Alex nodded gratefully, his bravado momentarily fading. He sank down onto the soft tatami mat, wincing slightly as his sore muscles protested. Akiko settled down beside him.
"So, tell me more about this religion of yours. And maybe," she added with a playful wink, "you can enlighten me on the finer points of being a god."
Angelina, ever the pragmatist, followed suit, settling down opposite them on the other side of the tatami mat. With rapt attention, she awaited Alex's explanation of this bizarre yet oddly endearing religion he'd created.
Alex, his voice slightly raspy from exhaustion, began to elaborate on the core principles of the Grinding People. "Well, it's basically a religion built around the same things I believe in. You know, working hard for what you want, but being patient while you do it. No shortcuts, no stealing. It's about building things, creating something of your own, brick by brick."
