Chapter 17: Embracing Harmony
Deo took a deep breath, allowing the choice he'd made to fully resonate with his being. The words "Life's Harmony" echoed in his mind, and with it, a warm rush of energy spread throughout his body.
The sensation began at the base of his spine and spiralled upwards, wrapping around each vertebrae with a comforting embrace. It felt as if nature itself was intertwining with his soul, merging his essence with the vibrancy of life. The shimmering green energy seemed to dance beneath his skin, leaving traces of its luminance in its wake. His fingertips tingled, as if infused with the life force of every tree, plant, and creature he had ever encountered.
Deo's senses expanded, sharpening to a level he had never experienced before. He could feel the subtle vibrations of the earth beneath him, each rhythmic pulse syncing with his own heartbeat. The whispers of the wind carried tales of distant lands, the songs of birds from far off regions, and the quiet rustling of leaves from trees miles away.
A mental vision began to form. In it, he saw a magnificent tree, its sprawling branches reaching out, interwoven with countless other forms of life. Birds nested within its boughs, squirrels danced along its limbs, and beneath its shade, various plants flourished, each benefiting from the other. This tree represented Deo's newfound connection to all life, and the delicate balance he was now a steward of. However, as he tried to focus on the tree, it seemed to be attempting to convey something to him, a deeper message or prophecy. One of its leaves, prominently displayed and tinged with an enigmatic shade of red, caught his attention before the entire vision gradually faded away, leaving him with a lingering sense of curiosity and wonder.
As the vision faded, Deo realized his understanding of the world around him had deepened. The interconnectedness of all things was clearer to him now. Every creature, every plant, had a role to play in the grand tapestry of life, and he was now better equipped to nurture, guide, and protect that balance.
Opening his eyes, the world seemed more vibrant, more alive. He could see the subtle auras surrounding plants and animals alike, their energies intertwining and coexisting in a harmonious dance. A newfound wisdom rested behind his gaze, one that spoke of a deep bond with the earth and all its inhabitants.
The serenity of the moment was punctuated by the now familiar chimes of system notifications:
[Congratulations! You’ve selected the Life’s Harmony subclass.]
[New Skill Acquired: Fauna Communication - Allows you to communicate with animals on a basic level, understanding their needs, feelings, and intentions. This does not control them but promotes understanding and trust.]
[New Skill Acquired: Wildlife Insight - An inherent comprehension of animals and their behaviours. As the skill progresses, users attain profound knowledge of elusive and mystical fauna, enriching interactions, and connections with the wild.]
[New Skill Acquired: Nature’s Symphony - When activated, the ambient sounds of nature become louder and more pronounced, allowing you to listen to the world around you and potentially gain insights or warnings about nearby phenomena.]
[Skill Upgrade: Nature's Essence (Level 4) - Can now be used to magically bond with both flora and fauna. Each bond grants a unique skill. You can maintain 4 plant bonds and 4 animal bonds concurrently.]
[New Title: Guardian's Pact – You have made a solemn oath to champion harmony. Plants and animals are more inclined to trust you, sensing your harmonious aura. Wild creatures may be less likely to show aggression unless provoked.]
Deo was pleasantly surprised by the newly acquired skills. The ability to communicate with animals and the heightened sense of the natural environment would prove invaluable in his journey. The thought of bonding with animals was particularly intriguing, and Deo wondered which creatures he'd encounter next and what unique abilities they might share with him. With Wildlife Insight, he was keen to catalogue and understand the fauna, much like he had been doing with Botanical Knowledge for plants. The most immediate and obvious choice to try the upgraded Nature's Essence on was Pyro. He wondered about the potential skills the bond might provide and how it would enhance their partnership.
But first, he decided to indulge in Nature's Symphony. Closing his eyes, Deo activated the skill. The world around him transformed audibly. It felt as though he was submerged in a sea of sounds, each layer distinct and enriched. The gentle rustling of leaves carried whispers of the trees, the distant calls of birds seemed like they were singing tales of their flights, and even the soft lap of the lake's water against its banks sounded like a rhythmic heartbeat of the world. It was an overwhelming sensory experience, akin to a maestro conducting an orchestra of nature.
Even as he sat still, the enhanced auditory sensation allowed Deo to mentally traverse the lake's perimeter. He could hear the shimmering waves lapping at the shore, the aquatic plants swishing gently in the currents, and the playful splashes of fish. Distinct croaks of frogs, the movement of turtles, and the occasional water bird diving for a catch painted a vivid picture in his mind. However, amidst this tranquil symphony, there was an abrupt stillness, a spot where the music of nature faded. This void intrigued him, and he made a mental note of its location. It was a silent whisper, a hint that something unusual existed there. The world had provided a clue, and Deo felt drawn to uncover the mystery, but decided it was best approached with caution and would return to it later.
Drawing himself out of the immersive experience, he felt more connected to the world around him than ever before. The weight of the harmonious tune of nature lingered in his ears, and he was left with an even deeper appreciation for the vibrant life that surrounded him.
Deo, feeling invigorated by the symphony of nature he had just experienced, walked back up to the cabin. The rhythmic sounds of the lake still echoed faintly in his ears. As he neared, he called out, "Pyro!"
The hellhound, sensing his companion’s call, bounded over from the woods where he had been chasing after a squirrel or some other small creature. Pyro halted before Deo, his crimson eyes studying him, and then gave a soft whine, tilting his head to the side curiously.
Deo took a moment to activate Fauna Communication and then said, "Pyro, I have chosen a new subclass. It's called Life's Harmony. One of the skills allows me to understand you better, to communicate with you. Do you understand?"
The hellhound's reaction was immediate. Pyro's eyes lit up with a certain awareness, and although he didn't 'speak' in the traditional sense, Deo suddenly understood. Pyro's emotions poured in: a surge of happiness, a touch of mischief, a wave of loyalty, and an undertone of curiosity. The most prominent sentiment, however, was excitement. This new connection seemed to strengthen their bond, making it even more profound than before.
Pyro then began to make a series of motions: wagging his tail, snuffling at the ground, and then looking up at Deo with a playful glint. Although no words were exchanged, Deo interpreted this as Pyro's way of saying, "This is exciting! What do we do next?"
Deo chuckled, bending down to scratch behind Pyro's ears. "I thought you might like it. And next, we're going to try bonding with Nature's Essence. I've used Nature's Essence before, but only with plants," Deo explained, his fingers gently stroking Pyro's thick, ebony fur. "Now, I can also bond with animals. With you. It's the same skill, but the experience might be different. Are you okay with that?"
Pyro gave an eager woof, circling Deo excitedly, clearly eager to try.
Taking a deep breath, Deo activated Nature's Essence, extending his hand towards Pyro. What happened next was nothing short of magical. As their energies connected, the world around them faded away, replaced by a swirling vortex of vibrant colours, primarily deep reds and blues that reflected the essence of Pyro's being.
Within this ethereal realm, Deo saw flashes of Pyro's memories – chasing his tail as a pup, the feeling of grass beneath his paws, the fierce joy of hunting, and the warm comfort of lying beside Deo during the cold nights. Among these memories, there was a particularly heart-wrenching one. It depicted Pyro's mother, a larger, fierce-looking hellhound, leaving him under the cover of night. Left alone for days, young Pyro felt an overwhelming mix of confusion, anxiety, and gnawing hunger. This drove him to wander in search of both food and the familiar comfort of his mother, a journey that eventually led him to cross paths with Deo. But, more than memories, there were emotions. The undying loyalty of the hound, the thrill of the chase, the contentment of a full belly, and the burning desire to protect.
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As their souls intertwined, Deo felt a rush of warmth surge through him. It was as if he was tapping into the very core of Pyro's being, understanding him on a level he had never thought possible. The poignant memory of Pyro's mother leaving him as a pup resonated deeply with Deo. Seeing Pyro's confusion, anxiety, and hunger, Deo was reminded of his own initial feeling of being lost in this vast world. He pondered how in many ways, they were both outcasts, trying to find their place, and took comfort in the fact that they had each other for support. "We'll find a way, Pyro. Maybe someday, we can find your mother," he murmured softly. The bond solidified, sealing their connection and further deepening the already profound link between man and beast.
When the sensation faded, and the world returned to its usual hues, Deo felt different. More attuned to Pyro, and by extension, to the natural world around him. He looked at Pyro, who seemed equally affected, his eyes shining with a newfound clarity.
A system notification popped up before Deo's eyes:
[Bond Successful! You have formed a Nature's Essence bond with Pyro the Hellhound.]
[New Skill Acquired: Inferno Pulse - Channel a hellhound’s fiery essence to send out a pulse of flames, scorching enemies in its path and setting the surrounding area ablaze.]
[Skill Level Up! Fauna Communication has reached Level 2! Enhanced understanding and clearer communication with wildlife.]
Deo's heart raced with a blend of cautious excitement. Inferno Pulse was a power imbued with fierce energy, not quite in line with the nurturing ethos of a Green Mage. "Fire and Green Mages... not exactly a classic pairing," he pondered. Yet, his mind wandered to the natural world, where wildfires, although destructive, could rejuvenate habitats by returning nutrients to the soil and clearing away decay. It was a stark reminder of the balance in nature, where creation and destruction often danced side by side. He was eager to harness this skill, but he resolved to use it judiciously, fully aware of its implications.
He beckoned Pyro to follow, and they ventured far away from their homestead until they found a clearing, that was largely devoid of vegetation, a safe distance from the dense portions of the forest. Pyro trotted closely behind, his curiosity evident in the tilt of his head and the perked position of his ears.
Once they reached a suitable spot, Deo took a deep breath, grounding himself. Positioning his staff horizontally before him, he invoked the Inferno Pulse. Almost immediately, he felt the fiery energy from his bond with Pyro spiralling through him, focusing at the base of his staff. With a determined push, he released it.
The result was a magnificent, pulsating surge of flames. They were deep red at their core, transitioning to vibrant orange and edged with a fierce yellow. It wasn't a continuous stream but rather a rhythmic pulse, each burst more powerful than the last. The flames billowed out in a spectacular fan shape, each pulse sending waves of heat that made the air shimmer and dance. The grass at the point of impact was instantly obliterated, replaced by blackened earth.
Surveying the destruction, Deo whistled softly. "That's... more than I anticipated. Let's see if I can refine it." He took a moment to gather his thoughts, thinking about the level of precision he wanted. Holding the staff out in front of him again, he tried to visualize a thinner, more controlled release.
What emerged was not the broad wave of before, but a tight, pulsating beam. Like the heartbeat of a fiery star, it shot out in rhythmic bursts. Each pulse was like a concentrated bolt of scarlet energy, so intense it appeared nearly white at its core. This beam, with its pinpoint accuracy, etched a straight line into the earth, the grass vaporizing upon contact, leaving a trail of scorched ground in its wake.
The stream of fire was a marvel to behold, both beautiful and deadly in its elegance. Pyro's eyes glinted with a mixture of pride and curiosity, clearly impressed by this new manifestation of their bond.
Pyro's eyes locked onto Deo's, and through their bond, Deo could sense the hellhound's wondering thoughts, an almost palpable question - When will I be able to produce flames like that?
Deo smiled, ruffling Pyro's fur affectionately. "Maybe when you reach adulthood," he mused. "Actually, I wonder when that is." Curiosity piqued, Deo decided to consult his new skill. He activated Wildlife Insight on Pyro.
Instantly, a translucent screen appeared before Deo's eyes, providing a wealth of information about hellhounds:
Hellhound Puppy - Pyro
* Level: N/A
* Tier: Legendary
* Lifespan: Typically 150-200 years in the wild. In magical partnerships, their life can extend depending on the strength of their bond.
* Diet: Omnivorous. They possess a varied diet ranging from mammals to certain hardy plant materials. Elemental essences become a crucial part of their diet as they mature.
* Maturity: Reaches early adulthood at 1 year. Full maturity varies. Pyro's current age: 10 months.
* Strengths: Enhanced agility, night vision, resistant to most magical attacks, innate fire manipulation ability which develops with age.
* Weaknesses: Water-based magics, still vulnerable to extreme cold, certain rare herbs can act as deterrents at this age.
* Behaviours: In the wild, hellhounds are solitary creatures, stalking their prey with cunning and precision. Their haunting howls serve as both territorial declarations and eerie lullabies, echoing through the night. A hellhound’s presence can instill terror, with even other predators steering clear of its domain.
* Description: Hellhounds are enigmatic creatures that have carved their presence in numerous mythologies. Often considered omens of death, these canines are fierce, unyielding, and relentlessly predatory. Their eyes are said to be windows into a fiery abyss, glowing with an intensity that can unnerve even the bravest. Their sleek black fur seems to absorb light, with fiery eyes that hint at the inferno within. They reach adulthood after one year, marking the beginning of their levelling journey and the unlocking of their formidable potential.
Deo chuckled as he read the description, glancing at Pyro who was busy chasing his own tail. "You're both endearing and fearsome, aren't you? Just a few more months, and you'll be stepping into your fiery adolescence." Pyro paused, tilting his head at Deo, a spark of mischief in his eyes.
Deo mentally swiped away the detailed screen about Pyro. As it dissolved, another notification popped up, surprising him:
[Experience Gained: +2000 XP for discovering Legendary Rarity Wildlife!]
[Skill Level Up! Wildlife Insights has reached Level 4!]
His eyes widened in astonishment, and he nearly lost his balance. "Whoa, legendary?!" he exclaimed, taken aback by the huge XP gain. "That's... that's a massive amount of experience!"
Pyro wagged his tail with added vigour, puffing out his chest with pride, as if fully aware of his prestigious status. Deo, recovering from his shock, bent down to hug the young hellhound. "Pyro, you never cease to amaze me," he laughed, the sheer joy evident in his voice. "Legendary rarity, huh? No wonder you're so special." Pyro let out a happy bark, basking in the praise and attention.
As Deo was still absorbing the information, another bright flash caught his attention:
[Congratulations! You've reached Level 11!]
He stared at the notification, momentarily dumbfounded. "Three level-ups in such a short span of time," he murmured in disbelief. A grin spread across his face, and he chuckled, "It's like waiting for buses. You wait ages for one, then three come along at once!"
Pyro tilted his head in confusion, not understanding the human reference, but he could sense Deo's elation and wagged his tail even more vigorously. "Alright," Deo mused, looking thoughtful, "time to check my status page and see what's changed."
[Status Page]
Name: Deo Mitchell
Race: Human (Outworlder)
Class: Green Mage (Uncommon)
Level: 11
Experience: 11351/13310
Titles: Whisked by Fate's Winds, Cosmic Newcomer (Temporary), Ironbark’s Kin, Giant Slayer, Daring Pioneer, Settlement Shaper, Guardian’s Pact
Stats:
* Agility: 21
* Endurance: 27
* Intelligence: 44
* Strength: 20
* Vitality: 37
* Wisdom: 46
* HP: 185/185
* Mana: 220/220
Skills:
Botanical Knowledge (Level 11), Flora Communication (Level 5), Verdant Growth (Level 8), Nature’s Essence (Level 4), Ironbark Armour (Level 3), Leaf in the Wind (Level 6), Sylvanus' Grasp (Level 3), Fauna Communication (Level 2), Wildlife Insight (Level 4), Nature’s Symphony (Level 1), Inferno Pulse (Level 1)
Territories:
* Lakeside Homestead
* System Points: 50
Quests:
* Champion of the Wilds
* In the desolate wilds, life clings to existence, struggling to flourish amidst oppressive forces that hinder its expansion. As a guardian of growth, confront and neutralise these challenges to revitalise this troubled dominion.
* Progress: 1/?.
* From Homestead to Hamlet
* Upgrade your homestead to the level of a hamlet.
* Progress: 1/3.
* From Seeds to Harvest
* The soil beckons, and nature's call is clear. With your newfound tools and knowledge, it's time to begin your farming journey. Cultivate, nurture, and see the fruits of your labour grow.
* Progress: 3/4.
Equipment:
* Yggdrasil’s Branch: Pending Level 10 Upgrade [Accept]
* Verdant Robes: Pending Level 10 Upgrade [Accept]
Deo's eyes trailed over the list of his skills, noting their growth and development. His new subclass had gifted him with unique abilities, and the bond with Pyro had deepened his connection with the natural world. Every day, it seemed he was unlocking more about himself and the world around him. He marvelled at how far he had come in such a short span of time, the rapid advancements leaving him both exhilarated and slightly overwhelmed.
But as his gaze continued to drift down the status page, it landed on his equipment section, and his eyes widened in astonishment. Both Yggdrasil’s Branch and the Verdant Robes had indicators for pending upgrades. "What?! Upgrades?" he exclaimed, both stunned and elated.
Without a moment's hesitation, his finger eagerly pressed the "Accept" button for the upgrades, a fervent excitement bubbling within him, eager to discover the enhanced capabilities of his treasured items.