Chapter 29: The First Step to Gaining Trust

The Mesopotamian region, or the area between the two rivers, is a fertile and beautiful land, which is why it could support one of the oldest human civilizations outside of the Edenites.

However,

As previously discussed, nothing is perfect.

As a flaw, this land severely lacks the most basic stone and wood materials and is often harmed by river floods. The summer heat, without effective cooling, poses a lethal threat.

Thus, the foundation of Sumerian civilization is clay.

A resource with strong plasticity that can be produced in large quantities.

Even the city walls are made of mixed clay bricks.

In Adam’s view, that is exceptionally fragile.

From a technological perspective, such walls are not only easy to damage due to the lack of connecting materials like mortar or cement but the clay bricks themselves are not very strong.

From a miraculous perspective, the people of Larlag could not reinforce it through magic or divine favor. Not to mention Adam and Jeanne d’Arc Alter, just any adult dinosaur could smash it.

Probably knowing this, the citizens on the walls, ready with slings and primitive early bows, appear as if doomsday has arrived.

“Wow, it’s worse than I thought. You can clearly see the traces of rushed repairs on the city walls. Tell me you didn’t just trample through it.”

Facing Adam’s question, Jacob lowers his head in embarrassment.

Adam sighs.

After all, he’s here to clean up after his children’s mess.

He dismounts from the triceratops and then floats mid-air.

He can now directly use abilities that Earth can understand more easily.

For example, making the air around him “support” him.

“Residents of Larlag, my name is Adam, the progenitor of the Edenites. Please allow me to apologize on behalf of my people. Though their motives can be understood, their actions were undoubtedly too rough and inconsiderate. Again, please allow me to apologize.”

Without shouting, Adam’s voice spreads quickly like dye in water, reaching every Larlag resident.

With the system’s help and using the Great Art to read information, he has fully mastered the still somewhat rudimentary Sumerian language and directly communicates in it.

Clearly, his thoughtful approach is effective.

The previously panicking and fearful militia, upon hearing the unexpectedly familiar language and sincere attitude, become somewhat at a loss. They look at each other and eventually, a man who appears to be of some stature steps forward.

“O dweller in the woods who rides dragons, I believe your words. Surely there must be some misunderstanding.”

The Edenites’ strict policy of non-killing, rather than hate, instills more fear in the people of Larlag.

Discovering that no one died except for the temple being torn down, even the unyielding priests were just left unconscious, the people of Larlag began to interpret the incident as if it were a divine punishment to analyze.

Is it something they did to anger these powerful beings?

After all, they have always lived by such a creed.

“Thank you for your tolerance. Therefore, it’s even more unacceptable to just let this go. After my instruction, the Edenites from El-Neim wish to offer a substantial apology. We will build a barrier wall for you that can even stop rampaging monsters, and then I will engage in long-term exchanges with you, where you can exchange for Edenite food and specialties.”

Adam didn’t have the dignity to create due to the “show of force” previously demonstrated by the Edenites who demolished the temple, choosing instead an approachable and amiable attitude.

But from the other side’s perspective, everything seems a bit eerie.

Although they are willing to believe the Edenites didn’t have any real malice, they worry whether it’s some kind of test.

Just like sometimes gods disguise themselves as mortals to enter a city to see the true reactions of its inhabitants, and if not pleased, they would unleash their wrath as punishment.

At the same time, they instinctively find it hard to believe in such a dreamy proposition.

As the people waver,

“Hey, come back!”

Following the shout of a couple, a little girl, younger looking than little Da Vinci and with a runny nose, climbs onto the city wall. She faces Adam floating in the air and the line of Edenites on dinosaurs, making faces without any fear.

“I hate you, you’re the bad guys! It’s because of you my grandfather died!”

Her words make Adam frown.

“Jacob.”

The young man immediately explains in a panicked yet honest manner upon being called.

“Progenitor, we were very careful, remember what I just told you? Due to the prophecy, every Edenite tries their best to stay away from killing, to the point where hunting has become an undesirable task for many. Hence, the Kabbalah tree fruit has become our main food source.”

“It is so. But I believe the child isn’t lying, nor is she misplacing her anger. Generous residents, please tell me what exactly happened.”

After picking up the wandering little girl, a woman dressed in a long robe with a veil, her skin a light brown, speaks to Adam.

“It’s the punishment from the goddess Ishtar for our failure to guard the temple. This child’s grandfather, the most virtuous and wise among us, pleaded with the goddess to take the punishment on our behalf, and so, he was consumed by heavenly fire and turned to ash. Ishtar didn’t indicate you were sinful, so you need not blame yourselves; this was due to our failure to fulfill our duty of protecting the temple.”

It’s infuriating.

Whether it’s the gods or their fanatical believers.

“Her grandfather died because of us, how can it be unrelated to us? Jacob, as the only one who realized the problem and understood Sumerian, you failed to stop the others in time. For this, I want you to accept punishment. Do you agree?”

“I agree.”

“Good, worthy of someone who will become a leader. Then, I command you to create a body that can allow her grandfather to live on and watch over the city he loved, before I return.”

Saying so, Adam tosses a Kabbalah tree seed to Jacob.

The latter, who catches it, is momentarily at a loss.

Actually, not just him, but even Jeanne d’Arc Alter and Drake, transcending eras, fail to grasp it, only the genius little Da Vinci understands Adam’s intention.

“In the Age of Gods, unlike our era, there exists an underworld physically connected to the human world, where human death is more like an unawakable sleep. As long as the body remains intact, bringing back the soul from the underworld can revive them.”

She explains to the puzzled crowd.

And Jacob immediately realizes his responsibility.

Adam’s punishment isn’t just a formality.

The girl’s grandfather, with his physical body completely destroyed, cannot be revived even if his soul is retrieved.

Creating a perfect vessel requires a tremendous amount of energy, possibly even a portion of the creator’s life force.

“I understand, Progenitor. I will do my utmost.”

“That’s for the best. Now, it’s my turn. Gaia, please listen to my voice: first, I can traverse your surface to reach the underworld that collects souls flowing to you.”

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