The crisis had passed, but the village remained subdued, shaken by the threat of the Red Fever. I checked on the hunter, relieved to see his fever breaking and his breathing steadying. The antibiotic ointment, crude as it was, had done its job.
Word spread quickly. The villagers treated me with a new level of respect, even awe. They came to me not just for healing, but for advice on how to protect themselves, how to keep wounds clean, how to prevent infections from spreading.
Yet, as I sat alone in my hut, surrounded by my newly earned equipment and books, a restless feeling began to settle in my chest. I had made progress here, but I was constantly working with limited resources, always making do with the few herbs and supplies the village could offer. My growing understanding of this world's natural remedies and my newfound tools had given me an edge, but there was only so far I could go in this small, remote village.
I leaned back, staring at the rough wooden beams overhead, lost in thought. My memories drifted back to the modern world I'd left behind—a place with bustling cities, research facilities, universities, places where knowledge was valued, studied, expanded upon. Here, I was practically reinventing the wheel, recreating things that I had once taken for granted.
The thought began to take root in my mind: If I could reach a larger settlement, maybe even a kingdom, I could access resources and information beyond my wildest dreams.
A kingdom would have connections to other regions, merchants bringing goods from distant lands, libraries with ancient texts, perhaps even people who understood the basics of what I was trying to accomplish. I could advance my knowledge further, create more potent medicines, and—perhaps most importantly—find allies who could help me achieve even greater things.
Just as the idea began to crystallize, the familiar shimmer of the system's notification appeared, drawing my attention.
> "Quest Alert: The Road to Greater Knowledge."
> Objective: Travel to a nearby kingdom to expand your resources, knowledge, and connections.
Requirements: Obtain a map, gather supplies for the journey, and secure a safe passage to the capital city.
Reward: Advanced medical textbook, contacts within the capital's guilds, and the blueprint for a small distillation apparatus.
The quest made my heart skip a beat. An advanced medical textbook—knowledge that could transform my capabilities here. And the contacts within the guilds would be invaluable, providing opportunities to access resources and exchange knowledge on a scale impossible in the village.
But the journey wouldn't be easy. A kingdom meant not only a long journey but also potential dangers. Bandits, wild animals, and the natural obstacles of a world without modern roads would make travel perilous. The system's hint about supplies and safe passage wasn't something I could overlook.
I spent the rest of the night planning, laying out the steps in my mind. I would need:
1. A reliable map to navigate my way to the kingdom. I knew that Elder Eirik kept an old map of the region—if he allowed me access, it would be a start.
2. Provisions for the journey: Enough food and water to last for at least a few weeks, as well as any medicinal supplies I could carry.
3. Travel companions or protection. Traveling alone would be dangerous, but perhaps some of the hunters or travelers would be willing to accompany me.
In the morning, I spoke with Elder Eirik, explaining my intentions. His eyes widened slightly, but he listened without interruption.
"Doctor," he said slowly, "you've done much for this village. I would hate to see you go, but… I understand why you'd want to reach a place where you can do even more. The capital has libraries, scholars, people who can truly appreciate your talents."
He retrieved a map from an old chest, unrolling it carefully. It was faded but detailed, showing not only the location of the kingdom but also the villages, forests, and rivers along the way.
"There are dangers on the road," he continued, tracing a route with his finger. "Bandits roam these forests, and the mountain pass is treacherous. If you go, you'll need allies."
As I looked at the map, the weight of his words settled over me. The quest felt daunting, but also exhilarating. This was the next step, the chance to see more of this world, to explore its mysteries, and to grow beyond the limitations of a single village.
---
Gathering Supplies
Over the following days, I began preparing in earnest. I visited the villagers I had helped, asking for assistance with supplies. They were more than willing, offering dried meat, water pouches, and even a few simple tools. Lora insisted on helping too, gathering herbs and seeds to take along for my medical supplies.
"Are you really leaving, Doctor?" she asked as we packed bundles of medicinal herbs.
"For a while, yes," I replied gently. "But I'll come back, and when I do, I'll bring knowledge that can help everyone here."
Her expression was a mix of sadness and understanding. "Then we'll wait. And we'll be ready to welcome you back."
By the time I finished gathering everything, I had a decent stockpile of dried food, medicinal herbs, clean water, and a small bag of coins that I had earned from my treatments. Now, all that was left was to arrange for protection on the road.
---
Finding Companions
The hunters Bran and Sera volunteered immediately. They had been intrigued by the idea of seeing the capital, and both were seasoned travelers who knew the forests well. Having them by my side would make the journey safer, and I was relieved to know I wouldn't face the journey alone.
As we planned our departure, Elder Eirik gathered the village to bid us farewell. His parting words were solemn, but there was a glimmer of pride in his eyes.
"Doctor," he said, his voice carrying across the crowd, "you may be leaving us, but you are always welcome here. You have given us hope and knowledge. May you find what you seek, and may your journey be safe."
With the villagers' well-wishes ringing in my ears, we set off at dawn, the cool morning air filled with the scent of damp earth and fresh leaves. The village grew smaller behind us, fading into the horizon as we ventured into the unknown.
I felt a mixture of anticipation and apprehension as we traveled. The system's quest weighed heavily on my mind, a reminder of the challenges ahead and the rewards that awaited. With each step, I felt myself moving closer to something significant, something that could change my life—and the lives of everyone in this world—forever.