Chapter 6: From Leaves to Lodgings
With the recognition of the pressing needs of the hour still fresh in his mind, Deo decided to begin a search for materials and flora right where his last encounter had occurred. The thicket where he had faced the Carnivora Sylvanum seemed a promising place to begin his exploration.
Pyro, ever inquisitive, darted around, chasing dragonflies and sniffing curiously at various shrubs. Deo approached one of the thorn-laden bushes that had earlier posed as a barrier during his escape. Running his fingers carefully along a leaf, he activated Botanical Knowledge.
[Rare: Thistleclaw Bush - This robust and thorny plant serves as both a protector and provider in the wild. Its thorns can be used as natural needles or makeshift weapons, while its deep blue berries, hidden beneath its protective exterior, are not only nutritious but also quite flavourful.]
Deo, intrigued by the description, cautiously pushed apart the dense thorny exterior of the Thistleclaw Bush. There, tucked beneath the thorns, were clusters of deep blue berries, glistening faintly in the filtered sunlight. The berries looked deceptively delicate against the rugged backdrop of the bush, a hidden treasure guarded fiercely.
Taking a moment to ensure he avoided the sharp thorns, Deo carefully plucked one of the berries. It was cool to the touch, with a slightly squishy feel that indicated ripeness. Holding it up to the light, the berry almost seemed to glow with an inner vitality.
Pyro watched with tilted head and keen eyes, clearly curious about this new discovery.
"Well, here goes nothing," Deo murmured to himself, popping the berry into his mouth. An explosion of flavours greeted him. It was a mixture of sweet and tart, reminiscent of blueberries, but with a more complex aftertaste, slightly spicy and warming. The juice was rich and refreshing, an unexpected delight from such a formidable-looking plant.
Pyro's eager eyes and drooling mouth made Deo chuckle. "Alright, alright," he said, carefully plucking another berry and offering it to the excited puppy. Pyro sniffed it for a brief moment before gulping it down, his tail wagging with approval.
Smiling, Deo began to gather a handful of these berries, thinking they'd make a good snack or even a meal supplement. Storing the berries in a pocket of his cloak, Deo ensured they were safely tucked away. As he was about to move on, he couldn't resist tossing another berry to Pyro, who caught it mid-air but then let it fall to the ground. Pyro proceeded to bat at the berry playfully with his paw, pushing it around in the grass and occasionally pouncing on it, as if it were a tiny, scurrying creature. The puppy's antics brought a hearty laugh from Deo.
Leaving Pyro to his fun, Deo continued his exploration, pushing further into the thicket. Soon, he came across a plant that stood out from the others. It was tall with a strong, straight stem and broad leaves that shimmered with a waxy sheen. As he got closer, he could see droplets of water bead up and roll off the leaves, indicating a natural waterproofing quality.
Activating his Botanical Knowledge, he read the description:
[Rare: Waxleaf Fern - This hardy plant is naturally resistant to water. The waxy coating on its leaves repels moisture, making them ideal for crafting shelters to keep dry during rain or morning dew. In addition, the strong stems can be utilised as building materials.]
Deo's eyes lit up. This was exactly what he was hoping to find! The Waxleaf Fern could provide the perfect roofing material for his shelter. While he was tempted to harvest them immediately, he thought it prudent to first scout the surrounding area and mark the location of useful plants. He made a mental note of the fern's position and continued on.
As Deo delved deeper into the woods, he stumbled upon a small clearing that was clustered with various root vegetables. Kneeling down, he started to dig gently with his fingers, and sure enough, he unearthed a thick, tuber-like root. When he broke it open, the inside was creamy and had a fresh, earthy scent.
Consulting Botanical Knowledge, a description appeared:
[Common: Earthspike Tuber - Edible and starchy, these roots provide a good source of energy and can be eaten raw or cooked. When boiled, they become soft and have a texture similar to potatoes.]
Nearby, another plant caught his attention. It bore broad, glossy leaves that protected a purple-skinned root. Upon extracting it, Deo noted its slender form and aromatic essence.
[Uncommon: Violet Vein - A fragrant root, best utilised when cooked, lending both color and flavour to dishes.]
Finally, his eyes settled on a bulbous, yellowish root, surrounded by feathery green leaves.
[Uncommon: Sunburst Bulb - A versatile ingredient in cooking, it can be boiled, roasted, or even pickled for prolonged storage.]
Adjacent to the root vegetables, in the dappled shade beneath an ancient, sprawling tree, Deo's eyes were drawn to an array of mushrooms. The first boasted a fiery orange cap, veined with intricate spirals of pure white, making it look like a miniature sunburst settled on the forest floor. Beside them stood darker mushrooms with caps resembling charcoal, edged with a velvety burgundy, as if kissed by the last light of dusk. Meanwhile, a few steps away, an ethereal group of mushrooms stood out, their caps glowing with a gentle luminescent blue, reminiscent of a clear night sky. Cautiously, Deo employed his skill on the fungi:
[Uncommon: Sunburst Fungi - Edible with a slightly tangy taste. Also possesses mild anti-inflammatory properties when used as a poultice.]
[Common: Shade's Veil Mushroom - Toxic when ingested, causing dizziness and blurred vision. Best avoided.]
[Rare: Glowcap Mushroom - Inedible, but can be used as a natural light source in darkness.]
The excitement of these discoveries was palpable. As the knowledge of the last mushroom settled into Deo's mind, a soft chime resonated in his ears, accompanied by a gentle warmth that washed over him.
[Quest Update: Flora Explorer]
Examine and catalogue 20 different plant species using your Botanical Knowledge skill.
Progress: 20/20
[Quest Complete!]
Rewards: +1000 EXP, Herbologist’s Kit
[Would you like to complete this quest and receive your reward?]
Without hesitation, Deo mentally confirmed the prompt to complete his quest. As he did so, the soft chime resonated in the air once again, heralding the arrival of the reward.
[XP Gained: 1000]
[Congratulations! You've levelled up! You are now level 7]
Just a few steps ahead of Deo, the ground shimmered and an ornate chest began to materialise. Crafted from a rich walnut wood, the chest was slightly smaller than the previous one he'd received. Delicate etchings of various plants, from towering trees to tiny mushrooms, adorned its surface, forming a complex tapestry that seemed to depict an ecosystem in balance. At the centre, a latch made of polished sapphire twinkled under the canopy's dappled sunlight.
Approaching with a mix of curiosity and excitement, Deo gently lifted the latch. The chest opened with ease, revealing its contents: a finely-made satchel, a small, sharp hatchet with a handle wrapped in leather, and a gracefully curved sickle, its blade gleaming with a sharp edge.
Pyro, curious as always, nudged the chest with his snout, sniffing at the new items and then looking up at Deo with a tilt of his head, as if asking what they were for.
Bending down, Deo picked up the satchel, the material feeling sturdy and comfortable to touch. Intrigued by the design, Deo used his Identify skill:
[Unique: Herbologist’s Satchel - This satchel, infused with ancient magics, is designed to store herbs, plants, and other botanical items. It contains a special dimensional pocket that helps herbs retain their freshness and potency. Moreover, any herbs stored within are organised magically, allowing the user to retrieve the exact herb they desire with a mere thought. Storage capacity grows with the owner’s level.]
"Magic storage, huh?" Deo murmured, genuinely impressed. The convenience of such a tool could not be overstated. No more rummaging through bags searching for a specific herb or worrying about them getting crushed or losing their freshness.
He opened the flap of the satchel, peering inside. The inner space seemed much larger than the external dimensions suggested, a clear indication of the dimensional magic at play. Also within the satchel were various tools essential for a herbologist: miniature shears, a mortar and pestle, a small ground trowel, vials of different sizes, and fine tweezers.
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"We just hit the jackpot, buddy," Deo grinned, patting Pyro's head.
The eager puppy wagged his tail, seemingly pleased by Deo's cheerful mood, if not fully understanding the significance of the tools before them. Deo adjusted the satchel's leather strap across his chest, making sure it sat comfortably against his side. The fit was perfect, as if the satchel had been tailored specifically for him.
Next, he took the sickle, admiring its balanced weight and sharp, curved blade. It would be perfect for harvesting plants without causing unnecessary damage. The hatchet too was a fine tool, lightweight yet sturdy, with a blade that glinted promisingly in the waning sunlight. Deo secured them both to his belt, ensuring they were easily accessible.
Feeling considerably more equipped than before, Deo looked around, ready to test his new tools. Kneeling, Deo drew the trowel from his satchel. The compact tool was perfect for the task at hand. With ease, he began to dig around the base of the Earthspike Tubers, Violet Veins and Sunburst tubers, prying them gently from the ground. Each tuber was carefully brushed off and placed in his satchel.
Pyro, curious about every move Deo made, snuffled around the disturbed earth, playfully trying to help by pawing at the soil. Moving on to the Sunburst Fungi, Deo used his sickle, carefully cutting the base of the mushrooms. Again, Deo placed them within his newfound satchel.
Reinvigorated, Deo began to retrace his steps, eager to make the most out of the remaining daylight. As he continued, Deo's eye caught a tall, slender green stalk emerging from the earth that he hadn’t noticed before. They stood in thick clusters, their hollow tubes reminding him of bamboo, but with more sinuous and flexible stems. A light tap produced a resonating sound, suggesting the material was both solid and robust.
"Botanical Knowledge, do your thing," Deo muttered to himself.
[Rare: Greenpipe Tree - Resilient and flexible, these tall stalks are similar to bamboo, often used in construction for their lightweight yet strong attributes. Their hollow nature also allows them to be used for water storage and transportation.]
"A natural choice for a shelter frame," Deo thought aloud. The idea of a lightweight, sturdy structure appealed to him, especially with the added convenience of the Greenpipe Tree's potential to store and transport water.
Deo approached one of the trees, his hand running over the smooth exterior. With the small hatchet from his kit, he selected a few of the younger, more flexible stalks, swinging with measured strength. The sharp blade easily penetrated the outer layer, and with a few calculated chops, the stalks began to fall. Pyro barked excitedly, trying to 'help' by pouncing on the fallen stalks, making Deo chuckle. "Easy there, buddy," he said, ruffling Pyro's fur.
Gathering the fallen stalks, Deo was momentarily taken aback by his own efficiency. With every swing of the hatchet, it felt as though he was cleaving through butter rather than the resilient material of the Greenpipe Tree. It dawned on him how dramatically his physical prowess had augmented since arriving in this world.
"Back on Earth, it would have taken a lot more effort to do this," Deo murmured to himself, testing the weight of the hatchet in his hand. It wasn't just the tool; it was the hand that wielded it. His grip was firmer, his swings more precise and powerful.
He looked at the clean cuts on the tree stalks. "I could barely muster the strength to open a tightly sealed jar, and now... look at this," he said, almost in disbelief.
Pyro, sensing Deo's astonishment, tilted his head curiously and gave a playful bark, as if reminding him that this was their new reality.
Shaking his head with a grin, Deo acknowledged, "Yeah, this place has a way of changing you, doesn't it? And with the Greenpipe stalks in hand, he made his way back towards the lake, eager to put his newfound resources to use.
Deo, still clutching the harvested stalks, approached the lake's glistening expanse. The soft humming of insects and the distant calls of unseen birds filled the air. Pausing for a moment, he carefully placed the stalks on a flat patch of ground, ensuring they were safe from rolling into the water.
With that out of the way, he drew closer to the lake's edge. The water's surface reflected the fading light, with ripples distorting the mirrored image of the sky above. Near the lake's edge, tall, slender plants swayed gently with the wind, their feathery tops brushing against Deo's arms as he walked past. Crouching down to inspect them closer, Deo noticed two distinct types of aquatic plants.
One had long, cylindrical stems that were green and firm to the touch, with sharp-edged, lance-like leaves protruding at intervals. These reeds stood tall, their tips adorned with brown, feathery seed heads that rustled softly in the breeze.
The second variety were shorter with broader leaves, their stems tightly packed together, creating a dense mat. These rushes were softer, their tips ending in small brownish clusters that looked like tiny cones.
Crouching down to inspect them, Deo activated Botanical Knowledge and the information streamed into his mind:
[Common: Lakeside Reeds - Sturdy and water-resistant, often used for weaving and crafting. Their hollow stems can also serve as natural straws or breathing tubes.]
[Common: Marsh Rushes - Flexible and absorbent. Often used in crafting for padding, insulation, or even makeshift bedding.]
With a nod of approval, Deo realised that these plants would be essential for his shelter's construction. The Lakeside Reeds seemed ideal for creating a solid framework, or even a thatched roof. Drawing out his sickle, he began to harvest them efficiently, taking care not to deplete the natural growth excessively.
As the bundle grew, Deo paused, placing a hand on the reed bed. Concentrating, he channelled his Verdant Growth ability, sending a stream of mana into the reeds. The immediate area around his hand seemed to glow a soft green, and the plants responded with a newfound vitality, rejuvenating some of the ones he had cut and invigorating the ones left standing.
In a short time, he had gathered a substantial bundle, which he tied together, adding to his collection of materials for the upcoming task of shelter building. Returning to the spot where he had placed the stalks, Deo surveyed the clearing. With the glistening lake on one side and the dense woodland on the other, he felt a connection between the two elements. This was where he would establish his first foothold in this realm.
With Pyro excitedly bounding around him, Deo began to lay out the harvested Greenpipe stalks in the shape of a basic rectangular frame, envisioning a simplistic, elongated hut. The hollow nature of the Greenpipes made them light, yet sturdy, and ideal for such construction.
Using the trowel from his herbalist's kit, Deo dug small holes at the points where he intended the shelter’s corners to stand. Once the holes were ready, he inserted the ends of the Greenpipe stalks into them, packing the excavated dirt back around the base to ensure stability.
To secure the frame, he used the reed fibres, weaving them tightly around the joint points, effectively tying the stalks together. After setting up the main frame, Deo turned his attention to the Lakeside Reeds. These would serve as his walls and roof. Using the sickle, he split some of the reeds lengthwise, making them more pliable for weaving. Systematically, he started weaving the split reeds through the Greenpipe frame, creating a tight lattice that would shield him from the elements.
Once the walls were secure, he moved on to the roof. Here, he decided to go with a thicker thatch, layering the reeds densely to ensure protection from rain. The Marsh Rushes, with their absorbent quality, were layered beneath, providing an extra layer of insulation. Realising he could further bolster the roof's protective capabilities, Deo remembered the Waxleaf Ferns he had discovered earlier in the thicket. The natural waterproofing of these leaves would make them ideal as a final top layer. Making a brief trip back to the thicket, he quickly harvested a bundle of the ferns.
Returning to his budding shelter, Deo began to layer the Waxleaf Ferns over the thatched roof, their broad leaves overlapping one another, forming a tight, water-resistant barrier. The silver sheen of the leaves gave the shelter an aesthetic touch, reflecting the last of the day's light.
With the roof fortified against potential rain, Deo turned his attention to the interior. He used the thicker portions of the Marsh Rushes, bunching them together to create a makeshift bed in one corner. The soft, plush texture of the rushes ensured a comfortable sleeping surface, and he added a few more layers for good measure.
As the structure took form, Pyro curiously explored the inside, occasionally trying to play with the reeds or pounce on a stray Greenpipe. Deo chuckled, "Looks like someone's approving of our new home."
By the time the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting a warm orange glow over the lake, Deo's shelter stood strong and welcoming. The design was basic, but it felt like an achievement—a testament to his resourcefulness and adaptability in this new world.
[Makeshift shelter constructed, +100 XP rewarded]
Feeling proud of his efforts, Deo looked towards the setting sun, appreciating the serenity of the moment. But as the colours of the evening painted the sky, the temperature began to drop. The gentle breeze that flowed across the lake brought a crisp chill. Deo knew that the nights here, especially by the water, could become quite cold.
"Now, for some warmth," he mused, rubbing his hands together. Glancing around, he remembered the dense thicket where he had encountered many of the plants. It would likely be an excellent source for dry branches and twigs, perfect for kindling.
Making his way back to the thicket, he employed the hatchet he had recently acquired. With ease, he chopped off several small, dry branches. Gathering these along with a bundle of twigs and leaves, Deo headed back to his shelter.
Selecting a spot a safe distance away from his hut, Deo arranged the branches and twigs in a teepee formation, leaving an opening at the top for smoke to escape. Using a small piece of flint from his Herbologist’s Kit, he struck it against the hatchet's blade, creating sparks. After a few attempts, a spark caught onto the dry leaves, and the kindling began to ignite. Slowly, the fire grew, consuming the branches and twigs, its warmth radiating outward.
The campfire's gentle crackling was a soothing contrast to the evening's quiet. Pyro, sensing the warmth, trotted over and lay down next to the fire, his eyes half-closed in contentment. Surveying the Greenpipe stalks he had brought with him, an idea sparked in Deo's mind. With precise cuts from his hatchet, he fashioned a rudimentary bowl from one of the larger hollow segments of the Greenpipe. Its natural structure ensured it was watertight, making it an ideal makeshift vessel.
Remembering an ancient method of boiling water without a metal pot that Deo had seen on a documentary, he selected a few smooth stones from the lakeside and placed them near the heart of the fire. As they began to heat up, he filled the Greenpipe bowl with fresh lake water. Once he deemed the stones hot enough, he carefully maneuvered them, using a couple of sturdy sticks, and dropped them into the bowl.
Almost instantly, steam began to rise as the water sizzled and bubbled around the hot stones. Fascinated by this ancient method of boiling, Deo watched as the water began to reach a rolling boil.
Satisfied with the boiling water, Deo took some of the root vegetables he had gathered earlier, and after cleaning them in the lake, he placed them into the hot water. The aroma of the cooking created a mouth-watering fragrance that permeated the air.
After some time, Deo removed the now softened root vegetables, placing them on a flat stone to cool slightly. He took a tentative bite, pleased to find them soft, warm, and full of earthy flavours enhanced by the natural cooking process. Sharing a few bites with Pyro, who eagerly gobbled them up, Deo leaned back, content with the faithful pup at his side as the sun set, painting the sky with hues of gold and crimson.
Amid the breathtaking beauty of the sunset, a reflective quietness settled over Deo. With Pyro curled up next to him, he took a deep breath, the crisp, fresh air filling his lungs. The day's events played in his mind like a montage. Every discovery, every challenge, and every success were milestones that chronicled his first day in this new world. He realised how far he had come in just a day. The world, with its beauty and danger, had tested him, yet he had not only survived but thrived. It was a testament to his adaptability, resilience, and the innate human desire to carve out a place in the unknown.
He whispered to himself, with a determined glint in his eyes, "Day one, conquered."