Chapter 148: Aslan, What Happened?

POV Eliza

I entered the inn and saw Aslan. What was he doing here? Had something happened to the others? Concerned but curious, I approached him and spoke to him.

“Aslan, what are you doing in Lightburgh? Where are the other two?” Eliza

He looked up and stared at me in surprise. Didn't he recognize me?

“Who are you and how do you know me? Who told you about us?” Aslan

He had been relaxed before, but now he became very alert. He even put a hand on his weapon. Suddenly, I realized that he couldn't possibly know me in this form. I quickly sat down and tried to calm him down.

“Psst, don't worry, Aslan. It's me, Eliza.” Eliza

“Eliza? What? Where did you...?” Aslan

“It's a disguise so I don't stand out here. You've never seen me like this before.” Eliza

He relaxed a little, but not completely. He had also gotten over the initial moment of surprise.

“Give me proof so I can believe you.” Aslan

“All right, you want to protect the community. I understand that. Give Will and the others my best regards and tell Mama I’ll be home for winter.” <Eliza>

“I'll tell her. Okay, you really seem to be Eliza, but you look completely different. How do you do that?” <Aslan>

“I'm sorry, but I can't tell you that. Let a girl have her secrets.” <Eliza>

"Hahaha, good comeback. You've really changed and become strong. Who would have thought back then that the little girl would become such a competent adventurer." <Aslan>

“Thank you for the compliment, Master. But let's get down to business. You've commissioned a quest. What's it about?” Eliza

"Listen to me carefully, Eliza. This may shock you, but several residents in the community have fallen ill. We are currently trying to find a cure, but unfortunately, no one knows what the disease is. Kron is in Tyros, and Yuna is further north. We're looking for monster parts to make special healing potions. The monster parts are ingredients for them." <Aslan>

“No one knows what the disease is? Don't you know anyone you can ask? You've traveled far and wide and know many people.” <Eliza>

“It's not that simple. No one can know where the camp is, so it would be suspicious if we asked about a dangerous disease for no apparent reason. But that's also our biggest problem. In our daily lives, we constantly have to prevent anyone from investigating our background. We can only hope that Universal Healing Potions will help.” <Aslan>

I was speechless. Some of us were sick, but no one knew exactly what the illness was. That didn't sound good. Surely someone must know the source. Was there no way to get information? Wait a minute, yes, there was.

“Aslan, listen to me. Maybe I can help you. I might be able to get information about the illness.” <Eliza>

“Hmm, how? That would be a great help, but how would that work?” <Aslan>

“I currently have access to a large library where I can do research. But I need all the information you can give me about the disease.” <Eliza>

"A large library? There aren't that many here. I can only think of the ones at the magicians' and in the church. The palace should have one too. Do you have access to it?" <Aslan>

“That's not important right now. Just give me the information.” <Eliza>

“Okay, I won't ask any more questions, even though I'm very curious. Listen carefully, this is what we know about the disease.” <Aslan>

Over the next few minutes, Aslan told me everything they knew. Apparently, the disease began with mild pain in the limbs, followed by increasing numbness. After several days, it became so severe that patients had difficulty walking. After about two weeks, they became bedridden and had to be cared for. By then, the numbness had turned into almost complete paralysis. So far, four people had fallen ill, and there was no end in sight. Unfortunately, no one knew anything about this disease, so no one knew how to cure it. Healing potions for rank medium diseases had no effect, so they went in search of the ingredients for special healing potion for paralysis. However, this was more difficult to obtain and even more difficult to make. That's why Aslan was here, while Kron took care of the south with the nature dungeon.

“We have to find a cure quickly. All right, I'll go look for information. Will I find you here later?” <Eliza>

“Yes. I wish you luck. We can all use it.” <Aslan>

“It might take me a few days. See you later, Aslan.” <Eliza>

I said goodbye to Aslan and left the inn. Outside, I first had to digest what I had just learned. Some of my friends were sick, and no one could heal them.

It took me a few minutes to calm down. Fortunately, I was still able to fall back on my connections as Stevt and hadn't been completely exposed. However, I had to assume that I would no longer be able to access them after my research. In addition, I had to become a man again. I sighed, but my friends were more important.

I retreated to a quiet corner and transformed into Stevt. Then I headed toward the palace, where I was stopped by the guard.

“Praise be to Lumos. I am Stevt and I am one of the heroes' recruits. I would like to go to the library and continue my education.” <Eliza>

“You're on the list. You may pass.” <Guard>

Inside, I headed for the library. Once there, I asked the librarian for books on medicinal herbs and potions. To avoid arousing suspicion, I started with herbs and worked my way through potions to diseases.

It took me two days to find the first clue. After further research, I found the name of a disease that matched the symptoms. It seemed to be a type of paralysis that was often transmitted by ghouls and their bites. It was often confused with a curse. Ghouls were occasionally found in old graves or catacombs. With the name of the disease, I was able to look up the cure and thus knew the ingredients for the healing potion. Priests could also provide healing, but understandably we couldn't ask them. With this information, I had to get to Aslan as quickly as possible.