Commander Oliver Charleston frowned as he listened to his assistant report on the pharmacists' struggles. His heart sank at the reminder that his wife was suffering from the incurable Shadow Veil disease.
Despite exhausting every resource available, including the combined efforts of the Norman and Charleston families, all they could do was provide preventive treatments to slow its progression. Oliver couldn't bear to see his beloved wife endure the pain and deterioration day after day. Even the strongest individuals would crumble in the face of such a bleak fate.
Lost in his thoughts, Oliver was interrupted by an urgent knock at the door. Without waiting for permission, one of his subordinates hurriedly entered the room. Oliver was quick to scold him for his rudeness.
"Mark, you know better than to barge in without permission," he chastised.
"Boss, forgive my rudeness, but the information I just received couldn't wait," Mark explained anxiously.
Oliver's expression shifted, now curious and concerned. He wondered if it was a matter of priority for sector security. He motioned for Mark to proceed and share the information.
As Oliver read the information provided by Mark, his countenance suddenly changed. The assistant was taken aback, for their boss was usually calm and composed. What kind of news could provoke such a reaction?
"Is this information true?" Oliver asked, his voice filled with a mix of nerves and excitement.
"I have double-checked the news before reporting, Boss," Mark replied confidently.
"Byron, get ready. We will be paying a visit to the Blackston family," Oliver instructed his assistant, as he swiftly put on his military coat. "Mark, make sure to keep this news tightly under wraps. I don't want it reaching my wife," he added, emphasizing the importance of secrecy.
"Yes, sir. I understand," Mark acknowledged, fully aware of how many times the boss and his wife had been given hope, only to be disappointed.
.The Blackston and Fredericks families decided to use Henry's miraculous recovery as a means to promote the news of a cure for the black veil disease. They recognized that there was no faster way to disseminate this information among the people. Isaac Blackston, the head of the Blackston family, couldn't contain his joy as he entertained guests. However, he knew that once he revealed the news, the mood would change dramatically. Unfortunately, the Senior's target was Commander Oliver Charleston, which meant there might be backlash.
Sighing at the thought, Isaac Blackston understood the devastating effects of the black veil disease on families. Not all households would have the resources or means to seek treatment, and sinister activities were known to occur in the shadows. He hoped that the cure could spread quickly throughout the Federation, saving countless lives.
As Henry Blackston made his entrance, everyone was flabbergasted. He smiled at their reactions, for he too was astonished at the outcome of the last treatment. Not only had he been cured of the disease, but the potion had also rejuvenated him, making him look younger. His younger brother couldn't help but feel envious, at his younger look.
"Welcome, everyone! I appreciate you all for gathering here to celebrate with me," Henry addressed the crowd. "I know you're eager to ask questions, so let me pre-emptively answer the most important one. Yes, I am cured of the incurable black veil disease that has plagued us in the Federation. And I am not the only one. I was fortunate enough to receive the cure alongside Nathaniel Fredericks, who, as you all know, also suffered from this disease."
The bombshell news spread like wildfire, leaving the attendees in shock. Not only had Henry Blackston been cured, but Nathaniel Fredericks as well. This revelation was a game-changer for the Federation. People experienced a mix of emotions; those with sick loved ones felt a glimmer of hope, while others saw the Blackston and Fredericks families as being on the cusp of something significant.
A man in the crowd couldn't contain his curiosity. "Will the Blackston and Fredericks families publicize the cure?"
"We would like to, but this cure doesn't belong to our families," Henry responded. "We were fortunate enough to be handpicked by the Senior who developed the cure."
This statement was met with disbelief and confusion. What did it mean?
"Please, everyone, calm down," Henry reassured. "I believe the Senior who created the cure will come up with a plan."
"How do we meet this Senior?"
"We don't know the Senior's whereabouts. As I mentioned before, we were chosen, not the other way around. But I can tell you all that we no longer have to fear this disease."
As the guests processed the news, their minds filled with doubts and questions, Henry understood that he couldn't provide them with all the answers they sought. However, he still wanted to instill hope in their hearts, assuring them that the black veil disease was no longer something to fear.
As the formalities and farewells commenced, the guests found themselves distracted by the weight of this new information. Excuses were given as they departed, their thoughts consumed by the potential implications of this revelation.
The Blackston and Fredericks families were not offended by the guests' distracted demeanor. They understood that the news had significantly impacted everyone's mindset. Their only hope now was that this information would somehow reach the commander's attention, so they could fulfill their assignment, as requested by Cyan.
"The commander is here, sir," the Blackston butler announced, signaling the long-awaited arrival of Oliver Charleston.
Apologizing for his unannounced visit, Oliver exuded confidence and discipline with his commanding presence. The Blackston family assured him that they welcomed him into their home without any offense.
Though Oliver was younger than them, his martial arts level far surpassed theirs. He was already in the late Expert level realm and possessed skills in both magic arts and martial arts. His combat prowess was nothing to scoff at.
In this realm, mastery levels were divided into four tiers and subdivided into early, middle and late stage:
1. Novice: The basic entry level for practitioners where they laid the foundation for their future practices and learned the basic principles of spells or techniques.
2. Adept: Practitioners who had moved beyond the basic stage and could practice their spells or techniques with more finesse and control. They could perform intermediate level spells or execute advanced combat maneuvers with moderate proficiency.
3. Expert: The level of mastery where practitioners had gained full command over their powers. They could effortlessly execute complex spells and advanced combat techniques. Many practitioners were often stuck in this level, struggling to progress further.
4. Grandmaster: These were the legendary figures who had surpassed mastery, achieving unparalleled expertise. They possessed absolute mastery over their spells and techniques, with control that was unparalleled. They could effortlessly manipulate the most complex spells or execute dazzling combat techniques. Their scale and magnitude of spells or physical attacks were unmatched, causing tremors or reshaping the environment. Grandmasters were rare even in the capital.
Oliver Charleston, being in the late Expert level realm, already possessed remarkable skills. His arrival at the Blackston residence carried an air of importance.
The commander, Oliver Charleston, met with the Blackston and Fredericks families, accompanied by his own pharmacist who would carry out tests on Henry Blackston and Nathaniel Fredericks to confirm their cure. The room was filled with anticipation and a sense of importance.
While the test was being carried he turned his attention to the rest, "I must say, I am impressed by what I've heard," he began. "The news of a cure for the black veil disease is remarkable. But, I am curious about the skilled pharmacist who provided this miracle. Can you provide me with any information about them?" Oliver didn't need to wait for the test result to believe the news. His stoic look didn't portray how he was feeling inside. There's finally hope, Cynthia can finally be rid of pain.
"Commander Charleston, we appreciate your interest, but we regret to inform you that we don't have detailed information about the pharmacist," Isaac explained, choosing his words carefully.
"We only know that this skilled pharmacist is a mysterious senior who chose to remain anonymous. They provided us with the room number to meet to go through the process, but we don't have any personal information to share."
Oliver's expression shifted to one of deep curiosity mixed with a hint of frustration. "I see," he responded, his tone tinged with disappointment. "A mysterious senior who wishes to remain in the shadows. It is indeed intriguing."
Oliver noticed their hesitant knowing they might have more information to share, "Do you have any more information, no matter how negligible it may seem? it will be of great help to me".
Before they could reply Henry Blackston voice interrupted "Commander, it's not that we don't want to share the information with you. We are at a risk of offending a grandmaster pharmacist and quite frankly our benefactor"
Oliver understood what Henry was implying-they will be taking a huge risk and he needs to make it worth their while. Everyone in the room knew the weight of their choices.
"I understand your concerns, but this is of utmost importance. I promise to make it worth your while," Oliver assured them.
They were relieved by this, a promise from someone like Oliver carried great weight .
"Commander, senior provided us with a room number to meet them in secret. They insisted on maintaining their anonymity but assured us that they would be available for further assistance if needed."
Oliver's curiosity piqued even further. "May I have the room number, then?" he asked, his voice filled with determination.
"I am sorry commander, we already betrayed senior trust by revealing this information but we trust the commander's character so I can only ask the commander to go with me by 8 tomorrow morning to the meeting place" Henry suggested. Cyan gave them the appointed day to come to the prepared room.
Oliver thought about it and didn't see any wrong with the arrangement no matter how eager he is he can't force people to do things against their will. This will also give him more time to gather information.
"Let's do it as you said, we will meet at the black market entrance by 8" Oliver agreed and stood up when he saw the pharmacist and doctors he brought were done with their tests. With that, the commander bid the Blackston and Fredericks families farewell.