Chapter 13: Growth and Grit
Over the coming days, Deo settled into a rhythmic routine that began with the first soft hues of dawn painting the horizon. Every morning, as the world around him woke up, he’d venture out into the garden, a sense of purpose in his steps.
First on his list were the Crimsonroots. These unique crops, once tiny seeds, now sported broad, heart-shaped leaves that shimmered with a faint red hue in the early morning light. Each morning, he'd use Verdant Growth, channelling his mana delicately into the soil around their base. The magic would take effect almost immediately. The roots, buried deep in the earth, started expanding, taking on a deeper shade of crimson. They pulsed faintly, absorbing the nutrients around them at an accelerated rate. Above ground, the leaves would respond by stretching out wider, reaching for the sky as if expressing gratitude for the boost.
Next, he'd turn his attention to the Golden Grain. Row upon row of young grain plants now stood in the soft earth, their golden stalks still tender, waving gently in the morning breeze. With precision, Deo would channel Verdant Growth into each furrow. Under his magical touch, the grains began to grow taller, their stems thickening. The once slender leaves began to multiply, layering atop one another, capturing every available drop of morning dew. The tips of some had started to show the early signs of forming grain heads, a promise of the bounty to come.
Finally, the Sylphbeans. By now, these climbers had firmly established themselves on the trellises Deo had provided. Their green tendrils wrapped around the wooden stakes, always reaching higher. Using Verdant Growth on them was a delightful spectacle. The beans' tendrils would respond almost playfully, curling and uncurling, testing their strength and flexibility. The stems grew sturdier, and the leaves grew larger, with some even beginning to bear delicate flowers. These flowers, in turn, would soon transform into the very first pods, carrying the beans inside.
By the end of his morning ritual, Deo could see tangible progress across his garden. The magic of Verdant Growth, combined with his dedication and the natural fertility of the soil, was turning his plot into a flourishing bed of potential. With every passing day, the promise of a rich harvest grew more real.
After his diligent nurturing was complete, Deo would harness his sense of adventure, beckoning Pyro to accompany him as they set out to chart their surroundings. Each exploration was a voyage of discovery, pushing a bit farther each time, extending the mental map Deo kept in his head.
To the east lay the vast expanse of the forest, a dense canopy of trees and underbrush that Deo had initially emerged from. Its towering ancient trees seemed to whisper tales of old, their leaves rustling with the secrets they kept. Beneath their shade, the forest floor was a mosaic of ferns, moss, and flowers, some of which glowed faintly, hinting at magical properties. Birds of vibrant colours and patterns flitted through the branches, their songs filling the air. There were even glimpses of creatures – a swift flash of a silver-furred fox, the curious eyes of a tree-dwelling lizard, and once, the distant, majestic silhouette of a stag with antlers that shimmered like crystal.
Directly to the west of his cabin was the serene lake, its waters calm and glistening under the sun. The shores varied, with some parts being sandy beaches perfect for a lazy day out and others being rocky outcrops, where the water's splashes created rhythmic melodies. Schools of fish with iridescent scales darted just below the surface, while dragonflies and water sprites danced above. Occasionally, the head of a water serpent would emerge, its emerald eyes surveying the surroundings before diving back into the depths.
To the north, a meadow stretched out, a carpet of wildflowers painting the landscape in a myriad of colours. Butterflies of various sizes and patterns flitted from one bloom to the next, while grasshoppers played their songs, hidden among the blades of grass. A small brook meandered through, its clear waters bubbling over smooth stones, providing a fresh source of water to the many creatures that called the meadow home.
The southern boundary was marked by a series of gentle hills, their slopes dotted with groves of fruit trees. The scent of ripening fruit often wafted from this direction, tempting Deo to venture there in search of a tasty treat. Pyro particularly enjoyed these visits, often chasing after the shadows of birds or playfully bounding up the hills.
During his explorations around the cabin, Deo's awe of the world's natural beauty was occasionally marred when he would stumble upon the ominous presence of a Carnivora Sylvanum. Deo treaded carefully around these areas, mentally marking them as zones to avoid.
Each of Deo's ventures into the wild was also an opportunity to gather as well as explore. With each return, his arms were laden not just with resources, but with newfound knowledge. His skill, Botanical Knowledge, played a pivotal role, allowing him to identify and catalogue the various plant species he encountered. With every leaf, stem, or fruit he examined, his encyclopaedic understanding of the flora in the region expanded.
The forest, where his journey had originated, proved to be a treasure trove. He would gather sturdy branches, bark, and even whole logs that had fallen naturally. Using his tools, he'd efficiently stockpile ample wood, envisioning the various structures and implements he could craft with them. Herbs, both common and rare, were also identified and collected. Some, he recognized from his past readings, while others were delightful new additions to his growing compendium of knowledge.
The meadow was an aromatic treat with wildflowers and herbs that he'd dry for varied uses. The lake, besides its bounty of fresh fish enjoyed by Pyro, presented a plethora of aquatic plants. Some were beautiful to look at, others were packed with magic, and thanks to Botanical Knowledge, he could discern which was which.
From the southern hills, he brought back a bounty of fruits. Apples, pears, and peaches, some of which he'd eat fresh while others would be dried or preserved. Pyro, despite being a hellhound, seemed to have a peculiar fondness for the juicy peaches, often playfully snatching one from Deo's handmade basket.
With all these resources, Deo was methodically enhancing his farm. Not far from his garden, a basic storage shed now stood. Constructed from the wood he gathered, it was robust and functional, albeit a bit primitive. The shed was sectioned inside: one part for storing tools, another for the produce he'd soon harvest, and a separate area for dried herbs and other miscellaneous finds. Whilst providing XP upon construction, it apparently wasn’t enough to trigger the completion of his building quest.
Adjacent to the shed, he'd set up a series of compost bins. Layers of organic matter, from kitchen waste to leaves and other plant residues, were systematically added. This would eventually decompose to give him rich compost, an invaluable resource to enrich his garden's soil.
Beside his main farming plot, Deo dedicated a space exclusively for herbs. This herb garden was meticulously planned, with every plant being hand-picked for its unique properties and benefits, with a combination of the mystical and the mundane. The layout was a combination of raised beds and in-ground patches, allowing for practical accessibility and suited for individual requirements.
Marbled Mint stood proudly with its variegated leaves, showcasing a captivating mix of deep green offset by patches of creamy white. When ruffled, the leaves would emit their fresh, invigorating scent into the air. The Rooibos bush was equally enthralling, with its needle-like leaves that, though currently green, promised to mature into a vivid reddish-brown when dried.
The Moonlit Fern's silvery fronds glistened, capturing the essence of a moonlit night within its delicate leaves. Lakeside Luminaria, a magic plant Deo had discovered by the waterside, boasted gentle blue petals that seemed to shimmer as if they held droplets from the lake itself. Dreaming Lavender, with its vivid hue and strong aroma, was particularly favoured by local bees, which buzzed about its blooms with unmatched enthusiasm.
But Deo didn't forget the basics. Neatly lined rows held common yet invaluable herbs like basil, with its fragrant green leaves, coriander, offering a sharp citrusy flavour, and rosemary, its woody fragrance a favourite in many culinary dishes. Chives, oregano, and thyme also found their place, each herb essential for imparting distinct tastes and aromas to dishes.
One early morning, as the first light streaked the sky, Deo witnessed an audacious attempt by a local rodent to pilfer from his herb garden. The creature was a Ruffle-Tailed Lurker, characterized by its distinctive bushy tail that looked perpetually tousled, like a mop of unruly hair. Its elongated snout was constantly twitching, picking up scents, and its beady black eyes shone with an intelligence that suggested it was a seasoned thief in these parts. Its fur was a mosaic of deep brown, interspersed with random patches of white, giving it an appearance of a creature splattered with paint.
As it stealthily moved to snatch a sprig of Marbled Mint, Pyro, who had been dozing nearby, picked up on the intrusion. With a deep, rumbling growl that belied his size, Pyro lunged, casting an intimidating shadow over the Lurker. In mere moments, the creature, abandoning its covert mission, scampered away at breakneck speed, tail fluffed up in alarm.
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In the wake of this attempted theft, Deo realized the vulnerability of his carefully cultivated herbs. Taking no chances, he spent the following day constructing a simple but effective fence around the garden, ensuring that its contents remained safe from such opportunistic raids in the future.
On the fifth day of his explorations, as Deo pushed past some thick underbrush, he stumbled upon an array of vines stretching out across the forest floor. The immediate sight of the mottled mix of deep greens and purples made his heart race. Memories of the Carnivora Sylvanum and its predatory tendrils flitted through his mind, prompting him to instinctively take a step back.
But as he watched, waiting for the aggressive writhing or the hint of a monstrous maw, he noticed the sprawling vines were completely passive and lacked the fierce, thrashing motions of the Carnivora's tendrils. Instead, they seemed almost serene, pulsating gently and matching the gentle rhythm of the surrounding woods. Taking a tentative forward, Deo activated Botanical Knowledge and extracted the plant’s description:
[Rare: Sylvanus Vines - These deep green and purple vines sprawl gracefully across forest floors and climb up adjacent trees. They pulsate with a gentle rhythm, mimicking the heartbeat of the forest. Their surfaces are slick to the touch, glistening in dappled sunlight, and they occasionally sprout delicate white flowers with soft, luminescent centres.]
The vines, with their rhythmic pulsing, exuded an aura of tranquillity and harmony. The way they extended, reaching up and wrapping around nearby trees, showed their innate nature to climb, seeking the heights and light above. It was an enthralling dance of growth, as if each vine were a delicate hand reaching out, climbing and seeking.
Their harmonious aura tempted Deo, calling forth an innate curiosity within him. He'd seen climbing plants before, but there was something inherently magical about these vines. Their ascent, while natural, seemed to hold a hint of purpose and determination.
Drawing closer, he let his Flora Communication skill flow, aiming to tap into the essence of these climbing wonders. The immediate sensation was of serenity, a lullaby-like whisper that seemed to embrace him, enveloping him in its gentle ebb and flow. Yet beneath that calmness was a subtle ambition, a will to reach greater heights. Upon feeling Deo’s touch, he was met with an unexpected hesitancy from the plant. It was as if they were picking up on the whirlpool of complex emotions and inherent conflicts that lived within the human soul: the duality of joy and sorrow, hope and despair, love and apathy.
Recognizing this, Deo took a moment to centre himself, quieting the cacophony within. He inhaled deeply, allowing tranquillity to wash over him, pushing away doubts and letting the purity of his intent shine through. Exhaling, he sent forth gentle waves of assurance, conveying to the plant his genuine admiration for its beauty and purpose. He wished to learn, to understand the vine's essence, and hopefully, to benefit mutually from their interaction. He emphasised that he was reaching out, not with an intent to take, but to understand.
The vines seemed to sense this shift, as their initial hesitancy began to wane. Slowly but surely, the pulsing rhythm of the vines began to resonate with Deo's own heartbeat, the two becoming intertwined in a dance of understanding. It felt as if an ethereal bridge had been forged between man and plant.
Drawing upon this connection, Deo extended his hand, lightly touching one of the gracefully arching vines. The contact was profound, not just a meeting of skin and plant, but a melding of spirits. Their story of ascent, growth, and the will to climb higher seeped into his consciousness. Embracing this newfound kinship, Deo delved deeper, seeking to extract the magic properties from the Sylvanus Vines, all while keeping their mutual trust intact. Visions of moonlit nights, whispering winds, and the sheer tenacity of these vines as they climbed towards the heavens flitted across his consciousness. Suddenly, a rush of information streamed into his mind, the essence of the plant imparting its wisdom upon him. Deo could almost hear an ethereal chime, signifying the acquisition of a new skill.
[Skill Acquired: Sylvanus' Grasp - Allows the user to summon the Sylvanus Vines, which can entangle and immobilize a target.]
[Skill Level Up! Nature's Essence has levelled up to Level 4!]
[Skill Level Up! Flora Communication has levelled up to Level 5!]
Blinking, the colours of the forest around him came back into sharp focus. He withdrew his hand from the vine, feeling the lingering touch of its life force. With a deep breath, he tried to steady his swirling emotions, the gravity of the experience anchoring him in the moment. The Sylvanus Vines continued their gentle swaying, a silent acknowledgment of the bond they had just shared. A quiet word of gratitude escaped his lips, directed towards the Sylvanus Vines.
Chuckling to himself, Deo had a mischievous idea. “Hey Pyro,” he called out, glancing toward the young hellhound that had been watching him from a distance with his intense, fiery eyes. Pyro tilted his head, clearly intrigued.
Holding his arm out, Deo concentrated on the Sylvanus Grasp skill. Almost instantly, slender, green vines erupted from the ground, swaying and stretching, seeking something to latch onto.
Pyro, always ready for a game, saw this as a challenge. With a playful growl, he sidestepped the first vine that reached for him. Deo, getting more accustomed to directing the vines, made them chase the nimble hellhound puppy. Through the clearing they went, Pyro evading the vines with his agile moves, every so often letting out playful, albeit slightly fiery, barks when a vine came close.
After a short while, Deo eased his control on the skill, and the vines withdrew back into the ground as if they had never been. Pyro pranced back to Deo, his tail, with its small flicker of flames, wagging proudly, clearly pleased with himself.
Laughing heartily, Deo bent down and patted Pyro's head. "Alright, alright," he conceded with a grin, "You win this round." The exercise had not only been a fun diversion but also gave Deo a clearer understanding of the skill’s potential and limitations. The Sylvanus Grasp was definitely a powerful tool, but its effectiveness would depend on Deo’s control and the agility of the target.
As Deo and Pyro began their trek back to the cabin, the serenity of the forest was suddenly interrupted by the sound of raised voices echoing from not too far off. The voices were filled with emotion and appeared to be locked in some form of heated debate. The distinct smell of woodsmoke reached him, indicating a camp or perhaps a fire nearby.
Deo paused, his senses on high alert. It was rare to hear human voices in this secluded part of the woods, and the sudden confrontation set him on edge. He looked down at Pyro, placing a finger on his lips and then motioning with his hand downward, signalling for silence and caution. The hellhound pup, catching onto Deo's seriousness, immediately lowered his body, moving silently and staying close.
Approaching the clearing where the voices emanated from, Deo kept to the shadows, using the underbrush and trees as cover. Peeking through a gap in the foliage, Deo observed a group of three individuals standing in the midst of the clearing, beside a crackling campfire. The three of them seemed to be engaged in a verbal dispute with the air thick with tension.
Deo treaded softly, ensuring each step made minimal sound, with Pyro closely following suit. As the duo approached, the sight of the trio in the clearing became clearer. The two men seemed to be in a heated disagreement with the woman, who despite her smaller stature, was holding her ground assertively.
The older of the two men, with greying hair and a thick beard, wore ragged trousers that had seen better days. The edges of the pants were frayed, and the knees had patches, indicating multiple repairs. His shirt, once white, was now stained and had signs of wear and tear, especially around the elbows. An old leather belt cinched at his waist, holding up the worn-out trousers. Draped across his torso was a distinctive grey belt sash, hinting at a shared history among the trio.
The younger man had a lean frame and a fiery intensity in his eyes. His dark brown pants were ripped in places, revealing makeshift stitches done in haste. His light-coloured shirt was missing several buttons, revealing glimpses of a faded undershirt beneath. Just like the older man, a grey belt sash adorned his outfit, its ends swaying gently with his agitated movements.
The woman, her features slightly weathered with age, had long chestnut hair streaked with strands of silver, tied back in a tight ponytail. Her blouse, though tattered at the hem and sleeves, was tucked neatly into a worn skirt that had mud splatters and signs of recent mending. Her shoes were scuffed, but they looked sturdy, and around her waist, she too bore the grey belt sash, its ends hanging with a weightiness that suggested it bore more significance than mere decoration.
"We need to find a settlement! Supplies are running low," the older man declared with urgency.
The younger man nodded, "Exactly! We can't keep roaming this wilderness indefinitely."
The woman, voice firm but with an undercurrent of concern, responded, "If we approach a settlement, they might recognize us. And if they do, we could be executed."
The younger man, frustration evident in his tone, shot back, "Listen, Lena, we can't keep running forever."
Lena took a deep breath, "Perhaps it's best if I split off from the two of you."
The older man's face grew dark and threatening, "You can't be serious, Lena. After everything we've been through... You think we'll just let you go?"
She replied, looking resolute but with a hint of fear, "It's for the best. Maybe alone, I'll draw less attention."
Joren, the younger man, his voice dripping with menace, said, "Lena, if you try to leave, we won't hesitate to feed you to that tree. Remember what happened to Dax?"
The mention of a name held a chilling significance, causing Lena's face to pale. As the weight of their conversation sank in, Deo's grip on his staff tightened, a rush of realization flooding him that he might be near individuals with sinister intentions. His heart thudded louder, mirroring the escalating tension in the clearing. Vague references to a gruesome fate tied to a tree hung ominously in the atmosphere. With every second, a knot of anxiety constricted tighter within him. The very notion of inserting himself into an unfamiliar conflict was daunting. He grappled internally: should he intervene? The risks were evident. They could turn their aggression on him, and what if he failed to manage the ensuing chaos?
He took a moment to bolster his resolve, taking a deep breath. "They don't know who I am. I can use that," he thought, trying to fortify himself with the idea that unpredictability might be an advantage. As the argument grew louder and more threatening, Deo could sense the atmosphere thickening with hostility. The younger man, Joren, took a step closer to Lena, his face contorted in anger. He couldn't bear to be a mere spectator to potential harm.
Realizing that the confrontation was reaching a tipping point, Deo took a deep breath and mustered the courage to step out from his hiding place. With Pyro at his side and Yggdrasil's Branch held firmly in his grasp, he walked into the clearing.