Chapter 19: 19: The Miracle
"Stay calm! No need for chaos!" Rhodes commanded, quelling the frenzy.
"Each person only needs one. Wearing more won't make a difference."
His words curbed the frantic scramble, prompting everyone to cease their struggle and line up.
Those who had secured cloth strips earlier concealed their satisfaction, wrapping them tightly around their faces to prevent theft.
"Master Shenbing!" Fubas rushed over in a panic. "The citizens have assembled. Do you have new instructions?"
"Ah? Divine Soldier!" Fear rendered the doctors' legs weak, their prior condescension transformed into dread. A chill ran down their spines as they realized the wild words they had spoken to Rhodes earlier.
They hurriedly knelt before Rhodes, their fear palpable.
"I apologize, Lord Shenbing. Our insight faltered, and we failed to recognize your noble identity!"
Someone even attempted to hold up Rhodes' shoes to kiss them, but Rhodes kicked them away, leaving without another glance.
"Lead the way." Rhodes spoke casually, ignoring the doctors who trailed behind, pleading for mercy.
After Rhodes left, the doctors quivered in fear. Thankfully, Rhodes proved magnanimous, refraining from venting his wrath on them. Otherwise, if a Protoss chose to torture and kill a mortal, their lives wouldn't suffice.
Forbas guided Rhodes to the Athenian Civic Stand, where citizens convened for discussions and bill elections.
A venue that could accommodate thousands, reminiscent of an arena, featured terraced seats rising in rows. A podium below awaited the consul's governance.
The gathering flowed into the arena, occupying chairs on elevated tiers. Their gazes shifted impatiently between Rhodes and Forbas at the podium.
Given the meeting wasn't part of their usual monthly routine, attendees retained the right to abstain. Fubas had employed soldiers to compel attendance.
Rhodes scanned the crowd; some already coughed, while others' bodies displayed festering.
For the citizens to acquire antibodies, a wide spray range was required. However, before that, they needed to possess saltwater cloth strips, averting plague deterioration until spraying commenced.
"Why are we gathered?"
"Suspend the meeting if there's no agenda! Wasn't this month's meeting concluded?"
"I have the right to freedom!"
Observing Rhodes and Forbas' prolonged inaction, restlessness seeped in.
Several soldiers entered the arena, bearing putrid corpses surrounded by flies and pests.
The stench repulsed the crowd, who covered their noses and grew more agitated.
"What's happening!"
"Remove them! The stench is unbearable!"
"Why aren't you burying the plague-stricken bodies?"
Rhodes ignored the commotion, producing flames that soared skyward from his palm.
Tall, imposing flames reaching over ten meters ignited, inducing stunned silence. The astonishment left them speechless, their mouths agape.
Flame light cast flickering shadows on faces, the sweltering air kindling fear within.
"God! A magical soldier!" A horrified scream rang out.
Recognizing Rhodes' identity, they recoiled, fearful he might unleash flames in anger.
Contrary to their expectations, Rhodes didn't direct flames at them as punishment for their insolence.
Instead, he set a pile of corpses ablaze. Sun flames consumed mortal remains in an instant, reducing them to black ash that slowly dissipated into the air.
The corpses vanished, leaving no traces. This only heightened their terror.
"Listen!" Rhodes bellowed.
Tremors rippled through the assembly, their heads tilting slightly upward to fixate on him.
"If a family member dies, the body must be cremated. Sit calmly now and refrain from wandering. When you return home, instruct your slaves to gather here immediately."
"Also!" Rhodes produced a cloth strip. "Wear this from now on. In case of a new epidemic, gather promptly."
With nearly 10,000 attendees, a vast silence enveloped the arena. None dared to utter a sound, lest they offend Rhodes and face death.
Observing their unanimous compliance, Rhodes activated the sprayer and handed it to an Athenian soldier, tasked with administering the vaccine.
Within the hall, light blue mist floated over everyone. A while later, exclamations arose.
"My wound is bleeding!"
"I'm vomiting blood!"
"Black blood! An ominous black hue."
After a momentary tumult, quiet returned. They realized their bodies were healing, plague infestations vanishing.
"Did Master Shenbing save us?"
"I feel cured. It's definitely Master Shenbing's mist, a divine remedy!"
Excitement surged, prompting them to kneel in unison, paying homage to Rhodes as a mortal.
Watching his people recover, Forbas approached Rhodes, kneeling in gratitude.
"Your miraculous intervention saved us, humble mortals. I can't express my gratitude enough~" He leaned in to kiss Rhodes' shoes, tears streaming.
Rhodes patted his shoulder, urging him to rise. "Gather your troops and locate a frost giant named Laufey. Blue skin, blood-red eyes, elfin ears. Alert me upon sighting him."
Fubas kowtowed repeatedly. "This task shall be executed as an oath by us, the people of Athens."
Athenian soldiers distributed cloth strips. Having witnessed Rhodes' miracle, the unfamiliar cloth's peculiar scent didn't deter them. They mimicked the soldiers, donning the strips on their faces.
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