11 NORTHERN REGION: PART IV

Early the next day, Diana woke up and panicked seeing Athena was no longer beside her. Due to her fear that something might happen, the girl screamed, causing everyone in the household to wake up.

Ah- my head hurts. Why is Diana screaming so early in the morning? A-ah, my body hurts so much...

After experiencing manual labor, not only did Athena experience the after but the girl as well since she was attached to the body. Since back in her world, she never has done such work like; washing her clothes or even cleaning her own room.

"Who would have thought manual labor was this hard." The girl continued to moan in pain as her body felt rock solid and stiff from also sleeping outside.

As she stretched her arms in the air, she yawned as she slowly opened her eyes. The first thing she notices was Diana, who was standing across her all statued, and looking shocked as if she was seeing a ghost.

"Diana, what's wrong?" Athena got up as she checks why the girl looked so puzzled.

"Did you do this?" Diana pointed at the ground, which was the cause of her confusion.

It surprises Athena to see the seeds she planted last night have already sprouted. She didn't expect such growth in such a short period of time.

Wow, magic is amazing. To think, it only took a few hours for the seed to sprout already. I can now understand why everyone respects my mother so much and why she was needed so badly.

This was the first time Athena actually successfully used magic since she couldn't practice back in the estate. She didn't expect she'll be able to do this much to speed up the growth of the plant as well. All she hoped for was for the land to be suitable for planting.

Diana ran to Athena's side with such excitement all over her face, "Athena, are you an Elementalist?"

"Diana, didn't I tell you last night not to call me that and only call me Tina," she replied ignoring the girl's question. As she herself does not know if she is indeed an Elementalist for it was the first she's done something of the sort.

Diana senses that Athena doesn't seem to want anyone to know about her past life and her ability to use such magic, "Anyway, Fuji is awake as well, I'll go get ready and prepare us some food."

Whilst she was in deep thought about what Diana just mentioned. She recalled that quite a lot of the villagers must be starving. She felt guilty of the fact she'll be eating yet there are starving people out there. "By the way, Diana, do you know any capable fighter in the village?"

"There is one, but..." Diana's expression drastically changes thinking about that person's situation, she thought it would be better to show the girl than tell her. "I can take you to him instead than telling you."

Athena realizes there must be something wrong seeing the girl does not wish to tell her more about the person. "Where is he?"

"He's staying at the church at this moment." Her tone showed that the man was indeed in a terrible situation. For him to be staying in the church means bad news for Athena.

Diana left as she went inside to prepare their food.

Athena decided to stay behind and inspect the seedling. As she went closer to check them, she notices a small spark of light surrounding them.

"What could this be?"

As she has not learned much about Elementalist and magic, she was unsure of the glow of light surrounding the seedling. For now, she put her worries aside as she felt proud of what she have achieved.

Who would have thought she'll be talented in magic as well.

"I must really be a prodigy then." She proudly praised herself as she smiled from ear to ear of her great achievement.

She grabs the hoe and rake as she cleared more land in order to plant the rest of the seeds.

Since she was still exhausted from her late night sleep and manual labor last night. It didn't take long for her to be out of breath again.

"Why are you so weak?" She asked herself as she could not take the fact she's breathless again. Back in her world, even after climbing a mountain she'll still be fine. But, this body of her now is just bad. Even a toddler has more energy than her.

"Tina, breakfast is ready."

Diana shouted and called out for her.

Athena hurriedly entered the house since she was drained and exhausted. A good breakfast would do her good. She washed herself since she was covered in dirt and dust.

"Elder, good morning."

The old man smiled pleasantly to see the girl was still with them. He expected her to either have run away last night after sensing her leaving Diana's room so late at night. "Good morning child."

"Grandfather, I'll be leaving with Tina later."

"Alright, but where are you going so early in the morning."

Athena seated with them at the table after cleaning herself. Diana has put some food for Fuji as well, who was happily eating in the corner. "I plan to visit the church if that would be alright?"

"Of course, go ahead. The church is one of the reasons why the people are still alive. Without them, who knows when the village will last."

Athena realizes the situation has indeed been rough for everyone. But, what bothers her was the fact there was only a little help from the church as well.

The Northern Region is indeed part of the Empire so she understands why the Holy Nation did not get involved. Unlike the Holy Nation, the church holds great control over the lands it's under. Plus, the churches in the Empire stand independent from the Empire as they don't see eye to eye most of the time, especially the fact the Emperor crowned the crown prince's mother. Since then, the church has not shown any sign that they'll soon cooperate with the Empire again.

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