Becoming a god starts with enhancing fire arrows.

"The guild once had a highly respected mid-level alchemist who conducted in-depth research on petrification disease six months ago."

"He gathered a large number of people to conduct research at that time."

The final conclusion is that this is a randomly contagious, unique disease that only affects humans.

Isn't that pure nonsense?

Rhodes frowned.

Harvey, however, focused on another word: "formerly?"

"Yes," Stanley nodded.

"Old Mr. Nathan once fought alongside the former guild leader through thick and thin. Half a year ago, he left the guild to serve the town mayor."

This old man doesn't sound like a good person.

"Since it is Mr. Nathan's assessment, although I have doubts, I have no choice but to accept it."

"Getting back to the main topic, let's talk about the petrified adventurer."

Stanley sat on the front third of the sofa, his back ramrod straight.

Without giving Harvey a chance to speak, he continued:

"I know your worries, your fear that once your comrades who fought alongside you are taken away, you don't know when they will be able to return."

"If the situation is more serious, we might only hear of her death when she returns."

"I used to be an adventurer myself, and I had my own party, so I understand your concerns very well."

"but."

Stanley then changed the subject:

"Whether petrification is a contagious disease or a curse, I cannot allow people with petrification symptoms to appear outside, as this will only cause more panic among the residents."

He paused, then looked at Harvey:

"Regarding petrochemicals, our guild members have already achieved some research results."

"At least we can now guarantee to slow down the petrochemical process."

"Three months."

"We'll give the guild a maximum of three months. If we haven't healed your companion by then, we can let her go with you."

"I assure you, in my capacity as the guild master of the Adventurers' Guild in Phil Town."

Three months?

With a specific deadline in mind, Harvey began to weigh the pros and cons.

With the Adventurers' Guild's abundant manpower and the town's local medical facilities, they might be able to completely cure the petrification disease in three months, which would be a win-win situation for everyone.

Even if it can't be cured, it can at least delay Ashe's death and buy them more time to come up with a solution.

Having considered this, Harvey rose and bowed.

"Dear President, your character is truly admirable."

Stanley nodded and stood up: "Do you have any further questions?"

Harvey Rhodes and his companion also stood up.

Although he still wanted to inquire about the underground organization "Black Hand," he didn't ask any more questions when he saw that the chairman was about to leave.

Back at the guest room door, Clint was still standing guard with his long-handled axe.

"Alright, dear Clint, let them take Ashe away." Harvey patted Clint on the shoulder.

"What?" Clint asked, puzzled.

"It's okay, trust me."

Clint, seeing the determined look in Captain Harvey's eyes, chose to step aside.

Harvey was the first to go in and chatted with Ashe.

Four guards waited patiently by the side.

Xavi is indeed very thoughtful in all aspects; such a person is very suitable to be a captain.

Rhodes's internal assessment.

Just as he was about to go back to his room, he saw that Chairman Stanley had not left the hotel, but was walking towards him instead.

Looking for me?

Rhodes was puzzled, but he greeted them with a smile.

The president approached and said, "Young man, I've heard of you from Orion."

Why do you want to become an adventurer?

Because they want to make money.

Rhodes looked directly into the president's eyes and spoke solemnly:

"Becoming an adventurer was a firm choice I made based on my profound identification with and sense of responsibility towards the cause of adventure. The Adventurers' Guild, as the core hub connecting various forces, safeguarding regional peace, and exploring unknown territories, deeply inspires me with its spirit of exploration and its service principles!"

President Stanley was taken aback, not expecting this young man to utter such a string of strange words.

He nodded, seemingly puzzled but actually impressed: "Rhodes, right? Very good! Go ahead and investigate the petrification disease. If you have any questions, you can come directly to me."

"As long as you can make a contribution, I will not only give you the status of a formal adventurer, but I will also personally give you an epic equipment for mages as encouragement."

The equipment dropped right away?

The prices of epic equipment fluctuate greatly in the market, with some costing only a few dozen gold coins and others costing over a hundred.

Just like that, you give it away?

Is she planning to harm me?

What do I possess that would be worthy of the attention of the high and mighty president?

"My lord, I am just an ordinary little mage."

Stanley smiled and said, "After being president for so many years, I'm quite confident in my ability to judge people."

"Young people shouldn't place too much importance on talent. When you encounter problems, use your brain more. Human wisdom is the strongest weapon."

"Yes." Rhodes bowed.

After watching the president leave, he returned to his room.

......

A figure suddenly appeared in the empty seat next to Stanley in the carriage:

"Sir, are you having a headache because of that kid?"

"Sigh." Stanley sighed, repeatedly pinching his brow with his thumb and forefinger.

"I never expected that a nobleman of this status would come to our small town."

"My men found out this kid isn't very talented but loves adventure, it's a real headache..."

He sighed again, his tone tinged with frustration:

"Marquis Gilbert's power is at its zenith. If something were to happen to this half-baked mage, I would be more than able to bear the blame."

A voice came from the air beside him again: "Sir, should I take responsibility for protecting his safety?"

"No need," Stanley waved his hand. "Just keep doing your work and don't mess things up."

"Yes, sir."

The figure beside him slowly dissipated into the air.

President Stanley rested his forehead on his hand, looking quite annoyed.

......

Two days passed quickly.

During this time, the bard Harvey visited Rhodes once, and the two formed a temporary alliance.

Rhodes was tasked with investigating by starting with the neighbors of the petrification patients, while Harvey was tasked with finding clues from the "Black Hand."

So Rhodes, like a salesman on the field, dragged Paril around the streets and alleys every day according to the list.

Around noon, the two arrived at a luxurious residence.

This area is clearly different from where ordinary civilians live.

All the houses were like small manors, covering a large area, and each house had a guard at its entrance.

It's like a wealthy villa area in a small town.

Looking at the luxurious building before her, Paril drooled with envy: "Is this also the target of our investigation?"

Rhodes shook his head: "No, this is the residence of alchemist Nathan."

As the two entered, the two guards at the door stepped forward, their chainmail armor clattering, and raised their hands to stop them.

"This is a private residence; civilians are not allowed to approach."

Rhodes spoke up neither humbly nor arrogantly: "Gentlemen, we are from the Adventurers' Guild, and we would like to consult Mr. Nathan about some matters."

Upon hearing that he was a guild member, the guard's attitude softened slightly, but he still blocked the doorway: "Mr. Nathan instructed that no one should be seen these next few days."

"Let's talk about it in a couple of days if there's something else."

Rhodes took two silver coins out of his purse and quietly slipped them into the guard's hand.

The two guards looked at the gleaming silver coins in their hands and exchanged a glance.

One silver coin was enough to cover the expenses of a poor family for four or five days.

The two guards tacitly put away the silver coins, and one of them carefully spoke:

"It's not that we're unwilling to go in and communicate."

"Mr. Nathan has been in a bad mood these past few days; he won't even see the mayor."

Rhodes frowned: "Explain in detail."

Another guard spoke up: "Two days ago, a shipment of precious herbs that Mr. Nathan brought from another town was stolen by the gnolls."

"He's been very irritable these past few days because his alchemy research has been delayed."

"And lately, I don't know what's wrong with your guild, there isn't even a single adventurer willing to take on a quest."

"How about this?"

He patted the silver coins he had just put in his pocket.

"If you can provide any useful clues, I'll go and put in a good word for you with Mr. Nathan and make sure he gets to see you."

"Can you convince him?" Rhodes asked, somewhat doubtful.

"Don't worry, I have a plan." The guard patted his chest forcefully.