Year 1, Summer, First Month, Fourth Week.

It looked like a normal morning for Caiset Village, but below the gentle sunlight, change had come. Karl, still aching from yesterday's ordeal, made his way to Chief Omero's hut. He had a task from Master AI to relay, a method to preserve the beasts' blood with herbs.

Upon reaching the Chief's house, he was surprised to find Diana leisurely enjoying her breakfast, a rare sight given the time. Her usual sparkling energy seemed dimmed by fatigue, but she still greeted Karl with a cheerful smile.

"Hey, Karl! Good to see you survive your parents," Diana said in light banter. "The Chief got everyone available working on the beasts. They collected the blood, like you said, and even found crystals inside them!"

Karl immediately recovered from the surprise at the mention of the crystals. "Those are elemental cores from the beasts," he explained eagerly, remembering Master AI's teachings. "But given the beasts' strength, I doubt the crystals are of higher quality."

Diana, finishing her meal, stood up and gestured for Karl to follow. "Let's head over to Grandma Marlen’s. She's overseeing the processing. You know? She used to work with a butcher back in her first village. She's got this whole setup now."

As they approached Marlen’s hut, Karl noticed a new makeshift shed, complete with tables and knives. Noticing their arrival, the elder came out to greet them.

“Good morning, children... or should I say, young adults,” she began, a hint of nostalgia in her voice. “It’s hard to believe, watching you all grown up and doing such brave things. I still remember the days when I used to look after you as little ones.” Karl felt his cheeks warm at her words, recalling the tenderness with which Marlen had always treated him.

The shed buzzed with activity, some villagers portioning the meat while others did the cleaning. At this point, the Rune-enhanced knives became invaluable, allowing the weak villagers to barely slice through the tough joints and meat.

"We managed to gather about 120 kilograms of meat from the beasts," Marlen revealed. "Chief suggested, and I agree, that we should cook it for everyone in the village today. It might spoil otherwise. Each villager will only get a small serving, but it's significant. The meat has magical properties, and if eaten in small portions, it will be beneficial for health and growth, while too much could be dangerous."

Marlen beckoned Karl closer with a gentle wave, revealing the three earthy-hued crystals lying atop her table. Karl's eyes shined as he examined them closely.

‘-- These are LQ earth crystals from a LT earth beast. Be aware, the meat from these beasts will be tougher due to its elemental nature --’, Master AI informed him.

‘-- To fully benefit from the meat, you need to cook it correctly. Heat it on a stone to preserve its earth properties and make it tender. The meat should be cut only after stone-cooking, and the bones can be stewed with root vegetables --’.

Karl relayed the information to Marlen, who listened intently, her eyes widening in amazement. "Interesting... This is the kind of information only noble chefs would know. Karl, you're full of surprises."

Recalling the beneficial effects of some specific, Karl also suggested adding them to the cooking process. "It should help with the digestion and absorption of the magic properties," he explained.

Marlen nodded, trusting Karl's judgment despite her curiosity about the source of his knowledge. Together, Karl and Diana gathered the alchemical materials and left the hut. The unexpected loot of earth crystals would come in handy for his new designs.

With water and earth crystals in their hands, there was a lot that could be done. Lost in his thoughts, Karl started to consider what would benefit the village the most. The villagers didn’t have much contact with water on a large scale, except when watering the fields. Of course, they used it in their daily lives, to drink, cook, wash their clothes, and clean themselves. But none of those activities held the potential of helping the village as a whole.

However, practically all of their water was drawn from the well, so it would be great if he could make a magic tool that could make drawing water less taxing, perhaps even effortless. The idea of using the water crystals in such a unique way excited him. It was a practical solution that could transform the daily routine of every villager.

It was common knowledge that Elemental Mages used elemental crystals to cast their magic, which made Karl confused about how he could use them too. "Master AI, if I don't have water affinity, how can I effectively use the water crystals? And if I craft a tool with it, how could the other villagers use it without any spiritual energy or water affinity?"

'-- To use an elemental crystal without affinity, you must create a tool that reduces the need for direct control. Think of a structure where the crystal can function by itself. As for the villagers, the tool must operate on a principle that doesn't require them to exert their own spiritual energy. --'

Since starting his training, Master AI has been encouraging Karl to note the problems and ask about potential solutions. This method was in line with the mindset needed to become a successful Alchemist.

In Alchemy, while energy crystals were used as a source of power, elemental crystals were used for their attributes.

Karl nodded thoughtfully. "So, it's about creating something that harnesses the crystal's properties, but doesn't rely on the user's energy or affinity," he muttered to himself.

After some consideration, he envisioned a simple mechanism, something like a lever or a pulley already used in the well but integrated with a water crystal. This tool could perhaps amplify the crystal's natural affinity to water, drawing it up from the well without the need for direct control or significant energy expenditure.

"I think I've got it, Master AI. If we set up a system where the crystal's energy is focused and channeled, it might just work. A sort of passive magic tool that leverages the crystal's affinity to draw water," Karl exclaimed, the pieces of the puzzle falling into place in his mind.

One of the most important principles of magical affinity was mutual attraction. Something, or someone, with affinity would attract the element and at the same time be attracted to it. If the attraction was high enough, it could even move and control the element.

Not one to simply theorize, Karl swiftly set up an experiment, bringing a water crystal close to the water. The effect was visible, the pulling agitating the liquid, but still not strong enough to move the water. He furrowed his brow in concentration, eager to understand the missing piece.

'-- Your conclusion is acceptable. However, the key lies in directly empowering the water affinity itself. Think of it as nurturing the very essence of what attracts the water. --'

"So, I can just use an energy crystal to amplify the water crystal's affinity attribute, and consequently, the pull on water?" Karl cried in realization.

His eyes shined with understanding. " I need to focus on enhancing the affinity, not just the energy," he whispered to himself, a plan already forming in his mind.

'-- Correct. Now, let us delve into a topic that can help you in this endeavor, extraction Arrays. The basic Extraction Array is symbolized by a pentagon. --'

[https://i.imgur.com/Oz57uYa.jpg]Karl listened intently as Master AI continued, '-- The pentagon concept is ‘Growth’ and it has the aspect of ‘Sustenance’. It functions like plant roots, absorbing nutrients. This Array can draw magic energy from anything within it. However, it activates only when connected to other active Arrays. The efficiency of extraction depends on the Array's craftsmanship and the energy used by the connected Arrays. --'

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'-- For elemental affinity extraction, you will need the Properties Extraction Array, symbolized by a pentagram. It works on a similar principle but focuses on separating elemental properties. --'

[https://i.imgur.com/NIXSrJY.jpg]

‘-- The pentagram’s concept is ‘Uniqueness’. It has the aspect of ‘Selection’. It will search and select the unique energy properties in what is placed inside of it. --’

Pondering aloud, Karl questioned, “Master AI, you’ve mentioned that elemental energy encompasses many attributes, including elemental affinity, physical traits, and even emotional characteristics. When I use the water crystal, how can I ensure that only the water affinity is extracted and not its physical or emotional aspects, such as flexibility or coldness?”

‘-- Keep in mind, the essence of the Property Extraction Array lies in its ability to select. As you craft it, concentrate on the specific attribute you wish to select --’

Karl burst with excitement. "That's brilliant! I can empower the water affinity selected by the Properties Extraction Array with an energy crystal within an Extraction Array. But... how do I make the water move in a specific direction? Do I need some sort of mechanical assistance, like a rope? That would..."

'-- Patience, Karl. The first step is mastering the Arrays themselves. Focus on that for now. --'

In the afternoon, the village's central square started to become busy as those who weren’t working at the magic fields, mostly elders and teenagers, came to help in the communal cooking organized by Marlen. She had taken Karl's suggestions and added the magic herbs to the humble list of seasonings. With a steady voice, she directed the group of energetic teens to set up a makeshift stone table above the fire, while the others helped with preparing the soup in smaller makeshift stoves. The village lacked the means for large-scale cooking, so they adapted, using multiple small pots to boil water for the broth.

The moment the large cuts of the beast’s meat, which had been identified by the elders as hyena, met the heated stones, the sound of sizzling filled the air, drawing the attention of villagers whose stomachs rumbled in anticipation.

As the meat cooked, Marlen expertly commanded the helpers to turn the pieces, revealing a tenderer, grilled side. The sight of the tough meat finally shredding under the prodding of a curious villager elicited a wave of salivation among the onlookers.

Amidst the enticing aromas, Grandma Marlen, added a mixture of flavor-enhancing and magic herbs, intensifying the already mouthwatering scent. The villagers, unused to such luxuries, stared in trance, their usual hardships momentarily forgotten.

The villagers, now fully engaged in the task, began slicing roots to add to the boiling pots. Earlier, Karl had explained the roots' ability to absorb and enhance the earth's attributes, adding depth to the broth. Taro and yam, the village's staple root crops, were sliced and added to the pots followed by the beasts’ bones, simmering under Marlen's watchful eye.

As the evening approached, the aroma of cooking meat and bubbling broth filled the village. Hundreds of workers, returning from a relentless day at the magic fields, were attracted by the enticing smell, forgoing the rest of their own homes for a chance to taste something different.

Marlen, accompanied by a few more prominent elders, carefully divided the bones and chunks of magic meat among the bowls, ensuring that everyone got a share.

Karl gazed out at the assembly of villagers, all two thousand of them, including the ailing and children. The magnitude of the gathering surprised him. Despite knowing the size of his village, it was the first he saw everyone in one place. A melancholic sentiment washed over him as he observed their tattered garments and weathered faces.

He turned to look at his parents. His mother had filled his childhood with tales of wonder and possibilities. Now, he understood her intentions. She wasn't just spinning tales; she was gifting him hope, a luxury not many could afford.

"You were right all along, Reyna," her husband spoke softly. "Karl is really exceptional. The kids have done more for this village than we ever could. I'm proud, really proud. But I know my role and you mustn’t blame me. I have to keep him grounded, while you give him wings to soar."

Reyna's eyes gleamed with unshed tears. She had often doubted the fantasies she fed Karl, wondering if they were just echoes of her unfulfilled dreams. But now, seeing him standing there, the hope of the entire village, her doubts evaporated. She smiled, her heart swelling with pride and genuine respect for her father's dreams that she had once doubted.

Meanwhile, Chief Omero stepped on a makeshift podium, commanding the attention of the entire village. The flickering flames of the fires illuminated the assembly. The villagers were crowded into the square, waiting anxiously for his words.

"We're caught in a difficult situation with the increased tributes, facing impossible choices," He began, his voice echoing in the silent square. "We all know that arguing with the Kingdom is like trying to stop a storm with our bare hands. And yet, they're pushing us towards a corner, where slavery seems like the only way out."

Mutters of discontent rippled through the crowd, fists clenched in silent protest, eyes downcast in despair.

"But, my friends, we might just have a chance to fight," Omero continued, pausing to survey the crowd. Confusion on their faces. They knew all too well the stories of villages razed to the ground for standing against the nobles.

"We've been blessed with a chance by the Origin itself," he declared, his voice booming across the square. "Many of you have seen the kids bringing the beasts last night. Among them, Karl, who encountered a blessing on his return from the ceremony earlier this year. He has gained the ability to create magic tools!"

The square erupted in murmurs of shock and disbelief. Karl, caught off-guard by the Chief's revelation, felt all eyes turn to him. The concept of magic tools was foreign to most villagers, but the simple association with magic commanded fear in their hearts.

Amidst the chaos, Master AI's voice resonated in Karl's mind. ‘-- The Chief is quite the strategist. He is using this moment to shift the villagers' mindset. It’s a clever move, Karl. He is weaving a narrative, controlled doses of hope and despair, subtly rallying them against a common adversary. Even though it is a dangerous path, for now, it aligns with your goals. But be wary, the tides of people’s emotions can be unpredictable --’.

"The time has come for us to rise above our suffering," Omero continued passionately. "If these youngsters can confront and defeat such formidable foes, then we, as their elders, must muster the same courage to face our own challenges head-on!"

As they savored the rich, unique taste of the meat, the villagers' faces lit up with joy. This moment was more than a meal. For the first time in a long time, they felt hope, a taste of happiness.

.........

Meanwhile, in a distant struggle, Captain Lew was in the throes of a desperate battle. His face smeared with blood and sweat, he witnessed the brutal demise of his last guard at the claws of a beast.

With a heavy heart, he realized the hopelessness of his situation. They were up against a second-rank MT fire beast, and victory was no longer possible. The only viable option was a strategic retreat.

Their mounts, sensing the overwhelming presence of the salamander, had panicked and fled, only to be mercilessly struck down by the beast's fiery long-range assaults. The beast had already claimed twelve of his guards.

Fire beasts were notoriously lethal, their affinity with the purest and most destructive of elements made them fearsome adversaries. The salamander, though not massive in size, was a terror incarnate with mastery of fire magic. Each fireball it spat could incinerate a house with ease, and its tail transformed into a flaming whip in combat, adding an edge to its deadly arsenal.

The gap between a LT and an MT beast was vast, like the distance between earth and sky. He knew he would have to use the secret technique inherited from his father if he wanted to survive the battle.

His father, a renowned fighter in Serion's Royal Army, had secured Lew's Captaincy, hoping it would be a stepping stone to greater ranks within the Kingdom Army, and perhaps even the Royal Army. But now, faced with an overwhelming adversary, Lew felt he couldn’t live up to his father's legacy.

"I have to use it... but I need to be smart about it," Lew muttered to himself, gazing at the large crystal in his hand. He knew he couldn't afford to use it recklessly, especially against a beast of such destructive power.

Closing his eyes, Lew focused his energy, and the crystal began to pulsate, emitting bursts of energy. A soft white glow surrounded his body, his eyes reopening to reveal a striking white glow. Despite the surge of power, Lew knew it was insufficient. With a decisive motion, he crushed the crystal, causing a brilliant explosion of light. He absorbed the released energy rapidly, the process imbuing him with enhanced speed and strength.

The salamander, sensing Lew as the sole remaining threat, lunged towards him with its burning tail. Lew, now charged with the crystal's energy, narrowly evaded the lethal swipe. Instead of engaging the beast, he chose survival, turning on his heels and sprinting away with shocking speed. His figure blurred into the distance, a fleeting shadow against the backdrop of the fiery onslaught.

As the dangerous ball of fire hurtled towards him, the Guard Captain’s training and instincts kicked in. Despite the enhanced speed he had gained from the energy crystal, the fireball's velocity made it almost impossible to evade. Abandoning the idea of outrunning the attack, Lew instead focused on evasive maneuvers. With a swift change in direction, he narrowly dodged the flaming orb, which exploded upon impact with the ground, sending a scorching blast radiating outward.

The heat wave hit Lew, its intensity less than lethal but forceful enough to throw him off his stride. He channeled energy to his legs, fighting to regain balance. The power coursing through him was foreign and fleeting, a temporary boon that he couldn't rely on indefinitely.

As he regained his pace, Lew counted himself fortunate; he only had to evade two more fireball attacks before he was out of the salamander's range. He couldn't help but silently thank whatever providence had spared him from further attacks. "Maybe the beast lost interest," he mused with a brief, relieved smile.

But Lew's relief was short-lived as reality set in. His squad was gone, casualties of the wild beast that continued to wreak havoc on nearby villages. The thought of facing the Hurricane City Lord filled him with dread. He knew that the lord would seek someone to blame for the destruction, and as the surviving Captain, he was the obvious target.

After today, he would be branded a traitor and the Serion Kingdom would no longer have a place for him.