[Emergency situation! Activating skill 'Wings of Sanctuary'!]
Eiran tightened his hold on Runi when he felt their bodies crashing into the crashing waves. He had expected the System to do something to keep him from harm, but even so, he was still worried about Runi's condition.
It took Eiran a while to bring them to the surface. His expression darkened when he felt the turbulent waves surrounding them.
"Runi, are you okay?" The first thing Eiran did was make sure Runi was alright.
Because Eiran's life wouldn't be safe if Runi ended up dying in his hands. Thankfully, Runi gave a slight nod, indicating he was still conscious.
But that wasn't enough, Eiran could see how pale Runi's face had become. He knew Runi only said he was fine so as not to make him worry.
Eiran scanned their surroundings, searching for the nearest land they could reach. Just as Runi had mentioned earlier, not far from them was a port.
Seeing a glimmer of hope, Eiran immediately swam toward it. The crashing waves made it incredibly difficult for Eiran, and what worried him most was the thought of losing Runi when those waves hit.
It was still nighttime. Eiran didn't know the exact time, but he assumed it was well past midnight, judging by how quiet the port was and how fierce the sea felt.
It took Eiran a full hour to reach the port. He hoisted Runi onto the wooden walkway first before climbing up himself.
Eiran felt his body shivering violently after getting out of the water. When he looked toward Runi, he was slightly confused to see steam rising from his body.
"Runi, what's happening to you?" Eiran began to panic. He could see Runi trembling, but at the same time, steam was visibly rising from his body.
"I don't know, Brother… I feel my body really weak right now," Runi replied softly and faintly, so quietly that Eiran barely heard him.
What worried Eiran more was when Runi began to slump. Before his little brother could fall onto the wooden floor, Eiran quickly caught him, and was shocked to find Runi's body burning hot.
"How is this possible?! Is he… suffering from hypothermia?" Eiran felt his own teeth chattering as he carried Runi and walked away from the port.
His pace quickened with each step. He needed to find a doctor or someone who could check on Runi immediately. But as far as his eyes could see, there wasn't a single soul he could ask for help.
"Runi! Runi!" Eiran shook him, trying to wake him up.
But Runi didn't respond to Eiran's voice at all. In fact, Eiran could feel Runi's breathing becoming faster and hotter.
"Damn it! Why isn't there anyone around?!" Eiran kept running along the harbor until he finally found someone patrolling in the city connected to the port.
"Sir! Can you help me?" Eiran rushed over to the patrolling soldiers. He didn't care if they decided to arrest him for entering the city without permission.
The two soldiers looked on alert as Eiran approached. Recently, there had been reports of criminal groups roaming the Kingdom's cities, so they were suspicious of his sudden appearance.
"What are you doing here? Didn't you hear the announcement to stay inside your home?!"
"Wearing soaked clothes like that, what were you doing at the port?"
"Do you know where I can find a doctor? My little brother needs help," Eiran ignored their questions entirely.
The two soldiers exchanged glances as they looked at Runi, slumped unconscious on Eiran's back.
"Unfortunately, because of the new regulations, no doctors are available at this hour."
"So, what? You expect me to just let my brother die?!" Eiran shouted, furious at their answer.
Both soldiers froze at Eiran's anger. One of them awkwardly scratched the back of his head before finally speaking.
"I don't know if they'll help you, but you could try going to Evengarde to ask for assistance."
"Where is that?"
"Head south, and you'll find a building with a teal-colored door."
"Thank you!" After receiving the information, Eiran immediately rushed south through the city to find the place they had mentioned.
Thanks to his quick pace, it didn't take long for Eiran to spot the building. The large 'Evengarde' sign in front made it easy to recognize.
However, just as he expected, the place which Eiran assumed to be a clinic was closed.
Still, he couldn't just give up. He could feel Runi's breath growing weaker and his body becoming even hotter.
Eiran chose to bang on the door with all his strength.
"Please! My brother is sick! Can you help us?" Eiran kept pounding and shouting, hoping someone inside would respond.
After quite a while of banging, Eiran finally heard someone grumbling from inside. Moments later, the door creaked open.
"Which bastard dares to interrupt my sleep?!" A middle-aged man with an unfriendly face appeared at the door. "Don't you know what time it is?!" he barked at Eiran.
"Sir, please help my brother. I don't know what's wrong with him, but his body is burning up," Eiran pleaded, ignoring the man's anger.
"You wake me up just because of a fever?! Screw off! I'm not helping you," the man grumbled as he scratched his head in annoyance and slammed the door shut.
"Wait!" Eiran's face was nearly hit by the door as he tried to stop it.
Stunned, Eiran stared at the closed door. He tried knocking again, but it was useless, there was no response at all.
"What do I do now?" Eiran muttered in despair, not knowing where else to go.
At the same time, he heard Runi call out to him softly. "Runi? Hold on just a little longer. I'll find a way to help you," Eiran whispered, gently brushing Runi's hair.
He glanced around, scanning the area for another clinic or anyone who could help. Deciding not to waste time, Eiran left the area and ran down another street.
He had been running around for quite some time, desperately searching for anyone or any store still open. Finally, he spotted a shadowy figure near a narrow alleyway just off the road.
Without thinking, Eiran ran toward the figure to ask for help. As he got closer, he realized the person was a woman.
"Miss, can you help me?" Eiran immediately asked for her assistance.
He heard a soft chuckle escape the woman. "It looks like your little brother's in bad shape," she said with a faint smile.
"Yes! Please help him. I'll do anything in return," Eiran said, spotting a glimmer of hope.
"Follow me," the woman said, turning and walking deeper into the narrow alley.
Without hesitation, Eiran followed her, completely unaware of the danger lurking ahead.