Chapter 25: Harvest

Deo blinked in surprise, taking a moment for the reality to sink in. Rubbing the sleep from his eyes, he murmured, "Seems like Verdant Growth really did its magic." The swift growth of the crops was beyond his expectations, even with his knowledge of the skill's capabilities. The feeling of pride that his efforts had taken root so quickly was invigorating.

Already anticipating the sight of fully-grown crops, Deo jumped out of bed, threw on his robes, and headed outside. The early morning hues painted the horizon with strokes of pink and orange, casting a soft glow over the land. As he reached the fields, Deo marvelled at the rows of mature plants gently swaying with the breeze, their forms a testament to his newfound skills.

Dominating the foreground were the Sylphbeans, their winding vines stretching and curling around supports. Fully matured, these slender beans exuded a certain elegance. Their luminous green pods shimmered in the light, a testimony to the earlier white blossoms that had now transformed into these succulent bean pods. Their very appearance hinted at their inherent nutty sweetness.

Adjacent to them was a patch of dark earth, occasionally interrupted by glimpses of deep ruby red. These were the mature Crimsonroots, tuberous plants hiding just beneath the soil's surface. From a distance, one could sense their rich, earthy aroma, and picture the vivid patterns of concentric red circles they would reveal upon being sliced open.

Lastly, standing proudly at the field's edge, were the towering stalks of the Golden Grain. They reached skyward like nature's own golden sentinels, each crowned with feathery plumes that danced gracefully with the breeze. Their mature golden sheen seemed to promise the richness of the flour they would soon produce, an essential base for countless dishes. Their gentle sway, like a serene ballet, was a sight that had captivated the soul.

Lost in his thoughts about the practicality of harvesting such a bounty on his own, a voice snapped him back to the present. He turned to find Lena, basket in hand, her expression a mixture of admiration and curiosity.

"Looks like your skills have borne quite the fruitful result, Deo," she observed, eyeing the verdant field. "Such a large harvest... will you need assistance?"

Deo scratched his head, realizing the magnitude of the task before him. "Honestly, I hadn't thought that far ahead. But yes, any help would be appreciated. Though, perhaps not immediately – I need to plan this out."

Lena nodded with a chuckle. "Take your time. When you're ready, just give me a shout. I'm eager to see what culinary wonders these crops can provide." She turned to head back, leaving Deo amidst the sea of green and red, pondering the day ahead.

Deo took a deep breath, absorbing the fragrant aroma of the mature crops. He needed a plan.

First, he considered each of the tools he had infused into his staff, assessing their suitability for the harvesting each crop. The long-bladed hoe would be perfect for uprooting the Crimsonroot without damaging them. As for the Golden Grain, transforming his staff into the sturdy hatchet might allow him to carefully cut down the stalks, but really a scythe would be the ideal tool for this. He wondered if Thalen might have something suitable he could borrow. Deo pondered the Sylphbeans next, they were a unique crop, delicate in nature. The sharp miniature shears seemed the best fit for the Sylphbeans. Their precise, delicate cutting edge would allow him to snip the beans from the plant without damaging the rest of it. The ground trowel could also be employed if he needed to carefully loosen the soil around the roots, ensuring no beans still attached would be left behind in the ground.

Satisfied with his approach for harvesting the crops, Deo turned his mind to the next issue, storage. The crops would need to be stored properly to avoid spoilage. The beans and grain could be dried and stored in sacks, but the Crimsonroot would need a cooler, shaded place. His gaze shifted to the partially built storage barn. "Once completed, it might serve the purpose," he mused aloud. In the meantime, he contemplated repurposing a part of the cabin or even using his tools to carve out a makeshift storage space within the barn's foundations.

His thoughts then drifted to the drying process. For the Golden Grain, he decided on windrowing, a technique he had read about his instruction manual. By laying out the grain in long, narrow rows, exposed to the sun and wind, they would dry out uniformly. The weighty hammer with its flat head would be handy in helping flatten the grain stalks so that they lay evenly across the ground. This method allowed for quicker drying and was also effective in shielding the grain from moisture during unexpected rain showers. Once dried, the grain would then need to be threshed to separate it from the chaff. This could be achieved using his mallet, laying out the grain stalks on a flat surface, and gently striking them to release the grain seeds. These would then be winnowed, either by the natural wind or by manually fanning, to remove any remaining lightweight chaff. With the clean grains obtained, they'd be ready for long-term storage or milling.

As for the Sylphbeans, their drying required a bit more finesse. The beans needed consistent air circulation to dry adequately, and sunburn was a concern. Deo pondered constructing drying racks. Utilizing his hatchet and saw, he could fashion wooden slats and frames to create these racks. Placing them in an area with shade but where the air flowed freely would ensure the beans dried evenly without direct exposure to the sun. Once dried, they could be threshed, separating the beans from their pods, ready for storage.

Navigating the challenges of distribution and utilization, Deo felt the weight of the vast surplus he had grown. Trading with Willowdale was an option on the table, but transporting such large quantities without bags of holding posed a logistical challenge. His frustration bubbled up at the realization that he lacked his own mill; the raw Golden Grain couldn't be processed into flour, limiting its immediate usability. He mulled over the Territory Market, but suspected he'd be unlikely to strike a favourable deal there, given the nature of selling directly to the system. And as for Elandor, the Pioneer Merchant? While there was a possibility, Deo speculated that Elandor might have his sights set on more exotic and rare goods rather than everyday crops, but it was certainly worth sending him a message to enquire on the matter.

On the culinary front, a plethora of opportunities presented themselves, especially with Lena's adept touch in the kitchen. The Sylphbeans could be turned into a creamy bean stew or a hearty bean salad. The Golden Grain, once milled, could become the base for breads, pastas, or even porridge. As for the Crimsonroot, its unique taste could elevate dishes, making them both vibrant in colour and rich in flavour. Maybe Lena could incorporate it into a savoury Crimsonroot pie or use it as a key ingredient in her soups.

Lastly, he reflected on the long-term sustainability of his farming practices. While Deo currently had an abundance of land space, he was acutely aware that the land was not an infinite resource. Constantly employing Verdant Growth could rapidly boost crop yields, but at the risk of exhausting the soil's nutrients and vitality. Thankfully, he'd planted Sylphbeans which were leguminous and known to naturally fix nitrogen back into the soil. But he shouldn't rely solely on that. Crop rotation would be crucial in ensuring that different plants could replenish the soil with varied minerals and prevent the buildup of pests and diseases. He made a mental note to research different rotation patterns and possibly even integrate other green manures. The goal was to strike a balance between maximizing yield and preserving the integrity of the land for generations to come.

With a solid plan formed, Deo's steps grew more deliberate as he returned to his cabin. Pushing the door open, the comforting aroma of a prepared breakfast met his senses. Lena had thoughtfully left a generous spread on his table. Without hesitation, Deo quickly took a seat, eager to recharge before diving into his tasks.

After devouring the meal, Deo decided it was time to consult Thalen about some of the tools he might need. He made his way to Thalen's cabin, a few minutes' walk from his own. Knocking lightly on the rustic wooden door, it soon creaked open to reveal the gruff Halfling.

"Do you happen to have a scythe?" Deo inquired almost immediately, his mind still focused on the upcoming harvest.

Thalen, looking a bit surprised by the directness, took a moment to consider. "No," he finally replied with a shake of his head, "never had a use for one."

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Deo nodded, taking mental note. "What about bags of holding?" he probed further.

Thalen scratched his chin, "I've got a couple, but they were lent to me by Elder Elara. They're precious in the village. I'll have to return them the next time I head to Willowdale."

Deo’s face fell slightly at the news, but Thalen huffed, "You can borrow them once for the trip back, but after that, you're on your own. Get your own bags in the future."

Gratefully, Deo replied, "I appreciate it, Thalen. I'll make sure to look into getting my own when the time comes."

"One more thing," Deo continued, "how's the progress on the barn?"

The Halfling grunted, "Should be ready by tomorrow morning," his tone leaving no room for debate.

Satisfied with the updates, Deo's thoughts shifted to the immediate task at hand. "Caelum," he called out to the young Hafling who had been quietly observing, "do you want to help with the harvest?"

Caelum's face flushed slightly, his eyes darting away for a moment before meeting Deo's. "Um, of course, Master Greenshade," he stammered with a hint of nervous excitement. "I've... I've never been part of a harvest before, but I'd like to learn."

Deo smiled reassuringly. "Just call me Deo, please. And come on," he motioned for Caelum to follow, "this way," leading them back towards the fields of crops.

Deo and Caelum approached the first patch of crops: the radiant Sylphbeans. Their slender stalks, reminiscent of earthly green beans but with an ethereal twist, stood tall and were dotted with pods that seemed to capture the sun's rays, making them glisten. These were ripe and ready to be harvested.

Deo withdrew the sharp miniature shears from his staff, the tool transforming smoothly in his hand. "For the Sylphbeans," he explained, "we need to use these shears. The pods are delicate, so we'll snip them off just where they meet the stalk. Watch."

He demonstrated, the shears making a soft snipping sound as they cleanly separated a pod from its stalk. Caelum observed closely, then mimicked the motion with another set of shears Deo handed to him. At first, his hands wavered slightly, but after a few tries, he began snipping the pods with increasing confidence.

As they worked, a rhythm emerged between them. The repetitive snipping sounds, combined with the soft rustling of the Sylphbeans swaying in the gentle breeze, created a soothing melody. Every so often, when the shears struggled to detach a pod or two, Deo would gently use the ground trowel to loosen the soil around the roots, ensuring no beans still attached would be left behind.

They moved from one row to the next, the morning sun warming their backs as their baskets steadily filled with the shimmering Sylphbeans. Deo shared occasional tidbits about the crop with Caelum, speaking of its properties and how the roots of the Sylphbeans, much like certain earthly legumes, were beneficial in fixing nitrogen in the soil.

By late morning, the two paused to admire their work. Rows upon rows of harvested Sylphbean plants stood testament to their efforts. Caelum, with a sheen of sweat on his forehead and a contented smile, looked to Deo, "Master Green... I mean, Deo, this is quite the experience."

The sun climbed steadily in the sky, signalling it was time for a well-deserved break. Deo motioned for Caelum to follow him. "Let's head to the cabin for a quick lunch, and then we can continue," he proposed. Caelum, who was starting to feel the pangs of hunger, nodded enthusiastically.

Upon reaching the cabin, Lena had thoughtfully prepared a simple yet hearty meal for them, with fragrant bread and a stew bubbling away on the hearth. As they ate, Caelum spoke animatedly about his awe for the land and the crops. Much like a Sylphbean emerging from its pod, the shared morning labour seemed to have drawn the usually shy young man out of his shell as Deo listened intently.

Lunch concluded, and the two made their way back to the field, energized and ready to continue their task. They soon fell back into their harmonious rhythm, with the occasional chatter interspersed with the sounds of their work. The afternoon sun lent a golden hue to the surroundings, casting long shadows that danced and flickered as the duo moved from row to row. The distant noises of Thalen's labour continued, a reminder of the multiple facets of life coming together in the settlement.

Finally, as Deo snipped off the last Sylphbean, placing it carefully into his basket, a distinctive chime echoed in his mind.

[Quest Update: 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: Complete!

[Quest Complete!]

[Complete quest and receive rewards from your status page]

Deo grinned as he read the notification for his quest, feeling a sense of triumph wash over him. Beside him, Caelum, unaware of the system's message, simply beamed with pride at the bountiful harvest they had gathered together.

Once the last Sylphbean was collected, the real meticulous work began: extracting the beans from the pods. Deo led Caelum to a shaded area beneath a large tree, its sprawling branches offering a welcome respite from the sun's glare. He spread out a large cloth on the ground, placing two baskets beside it.

"The Sylphbeans are sheltered within these pods," Deo began, picking one up for demonstration. He ran a thumb along the seam of the pod, applying gentle pressure until it yielded, revealing the glistening beans nestled inside. "We'll have to do this for each pod. It's time-consuming but essential."

Caelum, watching intently, took a pod from his own basket and mimicked Deo's actions. At first, he fumbled, accidentally squashing a bean or two. But as time wore on, his fingers became more adept, finding the perfect balance of pressure and technique.

As the two sat in companionable silence, the ground between them slowly began to fill with gleaming beans. The meticulous work was almost meditative, the repetitive motion coupled with the soft sound of pods being opened creating a rhythm of its own.

Seeing Caelum engrossed and in the flow of the task, Deo discreetly summoned his status page, eager to review the details of his recently completed quest:

[Status Page]

Name: Deo Mitchell

Race: Human (Outworlder)

Class: Green Mage (Uncommon)

Level: 13

Experience: 15904/18590

Titles: Whisked by Fate's Winds, Cosmic Newcomer (Temporary), Ironbark’s Kin, Giant Slayer, Daring Pioneer, Settlement Shaper, Guardian’s Pact

Stats:

* Agility: 23

* Endurance: 29

* Intelligence: 50

* Strength: 22

* Vitality: 41

* Wisdom: 52

* HP: 205/205

* Mana: 250/250

Skills:

Botanical Knowledge (Level 11), Flora Communication (Level 6), Verdant Growth (Level 9), Nature’s Essence (Level 4), Ironbark Armour (Level 3), Leaf in the Wind (Level 9), Sylvanus' Grasp (Level 3), Fauna Communication (Level 3), Wildlife Insight (Level 5), Nature’s Symphony (Level 3), Inferno Pulse (Level 2)

Territories:

* Lakeside Homestead

* System Points: 70

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: 3/4.

* 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: 4/4.

* Would you like to complete this quest and receive your reward? [Accept]

Scanning his skills, Deo felt a growing sense of accomplishment. Both Verdant Growth and Leaf in the Wind were inching closer to the significant Level 10 milestone. The newer skills from his subclass also showed promising growth. His eyes lingered on Ironbark Armour, an early skill that had stagnated. It was a reminder that he'd need to carve out time to hone it further.

Shifting his focus to the 'Quests' section, the 'From Seeds to Harvest’ quest shimmered, indicating it was ready for completion. With a palpable sense of excitement, he mentally selected the [Accept] button, ready to reap the rewards of his efforts.

[XP Gained: 900]

[SP Gained: 25]

[Congratulations! You've earned a new title: "Greenfield Guardian" for completing the quest From Seed to Harvest. With this title, crops under your care have a reduced chance of pest infestation.]

Taking a moment to reflect on the newly acquired title, Deo couldn't help but appreciate the subtle synchronicity. As a guardian against pests for his cultivated fields, the "Greenfield Guardian" not only mirrored his recent endeavours but hinted at the evolving connection between him and the earth. The title felt apt, symbolic of his growing bond with the land and his role in its care.

With a fresh surge of confidence, Deo turned his thoughts outward, eager to engage with Caelum once more. Recounting tales of plants he had nurtured in the past, Deo delved into the distinct challenges each one posed. The rhythm of their conversation was harmonious: Deo's stories interwoven with Caelum's eager inquiries and shared experiences from his village. The bond between mentor and apprentice strengthened, fostered by the shared tales of tilling and toil.

Hours seemed to pass like minutes, and before they knew it, the sun was beginning its descent, casting the land in a warm, golden hue. The large cloth was now dotted with a sea of green, each bean representing their hard work and dedication.

Deo leaned back, stretching his tired arms. "Good work, Caelum," he said with a smile. "The next step is drying these beans, but that's for tomorrow."

Caelum nodded, his face flushed with the pride of a job well done. "Thank you, Deo," he replied, "For teaching me and letting me be a part of this."

As they packed up the beans, preparing them for the drying process the next day, the two walked back to the cabin, content in their shared progress.