Chapter 41

The epidemic that had struck the dungeon city with the weak 'dungeon disease' completely ended just four days after Evan and Serpina had first discovered it. The cure that was lacking in quantity was able to be produced in bulks again, thanks to the fact that healthy explorers quickly entered the dungeon and harvested the essential herbs.

After remembering the history of the original game, Evan wondered how the game writers had planned about stopping the epidemic? And how much damage had been done in the game? Evan didn't know that much because it wasn't covered in the game.

'Only three people were affected. An old man who was unable to endure the disease for a long time and the first two patients with the dungeon disease symptoms.'

He already figured that what they had to do this time to stop the pandemic was actually record-breaking work.

Although there was a history of alchemy and magic in this world, this world was still by no means a civilization ahead of modern times.

It was a miracle that everyone was safe, and the situation had ended with only three deaths. It was unbelievable to think of, after the outbreak of an infectious disease in a time when hygiene was not properly kept at a standard, and the recognition, approach, and extermination of diseases were not organized.

"Bellpin Disease caused an epidemic that destroyed a country in the past. Whenever it appears in the world, its effects the nature and makes it more toxic. It was a disease that drove many people to their deaths…This time, the disease appeared even stronger than before, but we were successful in stopping it without much damage."

The vassals, the knights, all of the soldiers, and everyone living in the city, looked up to the Marquis. It was a show of solidarity, to affirm that all of their hearts were united.

"The lives of those who have died are incomparable sacrifices. However, the thing that is important to notice is that it did not cause further damage… It's really, really great. We made history today. It proves that humans will not lose to such diseases and that they can overcome and become stronger!"

The voice of the Marquis resounding throughout the city was heartfelt. Because of this disease, he had almost lost his precious daughter. So, he couldn't help but express his sincerity.

Only his family knew that he had forgotten everything during these days due to the continuous tension about his daughter's health. He had been shedding tears during the last days, and his body was in pain.

"There are some who took the lead in solving this situation. They are the pharmacists of the Brotherhood Pharmacy and priests of the Earth Church. Among them, Bernard Garcia, a pharmacist of the Brotherhood Pharmacy, and Serpina Belline, an assistant Bishop of the Earth Church, have contributed greatly to lead the development of therapeutic drugs and completely controlling the situation while recognizing and acting accordingly, which is something to be commended."

"Don't reveal my name…"

"I can't help it, Grandpa. How do you hide after experiencing this kind of thing? How about living under your real name now. If you still get upset, you just have to make another pseudonym and then you'll be able to hide under it."

The speech of the Marquis continued for several minutes after that. There was no one who did not cheer, and one after another, everyone started crying with emotions. As a result of everyone being united to overcome external crises, the dungeon city people cried and laughed as if they had become one.

Evan had already insured Elizabeth's safety the day before yesterday. He was awake whenever she was awake, and now he was in a semi-conscious state, hanging on the spot like dried fish, and standing very still on the podium.

He was just looking at the Marquis.

Even in that state, Evan was doing slime training because of his instinct, so it was a little funny even to himself.

'How did it all happen?'

The feeling of excitement that came from saving his sister kept pushing him over the edge.

The situation had been so urgent that he had to move without giving it much thought, and he had no time to think calmly because he was mentally confused at the time. And now he barely had time to think about himself when the end of the pandemic was declared.

He had finally done it.

'At first, I just thought about saving myself only.'

Of course, at first, he had other thoughts as well. If Elizabeth ever died, she might have led the Second Wife to become evil as she did in the game and then try to destroy the Marquis. So Evan thought he needed to take countermeasures.

But that useless thought had shattered the moment he met Liz. And now he couldn't even imagine his sister dying.

'Why didn't I think of saving her for her sake rather than keep thinking about saving myself, selfishly? What the hell had I been thinking about?' Evan wanted to slap himself on the cheek.

Evan couldn't honestly tell about his idea to Bernard, so he told him that it was merely a guess. Yet still, Bernard responded.

In a situation where there was no evidence, Serpina kept moving to look for clues and had conclusively informed of the disease's existence.

The result was now before them. Not only did Elisabeth, but everyone else in the dungeon city survived. They had succeeded in suppressing the epidemic in the early stages before it had gotten out of control.

There had been three unfortunate casualties, but, as Bernard had said, he couldn't have saved all of them.

'If Grandpa Bernard wasn't by my side…'

If the legendary alchemist hadn't been around, he wouldn't have been able to create a cure for the plague.

The disease had to be tested first, and only after countless trials and errors, a cure would have been found. At the last minute, such as in this situation, no one could've probably realized what cure it needed.

Because of this, it would have been impossible to clarify the identity of the dangers that might have loomed over cute Liz, in the first place, Even the 'dungeon disease' wouldn't have been recognized itself.

'And if there was no Brotherhood Pharmacy…'

It would have been impossible to produce a cure on such a large scale on time. The staff had to stay up all night.

Thanks to them, they had all the resources they needed to contain the spread of the ailment.

'And if…If I didn't have Sis Serpina…'

If they hadn't built a good relationship with the Church, or if the Earth Church hadn't changed in the first place, they would never have gotten the help of the priests to go serve in the slums, and of course, they would not have been able to identify the presence of the epidemic so quickly.

'Everyone!… If it wasn't for everyone…How would we have saved everyone…'

All of these things were related to Evan, and he had done them to evade his own death. But in the end, it all came together to achieve this result. Everyone miraculously interlocked and was able to overcome the whole plague.

He trembled in fear just thinking about what would have happened if Evan hadn't done any of them, and there was a strange sense of accomplishment, but then worries about the future events hit him.

"Little boy, don't worry too much."

"Grandpa?"

Meanwhile, Bernard lightly patted on Evan's head. Evan closed both his eyes.

"If there are some things that you can foresee, there are also things you cannot see or comprehend. On the other hand, even if you have seen it, there will always be some things that you won't be able to help with. Isn't that right?"

"…Yeah."

Bernard's words felt as if he had looked through Evan's current situation accurately. Evan was stunned and had no choice but to respond gently. Bernard laughed at him and said.

"Little boy, this is the way the world is. No wonder, there are more things out there that I am unable to acquire or accomplish. But are you already worried about things you don't know or can't do? Do you want to carry all of this burden on your shoulders? Quit it, it won't even fit into an ocean."

It really didn't fit into an ocean. Evan had been busy worrying about his own life up until now. The emotions he had felt in the slums arose inside him once again.

It was only then that he realized that he was greatly mistaken. Luckily, he worked this out and vowed to himself that he wouldn't think like that again in the future. It didn't have to be that way, because he wasn't alone in this world.

"What exactly are your abilities I do not know. I don't even know how much knowledge you have. But didn't I tell you before? Think of the people you saved, not about the people you couldn't."

"… Yes. You said so."

"There will be nothing different in your life from now on. Evan, you just have to do the things you know and are able to act upon. If you want to make a decision, then either consult with me or talk to others. If that doesn't work, just give up."

"Give up?"

"Because then someone else will be able to do it for you. Who said no one can do it only if you are unable to? Even if no one can, let the whole world be ruined. It's not worth worrying about."

Bernard patted Evan's head again. Now, the Marquis's speech was over, and the public affair had ended, but of course, Bernard had no intention of going anywhere.

"… Still, Grandpa."

"Huh?"

"… No, no. It's nothing."

Evan somehow suppressed what he was trying to say. 'Even though all I wanted was to save myself from dying, I ended up saving the world.'

Bernard couldn't figure out the thoughts that Evan was trying to hide by keeping quiet.

'Things I know, but I can't do?'

Evan just kept repeating these words in his heart. Maybe it was because the hero who had saved the world was saying it, but they affected Evan's heart quite deeply.

In the end, Evan reached a conclusion. In the future, based on the game knowledge he already knew, he had to work hard to survive from the overflowing death signs!

"But Grandpa Bernard, don't you want to ask about the slimes?"

"Oh, I looked at them at that time and I roughly understood it. I was able to recognize the source of the power that wasn't for your age. I can only say that it's really a fun and fast way to level up. You are the only person in the world who I know, that can use the artifact that way."

"Oh Grandpa. So you knew."

"For reference, I can't get stronger with slimes even if I'm crushing them myself."

"If I can be as strong as my Grandpa, then what do I need the slime training for?"

Evan laughed happily, but Bernard didn't. Evan didn't seem to know exactly what his abilities were, but he could still increase his level of existence nevertheless.

Even if Evan couldn't acknowledge his own level, Bernard could vaguely detect his level whenever he saw him. If Evan had gotten this far…

'With this pace, you might be able to become strong like me just by killing slimes.'

Bernard initially thought that it would have been impossible for Evan, but he doubted it now as he watched Evan, who was secretly popping slimes with both his fists even at this moment (of course, it seemed like he was just jamming his fists)and suddenly it didn't seem impossible at all.

'If he is able to add the blessings he would get from the dungeon…He might be able to support the whole world alone.'

However, Bernard, who had no intention of burdening the child with excessive worries, thought about it to himself only.

"Thank you, Grandpa."

"Don't laugh disgustingly. It's not nice."

"No, it shouldn't bother you for the next 48 years because you have to listen to it till then.'

"Before that, I'll bite my tongue and die suddenly, boy!"

On that day, the Marquis did not officially announce Evan's name, but he acknowledged the presence of Evan he had been busy running around with Bernard and Serpina along with everyone in the dungeon city. Everyone also knew he was one of the representatives of the Brotherhood Pharmacy.

Naturally, Evan's popularity had soared through the sky. Maybe this time, it would have been fortunate for Eric to benefit from the Brotherhood Pharmacy…

At the time, Evan and Eric weren't bothered about it at all.

"Too, loud! Evan, Evan, Aaaa!"

"Now she said my name. Admit it, brother."

Eric screamed, and Evan looked down at him and laughed.

In his arms, there was a pretty child smiling innocently.

"Liz likes me more."

"Kak"

"Ah, ah, ah! Why, why, love, love! Why don't you come into the arms of your big brother!"

"Kaah, kaah!"

Young Elizabeth, nicknamed Liz, who had completely regained her health, was squeezed in Evan's arms and was happy.

Since the day that Evan had used slimes to level up and heal Liz, she was completely fond of Evan.

"Huh, I can't help it if it's like this. I have no choice but to hug both of you!"

"Ugh, you're too warm! Go away!"

"Ahhhhhhhhh!"

The two wives were looking at the siblings having a pleasant time together with happy expressions on their faces. The Marquis was also there.

"I'm really happy."

"Good thing… But honey, this disease probably won't end so easily, right?"

"It will not".

The Marquis replied defeatedly.

"Even if it is over in our city, it will be the spreading to other places soon."

The dungeon city was only the start of it. Now, the terrifying epidemic of Bellpin disease would be effecting the entire Silk Line.

So, after a short break, the dungeons were once again the center of attention.

The Brotherhood Pharmacy started to produce cures for infectious diseases.

The fight against the epidemic was still expected to continue.