18: Treating the Plague

Rhodes explained, "This high-concentration saltwater can offer some resistance against the plague. While it can't fully prevent it, it can slow down the epidemic's spread."

Doubtful murmurs emerged, with someone attempting to ingest the cloth strip, only to be met with a salty taste that induced retching.

"It's not meant for eating," Rhodes sighed, realizing that explaining this advanced concept to people of this era was challenging due to technological gaps.

He directed, "Place the cloth strips over your faces, covering your noses and mouths!"

Forbas was the first to comply, setting an example for everyone. Seeing their consul's adherence, the others followed suit.

Since some individuals lacked the cloth strips, Rhodes instructed Forbas to provide them, which were then distributed to more people.

With everyone wearing the cloth strips, Rhodes and Seeger focused on the patients before them.

As Rhodes approached, the doctors displayed disdain, and a few even removed their cloth strips.

"I've never heard of such a treatment method. What can saltwater do?" a young doctor with yellow hair dismissively inquired.

"Didn't Lord Hippocrates discuss how bodily fluids maintain balance?" another person chimed in.

Rhodes internally rolled his eyes, recalling Hippocrates as an ancient Greek medical figure who believed the body's equilibrium depended on blood, mucus, yellow bile, and black bile.

"When treating wounds, don't you use herbal mixtures?" Rhodes countered.

"Herbs stimulate blood flow, aiding the body in restoring balance. Your saltwater is...well...a blend of everyday ingredients. How can it cure diseases?" the yellow-robed doctor scoffed, standing up confidently.

"Mr. Locke is correct!"

Locke, the yellow-robed doctor, garnered Rhodes' gaze. Rhodes shook his head in disdain, remarking, "Arrogance is a doctor's greatest enemy. This might not be prevalent in ancient Greek culture, but it's an idea from the ancient East. Keep it in mind."

He signaled Sieg, who tapped a few times on the crystal screen on his arm. A light green light wave emitted, scanning the patient on the ground.

"Report! Patient contains yellow fever, cholera, measles, smallpox, and other pathogens," the equipment's mechanical voice reported.

Rhodes inwardly sighed, acknowledging the Apocalypse Apostle Plague's substantial ability to manipulate multiple viruses.

"Vaccines and treatments in progress..."

After a few seconds, two bottles of light blue medicine emerged from Sig's arm device, accompanied by a white mist of low-temperature nitrogen.

Rhodes took an iron sprayer from Sig and sprayed the light blue mist onto the patient before him.

In less than a second, the ominous black spider web on the patient's neck visibly vanished, and their complexion turned rosy.

Festering wounds on limbs oozed black blood, staining the ground a macabre mix of red and black.

"It's worsening!" Dr. Huang Mao exclaimed angrily. He was about to launch another tirade but was halted by Locke.

"No! This indicates the activation of black bile and yellow bile, signifying the patient's recovery!"

Locke knelt before the patient, excitement radiating from his expression. He surveyed the patient's vital signs, astounded that a mere prick could render their days of effort futile.

"What did you do?" Locke turned to Rhodes and Sig, arrogance replaced by fear of the unknown.

Rhodes remained silent, instead picking up the sprayer and applying the liquid to Locke's face.

Locke experienced shock, followed by weakness and trembling legs. His body heated up, rendering him powerless.

"What have you done?" Locke uttered in horror.

"Don't worry. The vaccine is taking effect. You'll be fine soon."

His assistants gathered around, panicked inquiries abounding. Yet none comprehended the transformation occurring within their mentor.

After roughly half a minute, Locke felt refreshed, his throat turning sweet before he expelled black blood.

"This is?" Locke stared at the black blood on the ground, the intermittent urge to cough gone.

"These are the virus-laden fluids from your body. The vaccine eliminated them," Rhodes explained.

"I feel better, revitalized. But what are viruses and vaccines?" Locke's hand explored his body, a contented smile forming.

Rhodes felt a headache coming on, the task of explaining to these people was exasperating. Thus, he ordered, "Forbas, gather the citizens for me!"

Fubas promptly departed the hall.

Rhodes used the sprayer, indiscriminately dousing the patients as if tending to crops.

Immediately, pale, gray skin transformed into vibrant rosy hues, black blood gushing from mouths.

The sight appeared miraculous, prompting collective kneeling and expressions of gratitude.

White-robed doctors lowered their heads, ashamed of their previous arrogance toward Rhodes.

"Hand me all the cloth strips," Rhodes commanded. While the vaccine granted immunity, the apocalypse apostles at the root remained untouched, poised to unleash new viruses.

Preparedness was prudent; a defense layer was better than none.

The cloth strips were quickly retrieved from the pool, treasured like sacred artifacts.

Amid this, some became greedy, repeatedly snatching strips until a riot ensued.