NOVEL NEXT Chapter 41: 40. Villagers and Player 2
The idea was simple, as they would have to take care of themselves and this "god" appeared to be "benevolent" he would not refuse an offering given in gratitude for his help in the fight, even if it was something as small as a stone or as revolting as half-rotted bodies of monsters. After all, what could they give as an offering when they needed all the food they could get?
Obviously the villagers in general didn't like the idea, but a part of them was also curious, to what extent they could... "count on his benevolence" before he got angry with them, and whether his irritation would be limited to just those that offended you directly or everyone. Something extremely dangerous to think about let alone practice, they also saw the lightning falling on the other side of the village, yet there was something urging them to test the limits even putting themselves in danger and even those who had no relationship with them. This, perhaps, was an intrinsic part of humans, taking risks with something dangerous even knowing that things could end badly.
Therefore, although those who opposed Quiria's absurd idea were undoubtedly the majority, they were not all and it was true that they were already becoming worried about how to deal with the remains of the goblins. They were only able to burn 110 and send 30 to... "natural decomposition", totaling 140 goblins out of the more than 300 they attacked. As they still had to think about how to separate the part of the wood used to burn them and to prepare meals, in addition to the rotation they had to do each day so that the people responsible for "cleaning" didn't end up suffering from the smoke and the smell of goblins burning, it was no surprise that efficiency was not great but it was not little either.
"If they want to take a big risk, what can we do to stop them?"
Someone spoke, getting several voices of agreement.
"You know that you shouldn't test anyone's patience, especially since they helped you. And certainly not the patience of a God."
Another spoke, gaining even more agreement.
The arguments were always the same and went nowhere, only fueling the discomfort of many, which at any moment could turn into a contest of strength. Gerard and Ivan were about to step in to try and defuse the situation and try, although they both suspected it would be futile, to dissuade the group with the goblins.
But before they could take two steps closer to the groups.
"Let them do it!"
A voice that no one expected rang out loud and clear, making everyone stop shouting at each other or trying to move forward. Simply because this voice came from the group that prevented the dissatisfied from moving forward, not only that but it also came from someone who no one expected to "stand on the side" of the group of people who wanted to make blasphemy.
"What did you say Hannah?"
One of the villagers asked, thinking he had heard wrong or that perhaps someone else had spoken.
"I said let them do what they want. Do I need to repeat myself again?"
But no, neither he nor anyone else had heard wrong. Hannah, one of the recognized figures who was most devoted to this faceless god, was saying loud and clear that the group of villagers who wanted to "offer" a bunch of rotten monster flesh to this same god, should be left aside and allowed to do this.
"Y-You? Have you lost your mind?!!!"
Someone close to her exploded, but before that someone could do anything to further inflame the others, still doubting their own ears, a new unexpected voice appeared.
"If Hannah says leave them, then I agree too."
Constance said, approaching the stone altar with the promised Dan. As soon as they saw her, several people made way for her almost as if she were royalty, which made her, Dan and several who knew her, very uncomfortable.
It was one thing for Hannah to say something absurd, even though she was recognized as one of 'his' main followers, many didn't consider her a big deal. She achieved a better "position" in everyone's view for having joined the fight against the monstrous goblin, using the sword that 'he' had sent and witnessing one of his "miracles" up close.
But she was still considered little more than a young girl who knew how to use a sword. Dangerous and respectable, yes. Venerable to the point where his voice would carry weight in such a situation, not much (at least for the newcomers and some of the original villagers).
Constance, on the other hand, was seen almost as a representative of 'him' among the people, so the weight of what she said had as much value to them as the village chief (for the original residents) or even Dan (for the newcomers).
That from their point of view, Constance knew very well that at most she had been lucky with several acquaintances, but if there was anyone here who could be considered particularly close to 'him' it would be Hannah.
The first time 'he' manifested some kind of power by killing the noble who attacked her and his lackeys and then saving his brother, it was only after that Hannah entered the scene. She had seen how Hannah had behaved when Matt had been hurt and Sofi had said that he probably couldn't handle it. Hannah was the first person who started praying at that time, only after she saw it herself and imitated her did the others follow suit, because it involved her and her brother, many ended up putting her as the focus when in fact it would be Hannah, which she seemed to be don't actually call until you prefer it that way.
And the current situation clearly showed why, the attention to what a simple sentence provoked was too heavy. And as much as Hannah appeared to be strong and determined (which she was), she never liked the feeling of being under the eyes of others, which is why she also stopped practicing the swordplay that her mother had taught her, just to avoid attracting attention.
However that didn't matter now, the important thing was that Hannah, who Constance believed had more of a connection with 'him' than anyone, said that it was okay to offer the goblins as thanks for the villagers, and if she said that Constance trusted her.
"But Miss Constance are you sure about this?"
One of the villagers asked.
"I am not."
She said decisively, which earned several 'what' and 'huh' looks from everyone, including Gerard, Ivan and Liem, but not from Sofi, she had already understood what was going to happen.
"B-but then why?"
"Because I believe there is no reason for him to do anything to us because of this"
This earned more 'what' and 'huh' looks from the villagers. How would there be no reason to be angry if after helping a bunch of villagers against a horde of monsters and receiving rotten goblin meat as a thank you? That would certainly give anyone a great reason to get angry.
But this is from their human point of view. And they would be right, if this happened in Tyler's real life, he helped a group of people and they gave him rotten meat as thanks, his (and anyone in that position's) first reaction would be shock, followed by disgust and then end anger. But for Tyler this was nothing more than a game and every offering they gave earned them more exp, divine power and even sacrificial coins, so yes. Even rotten monster flesh could be considered a sacrifice for him... probably.
But that was another thing he couldn't control, he could only whatch and wait for them offer the goblins, and pray that the game interpreted them as sacrifices for him. To test it, he said more to himself that it would be okay for them to offer the goblins, but he would never have imagined that part of what he said would be heard by anyone, much less by an NPC in a game, but that's exactly what happened.
Minutes ago Hannah had heard a male voice that she had never heard before, but it still sounded familiar, which immediately made her think of him. Then he wondered if he was the one talking to her, and the only way to test that was to let this clearly hostile group do what they wanted. At least this time.
"I know you don't understand why, none of us understand why, he helped us out of nowhere and continued helping us since that nobleman appeared." Constance said, showing a good talent as a speaker.
"But the fact is that he has been helping us and if he wanted to he could have easily left us aside but instead he continued to help us. Even against that monstrous goblin, for that simple reason. The reason he helped in such a way active against that enemy he knew would decimate us, I don't believe he means us harm."
She said in a decisive tone.
"But that's not the only reason I also say we should let them try. I say that because Hannah believes we should let them."
This created a buzz among everyone, why did it matter if Hannah said they should leave it?
"Simply because among everyone here, Hannah is the one who has the most connection with 'him' and I say this because I myself have seen signs several times. Long before 'him' manifested himself by killing that nobleman."
More muttering and sidelong glances at Hannah, who in turn stared at Constance with a face that said.
'You know I don't like attention!, why do that?!'
And Constance responded with a look that said.
'Because it's the only way to do what he wants without me having to convince them alone. Please help me!'
In this case, Hannah's only choice was to participate in this silly game of influence.
'Aaaahhhhhh why I got out of bed today?!!.'