In an effort to downplay the significance of his contribution, he managed to say, "I... I just did what I could, sir," trying not to result arrogant in front of this man.
Samuel let out a chuckle, a quiet sound that reflected the experience and maturity that came with his years. "In this day and age, humility is a quality that is hard to find, especially in people with similar talents. You have every right to be praised and be proud."
Despite the compliment, all Erik could do was shrug, and his eyes quickly shifted to the verdant landscape that was now completely encircling them and that starkly contrasted the autumn colors around them. It wasn't false modesty.
He genuinely believed that he had merely done what was necessary for his survival and what, of course, was the right thing to do. After all, with his power, all of this was a simple matter to him.
"What I'm wondering," Samuel said, his tone shifting slightly, "is how you learned so much about plants and soil. It's not something one typically picks up without experience or education, especially considering you come from the city…"
This made Erik pause. Did this man know what was outside of the village? Did he come from New Alexandria?
Aside from those questions, answering him was easy, and he didn't have to lie. "I worked on a farm for some years," he explained, his voice steady. "My employer, Mister Fox, taught me everything he knew about plants and soil. And I... well, I just never stopped learning, I guess."
Samuel gave a satisfied nod, indicating his happiness with the answer. After that, there was a silence that was relaxed and based on mutual comprehension.
The older farmer turned his attention back to the young man after he turned to look at his surroundings once again, and a subtle shift in his expression indicated that the younger man had earned at least some measure of respect from him.
It was a moment of connection that bridged the gap between them, two individuals, both forged by the land they cherished and shaped by their hardships.
They went through very different lives, but at that moment, they were just two souls sharing the same sky, connected by the shared language that farming represented. This was true despite the vast differences in their experiences.
Silence lingered for a couple of seconds, but it was a pleasant quiet filled with the harmonious sounds of nature all around them.
In this moment of shared comprehension, everything seemed to come together in perfect harmony, from the leaves rustling to the birds chirping.
After what seemed like an eternity, Samuel broke the silence, his voice carrying a note of earnest appeal. "Erik," he started, "would you consider coming to the fields daily and teaching us what you know? Knowledge like yours can change the lives of everyone in this village."
Erik remained silent for a while, his attention fixed on the individual standing before him. The request was reasonable, and he lacked any valid justification for rejecting it. In fact, the young man experienced a growing sense of purpose in his life.
This presented an opportunity to do something more than just survive; it was a chance to make a contribution that mattered in some way. It was true: he killed, and he robbed people of their powers; damn, he even considered killing people just to steal their powers when he first got the system.
Yet, as his power grew and he experienced the world and the love Amber gave him, as he saw their friends' sacrifices for him, something else sparked in his mind, aside from his hatred before his life took this turn.
He extended a hand towards the older man, a symbolic gesture of agreement and commitment. "You have my word. I will come and share what I know with you and the other farmers."
Samuel broke into a broad grin as he extended his hand to Erik and gave his friend a hearty shake. It was a straightforward conversation, but the significance of what they had agreed to was profound.
For Erik, it was a fresh start, an opportunity to assist, learn, and be a part of something bigger than himself.
While the young man was standing in the middle of the group of grateful farmers, his attention was drawn to a figure that was coming up behind him from the side.
It was Vanessa, her face flushed with excitement and her eyes glinting with an enthusiasm that reflected the lively atmosphere of the occasion.
She moved with purpose as she navigated her way through the chaotic crowd in order to reach Erik.
"Erik," she called out, her voice commanding urgency. "There are more sections of the field that need your attention." The young man turned his attention to her and nodded in response to her statement.
The day was far from over, and work was still to be done. With a final glance at Samuel and the others, Erik prepared to take his leave, ready to bring life to the remaining fields.
Samuel, however, called out to him before he could take a step away from him. The older farmer's eyes sparkled with an inner joy that spread warmth throughout the gathering as it spread through the older man's body.
The open field was filled with the reverberation of his voice, which had become rough with age and experience but still carried with it the vitality of the moment.
"Hey, kid!" Samuel began, his tone infused with gratitude. "We're planning a feast tonight. Thanks to your help, the land has given us enough to feed the whole village."
His words caused a wave of excitement to spread throughout the assembled crowd, filling the air with hushed conversations and the sound of shared laughter. The anticipation of a meal, which would be a celebration of the abundance of the land, brought smiles to many people's faces, which had been severe and anxious just a few hours earlier.
Erik took a moment to collect himself after being startled by the unexpected invitation. He was unfamiliar with the concept of a feast held in the village. He was used to spending his time alone, and his interactions with others were typically limited to necessary ones.
He usually ate with his friends for the few months he spent time with them, but that lasted four or five months at best. It couldn't be said he did it a lot. Nevertheless, the idea of a party for the whole community piqued his interest.
Samuel continued, his voice earnest, "It would be an honor to have you come with us."
Following a brief pause during which he observed Samuel, Erik broke into an earnest smile.
The invitation extended by the more experienced man moved him, and he nodded his head in acknowledgment. In addition, the young man was concerned about how Amos would perceive him if he gave a poor first impression.
After that was resolved, he turned his attention back to Vanessa, eager to continue the work they had planned for the day.
As Erik moved towards the remaining fields with the woman, the joyous chatter and laughter behind them reminded them of the celebration that awaited them in the evening. The promise of a shared meal, lively discussions, and the simple joy of community interaction filled the air with anticipation Erik had never experienced.
Samuel grinned to himself in contentment as he watched them walk away after their conversation. He couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of fulfillment as the crowd dispersed to start preparing for the feast that would take place that evening.
Their town was not only being given a second chance at life but also welcoming a new person into their tight-knit community at the same time.
And Samuel was sure, thanks to the wisdom and experience that comes from having a lot of experience under his belt, that this was just the beginning of better days to come.
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