Chapter 60: The New Human Village
Following the directions of the nameless green-skinned creatures, the party set off once more. After crossing a range of overlapping mountains, the view suddenly opened up before them. A village, built against the side of a mountain, appeared in the distance.
"This is a good spot," Rhodes said after observing the surrounding terrain.
"Yes. Deep in the mountains, and all of it barren. Neither beast nor monster would venture here. It's a natural sanctuary," Norne agreed.
He couldn't help but admire the foresight of his own village's ancestors, to have chosen the Glimmerwood, a natural 'monster-free' zone, as their home. The outside world was full of danger; it was difficult to survive without great strength. Both his village and the one before them had chosen to live in areas that magical beasts avoided. The current state of humanity was all too clear.
They walked into the village. When the villagers saw the strangers, they immediately gathered together, their hands gripping simple weapons.
Norne couldn't help but sigh. Even among human tribes, the level of development varied. Because his own village didn't have to worry about monster attacks, they could freely send people out to explore. If they encountered a friendly race, they could ask to learn more advanced techniques. In Rhodes's words, they had entered the Iron Age. But the village before them was using crude weapons; he could even see some stone spears.
These mountains were their protection, but also their prison. The only outsiders these people had likely ever encountered were the green-skinned folk from the forest.
Rhodes and Norne exchanged a look, and a silent understanding passed between them.
Just then, a white-haired old man, leaning on a staff, walked forward. He seemed to be the village chief. "Outlanders, who are you..." His words trailed off, his cloudy eyes fixed on their faces. "Are you... kinsmen?"
Of the five of them, the elf's long, pointed ears and the dwarf's short, powerful frame were easy to identify. But Rhodes and the other two looked exactly like them. This village had records of some of the outside races, including elves, dwarves, and even their own kind, which was why the old man had asked.
"Yes, old man," Norne said, stepping forward. "We come from a faraway forest. We are currently on an adventure."
The villagers, dressed in animal skins, began to stir. There weren't many people in this village, maybe a hundred or so. When Rhodes and his party had arrived, nearly everyone, even the children, had come out to meet them, a clear sign of their readiness to defend themselves. Now, seeing that these outsiders were their own kind, their curiosity overcame their wariness. Even the children poked their heads out from behind the adults, their eyes wide with wonder as they looked at these strangely dressed people who looked just like them.
That night, by a bonfire in the center of the village, the villagers offered them a simple meal, the best they had to offer. The old chief told them the history of their village.
"Our ancestors fled here to escape the magical beasts. We have lived here for three generations," he sighed. "But the harvests have been getting worse and worse. Soon, we may have to move on again."
The area was barren and mountainous, with few plants. As a result, there were no wild animals or magical beasts, and the people of this village had lived in peace for nearly a hundred years. But the land was too poor; they couldn't grow enough food to feed even their small population. They had reached their limit.
Before Rhodes could speak, Norne suddenly stood up. "I can help you!"
As the villagers watched in surprise, a warm ball of light appeared in his palm and slowly rose into the air, illuminating the entire village as if it were day. It was the 'Light' spell Rhodes had invented. Now, everyone in the party except Somme knew how to use it.
Seeing his outburst, Rhodes thought for a moment and then decided to hold his tongue. He understood what Norne was feeling. Though, he had to admit, he was a little disappointed that his part had been stolen.
Just then, a small hand gently rested on his head, stroking his hair. He looked up and saw that it was Serie. She had a cheerful smile on her face.
"Huhu, are you unhappy?"
What a turnaround. To be able to comfortably pat his head, Serie had to stand up. With her small frame, she had to stretch her arm as high as it could go to reach him.
"Is this your revenge?" he asked with a sigh.
"You could say that. It's what you get for always touching my head!"
She had been wanting to do this for a long time. She had been dying to see the helpless look on his face, the same look she had had when he had patted her head. But her plan was doomed to fail.
Rhodes didn't mind at all. In fact, the little elf's hand felt quite comfortable on his head.
Seeing that he wasn't reacting at all, Serie finally lowered her hand, a little disappointed. Why isn't he angry? She couldn't understand it at all.
Her thoughts were interrupted by the conversation between Norne and the old chief.
"Is... is this a miracle?" the old chief asked, his voice trembling.
"No, it's magic," Norne explained. "Anyone with the talent can learn it."
Hearing the word 'magic', the old chief's emotions suddenly became agitated. He knew what magic was. It was something only the powerful races could use. He had never thought he would see a member of his own kind use it. Could it be? He stood up, trembling, and bowed deeply to Norne. "Honored mage, can we humans really learn magic?"
Norne quickly helped him up. "Of course you can."
He then fell silent, realizing that he had overstepped his bounds. Rhodes was the leader of their party. Even if they shared the same dream, he shouldn't be making decisions for him. It was a matter of respect for his companion, and gratitude for his selfless willingness to share his magic. He looked at Rhodes.
Rhodes, of course, understood. He took over the conversation. "Don't worry. The purpose of our journey is to teach magic to more of our fellow humans."
The villagers began to stir once more. The young men excitedly whispered to each other, and the children stared with wide eyes at the floating ball of light.
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