Chapter Fifty-Two: The Second Hypnosis Session

In this world, personality also influences the developmental focus of elven girls, but only those with particularly distinct traits experience this effect. For most elven girls whose personalities are rather indistinct and not particularly pronounced, the impact is not so significant.

The connection between an elf’s personality and her development was once a much-discussed topic in this world and remains a frequent subject of academic research. Questions such as whether acquired changes in personality can alter developmental influence, or the relative weight of innate traits, have each inspired countless scholarly papers.

The elder’s judgment of Ralts’ personality was quite accurate. Yet, seeing that Tang Yi did not show much surprise at her words, the elder silently nodded in approval. She admired his composure—such calm and restraint were essential qualities for anyone aspiring to become an outstanding trainer.

In truth, Tang Yi simply hadn’t realized that a reserved nature capable of influencing the growth of psychic power was far from common in this world. Not everyone could possess such a trait.

The elder’s appreciation for this steady and unhurried young man grew even deeper. With plenty of time left in the hypnosis session, she could not help but continue the conversation with Tang Yi.

Sensing that the elder wished to share some of her rich life experiences, Tang Yi immediately perked up and listened attentively.

The elder was not a combat trainer and had never signed up for any kind of battle competition, so what she wished to discuss was not battle tactics or move-learning experiences. Having practiced medicine for decades, she had seen all sorts of elven girls and trainers. As a doctor specializing in mental illness, it was her expertise in this area that she hoped to share.

“What binds humans and elves together should not be training, schooling, job interviews, or competition, but respect and trust. This bond ought to transcend the boundaries of our species.”

“When I was young, many people still believed in this idea, but now I feel that many are growing increasingly impetuous.”

“In recent years, I have treated more and more elven girls with psychological issues. Many trainers do not truly pay attention to this problem, which I find deeply regrettable.”

“In fact, you have done quite well. Ralts has made such great progress this time; I believe you must have been patient and sincere in connecting with her heart. I may not be able to help you much in battles, but for Ralts’ reserved personality, what she truly needs is for you to draw close to her spirit and set her heart free. This will make her mind stronger, and her psychic power is sure to grow greatly as well.”

The elder spoke in fragments; perhaps age had caught up with her, and she would often pause to gather her thoughts before continuing in her gentle, unhurried manner.

After a dozen minutes, when the door to the adjacent treatment room opened again, the elder finally realized just how much she had spoken without noticing. Her throat was even a little dry as she resumed speaking.

The Hypno led Ralts out of the treatment room. Seeing Tang Yi sitting upright and attentive, she immediately understood what had transpired. This mature elven woman glanced reproachfully at her elderly trainer. She placed Ralts’ hypnosis therapy report on the table, tucked away the hypnotic ring, and came over to refill the elder’s teacup, her tone a mixture of concern and mild reproach: “At your age, you still don’t remember to drink some water.”

She turned to Tang Yi, smiling apologetically. “I’m sorry. Lin just can’t break her habit of nagging. In recent years, whenever she meets a young trainer visiting for treatment, she ends up talking at length. But she means no harm.”

The elder seemed a little embarrassed herself. “Did I say too much and bore you?”

Tang Yi shook his head repeatedly. “Your words have been truly enlightening. In fact, we should be thanking you. Most doctors would never take the trouble to talk so much with their patients.”

The elder smiled lightly. “Whenever I see young trainers like you, I can’t help but recall the days when I was young, training alongside Hypno, and just have to say a little more. I know times are different now, and young people aren’t always interested in hearing these things. The management often tells me that patients sometimes complain I ramble on too much.”

Though she spoke of complaints, the elder clearly didn’t mind. She had lived most of her life and was about to retire, yet she continued in her profession not for salary or bonuses.

Tang Yi could see that this elder truly wished to offer more help to the younger generation of trainers. Sadly, times had changed, and many of her old beliefs were no longer valued or understood in the present age.

“Thank you.” Before leaving, Tang Yi and Ralts once more expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the elder—not only for the careful treatment but also for her pure and simple goodwill.

They left the hospital.

It was still early, so Tang Yi took Ralts for a stroll in the park near the hospital. He observed her expression closely and found it much more relaxed and cheerful than after their last visit, which eased his mind.

According to the elder’s instructions, Ralts would need to return for one final session next weekend. After that, she should be able to smoothly pass through this phase and officially finish her rapid growth stage.

Tang Yi glanced sideways at the radiant girl beside him. Though she was said to be coming of age, Ralts’ height was about the same as a junior high school girl.

Tang Yi had looked into the relevant materials; for elven girls who undergo evolutions, coming of age after the rapid growth stage was more about psychological and physiological maturation than simply physical development. If one wished for the body to reach the corresponding stage as well, evolution would be necessary.

Thus, some trainers, to satisfy certain peculiar preferences, would have their elves carry an Everstone—a stone containing a special suppressive energy that halts evolution.

Of course, since an evolved elven girl’s overall abilities improve significantly, most trainers do not refuse evolution.

Moreover, in this world, evolution is not inevitable. Unlike in the games, reaching a certain level or using a specific item does not guarantee evolution.

The World Elf Conservation Organization once conducted a survey: of all elven girls worldwide who have an evolutionary stage, only about half are able to reach their final form.

Aside from some bug-type elven girls, who due to their unique physiology complete their evolution during the rapid growth stage, the vast majority experience their first evolution only after finishing this stage.