"Master, Master..."

I vaguely heard someone calling me.

Ugh, my head spun. Sleeping too long really messed me up.

I blinked open heavy eyes. Before me stood the old butler who’d cared for me since childhood.

Tch. I’d hoped for a pretty girl. Just another fantasy.

Eighteen years had slipped by since I was reborn into this world.

Now I was a minor branch of the Vess family—technically nobility, but really just me, this old butler, and a modest inheritance.

*Sigh.* "Guess I’m not the protagonist type after all."

Where was that promised cheat skill after reincarnation? My legs were still paralyzed. Future looking grim.

"Master, are you unwell?" the butler asked.

"Just... reminiscing."

"Hmm." He’d grown used to my odd remarks. "Then I’ll bring in the physician we booked days ago."

He ushered in an elderly man.

*Whoa.* His clothes clashed completely with our world. Not peasant hemp, not noble silks—Eastern-style robes.

Seriously? A walking ancient Chinese doctor? Are you Hua Tuo or something?!

My face stayed calm while my mind screamed.

"Please examine my legs, sir."

"Hmm."

I held little hope. A year of doctors had changed nothing.

The old man lifted his eyelids, stroked his beard.

"Peace be with you."

Confidence radiated from him—the absolute certainty of a master healer.

His eyes held a sharpness that defied his age.

"G-good day... Doctor."

"Hahahaha! Such a humble boy!" His laughter boomed warmly.

Strangely, I trusted him more than all the others. Maybe... he could truly heal me.

---

One week later.

I hobbled down the stairs, leaning on my cane.

The old man sat waiting in the hall, eyes closed in meditation.

Unbelievable. In this era of scarce medicine, he’d cured my paralysis.

This plainly dressed elder (wrong aesthetic, but undeniably humble) deserved awe. "Miracle worker" wasn’t an exaggeration.

"Thank you, sir. I believe I’m nearly healed. You’ve troubled yourself greatly."

"Nonsense. Healing is a physician’s duty. You’ll fully recover soon. I’ve come to take my leave today."

"No, respecting doctors is only right—"

"Hmph. Modest youth." He chuckled. "Ask your question."

"You cured me in a week... It’s impossibly fast. Like a miracle."

"Oh ho? You sensed it? Sharp intuition... keen insight."

"Please, explain."

"Not a secret. I like you, boy. Haha! Why not tell you?" His vigor defied his years. "My gift, *Healer’s Path*, simply amplifies treatment and shortens recovery."

In this world, those who mastered intellect or combat could awaken innate talents—signs of true mastery. Generals, sages, or healers like him.

"A talent..." My respect deepened. A healer devoted to saving lives, unmatched in skill—he’d be remembered for centuries.

"May I know your name, sir?"

"Yuanhua."

He turned to leave. Too long here already. Others needed him.

As his hand touched the door—

"How would you... heal this world’s people?"

He paused. Silence thickened.

"Curing bodies won’t save this world."

Then he was gone.

"Huh. That line feels oddly familiar..."

I stepped outside, cane tapping the path. Three years since I’d crossed this threshold.

Sunlight stabbed my eyes. I shielded them.

Slowly, my vision adjusted.

The street stretched before me—wide, desolate. A chill seeped into my bones.

No cart wheels. No merchants’ cries.

Only beggars’ whimpers.

Cracked flagstones pocked the road ahead, crumbling all the way to the distant square.

Beyond it, the pavement gleamed pristine, bricks sharp as new-laid.

Sunlight poured over everything, yet this street looked bleaker, older—as if lit by a dying sunset.

The air pressed down, suffocating.

This gilded facade couldn’t hide the rot beneath.

I closed my eyes. Exhaled.