Worships

In all his plans and anticipation, one thing that had never crossed Alexander's mind was that the people of Beckle would prefer to abandon their lands and homes in the face of the enemy rather than fight for them.

 Kids here were not born into tales of war and glory. Adults here did not spend their days sharpening their skills or thinking of the next battle they could be called to.

 No, the people here were taught about peace and gratitude.

"What of the hunters? No way even they are cowardly."

 Alexander's words caused Ma to exhale, and then she continued.

 "Animals are not humans, Alexander. All human life is precious and sacred. Violence in any form is an affront to the goddess Lecryxx."

 "You don't worship Lecryxx, and Pa does not believe in the divine."

 "You're right, but what is important is that 95% of the villagers believe in the goddess Lecryxx.

 Her teachings have been here for the decades this village has existed, and they are well ingrained into its people, appearing even in their day-to-day activities."

 "Is that why Notheim didn't listen or pay any heed to what I said?"

 "Yes.

 If he, in any capacity, believes you, then he and the rest of the villagers will have to flee—and that in itself brings up new problems.

 Where do the villagers go?

 Will they be safe during the journey?

 Is the destination itself safe?

 What's stopping the slavers from simply pursuing them?"

Understanding his oversight and unprepared for the consequences it was now having, Alexander let out a heavy breath and, leaving his seated position, lay on the bed looking at the ceiling.

 "You came in here for something. What is it?"

 "Natheim and a select few men are here to offer us two options.

 Either you return to the market and, before everyone, renounce your words—or you will be presented to the village as a liar by them."

 "You said 'us.' What's happening?"

 "Natheim wanted us to convince you to renounce your words or personally condemn them.

 We refused."

 "That's not good. You just put all the influence and goodwill you've gained over the years in jeopardy.

 Do you two have that much faith in me?"

 "While some other knowledgeable people prefer to call your condition a mental problem, after caring for you over the past years, I know for a fact that there is an incredible mystery to you.

 No matter who you've woken up as, one thing that doesn't change about you is that you're a good boy.

 I believe you, Alexander, and so does Pa."

Alexander's lip twitched at the words from the old lady, the movements of his heart a bit uncalled for, and in a near whisper, with firmness, he spoke,

 "I won't renounce my words, Ma. It is the truth."

 "Good. I'll go tell Pa and the others our decision."

Saying these words, Ma turned and began heading for the door, and Alexander, who was lying down, could not help but bring his eyes to the woman.

 "How long before I can fight on my own power?"

 "If by 'fight' you mean engage in a battle of swords and spears, then I'll say four more months."

......…

Two more months was a long time for Alexander. He needed the strength to fight as he once could. Tomorrow!!

60!

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 63!

 64!

 65!

Going two more seconds than his previous best two days ago, Alexander crashed to the ground, his face planted into the greenery around him, heavy wheezing breaths leaving him while his heart thumped furiously.

"One week, three days," Alexander muttered, and after a few seconds, he pushed himself up and sat on his butt, his eyes going to his arms.

Needing to regain his fitness as fast as possible, Alexander consumed Ma's meals like a man starved for a week.

 His limbs, at the moment, had experienced a major improvement compared to when he first woke up.

 Muscles were now building underneath his skin but it was not enough.

"You okay?"

 "Yeah," Alexander answered, turning to the side.

Staring at Barth, who sat on a rock and busied himself with a stick, drawing random diagrams on the ground, Alexander felt a bit of warmth.

 One would think that after the first time, Barth would want to skip his next running sessions—but here the man was on the fourth day, looking after him.

"You and Ma aren't from here, are you?"

 "No."

 "When did you come to this village?"

 "Several years ago. Back then we still had energy. You should have seen how the ladies flocked to me…"

Barth's reply had Alexander's curiosity burning, questions popping in his mind but from Barth's answer, it was clear the man did not want to delve any deeper into that topic.

 Saying nothing, Alexander focused on his body, looking to rest as much as possible and make another run.

Two days ago, he had been painted as a mentally ill person by Natheim, his words at the market touted as nonsense.

 Ma wasn't about to let this slide, especially since it was in stark contradiction to her diagnosis of his condition. She went tit-for-tat with Natheim, calling his words false and the actions of a scared man.

Unfortunately, this wasn't a simple battle between Ma and Natheim—it was one that pitted her against the villagers and their beliefs, a way of life passed down by their fathers.

 Giving reasons, especially ones that concerned protection from the Iron King, Natheim had called into question Ma's mental state.

Whenever Alexander thought of the things that had transpired over the past days, it was always a shock to him that Natheim and the several men within the village could be cowards who would rather lie to themselves than accept the truth.

.....

"Six days left."

95!

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 100!

[Ding!!

 Curses are still active.

 Sub mission: run for 200 seconds in the next two days for a reward.]