Rogue Healer: From Mountain Outcast to Campus King

The Rocky Mountains, Colorado. Morning mist drifted lazily between the trees, wrapping the mountains in silence. Inside a secluded wooden cabin, an old man with snow-white hair sat by the fireplace, speaking in a slow, measured tone. “Everything in this world follows a cycle. Order turns into chaos, and chaos eventually returns to order. Nations rise and fall the same way.” “Here we go again…” Leaning against the doorway, a young man yawned openly. His name was Ethan Cole. Early twenties. Tall. Lean. And carrying just enough attitude to get himself into trouble. “Every time you send me to a job, I get a lecture first,” he said. “You ever think about skipping that part?” The old man glanced at him. “You’re not even listening.” “Who says I’m not?” Ethan shrugged. “I’m reflecting.” He wasn’t. In his mind, he was somewhere else entirely— Steam rising off a quiet hot spring. Water rippling gently. A figure stepping out— “Ethan.” The old man’s voice cut in, sharp. Ethan blinked, snapping back. “Alright, alright. What’s the job?” “You’re heading down the mountain.” “Nope.” No hesitation. The old man didn’t react. “This one’s in the city.” Silence. “California.” Ethan’s eyelid twitched slightly. “A university,” the old man continued. “Good environment. Interesting people.” “Sounds thrilling,” Ethan said dryly. “There are quite a few women there,” the old man added casually. “Smart. Independent. Confident.” Ethan didn’t respond, but he didn’t interrupt either. “Your type,” the old man finished. Ethan let out a slow breath. “… Still not going.” “Really?” the old man said lightly. “That’s unfortunate. I was planning to catch up with an old friend of mine. Maybe bring up that… incident.” Ethan stiffened. “… What incident?” The old man smiled. “The one at the private hot spring. Years ago.” Silence. “That was supposed to stay between us,” Ethan said. “Was it?” A beat passed. “…Fine. What’s the job?” The old man chuckled. “You’ll be going to Stanford University.” Ethan frowned slightly. “And I’m looking for…?” “One of the Seven-Star Relics. The Wood Relic.” Ethan’s expression sharpened. “Is that thing real?” “Real enough.” Before Ethan could ask for more— A voice cut through the air from outside. “Ethan Cole!” Cold. Sharp. Furious. “Get out here!” Ethan’s face changed instantly. “…You told her.” “I might’ve mentioned it,” the old man said mildly. “You’re unbelievable.” Ethan didn’t wait. In the blink of an eye, he was gone. A moment later, a woman stormed into the yard. Tall. Composed. Dangerous. “Where is he?” she demanded. The old man sighed. “He left yesterday.” She didn’t look convinced. After checking around and finding nothing, she clicked her tongue. “Lucky him.” She turned, already leaving. “But he won’t stay lucky forever.” Silence returned. The old man stood there for a moment, then shook his head. “You agreed too easily,” he muttered. After a pause, his expression shifted—less dignified now. “Well then…” He walked toward another cabin. “My old friends… I’ve missed you.” A few seconds later— A furious roar echoed through the mountains. “ETHAN!!!”