Novel's Extra: I Awakened The Strongest Physique From The Start

Chapter 167 - CHAPTER 166 - The Festival.

The morning of the festival arrived quicker than one would expect.

In contrast to the heavy atmosphere the night before, the atmosphere was joyous.

Bright sunlight streamed into Alex's room, and lively music filled the air. Laughter echoed through the village square as children ran around, clutching colorful ribbons and handmade trinkets.

The vendors called out, their stalls laden with fragrant food, glittering beads, and intricate carvings. The villagers were dressed in their finest, their faces alight with joy and anticipation.

Alex stood at the window, arms crossed, as he observed the festivities below. It looked like a scene from a dream—or perhaps a distraction.

[When did they even do all this?] Sophie questioned in surprise. [There was nothing—not even a simple ribbon—last night.]

Alex's lips pressed into a thin line. 'We'll know today.'

Just like Sophie said, last night, there was no decoration or anything. It didn't even seem like they were preparing for a festival, but today? It looked like they were having the biggest celebration of their lives.

Knock-Knock

A knock on his door broke his thoughts. He turned to find Elyra leaning casually against the doorframe, her smirk as sharp as ever. She was dressed more formally than usual, her leather armor swapped for a deep green tunic and a long cloak embroidered with silver vines.

"Morning, hero," she said. "You're missing all the fun."

"I'll pass," Alex replied, strapping his sword to his waist. "Something about this feels off."

"It's a festival, Alex. It's supposed to feel off—too much smiling, too much food, and way too much dancing." She grinned. "Come on, you'll blend right in. Everyone's been talking about you."

"Talking about me?" Alex raised an eyebrow.

"Oh, you know," she said with a wave of her hand, "how you're the village's savior, their great protector, their shining hope, yadda yadda." She laughed, but her eyes betrayed her unease. "They even made a banner. It's got your name on it."

Just like Alex, she had noticed the anomaly as well. She had lived here since childhood, but this place felt foreign to her now. It was as if everything she knew about this village was just her imagination.

Alex groaned at her words. "Fantastic."

They were soon walking toward the square, and the villagers cheered when they saw him. Children waved, adults clapped, and young women threw flower petals in his path.

'What the hell?' That was all Alex could think as someone handed him a garland of bright red blossoms, and another villager shoved a plate of steaming dumplings into his hands.

It wasn't that Alex wasn't used to being the center of attention, nor was he flustered receiving the villagers' gratitude. The problem was that they weren't acting. They genuinely seemed to be thanking him.

"See?" Elyra said, nudging him with her elbow. "You're a celebrity."

Alex gave her a look but managed a polite nod to the crowd. He didn't know what was happening or what he would face, so he just strengthened his guard.

At the center of the square, a raised stage had been constructed, draped in vibrant banners and garlands. The three elders stood atop it, their serene smiles as unwavering as ever.

As Alex and Elyra approached, the crowd parted, and a wave of cheers followed them to the stage.

By now, even Elyra's smirk was faltering, her lips twitching. She was feeling uneasy for some reason.

The middle elder raised his hands, and the noise subsided into an expectant hush. "Welcome, friends, to the Festival of Renewal!" He proclaimed, his voice warm and commanding. "Today, we celebrate not only our unity but the dawn of a new era for our village!"

The crowd roared its approval, chanting and clapping. Alex scanned their faces,

"It is not a request," the left elder said, his tone cold and final. "It is destiny."

The crowd began chanting Alex's name again, their voices rising in unison. Their faces were alight with hope and devotion, entirely oblivious to the weight of what was being asked.

Alex's hand moved to the hilt of his sword. "Destiny's going to have to wait," he said, his voice icy. "Because I'm not giving up my life for a lie."

The middle elder's serene expression darkened, and the glowing runes on the altar flared brighter. Shadows began to converge around the villagers, their forms twisting and shifting.

Elyra drew her dagger—or more like a knife, as that was all she could get in this village—stepping beside Alex. "Knew this festival was too good to be true."

The elders, uncaring of the villagers, raised their staves, and the air grew heavy with malevolence. "You will fulfill your role, hero," the middle elder chanted, his voice echoing unnaturally. "One way or another."

Alex's sword gleamed as he drew it, his mana flaring. The crowd's cheers finally turned to gasps of horror as the shadows surged toward him and Elyra.

"Guess we're done with the celebration," Elyra muttered, her smirk returning.

Alex nodded, his eyes cold and focused. "Let's finish this."