Lila's voice broke. "Why isn't he…? The stones—they're working! Why not him?!"
Chief Barou slumped, his usual vigor snuffed out. "His soul… it's already gone."
The crowd faltered and their prayers wavered at the sight of the griefing village chief and his daughter.
Riku knelt beside Eren, pressing a hand discreetly to the boy's chest. "Don't stop," he urged the villagers. "Pray harder. Trust the process. The monk said that doubt is the only true failure."
The villagers, who had seen a miracle happen once, redoubled their efforts, tears mingling with chants. Riku closed his eyes, channeling mana through his fingertips.
Ding.
Warning: Ultimate Resurrection Spell Detected.
Peaceful Life System Override Permitted—Extreme Circumstances.
Proceed?
Riku didn't hesitate.
"O great powers of mercy… hear this silent plea - Preserver of hope, Maiden of Resurrection."
As Riku cast his spell, the winds started blowing agitatedly.
Clouds above parted. And a brilliant column of light descended from the heavens — white, gold, and impossibly radiant.
Gasps echoed as a massive angelic figure descended, wings spanning nearly the width of the village square. She was beautiful and terrible — a towering, six-winged being with flowing silver hair, eyes like galaxies, and robes woven from constellations.
The villagers dropped to their knees, many too stunned to speak.
"Maiden of Resurrection"
The angel hovered just above Eren's body, a massive glowing spear in one hand and a sphere of pure life energy in the other.
Her voice, like a thousand choirs in harmony, spoke only a single sentence:
"A life unfulfilled shall not be extinguished."
She lowered the sphere onto Eren's chest. The moment it touched, his body arched as if drawn by invisible strings. A gasp tore from his lips.
And then—
Eren breathed.
Lila choked out a sob, throwing her arms around her now unconscious but breathing brother. "Eren! Oh gods…!"
The angel gave Riku one final look — not judgment, but something far gentler — and ascended once more, wings dissolving into motes of light.
Slowly, the massive column of light vanished.
The villagers were too stunned to react to what had just happened, but suddenly someone shouted, "Saviour, our saviour is here."
"Savior!"
"Messenger of the heavens!"
"Godsent!"
Suddenly, cheers erupted from all the villagers as they started to bow down to Riku one by one. Even Barou and Lila bowed down to their knees, prostrating and thanking Riku.
"Our saviour, without you, we would have lost all of them. You gave us water and saved our people. From now on, this entire village will be available for your command." Barou said, as he constantly bowed to show his reverence.
"Everyone, it was all thanks to your efforts that the Maiden of Ressuruction descended and gave her blessings. Look, the stones have cracked after releasing all of their stored energy." Riku said, pointing to the now cracked stones.
The villagers turned to the formation which Riku had laid down earlier, and indeed, the stones, which once shone with light green light, now lay broken without a trace of magic.
"The stones might have helped, but you are the one who brought them to us. Without them, our young ones would have died in vain."
Barou spoke slowly, without getting up.
"It was meant to be. I just happened to be at the right place." Riku spoke as he helped Barou up. Don't worry about it. I am sure that the monk would be very happy if he would learn that his stones helped save four lives. Come on now, let's move the injured inside. They are still unconscious."
"Our saviour is right. Come on, people. Help carry these men inside."
"Once the men recover, let us plan a feast to celebrate our saviour, who not only gave us water, but also used his blessed stones to treat our people. Soon, our people will have enough to eat and drink!"
"All hail the saviour. All hail the blessed mother. All hail the holy light."
After the spectacle at the village entrance, Riku got a silent notification
[Goodwill Intervention Approved.]
'Peaceful Life Status Maintained.
You have earned +15 Goodwill Points - Unlocked Electric Bulb and Fan blueprints. 1 electric bulb and fan
Note: Discretion Appreciated.
"Nice, it looks like soon I will be able to have a cozy room at the room!"
-----------------------------
Riku sat quietly by the doorway of the village chief's home, watching as the four young adventurers were carefully laid out on straw bedding. Blankets were drawn over their tired bodies, and bowls of cool herbal water were placed nearby. A gentle fire crackled in the hearth, casting long shadows across the walls.
Barou and Lila sat at Eren's side. The old man's hand never left his son's, as though afraid that letting go might make the miracle unravel. Lila kept dabbing her brother's forehead, her eyes still rimmed red but now brimming with relief.
After nearly half an hour, a cough escaped from one of the others — a freckled boy named Kel, who slowly blinked awake. Then one more stirred, and another. Finally, Eren's eyes opened once again.
"...Sis?" he croaked.
"I'm here," Lila said, gripping his hand tightly. "You're safe now."
"I am alive?" Eren asked, still not believing that he managed to survive.
"My son, you had almost died. Our saviour used some very high grade healing stones to call an angel, who brought you back to life." Barou said as he gestured towards Riku who was entering the room.
"Thank you so much, saviour." Eren tried to get up, thanking Riku, but Riku forced him back to lie down.
"Please, just call me Riku. I did nothing. It was all thanks to the faith of the villagers." Riku said, trying to dodge the credit.
"But what happened to you folks. How did you get injured so badly?"
Eren's eyes turned frosty as he heard Riku's question.
"It was the Scorchback Kin Gang. They stole our meat, and captured us, trying to make us one of them. We resisted, and eventually they left us half dead. We were only able to get back with sheer willpower."