Leon stared at the fused apple resting in his palm, its golden streaks glimmering faintly in the morning light. He didn't know why, but he felt an odd connection to it—like it was more than just a fruit. The warmth radiating from it was soothing, almost comforting.
What are you, exactly?
The villagers had left their offerings in reverence, yet this particular apple was something he had created—his first experiment with a strange and inexplicable power. Curiosity burned in his chest, mingled with the hunger that had yet to be fully satisfied.
With a deep breath, Leon took a bite.
The first bite was unlike anything Leon had ever tasted. It was sweet and tangy, the perfect blend of flavors from the original two apples. Yet there was something else—an undertone of warmth that spread through his body like liquid sunlight.
He closed his eyes, savoring the sensation. As he continued eating, the warmth intensified, flowing through his limbs and settling into his core. His exhaustion began to fade, replaced by a strange sense of rejuvenation.
I feel… alive, Leon thought, flexing his fingers. His muscles, which had felt weak and uncoordinated, now moved with newfound ease. His skin tingled with energy, as though he had shed the weariness of years in mere moments.
But something was missing.
Leon frowned as he finished the last bite, his mind scanning for the source of the emptiness he still felt. His mana reserves—what little he had to begin with—remained completely depleted.
So it restores my body, but not my mana, he realized, glancing at the golden-streaked core in his hand. He set it aside, his curiosity deepening.
Far from the shrine, Marion groaned as sunlight filtered through the slats of his window, illuminating the cramped interior of his modest house. He rolled over, clutching his pillow tightly, and muttered, "Five more minutes…"
But the pounding on his door shattered any hope of sleeping in.
"Marion! Wake up!" a voice called, urgent and excited.
Marion bolted upright, his heart racing. Are we under attack? Did someone discover my stash of forbidden snacks?
He stumbled to the door, flinging it open to find one of the younger villagers staring at him with wide eyes.
"It's him! He's awake!" the boy exclaimed, practically bouncing on his heels.
Marion blinked. "Who's awake?"
"The great Relethis!" the boy said, his voice reverent. "He's finally awakened, and the whole tribe has seen him!"
Marion's blood ran cold. His mouth opened and closed several times as he processed the words. The kid woke up? No, no, no. This is bad. This is very bad.
"Uh, thanks for letting me know," Marion said, slamming the door shut before the boy could respond.
Inside his house, Marion paced frantically, running a hand through his disheveled hair.
"This can't be happening," he muttered. "How am I supposed to explain this? What if he remembers me? What if he knows I'm a fraud?"
He stopped abruptly, his eyes narrowing. "Wait. He's a god now, right? Maybe he won't care. Yeah, gods don't care about little things like lies."
His confidence lasted all of five seconds before panic set in again. "But what if he does care? What if he calls me out in front of everyone? I'll be done for!"
Marion took a deep breath, forcing himself to think. Okay. Calm down. You've gotten out of worse situations before. Just stick to the act. Pretend you're his most devoted follower. Grovel a little. Gods love groveling.
He grabbed a small offering—a hastily polished apple—and hurried out the door, his mind racing as he made his way to the shrine.
At the shrine, Leon sat on the altar, observing the villagers as they went about their morning tasks. He had begun to notice small details about them—the way they moved, the way they spoke to each other with quiet reverence. It was clear that their faith in him was absolute.
He sighed, leaning back slightly. What am I supposed to do now?
The sound of hurried footsteps broke his thoughts. He turned his head just in time to see Marion climbing the shrine steps, his face a mask of feigned reverence.
"Oh, great Relethis!" Marion exclaimed, dropping to his knees in an overly dramatic bow. "It is an honor beyond words to witness your awakening!"
Leon blinked, his lips twitching involuntarily. This guy…
Marion raised his head slightly, peeking at Leon before lowering it again. "For ten years, I have prayed for this moment! I never doubted that you would return to us, not for a second!"
Leon's face darkened. Not for a second? He resisted the urge to scoff. I've heard every word you've muttered for the past decade, and 'devotion' isn't exactly how I'd describe it.
Marion shuffled forward on his knees, holding out the polished apple as an offering. "Please, great one, accept this humble gift as a token of my gratitude and unwavering faith."
Leon stared at the apple, his expression unreadable. He reached out slowly, taking it from Marion's hands. "Thank you," he said evenly, though his eyes betrayed his skepticism.
Marion's face lit up with exaggerated joy. "Your words are a blessing, great Relethis! Truly, I am unworthy of your grace!"
Leon's lips twitched again. This man… he's even worse in person.
Marion continued his performance, placing a hand on his chest as he spoke. "Great one, I have always believed in you. Even when others doubted, I never wavered. I knew you would awaken and guide us once more!"
Leon's patience wore thin. He stared at Marion, his face expressionless, but his thoughts were far less composed. Always believed in me? This is the same man who spent ten years complaining about being stuck here and doubting if I was even real!
Marion's voice grew louder as he gestured grandly. "I told the villagers, 'Mark my words, the great Relethis will rise again! He's just waiting for the perfect moment!' And see? Here you are, just as I said!"
Leon's fingers tightened around the apple, his lips pressing into a thin line. If shamelessness were a skill, this man would be the strongest in the world.
Despite his irritation, Leon forced himself to remain calm. He couldn't blow his cover—not now, not when the villagers' faith in him was so strong.
"You have… served well," Leon said, his voice measured.
Marion's eyes sparkled with fake humility. "Your praise is more than I deserve, great one! I will continue to serve you with all my heart!"
Leon's lips twitched once more, and he looked away briefly, struggling to maintain his composure. This man could charm a snake into buying sand.
After several more minutes of groveling and exaggerated praise, Marion finally took his leave, bowing deeply as he backed away.
"Thank you for your grace, great Relethis," he said, his voice dripping with false sincerity. "I will spread the word of your awakening to all who will listen!"
Leon watched him go, his expression unreadable. The moment Marion was out of earshot, Leon let out a long sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose.
What am I supposed to do with someone like that?
As the shrine returned to its quiet state, Leon glanced down at the apple Marion had given him. It was perfectly polished, its surface gleaming in the sunlight.
For a moment, he considered taking a bite, but the memory of Marion's over-the-top performance made him hesitate. Instead, he set it aside, shaking his head.
That man… He's impossible.
Despite his irritation, a faint smile tugged at the corners of Leon's lips. Marion's shamelessness was almost admirable in its absurdity.
Maybe having him around won't be so bad, Leon thought, his mood lightening slightly.