Chapter 12: Health Examination
“This is the place.”
Seika’s car pulled into the parking lot in front of a lavish general hospital. A massive, modern, glass-walled building was silhouetted against the evening sky.
“What an incredibly large hospital,” Hayato remarked as he got out of the car and looked up. Josuke added an explanation.
“This is one of the top general medical centers in the metropolitan area. It’s famous for having the latest medical equipment.”
Riri, looking a little nervous at the size of the hospital, asked, “Seika, do you work here?”
Seika shook her head as she got out of the car. “No. However, I have strong connections here due to a research project. I used those connections today.”
Seika led the way, and they went inside. She checked her wristwatch and then urged her companions.
“Come on, everything should be ready. Let’s get this done before it gets too late.”
As soon as they entered the lobby, a man in a white coat smoothly approached them.
“Professor Morishita, we’ve been expecting you.”
The man treated Seika with a respectful demeanor, and when the surrounding staff noticed her presence, some even gave small bows.
Thanks to Seika’s prior arrangements, Hayato and the others were guided to the examination rooms immediately after minimal check-in procedures.
“I’m sorry, but all the tests are expected to take about an hour,” Seika explained to everyone. “It’s because I want to get the most accurate data possible.”
Hayato and the others underwent a series of state-of-the-art examinations one after another. They had expensive-looking machines attached to their bodies and lay down inside large scanners. A wide variety of tests were conducted, including MRIs, CT scans, blood tests, muscle strength measurements, and reflex tests.
In between tests, Hayato caught glimpses of doctors and staff exchanging surprised looks as they viewed his data, bustling about. Was something wrong? However, he continued to obediently undergo the tests as they instructed.
About an hour later, the four of them were gathered in a private consultation room. Seika, now wearing a white coat, was checking the results on a tablet. In that appearance, she was every bit a doctor. The evening sunlight streaming through the window illuminated her profile, and it overlapped with the image of the priestess he had seen in the other world.
“I’ll start by explaining the results,” Seika began to speak while operating the tablet, turning her gaze to Riri and Josuke. “First off, no problems were found with Riri and Josuke. Overall, your numbers are higher than average, but you’re both healthy with no illnesses. I also had myself checked and confirmed there are no issues. No significant changes due to reincarnation or the return of memories were observed.”
Riri and Josuke, upon hearing the explanation, showed expressions of relief.
“That’s good,” Riri said.
“Healthy, huh? That’s great,” Josuke commented.
Seika’s expression tightened slightly as she continued. “However, regarding phenomena that current science cannot explain, such as reincarnation or changes in memory, the possibility of hidden problems that tests cannot detect is not zero.” Seika explained like an expert. “But, as of now, no such signs are visible. The conclusion is that there’s no need to worry excessively.”
Hearing those words, Hayato let out a sigh of relief. His companions were fine. He also had strong faith that Seika’s assessment would not be wrong.
“Now, about Hayato…” Seika’s tone of voice changed. She took a deep breath and her expression became stern.
“What is it? Is there a problem?” Hayato leaned forward.
Seika’s expression subtly clouded over. Seeing that, Hayato became anxious that there might be a serious problem with his body. Perhaps the pain he experienced when returning from the other world was a precursor to some grave illness. Memories of incurable curses and untreatable diseases he knew from the other world resurfaced in his mind.
Riri gazed worriedly at Seika’s face, while Josuke folded his arms and frowned. The tension of the three seated individuals filled the room.
After a moment of silence, Seika looked up. “I’m sorry for worrying you. Hayato, you’re incredibly healthy. Not a single illness.”
“Then, why do you look so grim, Seika?” Riri asked, relieved yet still worried.
Seika explained while showing the tablet to Hayato. The screen was densely packed with numbers and graphs. “All of your numbers are too high. Stamina, muscular strength, reflexes, kinetic vision. They’re transcendent values I’ve never seen before.”
Seika said with a serious expression, “As a researcher, I’ve examined many athletes. But even top-tier professional athletes can’t produce numbers like these.”
“Is it that much?” Hayato couldn’t hide his surprise.
Seika continued, “Yes. It’s probably not an exaggeration to say it’s the greatest physical ability in human history.” She pointed to the highest part of a graph. “This is the average value, this is the value of an Olympic gold medalist. And this is you.”
On the graph, only Hayato’s numbers were exceptionally high, almost going off the screen. When Seika scrolled the tablet, more graphs appeared, and Hayato’s numbers were prominent in all of them.
“If you were to participate in the Olympics, you’d likely have the potential to win a gold medal in any event.”
There was no doubt that his experience returning from the other world had a significant impact on his body. After that excruciating pain disappeared, his physical condition had become surprisingly good. He, who had been an ordinary office worker, now possessed top-level physical abilities. Hayato stared at his own palm, belatedly realizing the magnitude of the power dwelling within him.
“But is that what’s worrying you?” Riri asked Seika. Seika nodded with a grave expression.
“This information might attract unwanted attention. I’ve instructed them to absolutely not leak it since it’s personal test results, but there’s still a possibility it could be found out from somewhere.”
Following her concern, Josuke added, “It might not just be these test results; it could be exposed through everyday occurrences. If that happens, people wanting to research you might come after Hayato.”
“That would certainly be unpleasant.” Hayato’s expression tightened.
“You mean I’d be seen as a research subject?” Riri asked anxiously.
“In the worst-case scenario, yes,” Seika answered quietly. “Physical abilities that far exceed human limits. The medical world, military research institutions, and various other organizations might show interest.”
Hayato fell silent, lost in thought. He wanted to avoid attracting strange attention for possessing abilities far beyond those of an ordinary person. In the other world, he had often drawn attention as the Hero, but that had been necessary to fulfill his mission. But now was different. He just wanted to live peacefully with his companions, ordinarily.
“That would be troublesome if it happened.” Hayato sighed. “I don’t want to be a spectacle.”
“Well, if that happens, I’ll protect Hayato with all my might.” Seika’s expression suddenly brightened. “I’ll announce that I’ve secured you as a research subject first, making it so other research institutions can’t interfere. I won’t let anyone else take you.”
“I-Is that so…” Seeing Hayato flinch at the words “research subject,” Seika hurriedly added, “I’m kidding. Half-kidding, anyway.” She smiled. A gentleness lit up in her eyes. “Of course, I have no intention of treating Hayato roughly. It’s just something to consider as a last resort. Besides, as a scientist myself, I’m interested in where those abilities of yours came from. And I’m also worried if those abilities might have any negative effects.”
Hayato nodded, looking slightly relieved.
“However, you really do need to be careful,” Seika’s expression turned serious again. “Especially in public, it’s better to refrain from actions that stand out too much.”
“Understood. I’ll be careful.”
“Anyway,” Seika said, as if to summarize. “At this point, there are no problems with our health. So, you can rest assured on that front.” She placed the tablet on the table and put her hands in the pockets of her white coat. “Let’s continue to have regular check-ups to see if there are any changes. If anything concerns you, contact me immediately.”
“Thank you. It’s important to understand the situation like this. So, I’m grateful you examined us,” Hayato thanked Seika. Riri and Josuke also expressed their gratitude to Seika.
“It’s fine. We’re companions, so it’s only natural,” Seika said with a smile.
Hayato strongly felt that her considerate nature towards her companions hadn’t changed, even now that she was reincarnated. Just as Celestia, the Elven priestess, had protected them in the other world, as a doctor in the modern world, she cared for their health. Even if the world changed, her essence remained the same.
“Well, it’s gotten rather late. How about we all have dinner together? I know a good restaurant nearby.”
Seika made a suggestion. While taking off her lab coat, she showed her companions a gentle smile.
“Sounds great!”
Riri’s eyes sparkled.
“Of course.”
Josuke also nodded.
“To celebrate our long-awaited reunion, too.”
Hayato also agreed, and the four of them left the hospital.