NABC Chapter 754 Redwood Market Park
Chapter 754 Redwood Market Park
Chapter 754 Redwood Market Park
The crowd was only growing as the word that there was food spread.
Lotus had already topped off the mountain of dry food once, and hundreds more people were still coming their way.
{We have ten minutes left before the spell wears off. I could refresh it, but I think that's enough for one day.} Lotus informed Karl.
"Ten minutes remain in our visit. If you wish for the blessing of the Nature God, be here before then." Karl shouted over the noise of the crowd.
That encouraged them to pack around the tree, and anyone who had already gotten food and healing was dragged away by the crowd.
A few more severely ill people had come from the city, and Karl could hear running as those inside realized that the tree would only be up for a total of one hour.
Still, one hour of free food and Royal Rank healing was far more than anyone else had done for the slums in years.
There was a rumour that the Dragon Nations did this much more regularly. But the Demon Gods were not so altruistic. They believed much more strongly in the survival of the fittest.
Once Lotus had transformed back, Karl lifted the corners of the blanket and poured out the last of the food onto a cloak that one of the residents had brought.
"That's it for the day, everyone. If the Gods will it, we will be back again." Karl informed them.
That was enough for them. Most of the residents of the slums had their diseases cured today. Now that they were healthier, and had a few days worth of food, they had a fresh chance to change their fortunes. Maybe even get a few tips at the docks doing day labour.
Lotus moved to a grassy area in the middle of the square, where a statue used to stand. She didn't know who or what it was dedicated to, but some of the nearby buildings showed signs of having used it as repair materials.
Her tree of life formed again, and Karl laid out the blanket for her to make a mountain of Rice and Beans on.
"By the will of the Green Dragon Goddess, free healing and basic nutrition will be provided for the next hour. Bring your ill and wounded, all are welcome under the light of the Tree of Life." Karl shouted, his words amplified by some unseen magic to echo through the market.
The vendors nearest the green space inwardly celebrated. The light extended past the first three stalls around the green space, so visitors could shop for their wares and still gain the benefit of the healing.
Many would be too proud to openly approach for the alms from the Dragon Church, as even an impoverished demon still had their pride. But many noticed that the Orcs, Lizardfolk and Beastkin had far fewer reservations about politely approaching with a bowl or pot to scoop up a measure of food.
Many even left small gifts for Lotus.
Handmade dolls, knitted socks, things that cost very little but time to make. All were perfect in the eyes of Lotus and the Nature God. They could even be redistributed on a holiday if they were in passable or better condition.
Half an hour in, a large procession of people on stretchers, escorted by a group of Demons in white coats and nurses, arrived around the tree.
These were the ones that basic healing and medicine couldn't cure. The magical diseases and cursed wounds that were resistant to low level healing magic.
One after another, the birds flocked down to the patients. The diseases retreated from where the birds landed, and while a few needed a second bird, they were all beginning to recover.
Karl's silent presence kept the locals under control, even when the number of seriously ill on the grass made it hard for others to get to the pile of food or to get through the outer rings of the stalls where the healing was active.
It wasn't clear whether closer was better, but those with lingering illness and injury weren't taking any chances.
There was only one group that was visibly upset about the situation. The Plague Demons couldn't approach. Lotus' healing effect was an Epic Grade damage spell when applied to them, and even walking down the street too close to the tree might kill them.