NOVEL WEB Chapter 23: Chapter 23
«To be honest, I didn't think you would help, especially so much.»
«Well, it wasn't so hard with good company», I replied with a smile.
«We have many more problems that only an earth magician can solve. So if you want, you can leave quietly tomorrow morning», he said with effort, forcing himself with all his might.
«It's okay, I'll help you. My mind works well, so we'll figure something out and everything will be fine», the headman exhaled in relief after my sentence, «Tell me what your problems are and together we'll think of a solution.»
«Okay. Our main problem is that we use stone from the mountain to build houses. And the mountain is gradually being washed away, causing it to collapse, and each successive storm destroys more buildings. But it takes many mages to fortify a whole rock, even though one is enough, but it's a job for years. And I'd like you to at least try to do something about it.»
«Hmm, I understand. And that's solvable. What about the houses?»
«We won't take any more stone from the cliff and will only use wood. But we still need the foundations.»
«Optionally, I can compact the earth to rock-hard and build not only the foundation, but also the walls and ceiling. For appearance's sake, you can cover the whole thing with wood inside and out. A hurricane wouldn't destroy this.»
«It's a perfect idea for us, but how long would it take?»
«I guess an hour per house. Depends on what kind of house, though. The bigger the house, the more time it takes to build.»
«Okay, tomorrow you show me what kind of house you can build in an hour and then we'll decide what to do.»
That was agreed upon, and in the morning I went to work. Originally, the headman wanted to reinforce the rock, but even I would need at least half a year to do that. So we decided to start with the houses. I managed to finish the first houses in a little over an hour. And that's only because I was simultaneously building the sewers and explaining to the locals what they were and why they were needed, which took a fair amount of time. But it got going.
I was building ten houses a day, and they were immediately occupied. Since there were no more than five hundred residents, it took me almost a month and a half to do everything.
I managed to install sewers not only in the new houses, but also in the old ones, which I was very proud of. I also managed to install a water tank for each house so that people could bathe at home instead of going to the public bath, which was much appreciated by the residents.
I reinforced the road a bit and hastily built a pier for ships, as the last one was badly damaged. And the village was transformed. Every house I built was covered with wood inside and out, and it looked like a regular little cottage. And considering that the house had a sewage system, a toilet and a shower, the inhabitants could not be happy. It took another month to make a good fence and add details like benches in the village.
As soon as I finished, the people I had come to see came to see me. They were both grown women and very young teenagers. They were all wearing Kyoshi uniforms and battle makeup.
«Did the leader say you came here to train with us?» the oldest of them asked. She was in her late forties.
«Yes, if it's not too much trouble», I wiped away the sweat. Even though it was far from summer, the physical activity kept me warm.
«We don't usually train outsiders, but you've done too much to be denied. So come to us tomorrow morning.»
«Tomorrow morning is unlikely», I just smiled at her confusion, «I need to reinforce the rock as soon as possible so that this doesn't happen again. Can I join you after lunch? I promise I'll be all yours by tonight, unless you kick me out.»
«Good. Then I'll see you at lunch», and they left.
Why did they come in such a group?
Oh, I've got a lot on my mind. I had metal brought to me a long time ago, but I had no time to work with it. Now this. I can't complain though. I haven't had this much practice in earth magic since the war. And I've got a rock to lift. So, I'll have a lot of Earth Magic lessons in the next few days, and I won't be bored.