Escape from an Ancient Civilization Ch 176

Chapter 176

After urgent treatment, Nataek was moved to the most luxurious room in Agade. It was a luxury he earned for his contributions in the battle against the Hittites. With the best facilities, the finest position, and the top doctor assigned, Nataek received the utmost care. Yet, after only one day, his condition had noticeably worsened.

“The condition isn’t looking too good,” the doctor said with a solemn face. Although the bleeding was barely stopped, his arm was severely swollen. Just pressing lightly on the reddened skin caused extreme pain. Nataek could feel a serious infection growing inside.

Is it really impossible to get a healing potion?

Even without checking directly, Nataek had to believe the soothsayer’s words. All dialogue functions by keywords and interactions with NPCs or ancients were completely unresponsive.

“Then, what’s going to happen to me…?”

Nataek looked at the wooden splint on his arm, despair darkening his face. A fever had flared throughout his body since morning. It could be mistaken as mere exhaustion, but Nataek knew this was no ordinary symptom. Any movement sent piercing pain coursing through him.

As Nataek tried to sit up in bed, the door suddenly flung open.

“Teresi, don’t move alone.”

Medeus stood at the door holding bandages and herbs.

“This much is fine.”

Medeus, who had been guarding him, had stepped out briefly to fetch herbs. Placing the tray on the bedside table, he gently lifted Nataek’s back to help him sit up.

“There’s too much pus draining. I’ll change the bandages.”

Nataek nodded obediently. Medeus carefully removed the bandages and herbs covering the skin. Seeing the exposed flesh deepened Nataek’s worries. Though the bleeding had stopped, the wound worsened visibly. The reddened swollen area had expanded, and Nataek wasn’t the only one sensing it.

“Why… why isn’t the medicine working…?”

Medeus handled Nataek’s wound with a face near tears. Watching him, Nataek thought: Since the system-given quests and potions, along with the interactive ancients, had all ceased, maybe the medicinal effects of herbs no longer worked either.

Nataek was truly thrown in an ancient civilization without a system this time.

“You’ll be fine. It’s just fatigue,” Medeus said, though he secretly knew otherwise. He re-bandaged Nataek and gently laid him down.

“The soothsayer came again. Should we just send him away?”

Knowing why the soothsayer came, Nataek sighed watching Medeus near the door.

“It’s fine. Let him in.”

The soothsayer fidgeted and entered. Medeus stepped aside without needing to be told. The soothsayer glanced at Medeus waiting off to the side then bent low, addressing Nataek.

“Still no message? Why not? Could this not be the true ending?”

“Yes, it’s the true ending. And I heard Medeus mention there will be a victory ceremony. It should appear after that, so just wait a bit more.”

From experience, the system would not progress to the next stage until the final conclusion. After the victory ceremony, a chance to escape the ancient civilization would surely come. Only then did the soothsayer relax, adding,

“A victory ceremony? Still, it’s better to get the seal stamped clearly before moving on. Sounds odd, but honestly, it’s lucky you’re injured now. When you return to modern times, go straight to the hospital, okay?”

The soothsayer pointed to Nataek’s arm. Nataek’s expression soured. He needed to stay with Medeus… he couldn’t just leave because of an injury. When Nataek gave no reply, the soothsayer added,

“Your arm’s swollen much worse than yesterday; your condition looks really bad. You know what happens if you neglect it? You won’t just lose the use of your arm—you’ll die.”

To both ancient and modern eyes, Nataek’s arm was indeed in a serious state.

“The ending message should come soon, then you can move on and get treatment.”

“Is there… no other way here?”

“What? What do you mean? No treatments?”

“…”

“Are you crazy? You can’t get potions or medicine, and nothing works. If you stay here like this, you’ll only become a corpse! Your arm is really bad. You should know that if you have eyes!”

Nataek sighed. If not for his arm, he could stay here without worry. But just the arm…

Thump-thump! Boooo!

At that moment, loud music sounded outside. The soothsayer went to the window and looked out.

From the open second-floor balcony, the large room beyond could be seen; no walls, only pillars, with a great crowd inside. Nobles appeared to be holding a victory ceremony.

Out on the balcony stood Samuagon. Below, the Kish people had gathered. The soothsayer swallowed hard and gripped the windowsill.

“It looks like it’s starting.”

Samuagon loudly proclaimed,

“Today marks the day of long-delayed joyous news. After enduring hardships, Kish is finally a united land.”

Cheers roared.

“Not only that, but a great victory against our unholy invaders!”

Cheers again.

“Therefore, from today, we declare the birth of a unified nation and announce the rise of an empire and its emperor!”

A roar louder than any before filled the air.

But the sound didn’t come only from outside.

“Waaaah! It’s appeared! The message has come!”

The soothsayer shouted excitedly, running about the room. On Nataek’s vision appeared a message larger than ever.

수메르의 아눈나키

True Ending