"He's nothing more than an outsider!" A second voice rang out, strengthening the wave of disapproval that washed over Erik. The room became cold and hostile, their earlier acceptance of him as a village member a distant memory.
Many viewed Erik's request as an overreach, a blatant assumption that he was now one of them. The young man remained still amidst the commotion, his gaze firmly meeting their accusatory glares.
He knew their concerns and fears but knew it was the ideal time to acquire the technique. Perhaps he could find something to enhance the existing one.
If he could do so, he might gain power more quickly. Suddenly, a booming voice cut through the chaos, instantly silencing the room. "Enough!" Amos issued a command, his voice echoing off the hall's wooden walls.
The authority emanating from the elder's eyes compelled the room to remain silent. The commanding presence of the village chief temporarily quenched the anger in the room as all eyes shifted to him.
"Every one of you has a right to your opinion," Amos continued as he swept his stern gaze across the faces before him.
"However, let's not forget why we're here and even having this conversation. This pertains to the survival of our village, of our people."
His gaze finally landed on Erik, "And this kid; no, this man, despite being an outsider, as you just said, is willing to risk his life for that cause; to help us."
The elder's words echoed throughout the hall, serving as a potent reminder of their dire circumstances. Based on what Erik said, the Lumisgrove posed a great deal of danger. Every aspect of the mission was fraught with peril.
Amos understood that Erik would need more than his current skills and knowledge to overcome such obstacles. He would need to be more powerful, agile, and capable.
The village's technique for developing neural links presented a potential solution to enhance his capabilities for the upcoming task. Amos regarded Erik with a contemplative expression on his face.
The young man's request was unexpected but not unreasonable. He recognized the resolve and determination in Erik's eyes.
Fear was also present, but it was moderated by a sense of responsibility and a willingness to do whatever was required to ensure the survival of their village.
At least, that was how the older man saw it. During his brief stay, Erik became an integral part of their community, willing to risk his life for them, and he greatly assisted them. He had come a long way from the stranger they had once mistrusted.
Amos returned his steady gaze to Erik; a moment of silence passed between them before the elder finally nodded in agreement.
"All right, Erik," he said with a measured and confident tone. "You will learn the neural links developing technique. Vanessa will be your teacher." The rest of the Villagers voiced their objections vehemently, causing the room to erupt in discord.
They had not anticipated that Amos would agree to such an absurd request. Amos raised his hand, again silencing the room with his authority. "Quiet!" he ordered. The older man's gaze swept over the villagers, meeting their objections with a determined stare and a wave of mana.
"But," Amos turned his attention back to Erik. "You must never disclose this technique to anyone outside our village. Can you make this promise?"
Erik didn't hesitate. He was aware of the significance and sensitivity of the information he would receive, and he had no intention of sharing it with anyone, especially not with Frant.
"I swear," he declared, his voice echoing throughout the room. The villagers' eyes were filled with suspicion and doubt as they observed him. If a promise were all that was needed to solve a conflict, the world would have none.
Amos said, with a sense of finality in his voice, "Very well."
"You are dismissed for now. I will have someone inform you when it is time to leave. Be ready; it won't be more than a week." Erik could not resist glancing over his shoulder as he exited the conference room.
The village council erupted into animated discussion behind him as he left. Their voices reverberated through the open door with disbelief, frustration, and resignation. He observed Amos' stern back standing tall among them, his authority and resolve unwavering. He had anticipated opposition, even outrage.
He was, after all, an outsider and a stranger. They had no reason to trust or reveal their secrets to him. However, they had now, against all odds, accepted his proposal. The decision made by Amos was final, and Erik could not help but feel a small surge of satisfaction.
The sun cast long shadows on the wooden structures of the village as he turned away and walked. The crunching of the fallen leaves provided a soothing background for his thoughts.
The path back to the farm was familiar, but the spectacle unfolding before Erik as he rounded the bend was anything but ordinary. A disparate group of villagers had gathered.
Each was heavily armed and covered with winter clothes, their weapons gleaming menacingly in the few sun rays that went past the clouds above and their faces etched with grim resolve.
There were axes, pitchforks, spears, and homemade swords, and each villager held their chosen weapon with a firm and determined grip. This was not a typical hunting trip or a simple foraging excursion.
Erik's suspicions were confirmed by their gloomy facial expressions and hushed conversations. This mission was borne out of necessity—survival. Among this assortment of individuals, a few stood out.
Samuel's broad frame towered over the others as he yelled orders, and his weather-beaten face was stern. Erik could recognize several of the other villagers who were standing on either side of him from their trip to the ancient underground city.
Their familiar faces were exhausted, yet their eyes appeared energized and unwavering in their resolve. Concern crept into Erik's mind as he observed Samuel and the villagers bracing for conflict.
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