Near the edge of the Sia Kingdom, Alex and others were not too far from this kingdom; it could be said this Kingdom was under the supervision of the Drexia Empire.
Currently, a city that was closer to the frontier than the central lands was approaching destruction. About 35% of the city's residents were down with a feverish illness. The remaining residents were desperately nursing them. But unfortunately, that only served to spread the illness further. Yes, the illness that was spreading through the city initially wouldn't occur in the area. This place was usually hot all year round, but illness would usually only occur with the addition of higher humidity. However, many people in the town started falling ill for some reason.
Some people knew about the illness, and about 10 hours ago, it had become clear it shouldn't be possible for it to appear in this area. They asked the pharmacists and alchemists about the medicinal cure for it...but it turned out that they didn't have enough stock of a herb to make the medication.
In situations like this, pharmacists and alchemists were usually the ones at fault. But they could be blamed as no one in that city expected that the illness, commonly known as Magic Fever, would occur here. The clerics couldn't heal everybody as they are not so many clerics, to begin with.
''So what are the material we are short of?''
Ludic, the deputy governor of the city of Xeeno, bitterly asked the elderly man in front of him.
The elderly man was Mathias Schocker; he was the acting guild master at Xeeno's city border Adventurer guild branch. At the same time, the man was a highly skilled mage and a long-time friend of Ludic.
''It's called Aurora grass powder, its a powder made from the dried grass that can be found growing in regions with high magic power (near high-level dungeon). It's the main ingredient for making medication to suppress Magic Fever.'' Mathias explained.
''The grass only grows in regions with high magic power, you say? Where would that be specifically?" Ludic asked, eyes full of urgency; his people were suffering; like a good Lord, he must quickly relieve them of their suffering, especially when elections are coming.
''That's right. The closest place from here would probably be the city of Blue Ivy, near the Drexia Empire.'' Mathias answered; it was also unknown for most people, but Blue Ivy had a high-level dungeon underwater.
''Blue Ivy? ..If I'm not mistaken, there is a method for guild masters to contact each other, right?''
''Yes! It's possible to communicate with the guild master of Blue Ivy.'' Mathias replied.
''Don't hesitate to get in touch with them, I know the tense situation inside the Sia kingdom with one faction wanting to support the Third princess while the other is supporting the Second princess, we all know that the Third princess isn't interested in politics, but people are stubborn, thinking maybe with enough support she might give in, especially after learning she is getting engaged to the Eighth, said to be the most talented of the otherworlders, people take this as a divine sign. Ah! I just want to save my people.
''Okay, I understand, my friend. I will contact the guild master on the other side, but..''
Ludic knew what his good friend wanted to say. Although Xeeno and Blue Ivy were both on the frontier, the distance between them was vast. If a merchant caravan had a smooth journey, it would take half a month. Even if a seasoned adventurer drove their horse to its limits, it would still take ten days; by Magic carriage, it would take seven days.
It was possible to use an item in the guild to notify them of the city's current situation. But if you considered the time it would take to collect the Aurora grass powder and then transport it to this city.
''Sigh It would be good if 40% of the residents can survive.'' Ludic briefly said that with a bitter expression of regret.
''It can't be helped. It's a situation of life and death. I will contact the guild branch in Blue Ivy immediately. I don't know how much we will owe them for this, though.'' Mathias responded.
''Haa~, such a debt, if we can salvage this situation, I'll pay back as much as can.''
Giving a depressed sigh, Ludic spoke with a smile. He had aged since the start of this disease. However, he wished to be reelected; sometimes, he wished to let go of everything. Still, he couldn't do that, firstly because power is like drugs. Once an addict is always addict, it's almost impossible to be clean again. Secondly, because he must prepare a stable environment for his children and family and lastly because of his people, he couldn't let them go, they still need him, so he persuades himself.
''That's true; right now, we are helpless in this situation. I'll take my leave.'' Mathias said as he stood up.
'''Ah. I've used my authority as deputy governor to shut the city gates not to spread the illness any further. I can't afford to spread it to other cities. Regarding food, I'll figure something out with our reserves.'' Ludic announced, it was a tough decision, but he didn't really have the choice.
Mathias gave a slight nod at those words and deftly left the office with movements unlike that of a mage in his sixties.
After Mathias left his friend, he contacted the guild master in Blue Ivy as he promised his friend, the situation is dire, having hit the limit as an adventurer, and because of the lack of talented adventurers on this side, Mathias couldn't only ask for assistance. Usually, they should investigate the cause of the current illness; however, they couldn't because the adventurers stationed here are fighting against monsters; the arrival of the magic fever brought along a lot of problems, high contagion, and monsters wave. So, he had no choice other than to ask for assistance.
And like that, the Adventurer guild branch in Blue Ivy was contacted, and their guild master immediately asked for the highest-ranked group to carry this mission.