The Great Medical Saint

Was the Octolith stolen?

Matthew was taken aback. Unlike medical books, an item like this held more symbolic value than anything. On the other hand, the books contained rare medical knowledge and some pretty incredible formulas.

So, who would have stolen the Octolith?

Matthew came to the stone platform and inspected it.

The base was built of smaller stones. It stood about three feet tall and was roughly ten square feet in size. As he looked closely at the top, he noticed something was off.

At the top of the base was a groove about one foot long and two inches deep. The area around it was surrounded by shattered stones, as if someone had cut it with a power tool. The marks looked pretty fresh.

Matthew picked up a broken piece of stone and took a closer look. "Someone did it less than two days ago."

Tony furrowed his brows. "The Octolith looks like an iron plate and is the size of a floor tile. It's not worth anything, so why would anyone steal it? Did someone sell it as scrap metal?"

Matthew shook his head. People who would scrap metal usually struggled financially, but they would never mess with things in a church.

After discussing it with Tony, Matthew decided to ask around.

They found Benedict, who was responsible for the upkeep of Graceful Touch Church. He was also from Suncroft Village and took care of the hygiene of the public restrooms, the streets, and the church.

Upon spotting Tony, Benedict was a little excited, "I'm glad to see you're feeling better, Dr. Carling. Back when you ran your clinic, I'd visit for all kinds of health problems, and you'd often treat me for free. I haven't forgotten that kindness."

Tony gave Benedict a once-over and chuckled. "You seem to be in good shape as well. Most people at our age tend to be a little overweight. You're the right size- neither too fat nor too thin."

Benedict sighed. "They're blessed with children, so they naturally look a bit plumper. Besides being single, I work as a janitor and eat simple meals. There's no way I'm getting fat."

Upon hearing Benedict's words, Tony realized he had never gotten married just like Benedict. It made him feel a lot closer to Benedict.

"I'm in the same boat as you; I have no children either. It's nothing to feel sorry about. As long as we get to live another day, we'll eat to our fullest. When our time is up, it is what it is."

Benedict chuckled. "You're right. We'll just eat to our fullest when we still have the chance."

Tony felt like they had chatted enough to build the rapport, so he got down to business. "There was a stone tablet in the yard with many names on it. Where'd it go?"

Benedict looked hesitant, then shook his head slightly. "I-I have no idea. I came to clean the morning before yesterday, and it was just gone."

Seeing the look on Benedict's face, Tony felt like Benedict knew something, so he earnestly asked, "That tablet is the memorial for my family. I don't have any children, but I do have parents and ancestors. It's the only memorial in my family, so I have to get it back."

Noticing Tony's serious tone, Benedict quickly looked around before whispering, "I know who's involved, but you can't tell anyone about this, Dr. Carling. As you know, I'm living by myself, and I can't afford to offend anyone."

Tony sternly promised, "You have my word. I won't tell anyone that you told me."

Benedict nodded. "Every morning at around 5:00 am, I end up with stomach problems. It's been going on for more than a decade. Two days ago, when I walked out of the restroom, I caught sight of David Gosling riding his bicycle back into the village.

"There was a powder drill in the bicycle's basket, covered by a shabby sheet. I couldn't see what was underneath it, but I'm pretty sure it's the Octolith.

Tony softly responded, "Thank you."noveldrama

Benedict waved his hand. "Don't be so polite with me. You've helped me a lot. I'm the one who should be thanking you."

Tony leaned closer. "Never mind that. Let's talk about your stomach problem every morning. It's called Rumbulitis. Every morning when the rooster crows, you'll get a stomach ache and have to run to the restroom.

"Here's the prescription-cogiosil, acolic, sihives, and schisandra. After purchasing the herbs, brew them and drink the liquid twice a day. You'll be good as new in a week."