The First Legendary Beast Master

The crowd was only growing as the word that there was food spread.

Lotus had already topped off the mountain of dry food once, and hundreds more people were still coming their way.

{We have ten minutes left before the spell wears off. I could refresh it, but I think that's enough for one day.} Lotus informed Karl.

"Ten minutes remain in our visit. If you wish for the blessing of the Nature God, be here before then." Karl shouted over the noise of the crowd.

That encouraged them to pack around the tree, and anyone who had already gotten food and healing was dragged away by the crowd. Your journey continues at empire

A few more severely ill people had come from the city, and Karl could hear running as those inside realized that the tree would only be up for a total of one hour.

Still, one hour of free food and Royal Rank healing was far more than anyone else had done for the slums in years.

There was a rumour that the Dragon Nations did this much more regularly. But the Demon Gods were not so altruistic. They believed much more strongly in the survival of the fittest.

Once Lotus had transformed back, Karl lifted the corners of the blanket and poured out the last of the food onto a cloak that one of the residents had brought.

"That's it for the day, everyone. If the Gods will it, we will be back again." Karl informed them.

That was enough for them. Most of the residents of the slums had their diseases cured today. Now that they were healthier, and had a few days worth of food, they had a fresh chance to change their fortunes. Maybe even get a few tips at the docks doing day labour.

They might not be able to put on a presentable front, as they couldn't pay the gate fee and had to swim around the wall, where it extended into the ocean. But once they made it to the docks, a healthy body would get them a bit more appreciation.

Karl led Lotus back to the gate, where the Orcs waved them back in with a sly wink.

No payment needed for the Healing Tree.

Karl noticed that the streets felt much more friendly as they passed through the territory of the first group or gang.

Whatever they called themselves.

But when he got to the territory of the Demons between them and the river, there was an increased sense of hostility.

The word had spread to them that Lotus had gone to the Black Shade to heal and feed the people, but had completely passed them by like they were invisible.

The group closer to the wall had been able to send their seriously ill out for treatment, even if it cost them to get back in. But many in this zone couldn't pass through that territory thanks to their known allegiance.

Karl saw a market square down a side street on their right, and turned Lotus off the main road.

The street wandered a bit, but it looked like the market was a neutral zone between the territories of five different factions. Possibly more, but Karl was only going by the colour of bandanas hung from pockets or tied around limbs.

As they approached, a thug stepped from the shadows between two buildings.

"This isn't a spot for outsiders. Flag up if you want to enter." He insisted.

Karl shrugged, and activated [Bestial Armour], which formed with his usual gold trimmed Darklight Host tabard.

The demon took two steps backwards and raised his hands in surrender.

"Sorry, I misunderstood."

Karl just nodded and led a confused Lotus into the market.

{Put up the tree again, and make some food. It will make you incredibly popular with all the baristas and ice cream stands in town.}

Karl knew all the magic words.

Lotus moved to a grassy area in the middle of the square, where a statue used to stand. She didn't know who or what it was dedicated to, but some of the nearby buildings showed signs of having used it as repair materials.

Her tree of life formed again, and Karl laid out the blanket for her to make a mountain of Rice and Beans on.

"By the will of the Green Dragon Goddess, free healing and basic nutrition will be provided for the next hour. Bring your ill and wounded, all are welcome under the light of the Tree of Life." Karl shouted, his words amplified by some unseen magic to echo through the market.

The vendors nearest the green space inwardly celebrated. The light extended past the first three stalls around the green space, so visitors could shop for their wares and still gain the benefit of the healing.

Many would be too proud to openly approach for the alms from the Dragon Church, as even an impoverished demon still had their pride.

But many noticed that the Orcs, Lizardfolk and Beastkin had far fewer reservations about politely approaching with a bowl or pot to scoop up a measure of food.

Many even left small gifts for Lotus.

Handmade dolls, knitted socks, things that cost very little but time to make. All were perfect in the eyes of Lotus and the Nature God. They could even be redistributed on a holiday if they were in passable or better condition.

Half an hour in, a large procession of people on stretchers, escorted by a group of Demons in white coats and nurses, arrived around the tree.

These were the ones that basic healing and medicine couldn't cure. The magical diseases and cursed wounds that were resistant to low level healing magic.

One after another, the birds flocked down to the patients. The diseases retreated from where the birds landed, and while a few needed a second bird, they were all beginning to recover.

Karl's silent presence kept the locals under control, even when the number of seriously ill on the grass made it hard for others to get to the pile of food or to get through the outer rings of the stalls where the healing was active.

It wasn't clear whether closer was better, but those with lingering illness and injury weren't taking any chances.

There was only one group that was visibly upset about the situation. The Plague Demons couldn't approach. Lotus' healing effect was an Epic Grade damage spell when applied to them, and even walking down the street too close to the tree might kill them.