Chapter 12: Budding Beginnings
Deo stirred from his slumber, the enticing aroma of bacon wafting through the room, guiding him back to consciousness. The morning light penetrated the small openings of the dwelling, casting playful patterns across the floor. As his eyes adjusted to the soft illumination, the details of the room came into focus. There, in the humble cooking area of the home, stood Elandor, flipping a sizzling strip of meat over a crackling fire.
Rising from his comfy bed, Deo stretched and yawned, inhaling deeply, "That smells heavenly. Good morning, Elandor."
Elandor chuckled, "Good morning to you too, Deo. Thought I'd repay your hospitality with a hearty breakfast. Nothing like the smell of fresh bacon to start the day, eh?"
Pyro, still curled up in his bed, let out a contented sigh but made no move to wake up, seemingly lost in a peaceful slumber.
Deo moved over to the cooking area, taking a seat across from Elandor. As he served himself a plate of the mouth-watering bacon, he noticed Elandor had prepared a side of roasted vegetables and some slices of buttered bread.
"Seems like you're quite the chef," Deo remarked with an appreciative nod towards the spread.
Elandor shrugged with a modest grin. "Years on the road teach you a thing or two. Freshly cooked meals are one of those rare luxuries I treat myself to."
Deo took a bite, savouring the taste. "It certainly beats the berries and vegetables I've been living on."
The two continued to chat as they ate, discussing everything from the changes in weather patterns in the region to amusing anecdotes from Elandor's travels. There was a comfortable rhythm to their conversation, a stark contrast to the initial tension of their first meeting.
As the conversation flowed smoothly, Deo's thoughts shifted to more practical concerns. Setting down his fork, he met Elandor's gaze with a more serious look. "Elandor, since you've travelled extensively in these parts, can you give me some insights on the beasts I might encounter out in these desolate wilds?"
Elandor paused for a moment, collecting his thoughts. "The wilds are, well, wild. And the creatures reflect that. You'll find the usual suspects: wolves, boars, and the like. But there are also more unique creatures that call these lands home."
He leaned in, lowering his voice to a conspiratorial whisper. "There's the Gloomshade Lynx. A sleek, shadowy feline with eyes that shimmer like moonstones. They have fur that seems to merge with the dusk, making them nearly undetectable in low light. It's an ambush predator, so always watch your back. They're not the most aggressive, but they are elusive and can strike without warning if feeling threatened. Then there are the Skyscreamers - large birds with razor-sharp beaks and a screech that can disorientate anyone unlucky enough to hear it up close."
Deo's eyebrows rose, clearly intrigued. "Anything else?"
Elandor nodded. "There's a creature known as the Stoneback Tortor. It's a massive tortoise with a back that resembles boulders. They're mostly peaceful herbivores, but their sheer size means you wouldn't want to startle one. And, of course, there are rumors of larger, more terrifying beasts, but those are mainly stories. Still, it's always good to be prepared."
Deo took a deep breath, absorbing the information. "Thanks for the heads up. Knowing what's out there will help me plan my moves."
A short while later, after enjoying their shared meal, Deo watched as Elandor readied himself for departure. His belongings were packed with practiced ease, every item finding its designated place. As a parting gesture, Elandor left Deo a bundle of basic foodstuffs, ensuring he would have more than berries in the coming days.
Deo stepped outside with Elandor, the morning sun casting long shadows across the ground. "I truly appreciate your visit, Elandor. The seed, the food, the information— thank you for everything."
Elandor donned his hat and smiled, "The pleasure's mine. Your unique location, Pyro, and our conversation made for quite an unforgettable stop. Remember to keep me updated with any discoveries, especially regarding that Celestia Seed."
With a final nod and a wave, Elandor mounted his horse. "Take care, Deo. And do consider that partnership; there's much we can accomplish together."
Deo watched as the merchant disappeared into the distance, leaving behind a trail of dust that danced in the morning light. Following the merchant’s departure, a peaceful calm blanketed the area, broken only by the whispering winds and the gentle rustling of the trees. Deo stood there for a moment, basking in the morning sun, drawing inspiration and strength for the day ahead. It was time to progress his new quest, From Seeds to Harvest.
Making his way back into the cabin, Deo headed straight to a chest positioned against the far wall. Unlocking its latches and lifting the lid, the chest revealed the neatly organized assortment of tools, seeds, and materials. Each item had its place, ready to serve its purpose in turning the untamed land into a budding garden.
Carefully selecting from the chest, Deo procured his robust trowel, the well-crafted hoe, and his seed drill. He then carefully separated the Crimsonroot, Sylphbeans, and Golden Grain seeds from their mixed container. The Celestia Seed, a generous gift from Elandor, would have to wait for now. It held a rare promise, and Deo wanted to be absolutely prepared before he sowed it. But for now, his focus lay on the three staples that would set the foundation of his garden. As he collected a few additional tools from a neighbouring chest, the sun beckoned him outdoors. He stepped out, tools and seeds in tow, feeling rejuvenated by the sun's warm embrace.
As he headed out, the door creaked open wider, revealing Pyro stretching out from a nap, eyes gleaming with interest.
"Ready to get to work, buddy?" Deo inquired, gazing down at the young hellhound. Pyro responded with an energetic bark, his tail whipping back and forth in anticipation.
Deo stood surveying the area surrounding his cabin, mentally dividing the land into sections where each plant could thrive, while considering the unique requirements they had. His aim was to create a harmonious garden where each plant not only thrived on its own but also complemented and benefited its neighbours.
The spot Deo chose was a good distance from the cabin, ensuring enough space for expansion in the future. It was an area bathed in sunlight, with a gentle slope that hinted at natural drainage. Tall grasses waved at him, interspersed with clusters of wildflowers and the occasional bramble.
Approaching with care due to a lack of gloves, Deo started with the removal of the larger obstructions. He pulled out small saplings by their roots, ensuring they wouldn’t grow back. Bramble bushes, with their sharp thorns, required a bit more attention. He cut them down near the base, planning to dig out their root systems later to prevent regrowth.
Once the larger plants were out of the way, he began to tackle the grass. Using the hoe, Deo sliced into the soil, turning it over and uprooting the grass. The rich earth revealed itself, a dark contrast to the green he had just removed. Every now and then, a stray rock would obstruct his rhythm, but he promptly tossed it to the growing pile nearby. These rocks might come in handy later for defining paths or bordering his garden beds.
Once the ground was turned and reasonably free of debris, Deo envisioned the layout. Crimsonroot, with its preference for partial shade, could benefit from the towering Golden Grain. By planting the Crimsonroot to the east of the Golden Grain, it would receive morning sun and afternoon shade from the tall stalks of grain. The Sylphbeans, on the other hand, would be interspersed between both the Crimsonroot and the Golden Grain. Their nitrogen-fixing abilities would enrich the soil, benefiting both their neighbours.
The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.
With the area cleared, Deo began the next phase: preparing the ground. Using the trowel, he dug deeper into the earth, loosening it up and breaking down any larger clumps. This would ensure the roots of his new plants could easily penetrate the ground and spread out, seeking nutrients and moisture. He then added rich, dark compost, mixing it into the freshly turned soil. This compost would enhance the soil's fertility, providing essential nutrients to promote the healthy growth of the plants.
As he spread the compost, Pyro's curiosity got the better of him. Drawn to the aroma of the enriched earth, he edged closer, sniffing intently before tentatively attempting a taste. “Careful, Pyro! That'll upset your stomach!” Deo warned. Startled, Pyro retreated a few steps, fixing Deo with a slightly chagrined look. He then settled at a respectful distance, eyes still locked onto the intriguing compost but keeping his adventurous snout at bay.
With the enriched soil ready, Deo then used his hoe to create furrows for the Golden Grain. Each furrow was crafted with care, maintaining uniform depth and spacing for the grains to grow unhindered. For the Crimsonroot, he dug smaller holes, and for the Sylphbeans, shallow trenches, ensuring that while they remained close to each other, there was no competition for space or nutrients.
To assist the Sylphbeans in their upward journey, Deo constructed makeshift trellises from wooden stakes and twine, utilising the handy blueprints he had received from the system. These trellises were placed adjacent to the Golden Grain, providing the beans with the support they'd need to climb and thrive without encroaching on the Crimsonroot's territory.
Taking a deep breath, Deo gently cradled the assortment of seeds in his hand. The anticipation was palpable, and each seed held the potential of a future, of life waiting to unfurl.
He began with the Crimsonroot. Holding a seed between his thumb and forefinger, he marvelled for a moment at its intricate texture. It was a dense, slightly elongated seed with a shiny outer coat and a deep crimson hue. Positioning the seed drill over the previously prepared holes, Deo carefully released each seed, watching as they descended gracefully into the soil. With deliberate care, he covered them with a thin layer of soil, pressing down gently with the back of his hand to ensure good soil contact. The Crimsonroot seeds now lay nestled below, ready to sprout.
Next, the Sylphbeans. These were smaller, green, and somewhat round in shape. Their smooth texture felt cool against his skin. Using the seed drill, Deo meticulously dropped the Sylphbeans into the shallow trenches he had made for them. The tiny seeds quickly vanished beneath the surface, ready to weave their magic. He then gently raked soil over the seeds, offering them a protective cover.
Lastly, the Golden Grain. These seeds were a marvel. Each was golden-yellow with a slight shimmer, reminiscent of sunlight on a summer morning. Holding the seed drill over the waiting furrows, Deo methodically distributed the Golden Grain seeds, ensuring even spacing for optimal growth. With the edge of his hoe, he pushed soil over each furrow, gently concealing the seeds beneath.
With all the seeds sown, Deo stood back, allowing himself a moment of satisfaction. The initially barren patch of land now held the promise of a thriving garden. Each seed, now comfortably settled in its new home, was a symbol of his dedication and the potential of the land.
Deo took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the moment settle on his shoulders. "Time for the real magic of the Green Mage to begin," he whispered to himself, his gaze fixated on the freshly sown plot.
He moved purposefully to the area he'd sown with Sylphbeans. Closing his eyes, he tried to tap into the natural magic within him. The skill, Verdant Growth, was meant to stimulate and speed up the growth of plants. However, as he reached out with his senses, trying to forge a connection with the nascent life below, he felt... nothing. No tug, no pull. It was as if he was trying to grasp at elusive tendrils of smoke.
Determined, Deo tried again, taking a moment to centre himself. He envisioned the seed, visualised its life force, and felt for its essence in the ground. Slowly, almost hesitantly, he felt a faint pulse, like a distant heartbeat. Latching onto it, he let his mana flow, a vibrant stream of energy moving from him and sinking into the soil.
His focus unwavering, he could feel the drain as his mana reserves began to deplete. The connection was tenuous, but it was there. Minute by minute, the mana continued its journey, urging the Sylphbean seed to awaken and embrace life.
To the casual observer, the ground appeared unchanged, a mere patch of disturbed soil. But beneath the surface, a symphony of life and magic was in full play. As the energy from Deo's mana infused the seed, minute changes began to take place. The once hard outer coat of the seed absorbed moisture from the surrounding soil, growing supple and pliant. This transformation facilitated the first tentative root, a white tendril that gingerly probed its surroundings.
Deo could feel the connection, a pulsating link between him and the emerging life. Each thrust of the root felt like a gentle tug at his consciousness, a sensation both exhilarating and humbling. He sensed the root's avid thirst for nutrients, its greediness to anchor itself and claim its place in the world. The root system rapidly expanded, tendrils branching off, intertwining, and weaving a complex tapestry beneath the earth's crust.
The bean's journey was a stark reminder of nature's tenacity. It eagerly absorbed water and minerals, fuelling its ascent towards the surface. The magic Deo had poured into it was now manifesting, accelerating the process, but it also worked in tandem with the natural instincts of the Sylphbean.
The tension of anticipation was palpable. Deo could sense the culmination of his magic and the bean's natural journey as the plant prepared to break through the surface. From beneath, the dark, loamy soil began to shift, small mounds forming as something stirred underneath. Suddenly, a slender, green shoot, tender and vulnerable, broke free, pushing the crusty soil aside. It was a moment of birth, a quiet miracle, and the sunlight seemed to glow just a tad brighter in celebration.
Within moments, the shoot grew taller, its green intensifying as it greedily soaked up the sun's rays. Tiny, delicate leaves started to unfurl, presenting themselves to the world, catching every available photon to fuel its growth. As Deo watched, almost entranced, the Sylphbean's stem, engaged in a dance of circumnutation, seeking out the trellis he had thoughtfully provided. With surprising agility, the plant twisted and coiled around the wooden structure, using it as both a guide and support. Its ascent was purposeful, each twist and turn optimized for the best grip and positioning.
The morning air was filled with a fresh green scent as the Sylphbean grew, almost audibly. And then, to Deo's amazement, a small bud appeared on the plant, nestled between two leaves. It wasn't long before this bud transformed, unfurling to reveal a delicate white flower. The flower itself was a testament to nature's beauty, with intricate patterns and a soft fragrance that wafted through the garden.
But the spectacle wasn't over. With the passage of time and the nourishment from the earth, the flower began to wither, making way for what lay beneath. The base of the flower swelled, growing plumper and elongating. It was the genesis of the bean pod. As time passed, the green bean pod grew in size, its sheen reflecting the sunlight, proclaiming its healthy vitality.
Finally, the Sylphbean bore its first bean, a testament to Deo's skill, patience, and the wonders of nature. The satisfaction that swelled within Deo was immeasurable, a mix of pride, joy, and awe at the magic he had witnessed and facilitated.
Gasping sharply, Deo retracted his magical connection to the Sylphbean, feeling as if he had just resurfaced from the depths of a profound dream. The world seemed to solidify around him, the sounds and sensations of his garden coming into sharp focus once again.
[Skill Level Up! Verdant Growth has reached Level 4!]
[You have successfully grown a Sylphbean! +45 XP, +1 SP awarded.]
Deo blinked, processing the messages before him. The euphoria from his recent achievement mixed with a sense of satisfaction from the progress notification. He had felt connected, part of something grand, and the world rewarded his effort.
Driven by curiosity about the toll his exertion took on his reserves, Deo accessed his status page. His eyes widened as he saw his mana bar, which was usually brimming, now dangerously depleted, with only a faint sliver remaining. It was almost as if he'd sprinted a marathon, depleting nearly every ounce of his magical energy on this one act. Taking a moment to do the math, he calculated that it would take roughly two hours to fully replenish. “That's quite the drain for just one plant,” he thought.
Chewing on his lip thoughtfully, he mused, "Perhaps giving a gentle boost to each seed would be more efficient and sustainable." A wistful grin formed as he added, "Though admittedly, it wouldn't hold a candle to the thrill of this full-force growth." Taking a moment to reflect, he realized the lesson in restraint. "I can't just channel all my energy into every plant. It's about balance, strategy, and a touch of patience."
Pyro, who had been watching from a distance, was as taken aback as Deo at the rapid growth of the Sylphbean. As the plant sprouted, twisted, and bore its first bean, Pyro's tail wagged with excitement, his head tilting from side to side, a look of wonder in his fiery eyes. When the bean appeared, he took a few tentative steps closer, sniffing at the new growth with a mix of curiosity and temptation.
Seeing Pyro's interest, Deo chuckled, "I know, right? It's something else." He reached down to give Pyro a gentle pat, feeling the warmth radiating off the hellhound. "But remember, no snacking! Especially not after that compost incident."
With the morning's efforts behind them, and the promise of a fulfilling lunch ahead, Deo stretched his back, feeling the pleasant pull of worked muscles. "Come on, Pyro," he called out, "let's head back to the cabin. All this gardening has made me hungry!"