The shrine buzzed with life as the first rays of morning sunlight bathed the mountain. Leon ascended the familiar steps, greeted by the sight of the gathered villagers. They knelt in reverent silence, their heads bowed as they began their morning prayers.
Leon stood at the altar, accepting their devotions with calm composure. The villagers chanted their gratitude, voices rising in unison to honor the god they believed him to be. Though the ritual had become routine, Leon still found himself both amused and humbled by their unwavering faith.
When the prayers concluded, the villagers began to disperse, heading back to their daily tasks. Leon turned to leave, but a soft, hesitant voice stopped him.
"Great Relethis!"
Leon looked down to see a small figure standing at the base of the shrine. It was Kalen, one of the children he had played hide and seek with a few days earlier. His messy brown hair and wide eyes made him instantly recognizable, and his nervous expression tugged at Leon's heart.
"Kalen," Leon said warmly, kneeling slightly to meet the boy's gaze. "What brings you here this morning?"
Kalen fidgeted with the hem of his shirt, his cheeks flushed as he tried to find the words. "I… I wanted to ask for your help, great one."
Leon tilted his head. "Help with what?"
The boy hesitated, glancing down at his feet before speaking in a small voice. "My mama and the other aunties… they have to walk far to get fresh water because the lakes nearby aren't good to drink from. I was wondering…" He looked up, his wide eyes brimming with hope. "Could you use your divine power to bring clean water to the village?"
The innocence in Kalen's voice made Leon smile. It was such a simple request, born from pure faith and a child's desire to help his loved ones.
Leon reached out, ruffling Kalen's hair gently. "Of course, Kalen. I'll make sure your mama and the others don't have to go far for water anymore."
Kalen's face lit up, his earlier nervousness replaced with pure joy. "Thank you, great Relethis!" he exclaimed, bowing clumsily before running off toward the village.
Leon watched him go, his smile lingering. Such a small request, but it means so much to him. I'll make it happen.
After leaving the shrine, Leon summoned the elders to the meeting hall in his house. The group, led by Tovik, the village chief, arrived promptly, their expressions curious but respectful.
Once everyone was seated, Leon addressed them. "I've heard that the tribe struggles to find fresh water. Is there a nearby lake or water source that could be used?"
Tovik, a tall man with a commanding presence, nodded solemnly. "There is a lake nearby, great one. It is only a short walk—about ten minutes from the village—but the water there is unfit for drinking. It is stagnant and filled with impurities, so we must rely on distant rivers for clean water."
Leon leaned forward slightly. "This nearby lake—how large is it?"
Tovik stroked his graying beard thoughtfully. "It is quite large, great one. If it were clean, it could provide the entire village with water for a year or more."
Leon nodded, his mind already formulating a plan. "Take me to this lake," he said.
Tovik led Leon through the forest, the trees thinning as they approached the lake. The sight that greeted them was both promising and disappointing.
The lake was vast, its still surface reflecting the surrounding greenery. However, the water was murky and dull, its edges lined with thick algae. The faint smell of stagnation hung in the air, and small insects hovered noisily above the shallows.
Leon crouched at the edge of the water, scooping up a handful of the murky liquid. It flowed sluggishly between his fingers, leaving a faint residue of dirt behind.
This won't do as it is, he thought, standing and turning to Tovik. "Are there any other water sources connected to this lake?"
Tovik shook his head. "No, great one. That is why we must rely on distant rivers."
Leon's gaze swept over the lake, his expression thoughtful. "I will make this lake usable," he said simply.
Tovik's eyes widened. "You can do that, great one?"
Leon nodded. "Yes. Return to the village and let everyone know that the lake will be ready for use tomorrow."
Though disbelief flickered across Tovik's face, he bowed deeply. "As you command, great one."
Once Tovik had returned to the village, Leon knelt by the lake's edge, pulling out the Mana Reeds he had prepared earlier. Their slender stalks and faintly glowing veins were vibrant against the murky surroundings.
One by one, he planted the Mana Reeds along the shoreline, their roots quickly taking hold in the soil. As the plants settled, their faint glow spread across the water, casting shimmering patterns on its surface.
Leon worked methodically, moving around the lake and ensuring that the reeds were evenly distributed. By the time he finished, the sun was beginning to dip toward the horizon, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink.
He stood back to admire his work. Though the water still appeared murky, Leon knew the Mana Reeds would begin their cleansing process overnight.
That evening, Leon returned to the village square, where the elders and other villagers had gathered in anticipation.
"The lake near the forest has been prepared," Leon announced. "From tomorrow onward, you may draw water from it."
The villagers exchanged uncertain glances, murmurs of doubt rippling through the crowd.
"But great one," an older woman said hesitantly, "the water in that lake is…"
"I have taken care of it," Leon interrupted, his tone calm but firm. "You will see in the morning."
Though their doubts lingered, the villagers dared not question their god's decree. They bowed deeply, murmuring their thanks before dispersing.
As the village settled into the quiet of night, Leon stood alone at the edge of the lake, watching as the faint glow of the Mana Reeds shimmered on the water.
The plants would work steadily throughout the night, their cleansing properties gradually transforming the lake into a source of pure, crystal-clear water.
Leon smiled faintly, satisfied with his efforts.