Chapter 5.7 - Earth People

Disappointed in himself, the Playboy grabbed his books and headed back to his room.

Laying in bed, he began with sword fight training. Right from the start it was a bunch of complicated terms of movements and feet positioning with very absolutely zero pictures. 

That was a no. 

Next. 

Though the other book seemed denser, with no pictures either, but it sounded obligatory for the Earth God to know about the Earth people. 

Introduction to the Mountain Villages 

Even the title was boring. Adam never read an introduction on anything, he only looked for pictures and bold titles and that was about it. 

Never in his life he missed modern technology as much as during the time he held that book, trying to make sense of written words. 

If only he could hear it as a story, like the one about the girl and the Dragon. Listening was easier for him than reading. Words got mixed up in his mind, making him skip lines which ended in a headache. 

Adam put the scrambled thoughts aside to give reading a try. 

The Enduring Legacy of Mountain Cities: Ancient Subterranean Settlements

Mountain cities are intricate tunnel systems, constructed over two thousand years ago, that continue to serve as habitable spaces in the present day.

Historically, several tribes sought refuge within these enigmatic subterranean structures during periods of persecution. Over time, many of these communities established permanent settlements, adapting to and preserving the unique underground environment.

The information shocked Adam. He thought the souls lived in complete peace in the Spiritual Dimension. So why were people hiding from each other? 

Unexpectedly the book got the Playboy interested. Reading slowly and taking breaks, Adam returned to the pages. 

Now, a peaceful, constantly growing community resides in the complicated scheme of tunnels and chambers, where they cultivate food and animals, using water irrigation combined with an advanced ventilation system.

These villagers are well-known Earth worshipers for it gave their ancestors shelter in a time of need. 

The following chapters will explore the culture, philosophy and geography of these cities in an attempt to preserve their unique lifestyle. 

Infrastructure

Researchers have yet to determine an exact construction date for the tunnel systems; however, the prevailing consensus estimates their origin to be at least 2,500 years ago.

The tunnels were meticulously carved into the bedrock, with careful attention to structural integrity, demonstrating an advanced understanding of engineering principles. Within these subterranean networks, distinct chambers serve various functional purposes—

Adam stopped already feeling his vision get messed up. 

That's not what I want to know. Next. He thought while skipping a few pages looking for a more interesting title. 

Mythology: the Earth God

As a significant aspect of global culture, the myth of the Four Gods of the Elements is one of the explanations put forth by local communities regarding the origin of the tunnels.

Now we're talking. Interested, the boy proceeded with the reading. 

The first occupants left little information about the tunnels themselves, and years of invasions followed by periods of abandonment erased most of the data regarding their formation.

In interviews with locals, the most common response to the question, "Who built these cities?" is often, "The Elemental God of Earth."

There is a legend—though details may vary depending on the storyteller—the core narrative remains consistent:

The natives of the mountains were persecuted by powerful nations due to their magical abilities, which were primarily used for healing. These healers were highly valued during the wars between tribes further north of the mountain range.

In an effort to escape their hunters, the locals sought refuge in the mountains. While they initially managed to evade their pursuers, the hunters soon found a way to climb, forcing them to flee once again.

Many were captured and taken to distant lands to serve as healers in tribal conflicts. As their numbers dwindled, only the elders and children remained, trapped between a sheer cliff and the advancing hunters.

Just when all hope seemed lost, a child discovered a hole in the rock wall. The survivors used it to hide, successfully misleading their pursuers.

With nowhere else to go, they ventured deeper into the cave and uncovered a vast, interconnected tunnel system. In one of the chambers, they encountered a mysterious man.

The stranger possessed food and water, which he shared with the starving refugees.

Over time, they lived together inside the mountain, waiting for the war to end. As the years passed, many grew accustomed to their underground life and chose to remain, forming a community.

The man eventually disappeared, but before his departure, he taught them essential knowledge about irrigation and construction, enabling them to maintain and expand the tunnels.

In his honor, the locals built a temple, and the elders continued to pass down the story of how they were saved by the Earth God.

Many residents of the region still exhibit healing abilities and have even developed the power to manipulate rocks. They believe this to be a blessing from the Earth itself. While none of these claims have been scientifically verified, they serve as the foundation for the identity of the Earth People, who have established a lasting presence in the Divyaparvata mountain range.

From then on the reading got denser and he dropped the book. The short story about the mountain got him hooked. Perhaps these tunnels would make a nicer bonding place.

If he knew where they were he would have probably flown there immediately. The trip to Marinia would be the next thing on the God agenda, they could make a detour but that would mean not knowing if they got a lead on Marduk. 

Adam laid on the bed staring at the ceiling. 

Marinia was more urgent.

With nothing else to do, he closed his eyes to make time pass faster.