Chapter 84: Ch 84: The Ream meaning of offerings

Aiden extended the bottle he had taken out from his inventory and handed it over to the village elder.

Of course, he was lying when he said that he brewed the wine. He had gotten it as a sample from the system after buying a few recipes.

According to the system, not only did this wine help keep you warm, but it also increased your health by promoting more blood flow and providing other benefits.

It was as much a medicine as it was alcohol.

"Hmm, this is a new product? Let me try—"

The elder opened the bottle, and a strong aroma spread across the village, making everyone feel intoxicated just by smelling the fragrance.

Even Aiden felt light-headed, but since he had no experience with alcohol, he was not sure if it was because he felt sick or drunk.

The elder poured a small amount into his glass before taking a sip of it. And as soon as he did, he dropped the glass in shock.

"T-This is...! This is amazing! I have never drunk anything like this before. You have to tell me how to make it. I-I cannot believe I lived long enough to have this."

Aiden’s shoulders rose in pride at that reaction.

Even if it had not been ’his’ efforts that created this wine, it was his goddess’s benevolence and her kindness that allowed Aiden to gather enough offerings to buy this wine.

In that regard, it was his goddess’s gift that he was now using for her own benefit.

"I assume you like it? This wine and a few more products are what we will start with. I want to build a solid base and reputation first, along with our brand."

Aiden pointed out, but the village elder was not even listening at this point. He was too drunk on the wine he was chugging.

Aiden considered this a win and did not stop the elder. After all, he had more important stuff to do.

...

Finally, after what felt like forever, it was time for them to finally head back. But there was a lot to do before the half-phoenixes could leave the village.

The dark energy that was in their crops had started settling inside them as well, which would make it impossible to settle in a new place. As a result, a large-scale purification became necessary.

But there was a problem.

"A large-scale purification is usually carried out by a massive amount of divine energy. But we lack the support of a god and don’t have enough among ourselves. That is why we would like to ask you for a favor, Sir Aiden."

The village elder bowed in front of Aiden, and the others followed suit. Aiden had a feeling they were preparing to give him some trouble, which made him sigh.

But he still wanted to help them out in the name of his goddess.

Still...

"Aren’t you asking the wrong person for such a favor? The one with abundant divine energy is my goddess. But even she might not be able to use it on a large scale because this place is being dominated by the presence of another god."

Aiden pointed out the true concern that stopped him from using all of his power.

He could immediately make out the frown on the elder’s face at the fact that he would have to bask in a foreign god’s power.

"Actually, we would much rather prefer you to use your divine power. We know that you and your goddess share the same essence, but since we have seen you and talked to you, it just feels much more comfortable for us."

Now this made Aiden want to protest, but honestly, he was too tired to do that at this point.

His goddess was also not saying anything to him, which meant that she was in agreement, and that made Aiden sigh and nod.

"Alright. I can channel her power for you. However, we will need a way that will allow her to showcase her full power..."

[Offerings from non-followers can allow a temporary boost in Goddess Apophis’s and your divine power.]

"I believe if we make a few offerings, it should be enough."

A troubled look appeared on the elders’ and the others’ faces. They were in a precarious situation where even survival was hard. Where were they going to get offerings?

[Note: An offering can be anything that is given from the heart.]

The system chipped in once more, indicating that there was a solution to their problem.

"You don’t have to give us anything fancy. Even leaves and rocks will do as long as you consider it an offering you are giving from your heart."

Aiden confirmed, but the people in front of him still looked worried.

"But will it truly work—" ℯℯ𝑙.

"It won’t if you keep doubting it. So let’s not think too much and instead, act. I am counting on you all to pull through."

Aiden told the villagers, who nodded with determined eyes and started to gather.

Meanwhile, Aiden made a makeshift altar and placed his goddess’s sleeping form on a pillow before it.

By the time he was done, the villagers started to come back.

"G-Goddess Apophis, here are our offerings. Please accept them."

The elder went first, followed by the others.

[The energy meter for the purification is being filled. Current score: 5%...15%...35%]

The meter continued to fill up until it stopped at 99%. But by now, everyone was done.

"Sir Priest, is this enough...?"

The elder asked, and Aiden let out a sigh. That 1% bothered him a little.

"We need a little more. Just a little..."

[You can substitute that 1% with your own divine power and become part of this miracle. Would you like to participate?]

[→Yes]

There was no other option. The system was telling Aiden he had to participate in this.

[𑣲𝐶𖦹ɴ֟፝͠𝓖®𝓐𝓉𑄜ℒ𝓐𝓉ⅈ𖦹ɴ֟፝͠𝑺𑣲]

[You have participated in a legend. Your name will become even more strongly involved with your goddess. May your journey end happily.]

Yeah, the system had gone mad.