Chapter 15: The Homestead Must Grow

Deo's pulse thrummed in his ears, each beat echoing the rush of adrenaline that still coursed through him from the confrontation moments ago. The forest, which had momentarily been agitated by the eruption of action, was gradually returning to its gentle hum, and the chirping of the birds overhead signalled a return to normalcy. But within Deo, the storm of emotion was yet to subside.

As his thoughts swirled, several notifications from the system popped up in his field of vision:

[XP Gained: 900. XP gain doubled due to avoiding bloodshed]

[Congratulations! You've levelled up! You are now level 9]

[Skill Level Up! Sylvanus' Grasp has reached Level 2! Improved control and strength of vines summoned.]

[Skill Level Up! Sylvanus' Grasp has reached Level 3!]

With a slight nod, Deo mentally swiped away the notifications, letting them fade from view, even as the information they conveyed settled in his mind.

Silent self-reproach gnawed at him. How had he let Bran come so perilously close? It was a slip in his typically impeccable judgment, an error he seldom allowed himself. The weight of what could have been—a potential injury or worse, had he not been quick-witted—felt like a stone in his stomach. But as the moments ticked on and his breathing steadied, a counterthought emerged, pushing back against his self-critique. He had acted decisively, prevented any harm, and displayed control over the very elements of the forest. In the grand scheme of things, he had not only protected himself but also ensured that no blood was spilled.

From his side, a soft voice disrupted his thoughts. Lena, with eyes still holding traces of recent fear, tilted her head slightly as she asked, "What are you going to do with me?"

Deo blinked, processing her question. He turned to face her, his green eyes meeting hers, and responded in a tone more of surprise than deliberation, "Do with you? You're free to do as you please."

Lena's eyebrows knitted together, her face a canvas of confusion. "Then why... why did you intervene back there? With Joren and Bran, I mean."

Deo looked at her, his gaze unwavering, as if the answer was evident. "Because it was the right thing to do," he replied simply, a matter-of-fact tone echoing the forest's serenity. To him, the very essence of being was interwoven with a profound understanding of balance and justice. It wasn’t about picking sides; it was about maintaining equilibrium.

He started walking, his stride smooth and purposeful, the underbrush barely rustling under his feet. "I don’t live too far from here," he began, casting a sidelong glance at Lena. His eyes assessed her pallid complexion and the clear signs of exhaustion. "You look like you could use some food and rest. Would you like to come along?"

A weighted silence fell between them as Lena considered Deo's offer. Just as the stillness threatened to stretch further, a sharp bark punctuated the air. It was Pyro, who had been waiting patiently at Deo's side. His fiery eyes gleamed with an intelligence that belied his canine nature.

Deo offered a soft smile, reaching down to pat the creature affectionately. "Ah, I forgot my manners. Lena, this is Pyro." The canine, upon hearing his name, moved closer to Lena, his dark fur rippling with every step, the red streaks shimmering like flowing lava.

Instead of growling or showing any signs of aggression, Pyro approached with a kind of regal grace, his demeanour suggesting that he was extending a warm welcome. When he stood right in front of Lena, he gave a soft whine, nudging her hand with his nose in a gentle plea for attention.

The unexpected friendliness from such a fearsome-looking creature drew a hesitant smile from Lena, and she tentatively reached out, her fingers brushing Pyro's fur. The warmth of the connection, combined with Deo's offer, made her decision easier. Drawing strength from the unexpected camaraderie, she looked up at Deo. "I'll come with you, for now. It's not as though I've got anywhere else to turn."

After a brief pause, she added, determination evident in her voice, "But just because you're a Greenshade doesn't mean you can push a Blanker around. I won't just roll over and accept any unjust treatment."

As the trio began to walk towards Deo's cabin, the tall trees around them offered a sense of tranquillity. The gentle rustling of the leaves above accompanied their conversation.

Deo looked genuinely perplexed, his brow furrowing in confusion. "Greenshade... Blanker? Joren referred to me as 'Master Greenshade' as well. I come from a land far from here; our cultures and terminologies might differ. Could you explain these terms to me?"

Lena seemed slightly taken aback, clearly not expecting such ignorance from someone who wielded power as he did. She took a deep breath, "Alright. So you know how everyone has a class right? And that the vast majority of people have a common class like baker or gatherer – we’re known as Blankers. Then you have the uncommon classes, commonly known as Greenshades.”

Nodding slowly to indicate he was following, Deo prompted her to continue.

She hesitated for a moment, her eyes scanning him up and down, particularly taking note of his vividly green robes. "You are an uncommon class, aren't you?" She asked, a hint of suspicion in her voice. "Not a hidden Cobalt or something rarer? Your robes and the aura you give off... they're not quite typical for a mere Greenshade."

Deo chuckled at her suspicion, a light-heartedness returning to his demeanor. "No, no," he laughed, "I promise you, I'm not hiding any Cobalt secrets. I'm a Green Mage, an uncommon class, as you've so rightly deduced."

Lena raised an eyebrow but seemed to accept his explanation. "Well, since we're sharing, I'm of the Head Cook class." There was a hint of pride in her voice as she mentioned her class.

Deo's interest was piqued. "A Head Cook? That's impressive! What level are you?"

Lena's expression immediately shifted from one of open sharing to indignation. Her eyes flashed with a mix of anger and hurt. "I'm 46 years old, I've Peaked, of course!" she exclaimed, her voice rising with each word. "Just because I have a Blanker class doesn't mean I'm some lazy layabout who hasn't been levelling. Blankers don’t just sit around accepting their fate, you know!"

Deo's confusion deepened. "Peaked? I'm not quite sure what you mean by that." He raised his hands in a placating gesture, seeing he had touched a nerve. "I apologize, truly. Our terminologies and norms seem to be quite different. I didn't mean to offend."

Lena eyed him warily, a hint of suspicion clouding her gaze. "You truly don't know? This isn't some kind of test you're putting me through?" She paused, waiting for any signs of duplicity in Deo's expression.

Seeing none, she continued, her tone softening but still holding a hint of defensiveness, "Alright, let me explain it for you then. Blankers, like me, have a maximum level cap of 25. Once we reach that, we've Peaked, meaning we can't level up any further. Greenshades, like yourself, have a higher cap – 50. Cobalts can level up to 75, and so on."

Deo's eyes narrowed in thought. "So, there's no way through this cap?

Lena sighed, her eyes gazing distantly as if recalling memories. "Well, there is... in theory. Every 25 levels, there's a slim chance for an individual to upgrade or evolve their class. But that's rare, very rare. It's not just about reaching the peak level; circumstances, opportunities, and certain achievements need to align. It's not something your average person can just accomplish."

She paused, then added, "For those who've Peaked, you get an annual system event on the date you peaked called the Ascension. It's a time when the system evaluates if you've met the conditions to evolve your class. But again, it's rare. Most go through their lives with their starting class, without ever ascending."

Deo glanced over at Lena with genuine appreciation in his eyes. "Thank you, Lena. You've truly helped shed light on something I was unfamiliar with. Your patience is admirable."

They continued walking, the soft earth beneath their feet muffling their steps. The trees overhead rustled, the leaves creating a dappled pattern on the ground. Just as the silence between them threatened to stretch on, Deo hesitated slightly before asking, "There's just one more thing I'd like to inquire about, if you don’t mind."

Lena looked over, her gaze questioning.

"The carnivorous tree," he began, trying to keep his voice gentle, knowing he treaded on sensitive ground.

Lena visibly shuddered, her steps faltering for a moment. The light in her eyes dimmed, replaced with a haunted look. "Why on earth would you want to know about that?" she asked, her voice quivering, the traumatic memories of the incident flashing before her eyes.

Deo's gaze softened, recognizing the emotional weight the event had on Lena. "I understand this may be difficult for you," he began gently, "but I have a quest to understand these carnivorous plants better. I want to know what's causing their proliferation and if there's a way to halt it."

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Lena's eyes widened a fraction. The thought of more such trees out there, swallowing up unsuspecting souls, was truly horrifying. She could understand Deo's urgency and concern.

Deo continued, "I was hoping that, after some food and rest, you could lead me to where the incident took place. I wish to investigate further, to find any clues regarding their rapid spread and perhaps devise a means to counteract it. We could leave in a couple of days, giving you ample time to recuperate and gather your strength."

Lena hesitated. The idea of returning to that site filled her with apprehension. But, she also realized the potential catastrophe if these plants continued to multiply unchecked. Taking a deep breath, she gave a tentative nod. "Alright," she murmured, "I'll help you. But please understand, revisiting that place... it won't be easy for me."

Deo offered a reassuring smile. "I understand, Lena. And I'm truly grateful for your assistance."

The forest seemed to grow denser with every step, the foliage above allowing only dappled sunlight to reach the ground. The quiet between them was thick, punctuated only by the sound of rustling leaves underfoot and the distant songs of forest birds. Lena's thoughts were consumed by memories of the tree, evident in the distant look in her eyes and the slight downturn of her lips.

As they continued forward, the density of the trees gradually lessened, until suddenly, the forest gave way to a vast clearing. The sight that met their eyes was breathtaking. Nestled on the banks of a shimmering, serene lake stood a cozy cabin. Its wooden exterior was adorned with climbing ivy, while soft wisps of smoke floated from its chimney, suggesting a warm hearth inside. The lake's waters mirrored the hues of the sky, a kaleidoscope of reds, oranges, and purples as the day neared its end. The reflection of the setting sun painted the scene with a golden glow. Before the cozy cabin and the shimmering lake, a field of Golden Grain waved gently, dancing gracefully in the gentle breeze. Amidst its golden waves, specks of red from the Crimsonroot and vibrant green from the Sylphbeans painted a scene that looked like a masterpiece from nature's own palette.

Lena was momentarily pulled out of her reverie by the beauty of the landscape before her. Her gaze was fixated on the gentle ripples of the lake, its tranquil presence providing a sharp contrast to the chaotic emotions she felt.

Deo, sensing her wonder, beamed with pride as he gestured grandly to the scene before them. "Welcome," he announced with a warm tone, "to the Lakeside Homestead!"

Lena's eyes lingered on the serene panorama before her. With a soft, almost inaudible voice, she murmured, "It's beautiful."

Deo gave her a knowing smile. "It is a haven, isn't it?" he said, his voice holding a note of pride.

The duo entered the cabin, the interior cozy and warm, exuding a rustic charm. The soft crackling of the fire provided a gentle background noise, its flames casting dancing shadows across the room.

"There's stew in the pot over the fire and some bread on the side," Deo mentioned, gesturing to the fireplace. "Feel free to help yourself."

Lena wasted no time. Her hunger evident, she ladled a generous serving of the stew into a bowl, its aroma filling the cabin. Grabbing a chunk of bread, she dug in, each bite a testament to her evident hunger and appreciation of the meal.

Watching her, Deo said with a light chuckle, "Seems like you were famished."

Between mouthfuls, Lena nodded, "I didn't realize how starved I was until now."

Once they'd finished eating, Deo, noting the fatigue in Lena's eyes, pointed to a soft-looking blanket and pillow he laid out by the hearth. "You can rest here for the night," he offered.

Lena, though wary of sleeping on the floor, was too tired to protest. As she settled down, Pyro ambled over, curling up beside her. The warmth of the fire and the comforting presence of the loyal canine seemed to have a soothing effect, and soon enough, Lena drifted into a peaceful slumber.

The first light of dawn streamed through the gaps of the cabin, illuminating Deo's face. The warmth prompted him to stir, and with the memories of yesterday's encounter still fresh, he took a quiet moment to centre himself. Silently, he swung his legs over the edge of his bed, taking care to not wake Lena or Pyro, who was sprawled out near the fireplace, its flickering embers providing a gentle warmth.

Deo's mind was already churning with plans. The night had given him time to ponder Lena's situation, and he realized that she might need a place to stay longer than just a few days. The decision made, he headed to his storage chests, which were meticulously organized and neatly stacked near the cabin's side.

He retrieved a set of tools - a finely crafted axe, a saw, a mallet, and a chisel - and, crucially, a blueprint for a simple log cabin he'd been eyeing for a while.

Pushing open the door, Deo made his way outside. The homestead was a sight to behold in the morning light, the field of Golden Grain glistening with dew, while the Crimsonroot and Sylphbeans added splashes of colour, painting a serene picture of the world waking up. With materials in hand, he started to mark the foundations in the soft earth, using the magical outline of the blueprint he had extricated from the chest.

Deo moved towards the stockpile of wood he had previously gathered, now neatly stacked and seasoned, a testament to his foresight and preparedness. The logs were of varying thickness, each suited for different parts of the cabin's construction. Sorting through them, he selected the most appropriate pieces and arranged them by the marked foundations.

As he began the meticulous work of shaping the logs, a warm nuzzle against his hand broke his concentration. Looking down, Pyro, now fully awake, greeted him with those familiar, playful eyes. Deo paused to pat the creature affectionately, a smile breaking across his face.

His hands soon returned to their task, the rhythmic sounds of chiselling and mallet strikes punctuating the morning air. Time seemed to blur as he became engrossed in his work, only to be snapped back to reality by Lena's voice.

"I've made some breakfast," she called out, holding a steaming plate of food. The delicious aroma wafted towards Deo, reminding him of how much energy building a cabin would consume. Gratefully, he set aside his tools, welcoming the break, and headed towards the inviting scent of a freshly cooked meal.

Deo gratefully accepted the plate from Lena, finding a soft omelette nestled within. Cutting a piece and taking a bite, his eyes widened in appreciation. "This is amazing!" he exclaimed.

Lena chuckled, her pride evident. "Well, I am a head cook, remember?"

He nodded, still enjoying the delightful flavours dancing on his tongue. Noticing Lena's curious glance at the foundations and wood piles, Deo explained, "I'm constructing a new cabin. Can't have you sleeping on the floor another night."

Lena's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Wait, a cabin just for me?"

Deo shrugged, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Yes, if you'd like. I have a quest to recruit individuals to help develop this area into a hamlet. Even if you decide not to stay, I can use it for other guests in the future."

Her eyes widened further, realization dawning. "You have ownership of this land?"

Deo simply nodded, his gaze drifting back to the budding project before him.

Lena, taking the cue from Deo's renewed focus on the construction project, quietly retreated back into the main cabin.

Deo started with the foundational beams, each one a thick log that had been meticulously chosen for its strength and straightness. Using the mallet and chisel, he began creating notches at the ends of the logs. These notches would serve as interlocking points, allowing each horizontal log to sit snugly atop the one below it.

Once the base was set with the logs firmly interlocked at the corners, Deo began erecting the vertical supports. Four stout logs, taller than the rest, were positioned at the corners of the structure. These would serve as the main support pillars for the cabin, bearing most of its weight.

With the corner pillars in place, he started working on the side beams. These were a series of horizontal logs, each one slightly shorter than the ones used for the foundation, and they were laid across the length and breadth of the cabin. Each log was meticulously placed atop the other, their notched ends interlocking with precision. The gaps between the logs were minimal, but Deo knew he'd later fill these with a mixture of mud and straw to ensure insulation and keep out the elements.

The construction of the frame was a process that required both finesse and strength. Each log had to be positioned perfectly, ensuring the entire structure was level and sturdy. By the time the basic frame was in place, it stood as a testament to Deo's craftsmanship—a skeleton of what would soon be a comfortable living space.

After the frame was in place, Deo moved on to constructing the roof. He'd selected slimmer, yet still robust, logs for this purpose. The idea was to create a slight slope, allowing any rainwater to easily slide off. With an axe, he sharpened one end of each log into a point, making them look almost like giant pencils. These would be layered atop one another, with the pointed ends facing outward, creating a durable and effective roofing system.

While he was absorbed in his work, Deo heard footsteps approaching. Looking up, he saw Lena, her face determined but slightly hesitant. "Do you need a hand with anything?" she offered, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.

Deo paused, considering her offer. "Well, if you're up for it, we could start filling in the gaps between the logs. It'll make the cabin more insulated and weatherproof. There's a mixture of mud from the lake and rushes over there," he pointed to a prepared pile near the stockpile of wood. "You can use it to fill in the spaces."

Lena nodded, looking relieved to have something tangible to help with. She walked over to the mud mixture, using her hands to knead it into a pliable consistency. With care, she began applying the mixture into the gaps between the logs, pressing and smoothing it with her fingers, ensuring no cracks or spaces remained.

Deo watched her for a moment, appreciating her skill. "You have a good hand for this," he commented.

Lena chuckled, "It's not that different from kneading dough or smoothing frosting on a cake. A Head Cook picks up all sorts of handy skills."

The duo continued their work, with Deo adding the finishing touches to the roof while Lena took care of the gaps. They then worked together to fit a simple wooden door, using sturdy branches for the frame and smaller twigs and the mud-rush mixture for the panels.

By the time the sun was beginning its descent, casting a golden hue over everything, the cabin stood complete. The logs were tightly interlocked, the roof was sturdy and waterproof, and the door swung open and closed with ease.

Lena, standing back, admired the completed cabin. "It's beautiful," she murmured, a hint of disbelief in her voice.

Deo nodded in agreement. "Thank you for your help. Together, we achieved this."

Deo turned to Lena, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Lena, would you like this cabin? It's yours if you want it."

Lena's eyes widened, surprise evident in her gaze. "Really? Just like that?"

Before Deo could respond, a translucent system prompt appeared before Lena:

[You have been invited to become a member of Lakeside Homestead. Do you accept?]

Lena hesitated for a moment, glancing between the cabin and Deo. Then, with a determined nod, she selected 'Accept'.

[Congratulations, Lena! You are now a member of Lakeside Homestead. Your new dwelling has been registered.]

Deo was then inundated with a series of system notifications himself:

[Simple log cabin constructed, +500 XP rewarded]

[Quest Update: Builder’s Beginnings]

With tools in hand and potential all around, lay the foundation for the future. Every great construction starts with a single brick or plank. It's time to shape your home beyond a basic shelter and craft something that stands as a testament to your efforts.

Progress: Complete!

[Quest Complete!]

[Complete quest and receive rewards from your status page]

[Quest Update: From Homestead to Hamlet, see updated progress in status page]

Making a mental note to review them later, Deo dismissed the notifications and smiled warmly at Lena. "Welcome to the Lakeside Homestead, Lena. I'm glad to have you here."