My friends are gods

Chapter 11: The First Steps in Humu

Morning came quickly in the village of Eldralin. The sunlight filtered through the small window of Han Li's room, waking him to the sounds of birds chirping and the distant hum of villagers beginning their daily routines. Han Li stretched and sat up, still adjusting to the mortal world's simplicity compared to the grandeur of the gods' realm.

For a moment, he stared at the divine sword lying beside his bed, its blade reflecting faint glimmers of morning light. It was both a gift and a reminder of his mission—a tool that could shape his path but also mark him as something far beyond mortal comprehension. He resolved to keep its true nature hidden for as long as he could.

After freshening up, Han Li stepped outside. The air smelled of dew and freshly tilled soil, a stark but welcome contrast to the dense energy of the divine world. Villagers bustled about, some leading livestock, others tending to crops. The village exuded a sense of purpose and camaraderie that intrigued Han Li.

As he surveyed the scene, Mira, the healer who had housed him, approached with a warm smile.

"Good morning, Han Li. Did you sleep well?" she asked, handing him a wooden bowl of porridge.

"Very well, thank you," Han Li replied, accepting the bowl. "Your hospitality is much appreciated."

Mira chuckled. "We don't often get travelers here, so it's a treat for us too. But you mentioned yesterday you were looking for work. Have you given any thought to what you'd like to do?"

Han Li paused, considering his answer. He was skilled in many areas thanks to the gods' lessons but wanted to blend in without drawing attention.

"I can help with manual labor or repairs," he said modestly. "I've also spent some time learning basic healing techniques if that's useful."

Mira's eyebrows lifted slightly. "Healing, you say? That's rare for a man your age. Perhaps you could assist me at the clinic today. It's not much, but it's good work."

Han Li nodded. "I'd be happy to help."

---

A Day at the Clinic

The clinic was a modest structure made of wood and stone, its interior neat but sparse. Shelves lined with herbs, salves, and simple tools filled the room, and a faint herbal scent lingered in the air. Mira handed Han Li a mortar and pestle and guided him through preparing some basic remedies.

As they worked, Mira shared tidbits about the village and its people. Han Li learned about the local blacksmith, an elderly man named Garen, whose forge was the heart of the village; the miller's family, who often supplied flour to neighboring settlements; and the village's headman, a cautious but fair leader.

Their conversation was interrupted when a young boy burst into the clinic, clutching his arm. His face was pale, and tears streamed down his cheeks.

"Mira! It's my brother! He fell off the hill near the forest, and he's hurt bad!"

Without hesitation, Mira grabbed her satchel and motioned for Han Li to follow. They hurried through the village and into the woods, where a small crowd had gathered around a teenage boy lying on the ground. His leg was bent at an odd angle, and he groaned in pain.

Han Li felt a pang of pity but also a sense of calm focus. The gods had trained him for moments like these.

"Let me help," he said, stepping forward.

Mira hesitated but nodded. "Be gentle. His leg might be broken."

Kneeling beside the boy, Han Li assessed the injury. The fracture was clean but severe. Drawing on his lessons from the God of Healing, he pressed his hands over the injury, murmuring a soft chant under his breath. A faint glow emanated from his palms as he channeled a fragment of divine energy into the boy's leg.

The onlookers gasped as the swelling reduced and the bone realigned itself. Han Li quickly covered the glow by wrapping the leg in a splint made of nearby branches.

"That should hold until it fully heals," he said, standing up.

Mira stared at him, her expression a mix of awe and suspicion. "That was... impressive. Where did you learn to do that?"

Han Li shrugged, keeping his tone casual. "I've had some training in unusual places. Just lucky, I suppose."

---

Unexpected Encounters

As they returned to the village, the boy's family showered Han Li with gratitude. Word of his skill spread quickly, and by evening, several villagers approached him with minor ailments and injuries. Han Li helped where he could, careful to limit his use of divine power to avoid drawing too much attention.

Later that night, as Han Li rested outside Mira's home, he noticed the faint shimmer of a divine portal opening in the distance. A figure emerged, cloaked in shadow but unmistakably godlike.

"Han Li," the figure whispered, stepping closer. It was the Bright-Eyed God, his luminous gaze piercing the darkness.

"What are you doing here?" Han Li asked, rising to his feet.

The god smiled faintly. "Merely checking on you. The gods are curious about how you're faring in Humu. Your actions today have impressed us."

Han Li frowned. "I'm trying to keep a low profile. The last thing I need is to attract attention."

"And yet, you cannot help but stand out," the god replied. "That is your nature, Han Li. But do not fear. You are doing well. We only caution you to remain vigilant. Humu may seem peaceful, but danger lurks in many forms."

Before Han Li could respond, the god vanished, leaving him alone under the starry sky.

---

A New Direction

The next morning, Han Li awoke to find Mira waiting for him. She looked more serious than usual.

"Han Li, I've been thinking about what happened yesterday," she began. "Your skills are extraordinary, far beyond what most healers can do. I don't know where you came from, but you're not an ordinary traveler, are you?"

Han Li hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. But before he could answer, Mira continued, "Don't worry. I won't pry. But if you're staying in this village, you should speak with the headman. He may have tasks that suit someone of your... talents."

Seeing no reason to refuse, Han Li agreed. The headman's home was larger than most, built near the center of the village. Inside, the headman, a wiry man with sharp eyes and a calculating demeanor, greeted Han Li with measured politeness.

"I've heard of your deeds," the headman said, his tone neutral. "Healing the injured, helping the villagers. It seems you have a knack for making yourself useful. But I must ask—what are your intentions here, traveler?"

Han Li met the man's gaze evenly. "I seek to learn about this world and find my place in it. If I can help the village in the process, I will."

The headman nodded slowly. "Very well. There are matters that need attention—bandits in the hills, strange occurrences in the forest. If you're willing to assist, you may stay as long as you like."

Han Li agreed, feeling the first stirrings of purpose. He had taken his first steps in Humu, but the road ahead was long. As he left the headman's house, he couldn't help but smile.

The journey was just beginning.

---

Chapter 11 explores Han Li's integration into the village of Eldralin, his growing reputation, and the first hints of the challenges that await him in the mortal realm. It balances his divine gifts with his desire to fit in, setting the stage for future conflicts and growth.