Chapter 64: Ch 64: Territory Needs protection

Another misunderstanding with the merfolks had been created, but at least they respected him and Goddess Apophis in equal measure.

But the main point was the fact that this enlightenment allowed Aiden to come to an agreement with the merfolks regarding the use of water and building the bridge over the river.

The agreed term was that the village would provide the merfolks with food, and in return, they would protect the river’s flow as well as make sure no student that got near the water was hurt.

With the help of the merfolks, the bridge construction was finished quickly, and they were added to the species that could attend the school as well.

However, since most of them still could not leave the water for extended periods of time, it was decided that one of the classrooms would be near the water and have a way for them to come in.

This school could only be called a marvel of current engineering, and once it was built, it was time to select teachers.

The dwarfs and elves chose their representatives quickly, but for the normal teaching classes, it was a little hard.

Most humans here did not have the knowledge to be able to teach, and those who did were too busy. Moreover, the people most educated in these times belonged to wealthy families.

But who was here who was wealthy and had time to teach except Ethan River (who was already being put to good use)?

Well, there was one person who came to mind. And once again, it was time to head to the temple.

Lumi was the perfect candidate. Now, it was only a matter of getting her to agree.

...

"Alright! If you want me to teach, then I will. But in return, can I take in some orphans from the school as my helpers? I cannot handle running this temple alone because it’s too hard."

Aiden looked around the spotless temple that did not have a single speck of dust. Not only had Lumi looked after this place, but she had looked after it so well that there was nothing to complain about.

Still, Aiden did understand her need for more helpers.

They were just getting busier day-by-day, and Aiden did want to hold another festival soon. The temple would become busy once that time came.

"Alright. You can take whoever you want. Any other requests?"

He asked, and Lumi almost hesitated before nodding.

"Of course I have another request."

"And that is..."

"Add combat classes to the school. If we are teaching those kids how to survive, then we might as well teach them how to save themselves when in a tough situation."

Aiden blinked at Lumi’s suggestion. He had not expected her, of all people, to make this suggestion.

"Well, you already know the kind of life I lived before I came under Goddess Apophis’s service. I sometimes wonder if things would have been different if I had the power to protect myself—"

"But then you wouldn’t have been under Goddess Apophis’s protection, right?"

"Well, you can look at it that way if you would like. However, I feel like I would have ended up here anyway. In that regard, she and you are my saviors, and I am thankful for it. So why don’t we give these kids something to be thankful about as well? That way, they will become even more loyal to the goddess."

This idea was not bad.

Aiden had been doing a lot of research into other gods’ factions, and he had noticed that most of them had a religious order to fight for them. Not only did they take care of impurities in this world, but they were also responsible for maintaining order.

If Aiden wanted to raise his goddess’s status, then he needed her followers to be widely recognized as well.

But there were still a few problems...

"While I do understand where you are coming from, I doubt there is a single person in our village who would be able to teach these kids how to fight. At least, not to a level where I feel comfortable."

Aiden pointed out, and Lumi nodded.

"I cannot argue with you over this. We do lack a fighting force. However, if we lack it, we can always get it from outside."

Lumi took out a map she had been keeping with her, and Aiden had a feeling she had been waiting for this for quite some time.

"God Vaelor’s territories often hold large tournaments that are open to everyone. It is their way to show everyone their might, and the rewards are usually fighting techniques. What makes these tournaments special is that their rewards are open to everyone."

Now Aiden knew what Lumi was getting at.

"So, you want me to find a way to win one of these tournaments and create a warrior myself?"

"Or, you can always snag a champion or two and get them to work as a teacher. I doubt anyone would say no after seeing this village and getting to live here."

This was not a bad suggestion and a rather timely one at that.

Their village was starting to get big, and it won’t take long before trouble started to look their way.

Aiden knew that their village was a small fry, and that’s why they were being left alone. But how long will this luck last?

"It seems like I will need to take another outing with my goddess. Will you be fine protecting this village by yourself?"

"Of course. I might not look like much, but I still am a priestess of Goddess Apophis. This post comes with quite a few perks. Want to check it out?"

Lumi asked, and Aiden nodded.

"Sure, why not. If you are offering, then both Goddess Apophis and I can take a look tomorrow."

Lumi looked excited, and Aiden quickly headed back to tell his goddess about a change in their schedule.

All Goddess Apophis told him was that she was fine with this change before curling up to sleep once more. And finally, next morning it was time to see Lumi’s progress.