when they first arrived at the hospital. There had been no pulse, and now somehow, Nick was revived. Maybe it was just a temporary shock from blood loss?  swnovel


    Adler shook his head, deciding not to dwell on it. The important thing was that Nick was alive.


    Just then, Mirabe emerged from the rescue room, looking as pale as a ghost, almost more like a patient than Nick himself. Her face was so translucent, it startled Adler.


    "Are you alright?" he asked, concern etched on his face.


    Mirabe gave a weak shake of her head. The effort of saving Nick had zapped her energy, leaving her


    barely able to speak. Her steps were unsteady, like she might copse at any moment.  swnovel


    Adler, noticing her condition, quickly helped her to a nearby bench. Once she was seated, he crouched beside her, worry in his eyes. "Are you sure you''re okay?"


    Mirabe leaned back, eyes closed, "Just let me rest a bit."


    Her voice was so hoarse it was barely a whisper. Seeing this, Adler nodded, deciding to let her be, while keeping a watchful eye on her. He was dying to know what had


    happened but knew now wasn''t the


    time to ask.  swnovel