Chapter 399 - 392: The Soldier's Tears
Alex stopped Chucky a few meters above the ground as he jumped from Chucky and landed elegantly on the ground. He immediately introduced himself as he could feel the vigilance in the soldiers' eyes; no one couldn't blame them, not everyone among was informed of Alex's arrival.
''I'm Sam, an Adventurer; I came from Blue Ivy. I have brought the Aurora grass needed to cure the Magic fever. Can you let me in or inform the guild master?"
Alex's voice echoed into the surroundings.
However, although the soldiers showed a transient expression of joy at Alex's words because his appearance meant the sicks would be saved. They noticed he was empty-handed even though he had said that he had brought Aurora grass powder. They exchanged confused looks with each other.
One man came forward from the soldiers and approached Alex. The man looked to be in his early thirties but was strangely calm. He stopped about 3 m from Alex and spoke up.
''I'm Brutus. I lead the soldiers over there. I want to ask; you said you'd brought Aurora grass powder, but where is it. You seemed to be empty-handed when I looked over. No, of course, we will be very grateful f you have even a little of it. But, since you said you've come all the way from Blue Ivy, you would have brought a reasonable amount, right?"
Brutus inquired, and Alex nodded before he took a small wooden crate from his Item box.
When the wooden crate suddenly appeared from nowhere, Brutus reached for the sword at his waist on reflex. However, he immediately realized that the crate wasn't anything that could harm him, and he looked over it again.
Inside the wooden crate, there was a large number of small bottles about 5 cm tall. And inside each one, there seemed to be some sort of powder.
''I see, thank you. Indeed you have the Aurora grass powder needed to cure the Magic fever,'' Brutus said with a happy smile on his face; he was surprised seeing so much Aurora grass powder; this man must own a space ring. Shaking his head, Brutus looked at the blonde young man in front of him; thanks to his arrival, many people would be saved, his sister included; he couldn't help but be gratified.
''Now that you're sure that I really have the Aurora grass powder, can you let me in?" Alex said as he believed that these soldiers stopped him from immediately entering to do a test; something must have happened in the past.
''Sorry. It was just a test. Actually, the guild master from the city's guild, rather, I heard that an adventurer dispatched from Blue Ivy would come here. However, as you know, Magic Fever isn't supposed to occur around here had spread explosively around Xeeno. Wherever they heard it from, some researchers who were interested in I came over here. Naturally, Lord Ludic rejected their attempts because letting them into the city could put people at risk.''
Brutus apologized and explained the situation.
''Why? Wouldn't researchers possibly be able to determine the cause of the outbreak?'' Alex inquired.
''Yes, if that really were their purpose, then it wouldn't matter,'' Brutus answered with a serious expression.
Hearing those words, Alex realized that there were some complicated circumstances. He decided that it was time to head into the city.
Alex, who started walking forward stop when he saw Brutus fidgeting.
''What is it?" He asked.
''I want to know if this Griffon will attack people on sight?" Brutus asked; the fear inside his eyes couldn't be hidden; he wasn't the only one, though.
'What that man you're letting in is more than dangerous than the poor me!' Chucky complained as he tilted his head. But as expected, fearing the existence that was the Griffon he had just met, Brutus took a step back.
If only Alex knew what was going on inside Chucky's head, the latter would have been skinned alive, Alex wouldn't be stroking him.
''If you don't mess with him, he will not do anything,'' Alex responded and stroked Chucky for a few more seconds before stopping. Brutus and the other soldiers were relieved. They become even more relieved after Alex handed over the Necklace of Obedience Celesta gave him; this necklace is used to control the monster if they get out of control.
Alex also handed over his guild card, as per procedures to enter the city.
''Open the gate!''
Following Brutus's instructions, the soldiers opened the gate that had blockaded the Xeeno's City.
(If I had entered from the sky, I wouldn't have to go through something so troublesome. Well, in that case, though, I would probably be treated as an intruder.)
''Captain. I will go ahead to the guild first.''
''Ahh. The Guild master will definitely be pleased to know this. I'll leave it to you.''
A soldier gave a slight nod at Brutus's words and entered the city ahead of Alex.
''You will see the guild if you just head straight along the main street. Because of the effect of Magic Fever, the number of people out in the city is getting smaller; head to the guild as quickly as you can. Last but not least, thank you again for coming to this city and welcome to Xeeno, the quiet city.''
Saying that Brutus gave a deep bow. The soldiers he led followed suit and also gave a deep bow.
Many of them had family, friends, or lovers who had fallen ill with Magic Fever. Tears fell from several soldiers who had lowered their heads. It was evident that they weren't tears of sadness but tears of hope from the help that had arrived. They kept their emotions in check, however seeing that Alex was about to enter the city, that their loved one would be rescued, most of them couldn't hold anymore. Seeing the people you love suffer why you're powerless isn't a good feeling; they thought it would take time for help to arrive, a few days, maybe among those that might die, someone closer to them could be included. So, Alex showing now couldn't make them happier; they were so happy that they started to cry.
Alex understood how those soldiers felt, sighing as he entered the city.