The morning sun cast its warm light over the mountain peak as Leon stood in the park near his house, deep in thought. The air was fresh, and the distant sound of chirping birds added a gentle melody to the serenity of the scene.

For the past few days, Leon had been thinking about creating something new—a small project that would not only be useful but also give him a sense of accomplishment. After considering several ideas, he decided on something simple yet satisfying: a pool.

"A pool of clear water would be perfect," Leon murmured to himself, pacing near the edge of the park. He glanced at the two guards stationed nearby—Eron and Alric. They stood at their post, alert and ever-vigilant, though their gazes occasionally drifted toward Leon with curiosity.

Finally, Leon approached them. "I need your help with something," he said, his tone casual but firm.

Both guards straightened immediately, their expressions eager. "Of course, great Relethis!" Eron said, bowing slightly.

"What do you require, great one?" Alric added, his voice tinged with enthusiasm.

Leon smiled faintly. "We're going to build a pool."

Eron and Alric exchanged puzzled glances but quickly nodded. "A pool?" Eron asked.

"Yes," Leon said, gesturing to a flat area near the park. "A small one, just over there. It will be useful for… various purposes."

Though the guards didn't fully understand his reasoning, they didn't question it further. Instead, they set to work immediately, gathering simple tools and supplies from the village below. By midday, they had returned with spades, buckets, and wooden stakes to mark the pool's outline.

Leon directed them to dig a circular pit large enough to hold a reasonable amount of water.

"This will be your first task," he said, pointing to the marked area. "Dig until the depth is about chest-high."

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Alric, ever the optimist, grinned. "Leave it to us, great one!"

Eron nodded, his expression more serious but no less determined. "We'll do our best."

The next several days were filled with hard work and camaraderie.

Eron and Alric took turns digging the pit, their spades cutting into the earth as they slowly but steadily removed the soil. The sun was hot, and the work was grueling, but neither of them complained.

Leon occasionally joined them, offering water and encouragement as they toiled. Though he didn't physically participate in the digging, his presence motivated the two guards to push through the fatigue.

By the third day, the pit was beginning to take shape. Eron paused to wipe the sweat from his brow, glancing at the progress they had made. "It's coming along nicely," he said, his voice tinged with pride.

Alric grinned, leaning on his spade. "We'll have it done in no time, great one!"

Leon nodded approvingly. "Good work. Take breaks when you need to—we're not in a rush."

On the sixth day, the pit was complete. It was a perfect circular basin, its walls and floor smooth and even.

The next step was filling it with water. Eron and Alric carried buckets back and forth from the nearby lake, pouring the water into the pit one load at a time. The process was slow and repetitive, but they worked tirelessly, their spirits buoyed by the sense of accomplishment.

By the end of the day, the pool was filled, though the water was murky and clouded with sediment.

"Will it always look like this?" Alric asked, peering into the water.

Eron frowned, his hands on his hips. "It might clear up after the soil settles, but it could take a while."

Leon stepped forward, holding one of the Mana Reed plants he had created days earlier. "Not necessarily," he said. "I have a solution."

Leon knelt near the edge of the pool, carefully planting the Mana Reed into the soil just above the waterline. Its slender stalks and glowing veins stood out against the dark earth, their soft light reflecting faintly on the murky surface.

"Watch this," Leon said, stepping back.

For a moment, nothing happened. The water remained murky, its surface rippling slightly in the breeze. But after a few minutes, the change began.

The water closest to the Mana Reed started to clear, the sediment sinking to the bottom as tiny motes of light danced across the surface. The effect spread gradually, rippling outward until the entire pool was crystal clear.

Eron and Alric stared in awe, their mouths agape.

"That's… incredible," Eron said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Alric crouched near the edge, his reflection perfectly visible in the now-pristine water. "It's like magic," he said, his tone filled with wonder.

Leon allowed himself a small smile, his hands resting on his hips as he surveyed the pool. "It's the Mana Reed," he explained. "It purifies water and enhances it, making it clear and clean."

Eron and Alric straightened, their expressions filled with pride and satisfaction.

"We didn't know you could do this, great one," Alric said, glancing between Leon and the pool.

Eron nodded. "It's an honor to assist you in such a project."

Leon waved a hand dismissively. "You both worked hard to make this happen. Be proud of what you've accomplished."

The two guards exchanged pleased smiles, their chests puffing up slightly at his words.

As the day came to a close, Leon stood by the edge of the pool, watching as the last rays of sunlight reflected off its surface. The Mana Reeds swayed gently in the breeze, their faint glow casting a serene light over the water.