Deo's grin stretched from ear to ear, his eyes alight with joy as he watched the radiant light enveloping Lena slowly recede following her ascension. But as the glow dimmed, so did his smile, morphing into a frown when Lena turned towards him, her words laced with suspicion about him being a Legendary class holder.

“Ah, about that—” Deo started, hesitant.

“You told me you were just a Greenshade? Why did you lie about that?” Lena cut in, her tone a blend of confusion and accusation. Around them, the other members paused their approach, their attention riveted by the unfolding drama.

“No, you’ve misunderstood,” Deo hastily explained, his voice earnest. “I truly was a Green Mage when we first met. My ascension to a Legendary class came later, after resolving the crisis in Embercore. That's when I was given the opportunity to ascend.”

Lena paused, her eyes reflecting a deep contemplation as she absorbed Deo's words. The silence stretched for a moment, and Deo could see the gears turning in her head as she pieced together past events and his recent revelation. Then, with a sudden spark of realization lighting up her features, she exclaimed, “I knew it! I knew there was something different about you after your encounter with Orik. You seemed... more, somehow.”

Deo felt a wave of relief wash over him, appreciating Lena's level-headed response. “Yes, that was exactly when it occurred.”

“But why didn’t you tell us earlier?” Lena asked, her tone more of curiosity than accusation. “Surely, such a significant change was worth sharing with us?”

Deo rubbed the back of his head, his cheeks colouring slightly. “I guess I just didn’t want to boast, you know?” he admitted, feeling slightly embarrassed. “It seemed like flaunting, and that's not what I wanted.”

Lena paused, her expression thoughtful as she considered his words. “I understand, we need to share these milestones with each other, if we’re to work together effectively to develop Harmony’s Refuge.”

Deo nodded, a look of realization crossing his features. “You’re right, Lena. I should have shared it earlier. My apologies for not doing so. I’ll make sure to be more open in the future.”

Lena’s demeanour then shifted to a mix of curiosity and playful sternness. “So, what class is it? I’m not sure whether to start grovelling in respect to a Legendary class holder or to scold you for keeping us all in the dark.”

Deo offered a small, wry smile. “Actually, I’ve been given Yggdrasil's Chosen. But let’s not dwell on that now. Tonight is about celebrating your ascension! What class have you been granted?”

Lena’s face lit up with excitement as she began to describe her new class in detail, her enthusiasm infectious. Deo listened intently, genuinely intrigued by the powers her ascension entailed and how it would affect her responsibilities.

But as Lena spoke, Deo’s attention was suddenly drawn to the other members of the territory around him. The halflings stood there, mouths agape at the revelations from Lena and Deo, with Caelum’s eyes wide as saucers. Meanwhile the Embercore dwarves were on their knees, their hands pressed against the hammer icons on their breasts, heads bowed in a gesture of deep respect.

Freya, usually more light-hearted, spoke with a solemnity he had never seen from her before. “Please forgive my disrespectful manner, Forgelord,” she said, her voice carrying a weight of sincere reverence.

Deo turned back to Lena, his eyebrows raised in a silent, 'I told you so' expression. His look conveyed a mix of amusement and mild exasperation, clearly indicating why he had chosen to keep his new status under wraps. Blushing slightly at the unexpected reverence, Deo found himself unsure of how to respond to the Embercore dwarves' gesture. Wanting to ease the formality of the moment, he decided to take a straightforward approach.

“Oh, get up, you fools,” Deo said with a slight chuckle, trying to hide his discomfort. “I haven’t changed a bit since we spoke two minutes ago about how much I disliked Thalen’s new Copperforge Ale.”

Thalen, caught off guard, his look of surprise quickly morphed into mock annoyance. “Oi! You told me you loved that brew!”

Deo, still with a hint of red on his cheeks, walked over to the group of kneeling dwarves. He moved among then, helping them to their feet and giving them a slight push towards Lena. He reached Freya last, who looked at him with a slightly queasy expression, her reverence tinged with a bit of worry as if she was half-expecting to be smited for her informality. As he pulled her to her feet, he said in a light, teasing tone, “I never want to see that solemn side of you again, Freya! Now go and congratulate Lena.”

In a moment of overcoming her hesitation, Freya delivered a small, playful punch to the side of Deo's arm. "You got it, Foreman," she said, her voice carrying once again carrying the customary light-hearted defiance.

The atmosphere shifted palpably as the inhabitants gathered around Lena, their faces transforming from reserved awe to genuine warmth and joy. Lena was now the centre of attention, surrounded by the jubilant dwarves and delighted halflings. Their laughter and animated conversations created a lively and affectionate scene. Lena, visibly touched by the outpouring of camaraderie and celebration, responded with her own bright laughter and warm expressions of gratitude.

Deo, standing a bit apart, watched the scene unfold with a contented smile. It was heartening to see Lena basking in the well-deserved adulation of her peers, her moment of triumph wholeheartedly embraced by everyone around her. The party continued unabated into the early hours of the morning, a vibrant testimony to the strength and joy of their community. Laughter rang out, stories were shared, and the unity within the domain of Harmony's Refuge felt more palpable than ever.

As the first light of dawn began to tint the sky, Deo finally stumbled back to his home. The night had been long, but the happiness it brought was worth every moment. Weary yet content, he slumped down onto his bed, his mind still replaying the evening's festivities. Before succumbing to his exhaustion, Deo remembered the system notification he had received earlier but hadn't had the chance to read thoroughly amidst the celebrations. He pulled up the notification, its luminescent text hovering in the dim light of his room:

[Quest Update: From Hamlet to Village]

[Community Celebration Tradition Initiated: Harvest’s Ascension]

This newly established tradition symbolizes the dual nature of growth within Harmony’s Refuge. It celebrates not only the literal reaping of the fields but also the figurative reaping of success by the members of the community. It marks a time to honour the ascension of individuals to new heights, reflecting the collective progress and prosperity of the sanctuary.

Quest: From Hamlet to Village

Upgrade your hamlet to the level of a village, by completing the following milestones.

Progress:

1. Designate a unique specialty or trade for the hamlet: Complete

2. Ensure safety measures for all inhabitants: Complete

3. Build 3 production buildings: Complete

4. Initiate a community celebration tradition: Complete

5. Have a hamlet population of fifty: 9/50

A smile, wide and genuine, spread across Deo's face as he read the notification. As sleep began to claim him, Deo's thoughts playfully danced around the next big challenge on his quest. 'How am I going to entice 40 more souls to join our thriving hamlet?' he mused. Drifting into a peaceful slumber, Deo’s last thoughts were filled with visions of his hamlet, bustling with new faces and growing into a vibrant village.

The morning after the jubilant celebrations, Harmony's Refuge awoke to a day that felt decidedly more muted. The previous night's festivities had left a lingering sense of contentment, but also a shared, unspoken agreement for a slower start to the day.

However, Lena was the exception. She was a whirlwind of activity, her energy undiminished. Her focus was singular and sharp: preparing for their journey to the human settlement. Before Deo had even stirred from his bed, Lena had already organized the collection and sale to Serin, who had departed earlier with a significant portion of their crops and, in exchange, left a substantial bag of gold. Now, Lena was busy pulling together the final pieces for their upcoming journey. She’d sourced a number of maps from the halfling merchant, which were now spread across the table. Her eyes roved meticulously over each route and supply list, ensuring nothing was overlooked.

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Deo, nursing a cup of herbal tea, watched her with a mix of admiration and amusement. "You're certainly not one to let the grass grow under your feet, are you?" he commented.

Lena didn’t look up from her maps. "We can't afford to waste time. Tragedy could strike at any time, so getting extra security could be crucial for our hamlet. But for this visit, it should just be us three - you, me, and Pyro. I’m not sure how welcoming they’ll be of other races, so we should play it safe."

Deo nodded in agreement. "That sounds wise. Oh, and speaking of the journey, I heard from Elandor," he said, his tone casual but his eyes lit with excitement. "You remember, the merchant who gifted me that tree seed? Have I ever told you about him? Well, he'll meet us at Silverpine in a few days. The Celestia tree is about to blossom, and I’d promised him I would hide off finishing the final growth phase until he could witness it in person."

Outside, a fully packed wagon stood ready for their departure, laden with supplies and their remaining harvest. Tethered to the wagon, stood a rather chubby pony. Deo’s gaze lingered on the animal, and he casually activated his Wildlife Insight skill. The skill's interface provided detailed information about the pony:

Whittlebottom Pony

* Tier: Common

* Description: A sturdy and reliable breed, the Whittlebottom Pony is renowned for its gentle temperament and impressive endurance. Commonly found throughout various regions, it's a favourite among travellers and farmers alike for its versatility and hardy nature. Known for its distinctive round belly and friendly disposition, it's well-suited for long journeys and heavy loads.

[Experience Gained: +10 XP]

The pony, contentedly grazing, suddenly cast an alarmed look as Pyro approached. Sensing the pony's unease, Deo quickly used his Fauna Communication skill. A soothing wave of reassurance emanated from him, gently informing the pony that Pyro, despite his imposing presence, meant no harm. The effect was almost instantaneous. The pony's eyes softened, and its posture relaxed as Deo's calming influence took hold. Understanding and trust replaced the initial fear, and the pony went back to grazing, now occasionally glancing at Pyro with a sense of newfound familiarity rather than alarm.

Before long, after Lena had given her final instructions to the remaining members of Harmony’s Refuge, the trio set off on their journey to Silverpine. Deo found himself impressed by Lena's burgeoning leadership. It was clear that with her thorough and concise directives, the hamlet would continue to function adeptly in their absence.

Heading northeast, their path took them through a variety of landscapes. The first day was marked by the meadow that bordered their hamlet, the green expanse dotted with wildflowers and the occasional cluster of trees. The Whittlebottom Pony, now at ease with Pyro’s presence, pulled the wagon steadily, its hooves creating a rhythmic sound that accompanied their travel.

As they moved further, the terrain began to change. By the second day, they were traversing through denser forests, the canopy overhead dappling their path with shifting patterns of light and shadow. The air grew cooler and fresher, filled with the scent of pine and earth. Deo occasionally pointed out various wildlife, his insights providing a deeper understanding and appreciation of their surroundings to Lena.

Nights were spent under the stars, with Lena and Deo taking turns keeping watch. Pyro often sat at the edge of their camp vigilantly, his eyes reflecting the moonlight, guarding against any unexpected dangers.

On the third day, the forest gave way to open fields again, where the horizon seemed to stretch endlessly. The vastness of the landscape was a reminder of the world beyond their hamlet, filled with possibilities and new experiences. As they continued their journey through the diverse landscapes, Deo broached a topic that had been lingering in his mind. "Lena, in your experience, do humans often treat other races poorly? I mean, you suggested it should just be us for this trip? Would they treat the haflings or dwarves differently in Silverpine?"

Lena considered his question for a moment, her gaze fixed on the path ahead. "Hmm, it completely depends," she finally responded. "Where I grew up, other races were pretty common. Haflings, dwarves, and even the occasional elf would come to trade or share news. It was a melting pot of cultures, and everyone was mostly accepted."

Her voice took on a more serious tone. "But I've heard stories about other towns where that's not the case. Places where anyone not human can be shunned or worse. It's a sad reality that not all places are as welcoming as others.”

Deo absorbed her words, his expression shifting from thoughtful to slightly annoyed. "That's concerning," he said, a hint of frustration in his voice. "So, our decision to go alone to Silverpine... it’s just a precaution?"

"Exactly," Lena replied, her tone pragmatic. "We need to be cautious. Each place has its own norms and prejudices. It’s better to understand the lay of the land before introducing more complexity. We don’t want to risk any negative reactions, especially when we’re there to establish a trade relationship."

Deo shook his head, clearly unsettled by the idea. “Hmmph, I'm not sure I like the thought of trading in a place that would be so prejudiced,” he commented with visible irritation.

Lena met his gaze steadily. “We all need to eat, Deo,” she reminded him gently but firmly. “Sometimes, these things are out of our hands. But it doesn’t mean we accept it blindly. We can always strive to make a change.”

She turned her attention back to the path ahead. “It does make you appreciate the diversity and acceptance we've cultivated in Harmony’s Refuge. I hope, one day, that kind of openness becomes the norm everywhere. Anyway, we don’t know what Silverpine is like yet. Let's not pass judgment too soon."

Deo nodded, taking in her words. As they continued their journey, he decided it was time to get in touch with Elandor for more specific guidance. Accessing the system, he composed a message:

"Hi Elandor, we're about two days away from Silverpine. Could you suggest where we should meet? Is there an inn or tavern you recommend for travellers like us?"

After sending the message, Deo glanced at Lena. “Just messaged Elandor on where to meet. Hopefully he responds soon.”

The journey's rhythm had become familiar to Deo and Lena, each day unveiling new sights and sounds. The landscapes they traversed were like pages of a storybook, each chapter distinct and rich with its own character. The vastness of the landscape was a vivid reminder of the world beyond their hamlet, filled with possibilities and new experiences.

On the fifth day, as the sun began to dip low in the sky, casting long shadows over the land, the outline of Silverpine emerged in the distance. It stood like a promise on the horizon, its structures silhouetted against the fading light. The town’s profile was a blend of spires and rooftops, suggesting a bustling settlement nestled within protective walls. The journey had been long, but the anticipation of what lay ahead fuelled Deo’s spirit. The settlement was larger than Deo had envisioned, its buildings sprawling amidst the grassy landscape. The architecture was a mix of sturdy wood and stone, with smoke rising in lazy spirals from numerous chimneys. Fields and orchards surrounded it, signalling the settlement’s self-sufficiency.

The sight of Silverpine was both imposing and inviting. Its walls, though not towering, spoke of a community that was well-established and fortified. The roads leading into it were well-trodden, suggesting regular travel and trade. From their vantage point, they could see figures moving about, attending to daily tasks – a living, thriving settlement.

Deo felt a surge of curiosity and a bit of apprehension as they neared Silverpine. The unfamiliarity of the settlement contrasted sharply with the intimacy of Harmony’s Refuge. However, the potential of new alliances and opportunities waiting within those walls spurred him onward. The prospect of what they might discover, the knowledge they could gain, and the allies they might make in Silverpine ignited a sense of anticipation in him.

As they neared, Deo received a notification from the system:

[New Message from Elandor]: "There are a few options in Silverpine. I love the lunch at Pining Fjords, but you’re much more likely to find accommodation at the Twilight Hearth Tavern. I’m just a day out myself when you receive this, but hopefully, that won’t be an issue."

Approaching Silverpine, the first thing that caught their attention was the wooden wall encircling it. The wall bore numerous scratches and marks, evidencing past skirmishes or attacks. Around the outskirts of the town, a hastily dug dike was visible, suggesting recent efforts to bolster defences. Despite these signs of caution, the town itself buzzed with the everyday activities of its inhabitants, creating an atmosphere of resilience and normalcy.

Once inside, Deo got another new system notification:

[New Location Discovered: Silverpine Town]

[Experience Gained: +200 XP]

Lena glanced at the notification over Deo's shoulder. “Looks like we’re officially here,” she said with a small smile.

Deo made his way towards a guard stationed by the gate, who observed the scene with a lackadaisical air and held a spear in hand.

"Excuse me, could you please direct us to the Twilight Hearth Tavern?" Deo inquired.

"Just continue straight along the main road, take a right at the square, and you'll find it on your left after a minute or so. You can't miss it; there's a prominent sign," the guard replied in a disinterested tone.

With directions received, they made their way through the bustling streets of Silverpine. The town was a blend of rustic charm and pragmatic design, with buildings constructed to maximize both space and function. Merchants hawked their wares, children played in the alleys, and the townsfolk went about their day with a steady purpose.

Mid-conversation with Lena about their plan of action, Deo suddenly stopped in his tracks. Walking straight down the road towards him was a vaguely familiar figure. It was one of the Youth Olympians he had encountered aboard the cruise ship before he had been teleported away. The sight of the youth here, in Silverpine, was as startling as it was intriguing.

Deo’s mind raced with questions. What was he doing here? Was he closer to the others from Earth than he had hoped? Was this encounter merely a twist of fate, or did it hold a deeper significance? Had a way back to Earth been discovered? Did he even want to go back? His gaze locked onto the approaching figure, a mix of surprise and cautious curiosity etched on his face, as the realisation of being in the presence of somewhere else from Earth after what felt like ages sent a profound wave of emotions coursing through him.