Living Again as a Man of Faith in Another World from Zero - Volume 1

[ Arc 4 - 5 ] Trials

Viu was taken off guard by the sudden shift in his surroundings. One moment he was standing in front of Echidna's tomb with Emilia and Otto, and the next he was standing in a familiar village, but as a child.

Shock and confusion washed over him as he looked around, the village looking exactly as he remembered it.

- What... what is this? he muttered to himself, his heart racing with uncertainty.

Viu watched in horror as the memories of his past flooded back to him like a tidal wave. The village, its people, the abuse, and the scars - it was all too real, too visceral.

- No... not again... he mumbled, his voice trembling as he tried to move, only to be struck once again. The pain of his past was as fresh and vivid as the day it happened, and he could feel himself being immersed in the cycle of pain and suffering once more.

Viu's eyes widened as the scene shifted, and he found himself reliving a moment from his past that he had hoped never to experience again. He was being attacked by three girls, their vicious intentions clear and their blows raining down upon him.

But then, just as he felt like he was about to be overpowered, a voice called out to him.

- Hey!

He looked up to see Merram standing there, her face set in a determined expression.

Merram rushed forward, stepping between Viu and the bullies, her fists clenched at her sides.

- Leave him alone! she yelled, her voice ringing out strong and clear.

The girls froze, taken aback by Merram's unexpected intervention. They exchanged glances, then turned and ran off, leaving Viu and Merram alone.

Viu stood frozen, his heart in his throat as he watched the memory unfold. He saw himself and Merram, laughing and sharing a moment of joy. But then, just as suddenly, his expression darkened as he realized what was happening.

He watched as Merram sat with his family and the other villagers, confessing her true intentions. Her words were like a slap in the face, ripping away the mask of friendship and leaving only cold betrayal.

Viu felt a mixture of anger and bitterness well up inside him as he watched the memory play out.

- The b*tch... he muttered under his breath, his stomach curdling with disgust and rage.

The scene continued to unfold before Viu's eyes, the betrayal and backstabbing like a dagger to his heart. He clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white as he fought down the urge to scream or lash out.

However he asked Echidna to come when he was leaving after she had abused him after he had believed too good that their friendship would last. He remembered leaving in anger and leaving the village and when he saw the fire lighting up in the distance he wanted to come back but the incident had burned everything. It was then that he asked Echidna in child form.

- What happened between my departure and this fire that killed everyone?

Echidna, in her child form, regarded Viu calmly, her expression betraying nothing of what was to come.

- You really want to know, dear boy? she asked, her voice full of intrigue.

- It wouldn't be a test if I didn't know and your question is rhetorical.

Echidna chuckled, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

- Alright, alright. I suppose you're right. Very well, I shall show you.

The scene before Viu shifted, transporting him to just after he had left the village. The village was still burning, the flames dancing across the buildings like a macabre shadow.