Chapter 86: Ch 85: Back in the main Village

"Just where are we? Is this the same world we live in? What is even going on here? I am so confused..."

Aiden tried his best to suppress the smile that threatened to break out on his face. But he could not hide his pride from shining through on his face after heading those words of praise for his village.

His village was a marvel to behold, and the fact that they had arrived here during the evening hours made the place look even more beautiful.

"Welcome to our village. I instructed our workers to start preparing a place for you to stay beforehand, so they must have started. I am afraid that you will have to share the space for a few days before we finish construction on all the houses."

Aiden tried to look apologetic, but the shocked looks he was getting from the people behind him told him that there was no reason for him to feel guilty.

The good impression deepened even more once the half-phoenixes were taken to the site of their residential block on the left of the village. Only two community halls were finished completely, and the houses were still under construction. But the halls were spacious.

Moreover, they had good ventilation and insulation, making them an ideal place to live.

Aiden demonstrated how to use the bathroom and kitchen, and he also left a few people to keep an eye on the new members of the village before he headed back to the main temple.

It felt nice to be back home.

But Aiden only got to rest for one day before he had to go back to work. There was a lot of paperwork that was pending because he was out.

No matter how much Lumi had sorted out and tried to take care of, there were some things that required Aiden’s input. Like the request from the nearby villages to send their kids to his school as well.

Apparently, the relatives of the people living in his village had heard about the new school, and along with it, they had already heard about it being free.

Most people in the current times had a hard time earning a living, much less having their kids educated. So free education like this was a good send, and since it was nearby as well, they were all interested.

"What do you think, Goddess Apophis? Should we allow outsiders into our academy and village as well? We will need to create a separate entrance and rework the security structure. But it should be fine."

Aiden proposed, but his goddess looked unbothered.

"It is up to you. I don’t mind either way."

She gave Aiden permission, and he immediately started to discuss this stuff with the dwarves.

By the end of the day, he had a plan that needed immediate work. So the dwarf task force was divided into two parts.

But not only the dwarves, this time the humans also helped, which surprised Aiden. Was it truly fine for humans to do the work of dwarves?

Aiden did not ask this question, but it must have lingered on his face long enough for the dwarf leader to notice.

"Hahaha, are you concerned about a possible conflict between the dwarves and humans because of this? There is no need to be concerned. We taught these humans to increase our workforce. I have a feeling we will be undertaking bigger projects in the future. So the more task forces we have, the better. Also, this will help us branch out as well."

That was a smart move by the dwarf leader.

While the dwarves, as a species, had a strong affinity for construction and building, that did not mean they were all good at it. This was just a stepping stone to allow them to branch out when the time came.

It was one issue Aiden did not need to dip his toes into.

...

"How are you all settling in? Do you find everything comfortable?"

Aiden decided to visit the phoenix block after a whole day of letting them get settled. He immediately noticed that the half-phoenixes looked reserved but not timid. It seemed like they were observing their surroundings, trying to soak up as much knowledge as possible.

Cough

"As you can see, we have started to adapt. Soon, we will start farming... but that is not what you brought us here for, right?"

The half-phoenix elder looked flustered at the fact that he had tried to get ahead of himself and decided on what they wanted to do. But Aiden honestly did not mind this.

Aiden smiled and waved his hand dismissively.

"You do not have to worry about that. I did not bring you here just to make you work. If you want to start farming, then you are more than welcome to do so."

The elder looked surprised by his response.

"Then... what exactly do you want us to do?"

"I want you to help me with potion brewing. But before that, I want you to get used to your new home. You have spent your entire lives struggling to survive, so there is no need to rush."

Aiden explained, and the elder’s expression became complicated.

"You truly are different from the other humans we have met."

"I will take that as a compliment."

Aiden laughed lightly before looking toward the fields that had been prepared for them.

"Once you are ready, we will start with the potion business. Until then, feel free to explore the village and learn how everything works."

The half-phoenixes nodded, and for the first time, their expressions seemed genuinely relaxed.

The brewery was under construction anyway, so even if the phoenixes wanted to start, they could not.

Aiden decided to check up on the school at last and then headed back to his room. Or...that had been the plan until Aiden felt a strong presence entering his village.

Another god had decided to pay a visit to his goddess’s territory.