Becoming a god starts with enhancing fire arrows.

"So what should we do?" Rhodes asked.

"I see." Orion took a sip of water and began to explain:

"Some things have happened in town these past few days; things haven't been peaceful."

"I can't explain to you two exactly what happened."

"This directly resulted in a large number of magic-based classes in our Adventurers' Guild being temporarily reassigned."

"Nobody knows exactly when we'll be back."

"So even if the two of you want to register as adventurers, we don't have any internal magic personnel available for testing and evaluation."

He paused, then continued, "However, if you two are in a hurry, I do have another way."

Rhodes just looked at him indifferently.

Seeing that Rhodes had no intention of responding, Orion could only continue speaking on his own:

"Our alchemy department is currently severely understaffed. If the two of you simply learn a few alchemy spells, you can help the guild produce potions for six months—no, four months."

"I can directly transform you into formal apprentice adventurers."

"How is it?"

"How many days off a week?" Rhodes inquired about the actual benefits.

"No rest? You guys work eight hours a day, it's very easy, you don't need to rest."

Oh, I understand.

We didn't get any pay. We worked like animals for four months for nothing, and in the end, you just want to give us a permanent position?

Not to mention that working for free for four months wouldn't earn him any life essence to improve his strength, even learning alchemy spells would be difficult for the original owner, given his talent.

What if we end up being a half-baked worker, and after three months we've worked for him, this old man finds an excuse to fire us?

Rhodes shook his head: "As adventurers, we're more interested in going out and exploring. Is there no other way to register?"

Orion's expression immediately showed some disappointment, and he continued:

"That's true."

"First, you can leave here and go to an adventurer's guild in another town. After all, not every guild is short-handed like us due to special events."

"But the nearest human town is at least twenty days away from here."

"This is even when the horse is running fast."

Rhodes rejected the plan in his mind.

Not to mention that this would waste time, the wilderness is still too dangerous for me right now.

"Or maybe..."

Orion then changed the subject:

"You can also take on the task of investigating the matter that is causing unrest in the town, just like other official adventurers."

"That way, if there's any progress, the guild members can come back sooner."

"And if you perform meritorious service, that will also count as a contribution."

As he spoke, he pulled out two contracts.

"All adventurers involved in the investigation need to sign a contract. After you sign, I will tell you the specific details of the mission."

Rhodes accepted the contract.

Upon discovering the confidentiality clauses above, one could sense the magic they held.

The regulations stipulate restrictions such as not disclosing the specific content or spreading it to others in any form, and the time limit is six months.

It would be better to take on the task first; progress will naturally follow.

If there's no progress, go out and do some simple hunting to farm life essence; it's better than spending your days on guild alchemy with no pay.

He carefully considered the wording and sentence structure of the content, made sure there were no problems, and nodded:

"Okay, I choose the investigation mission."

After signing the contract, I felt as if an invisible chain had connected me to it.

"Okay, the contract is in effect."

Orion quickly checked the contract, then recounted the events in detail:

"About six months ago, two or three unusual cases of illness suddenly appeared in the town."

"Humans infected with the disease will gradually turn to stone, starting with their limbs."

"We didn't publicize this to avoid causing panic. The guild's approach was to quietly take the person away for observation and treatment to prevent the spread of infection."

Rhodes' brows slowly furrowed.

From both the original owner's memories and modern knowledge, petrification seems more like a curse than a contagious disease.

How does the petrochemical industry transmit the virus? Is it through contact?

Orion continued, "After the patient was taken away, the matter was like a pebble thrown into a lake, and it never made a sound again."

"But just two nights ago, the petrification disease broke out without warning and without any pattern."

"To date, according to statistics, a total of 37 people have been infected, randomly distributed throughout the town."

"The guild could only gather them together to prevent the infection from spreading. Fortunately, apart from these people, no one else showed signs of petrification."

"Guild Master Stanley took this matter very seriously. He immediately announced a news blackout and mobilized all the magic-based classes within the guild to research methods to break the petrification."

He sighed, "That's why we don't even have anyone to brew healing potions now."

Your information blockade is rather poor.

Rhodes recalled the desolate scene of the Griffin Tavern and the cryptic manner of the waiters.

It's probably no secret that petrification disease is a common occurrence among ordinary residents.

He brought his thoughts back and said, "I want to start by investigating the patients and their families."

"Patients and their families?"

Orion was taken aback. Other adventurers would choose to investigate the source of the disease and the pollution sources near the town. Were these two young adventurers really too inexperienced?

He carefully considered his answer: "Petrification disease is basically a family-based condition."

"If one person gets sick, the whole family will suffer."

"These patients are all gathered together by the guild for unified treatment. Considering the risk of infection, no one else is allowed to visit them."

"However, I can give you a list of families with infected members. You can ask your neighbors for information."

"Of course, if you change your mind and want to come back to help with alchemy, you're welcome anytime."

......

Having obtained the list, the two returned to the hotel.

Rhodes needed a quiet environment to clear his mind.

During this time, they encountered Harvey, who lived next door, and returned to their room after his flamboyant greeting.

The two-person room was very spacious, luxuriously decorated, and fully equipped with all kinds of facilities.

In the middle of the room are two large beds placed side by side.

Paris, clutching a book about priesthood that Orion had given her, lay on the bed and curiously opened it to read.

Clearly, the guild hall manager thought highly of her.

Rhodes checked that the environment was clean and tidy before leaning against the headboard, massaging his temples with his fingers.

There are two points in the events Orion just recounted that feel somewhat incongruous.

The list shows that the affected population is randomly distributed in family units.

If that's the case, then according to the normal transmission process of infectious diseases, why are the neighbors of infected people all safe and sound?

The second point is even stranger.

According to the list, whether it was the first or the second occurrence of petrification disease, all the patients were human.

Could this be a disease with an unknown mode of transmission, a long incubation period, and only humans that can be infected?

No, this is not the modern world, so we can't judge it using only modern thinking.

Is it possible that this is not an infectious disease but some kind of strange curse, like these people coming into contact with something they shouldn't have, just like they came into contact with Medusa's eyes?

If that's the case, then anyone who defines petrification disease as an infectious disease is highly suspicious.

Rhodes had a feeling that this matter was not simple.

This is also one of the directions we started our investigation into.

He opened the window, and a gentle breeze caressed his face, trying to soothe the thoughts in his heart.

Looking at the street scene outside the window, I suddenly felt a little nostalgic for my small 80-square-meter apartment.

After working overtime, a simple bowl of braised beef noodles with pickled vegetables, two sausages, a braised egg, and a bucket of ice-cold cola is all it takes to feel happy and content.

It seems like we can't go back, right?

He had no intention of going home.

Since that's the case, then enjoy life here.

Rhodes closed the window and glanced at the silver-haired priest on the bed.