Chumo… He remembered.
That's the name of one of his friends from Earth.
As memories slowly returned to his mind, Emery could gradually see clearly the figure of his friend from the east.
At the same time, Yuria told him about what happened 4 and a half years ago. How Chumo had come back with an illness, one that he received during his time on the elven planet, and that he has been in recovery at the Golden City Medical Center since then.
Hearing this information made Emery subconsciously glance at Annara
"Don't look at me. All of that was done by my ex-master, remember?" Seeing Emery's frowning expression, she swiftly added, "Well, it's good news that he's still alive."
Emery let out a complicated sigh before turning his attention back to Yuria.
"How's his condition?" He asked in a clearly agitated tone, worried about his dear friend. He was still reeling from the loss he had recently and absolutely couldn't have the same situation repeat itself.
Fortunately, the answer he received allowed him to heave a sigh of relief.
"His treatment is going really well. However, due to so much going on in Terra, I haven't had a chance to go visit him for a few months now… but, I know for a fact that he is getting much better"
Yuria then gave the location of the place where Chumo was being treated. Of course, the thought of reuniting with his old friend after so many years excited him immensely. He really couldn't wait to see him again.
But before heading to seek his friend, Emery asked Yuria about the amount of force currently protecting Terra. Even though he had somewhat predicted it, he still couldn't help but be surprised to hear there weren't that many.
[5 Saint-level gold-robed Terra warriors]
[50 Sky realm silver-robed Terra warriors]
[200 Earth realms guards ]
255 people in total, all of them spread out to cover and protect Terra Town and Terra Palace.
Upon learning of a severe shortage of manpower, Emery immediately asked his pack members Tatyana, Andrei, as well as Morgana to stay on Terra to help guard the place in case the Raven faction came to cause trouble again.
As expected, Morgana quickly voiced her complaints, but this time Emery was unable to accommodate her. In this particular situation, he needed Annara more than her to navigate his way through the Golden City.
"Please listen to me, Morgana."
Other than that reason, Emery also told her to continue her practice on the [Spatial Space] spell because they would most likely need it as soon as they found the second Khaos Gate.
Emery then went to Yuria and accessed his storage ring, bringing out the spirit stones stored inside. He took out most of what he had obtained from Silvermane Palace, minus the ones he returned to Queen Ouroboros, which amounted to 5 million spirit stones.
"No, Master Emery. I cannot accept this," said Yuria while taking a step back.
"No, you might need it. I will find a way to get some more."
Yuria still refused but Emery insisted, using the excuse that this was nothing compared to what her husband Lord Izta had done for him, also Emery thought of some way that he could get more from Golden City. Faced with such insistence, Yuria finally gave in and accepted the money.
"On behalf of the Terra Kingdom, I express our gratitude, Master Emery."
With that, Emery left the Terra Palace with Annara. Their destination, Golden City.
Just as they were about to go through the teleportation gate, Annara stopped Emery because she needed to remind him of something.
"Remember that I'm here only to help you find whatever gate you said. I'm not planning to stay here for long, especially in the Golden City."
Emery looked thoughtful for a moment before casually replying, "Well, in a way, you were involved with what happened and the illness that befell my friend. So please stick around a little longer."
"No, can't do. I'm gonna count this as another favor that you owe me."
Nodding his head, Emery promptly responded, "Yes, that's right. That's why, you should stick around longer so I can pay my debt!"
"Huh, smartass!!"
After their banter, the two finally stepped into the teleportation gate and arrived at the magnificent Golden City. The biggest city of this galaxy and ranked 8th in the entire human universe.
As soon as they passed the checkpoint, the sight that greeted their arrival was a collection of tall buildings soaring into the sky filled with flying vehicles. It was a unique sight, a stark contrast to other cities Emery had visited.
"Where do you want to go first? The bank or the medical center?"
In response to her question, Emery decisively said, "Let's go see my friend first."
In order not to stand out, the two decided to make their way to their destination via walking and using public transportation. Said public transportation was the familiar flying boat-shaped vehicle made of wood that flew gracefully in the sky above the Golden City.
As a cool breeze hit his face as he stood on the deck of the vehicle, Emery looked up at the horizon hoping to find his friend soon. Lost in his reverie, without realizing it, the flying vehicle came to a stop.
"There it is. We get off here," said Annara as she nudged at him.
[Golden City Medical Center]
Yuria had told him that the ward where Chumo was being treated was a special one where those who survived the elven experiments were also treated. Once again, so as not to be suspected, both of them had to be extra careful.
Coming to the reception table, Emery spoke to one of the staff asking to see the patient with the specific disease.
"I see, I need your identification, and the purpose of your visit?" He asked.
Emery promptly took out his Evan Valerious identification, the one that was made by the Ouroboros, while saying that he was an apothecary apprentice.
"Me and my colleague here are from the Apothecary Center. We came because we're interested in studying the disease."
Even though the reason didn't arouse any suspicion, Emery had his request rejected because apparently, his apothecary level was not high enough to access nor obtain information from such a project.
Not willing to give up knowing his friend might just be in the room next door, Emery said, "Actually, I only came for observation this time. Will that be allowed?"
Annara promptly followed Emery's lead, trying to persuade the man with her charm. After much effort, the staff agreed.
"Alright, follow me."
As Emery followed the staff down the hallway, he could feel his heart beating wildly, nervous about what was to come.
Updat𝓮d from freew𝒆bnov𝒆l.co(m)