Chapter Fifty-Nine: A Triumphant Battle

Ella Dermaine, an utterly ordinary woman, had lost her husband early and now worked as a helper in a small restaurant to support her two young children. As they grew older, her worries for their future only deepened. Even if they could not become scholars or advanced magicians, she at least wanted them to attend an academy and learn the basics, but she simply could not afford the fees.

Without knowledge or power, one could only toil for meager earnings as she did. She could not bear to let her children repeat her fate. Just as she was overwhelmed by anxiety, she received a message: she could exchange her organs for money. The reward was so generous that her children could live comfortably for the rest of their lives, and the price was only her own life. Living at the very bottom of society, Ella knew one such as herself could never earn so much, not even by selling herself as a slave. If she could trade her life for her children's bright future, it seemed worthwhile.

With this resolve, Ella followed instructions and came to the palace gates. Led by guards, she entered a strange room and listened to the explanation from an equally odd young man. Having come with the determination to die, Ella found her fears were exaggerated. Removal of her organs would not kill her—she would simply have to work a little harder than most, but she was deeply satisfied. It was enough to witness her children grow up.

After leaving a sample of her blood, Ella waited anxiously for news. Though every participant would receive a reward of one hundred gold coins, she hoped above all to be chosen. It was as if the gods heard her prayers, for two days later she was selected. With a heart full of worry and hope, she returned to the palace. Along the way, the guards kindly reassured her, telling her not to be nervous—the surgeon had operated on His Majesty the Emperor himself.

Ella followed instructions, changed into a peculiar gown, and entered a room made entirely of metal. Inside waited a figure wearing a hat and mask, whom she immediately recognized as the young man who explained the consequences of kidney removal.

When she lay on the operating table, the young man said only, "It will be over soon." Ella did not expect it to be so quick; when she awoke, it was already the next day. Pain throbbed in her abdomen, and a strange tube was affixed to the back of her hand. Through the drip suspended overhead, she sensed cold fluid flowing into her body.

The palace maidens, skilled and gentle, told her she could rest there until her wound healed, and her two children could stay as well. Ella was overwhelmed; she had never imagined that a commoner like herself might one day reside in the palace. When a maid handed her a spatial ring, the mother finally broke down in tears. The wealth inside was enough for her and her children to live for generations.

"You two, are you ready?"

Meanwhile, Ruby had already changed into surgical scrubs, preparing for the operation. Fresh organs had to be used within twenty-four hours. After finishing yesterday's removal, he had shaped and treated the healthy kidney before handing it to Dragan for refrigeration, then simply went home for a nap before preparing for the battle ahead.

"Ready anytime," replied Moyuna and Tinasia together. Tinasia had prior experience and could assist, while Moyuna was needed to shield Ryan's mother with powerful magic. In her condition, Ruby was certain she had more than a fifty percent chance of dying on the table, but this was a world of magic. He had spent long hours discussing magical techniques with Moyuna and learned that the divine spell "Greater Blessing" could protect organs. Thus began the first historical collaboration between science and magic.

"Mr. Ruby..."

At that moment, Ryan was the most anxious. He stood before Ruby, hesitant to speak, afraid that his own words or actions would add unnecessary pressure.

"I can't promise a hundred percent success, but I'll do my best," Ruby replied, understanding the feelings of the patient's family. He patted Ryan's shoulder and, together with his two companions, entered the operating room.

"No matter the outcome, let's have a drink afterward."

With Ryan watching, the surgery formally began. Even on the most technologically advanced Earth, kidney transplants were among the most difficult procedures, and so this operation lasted a full six hours. By the time it was completed, only a faint orange glow remained in the sky.

"My mother..."

Ryan remained frozen in place. Seeing Ruby and the others emerge not pushing a bed, his heart plummeted and he asked, pale-faced.

"The surgery was successful. Her case was different from His Majesty's. She is in intensive care now; you can see her through the glass."

Ruby shook his head, urging Ryan not to overthink. Kidney transplants were nothing like appendectomies, and Dragan could not leave, still needed in intensive care.

Ryan's expression transformed instantly to joy. He brushed past Ruby and rushed inside, while Ruby nearly collapsed, his legs buckling beneath him if not for Moyuna and Tinasia's quick support.

"Ruby, you did wonderfully. I am proud of you," Moyuna whispered in his ear. As a bystander, she had witnessed all of Ruby's efforts. Casting spells for hours was effortless for her, but Ruby was only a normal man. In six hours, he had eaten nothing, drank nothing; sweat soaked several towels that Tinasia used to wipe him.

"I'm exhausted. I'll sleep for a while," Ruby said, unable even to stand. His experience had kept him from making mistakes, but he underestimated the operation's intensity. Compared to seasoned surgeons, he was like a fledgling; simply enduring was an achievement, and now, as he relaxed, fatigue overwhelmed him.

'Clap, clap, clap.'

Soft applause sounded. Kaesk XIII had set aside his administrative duties to wait for Ruby's success. If Ruby truly saved Ryan's mother with transplantation, it would be global news, a sign of humanity's progress. Once Ruby's reputation spread, the Holy Empire would grow stronger still. With the world's greatest archmage and the greatest healer in the realm, how could he not rejoice?

"He just fell asleep, huh," Tinasia poked Ruby's cheek, still amazed at the miracle worker. She and Moyuna had seen the mother's dire state firsthand; to pull someone back from the brink of death—was that not the power of the gods?

"I'll take him home."

"We can't send him home—Ruby said he needs to be kept informed about the patient's condition. I'll take him to my chambers."

For once, Tinasia contradicted Moyuna, cradling Ruby in her arms and carrying him toward her own quarters.

"Wait... this foolish daughter!"

Kaesk XIII could not recall his daughter, even as a man, shouldn't he be showing his feminine side now? Perhaps awkwardly settling Ruby onto the bed and waiting at his bedside for him to wake—that would be normal. Instead, his foolish daughter was inexplicably showing off her boyfriend skills, princess-carrying a man as a royal princess! How improper!

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