Unlike people in big cities, the villagers did not show disdain or contempt when they heard the term “traditional medicine.”
On the contrary, once Leo revealed his identity, the hostility diminished significantly.
The villagers, who had lived deep in the mountains for generations, had always relied on Atrarian traditional doctors for their illnesses. Their local Atrarian traditional doctors were very pure and often practiced Exorcism Techniques, so they naturally held them in high regard.
“So, tell us, how do you plan to treat our illness?” the village chief asked, somewhat skeptically.
Although the villagers revered traditional medicine, they had a stereotype that Atrarian traditional doctors were elderly. Seeing someone as young as Leo made them doubtful.
“First, we need to identify the source of the infection. If you can help us find the virus’s source quickly, we can treat you all promptly,” Leo replied.
Leo had observed the complex terrain, crisscrossed with ridges and ravines, and teeming with diverse vegetation and animals. Finding the virus’s source in a short time would be challenging. However, with the locals’ help, the time needed to locate the source would be significantly reduced.
“Chief, don’t listen to his nonsense. He’s too young to be a skilled doctor!” Eugene, a villager with a Mediterranean look, interrupted. “I suspect he’s a fraud sent by these soldiers to deceive us!”
“Yes, Chief, I agree with Eugene. The paths up and down the mountain are blocked by these soldiers. If he wasn’t with them, how could he have gotten here?” echoed a shrewd young man from the crowd.
The village chief pondered their words and found them reasonable.
“Bang!”
A gunshot startled the villagers.
Over a dozen armed soldiers rushed out from behind an iron fence, led by a captain, and quickly surrounded Monica.
The captain addressed Monica, “You are Monica, the president of the United States Medical Association, correct? Please come with us.”
“No, she can’t go in!” someone immediately shouted.
The captain’s face turned cold as he said in an icy tone, “The commander has ordered that anyone who harms Miss Monica will be executed on the spot!”
If anything happened to the vice president of the United States Medical Association in Atraria, it would be a serious issue. They couldn’t let that happen.
“Go ahead, shoot! We’re dead either way!”
“Yes, let’s fight them! We won’t survive like this!”
Instead of being intimidated, the villagers grew even more furious.
“Courting death!” The captain’s face darkened as he drew his pistol and prepared to fire.
Leo swiftly grabbed his hand and lifted it upwards.
“Bang!”
A shot rang out into the air.
The captain was furious and demanded, “Who are you?”
“Leo Bloomer from Nameless Clinic,” Leo replied calmly. “Let me talk to these villagers.”
“Are you Dr. Bloomer?” The captain’s expression changed upon hearing Leo’s name.
“You know me?” Leo was surprised.
The captain didn’t answer but saluted Leo solemnly and said, “Dr. Bloomer, on behalf of the 5th Regiment, 7th Company, I thank you for saving our lives!”
Leo was momentarily stunned but quickly understood and asked, “Did Mr. Humphrey give your company the medicine I provided? How is it working?”
“It works very well!” The captain nodded vigorously, full of gratitude. “Several soldiers with severe symptoms felt much better after taking your medicine. It alleviated much of their suffering.”
“Our invited expert doctors were amazed at the effectiveness of your herbal pills!”
“Can I talk to these villagers?” Leo asked.
“Please!” The captain immediately made a respectful gesture.
Seeing the usually irritable captain being so respectful to this young doctor puzzled the villagers and they began murmuring among themselves.
Leo turned to the village chief and said, “Chief, let me explain again. To treat this illness effectively, we need to find the virus’s source quickly. Only by identifying it can we prevent more deaths.”
The village chief had overheard Leo’s conversation with the captain and directly asked Leo, “Is it true that your medicine relieved their symptoms?”
“Of course it’s true!” The captain answered first. “If you don’t believe me, come inside and see for yourself.”
“Chief, you can’t go in! If you do, you won’t come out!” Eugene shouted sharply. “If anyone goes in to see, we all go together!”
“There are too many of you; that’s not possible,” the captain refused outright.
Leo thought for a moment and said, “How about this? Bring a sick person here and I’ll treat them on the spot.”
This was the quickest and most effective way to persuade these villagers who believed in mountain gods.
“Chief, we can’t trust him! What if he kills our person?” Eugene immediately reminded the chief.
“Yes, Chief! We lost several people because we trusted those so-called expert doctors before!” echoed the shrewd young man.
He didn’t trust Leo because Leo didn’t look much older than him.
Hearing their advice, the village chief hesitated.
Leo remained calm and said, “Chief, don’t worry. Just bring a sick person here. If I cure them, you must believe me and help me find the virus’s source. If I fail and harm them, my life will be yours to take. You can offer me to your mountain god.”
“Dr. Bloomer!” Monica was extremely anxious upon hearing Leo’s words and grabbed his arm tightly. “This virus mutates rapidly; each patient’s condition is different!”
“Don’t worry; I know what I’m doing,” Leo reassured her with a confident smile.
“Alright then. But remember, no backing out!” The chief hesitated briefly before agreeing.
He then instructed two villagers behind him, “Your village is closest; go find a sick person.”
Eugene’s eyes gleamed with an idea. He quickly said, “Chief, let me go! I know our village best!”
Without waiting for approval, Eugene called two others and ran back to the village.