Priorities on the Front Line

Upon arriving at the border outpost, Antolia and her companions immediately began their arduous work. Wounded soldiers were continually brought before them, to be healed by the Holy Light. Many of these men, having spent long periods amidst the miasma and battling the abyssal forces from the rifts, appeared weak and dispirited from prolonged exposure to the tainted air. It was in this dire situation that the baptism of the Holy Light became especially crucial.

“We will re-establish the Holy Light barrier around the outpost, then proceed with specialized treatment for the most severely wounded,” the lead nun instructed, outlining the plan. “The others will receive a widespread Holy Light baptism.” Having assigned tasks, Antolia and Lu Wei, who had exerted considerable effort in the earlier skirmish, were given the comparatively less strenuous duty of providing focused Holy Light care to the injured. Antolia meticulously tended to festering, foul-smelling wounds, illuminating them with Holy Light while also applying medicinal salves from small bottles. Her skilled nursing techniques left everyone utterly astonished.

“Heh heh, see that?” a warrior from the volunteer corps, who had accompanied Antolia, quickly befriended the soldiers stationed there. “That’s our ‘Holy Child’ adult.” As fellow borderlanders of Draynes, they needed only a small push to become like brothers.

“I truly envy you, having someone like her for care,” one soldier quipped playfully. “I should have gotten injured during the skirmish, knowing this.”

“If you dare say that, I’ll be the first to beat you senseless,” another retorted. “Didn’t you hear what the boss said? Sister Antolia is already working herself to the bone treating these casualties. Are you trying to add to little Antolia’s workload?”

“No, no, I wouldn’t dare… But little angel Antolia has to treat so many people… she must be truly exhausted.”

“Which is precisely why we must protect this place even more vigilantly,” the leader stated, his voice firm. “We mustn’t let her worry further on our behalf.”

Indeed, over half of the volunteer corps were ardent admirers of Sister Antolia, with the remaining fraction being her most devoted fans. Soon, the border outpost’s garrison soldiers were also captivated by this kind, diligent, and radiant young woman. She moved among the wounded, ceaselessly administering Holy Light healing.

“…So warm…” a soldier lying on the ground murmured softly at that moment. “Tell me… am I dead already? This… this feels so different… Am I dreaming? Can I just stay asleep?”

“If that were the case, you could sleep soundly,” the nun whispered gently. “But this is reality. Lie still. Your injuries are far more severe than others, so I must tend to you slowly.”

“Slowly, you say… I’m doomed,” the soldier suddenly declared.

“I’ll be the envy of everyone… Heh heh… *cough cough*…” The severely wounded soldier’s head was also wrapped in bandages, and his body bore multiple wounds, many of which had become infected due to prolonged neglect. Antolia meticulously addressed his injuries.

“If you can, don’t laugh, and avoid any sudden movements,” Antolia advised. “But don’t fall asleep either. Let’s just chat. Tell me about these wounds, how did they get so bad?”

“…Wounds are a man’s medals… And mine are a ton of them… *cough cough*…” The man spoke, then took a deep breath, barely managing to steady his breathing under the Holy Light’s regulation. “…Those bastards almost breached the city walls… I blocked the one who nearly charged right in, but I rushed too far forward. So I blocked a bit hastily… didn’t notice I got pierced and slashed so many times… Everyone laughed at me, called me stupid and foolish then…”

“Am I foolish, Sister?” Faced with such a question, Antolia continued to treat his wounds, and after a long moment, she replied.

“Not foolish at all. You are a hero, warrior.”

“Is that so… Heh heh.” The man felt the light’s healing, and a smile spread across his face. “If only those people thought so, it would be good. But my eyes, I haven’t been able to see since yesterday…”

“Yes, you will regain your sight,” Antolia immediately reassured him. “But we must wait until your other wounds have healed… Lieutenant, please take him to a bed in the carriage. He requires comprehensive care.”

“No problem.” After completing her work, Antolia rose. The lead nun looked at her and said, “Antolia, come here for a moment.” Antolia listened, following the lead nun to a corner, where the nun then spoke to her.

“You spent too much time just now.”

“But he…”

“That casualty, even if saved, won’t recover combat readiness in a short time. Now look around, many others are waiting for your care.” The lead nun continued, “Treat the lightly wounded first. In a place like this… we must prioritize healing those who can fight. Even if the severely wounded are cared for, they will only be resting when the next battle comes. This is a fortress, this is the front line. I hope you… can distinguish between primary and secondary priorities.”

“All that you’ve said… I can understand,” Antolia listened, nodding her head. “But if we do that, it’s too unfair to those who have held on for so long, waiting for treatment.”

“There is no fairness or unfairness here. This is not a physician’s clinic; this is a battlefield,” the lead nun reiterated. “Here… we must make the most necessary choices.”

“You are still young, still inexperienced, but I hope you can understand,” the lead nun said. “Don’t expend too much strength on a few individuals, because many more need the Holy Light to sustain them.”

“Do you understand?”

“I understand.” After Antolia nodded, the lead nun departed. Antolia then returned to her post, looking at the long line of injured stretching before her. Her heart trembled. She knew that even with her own strength, it was truly impossible to heal everyone here; her power was not limitless, and she also needed to reserve some strength for emergencies. Yet, if she were to truly witness a life fade before her, she… would feel an overwhelming sense of guilt, an indescribable feeling, a profound regret.

“One by one, line up properly.” Sister Antolia now lifted her head, gritting her teeth. “Those who can be treated quickly, come to this side. Those severely wounded or unable to care for themselves, be placed over here.” At this moment, she grasped the true meaning of the battlefield and understood what she had to do. She was not a god, so her actions would never be perfect, but she had to strive to do her best, at least… to prevent herself from regretting.