The morning sun cast a gentle glow over Harmony's Refuge as Deo led Elandor towards the Mystical Greenhouse Complex. The air was crisp with the promise of a new day, filled with anticipation for the grand reveal of the Celestia Tree. Pyro trotted alongside them, his tail wagging with excitement, as if he too sensed the significance of the moment.

As they approached the greenhouse, Deo found himself reflecting on their first meeting. It seemed like a lifetime ago when Elandor had stumbled upon his humble hovel by the lake, back when it was just him and Pyro, two solitary figures in the vast wilderness. Deo couldn't help but wonder what had driven Elandor to take such a chance on him. At the time, he had been nothing more than a fledgling Green Mage, his dreams of creating a sanctuary far outweighing his actual achievements. Yet, Elandor had seen something in him, a spark of potential that had compelled him to gift Deo with the Celestia Seed.

Elandor, usually composed, couldn't conceal his eagerness. His eyes sparkled with anticipation as they entered the greenhouse, the warm, humid air enveloping them. The earthy aroma of rich soil and thriving plant life filled their nostrils. Elandor's eyes widened as he took in the array of lush greenery. The Sunfruit trees, once mere saplings, had grown considerably, their leaves a vibrant green. Caelum's plum tree sapling stood nearby, its growth modest yet promising, as Pyro sauntered over to it and curled up underneath the shade it provided.

However, it was the Celestia Tree at the centre of the room that immediately drew their gaze. It towered over the other saplings, its presence commanding and majestic. The once slender stem had thickened, exuding strength and resilience. Its bark was a mesmerizing swirl of silver and gold, each hue flowing seamlessly into the other. Delicate branches extended outwards, their tips adorned with leaves that shimmered with a vibrant, starry hue, capturing and reflecting the room's light.

Deo approached the Celestia Tree, marvelling at its beauty. Just weeks ago, it had been a small and unassuming sapling. Now, it stood on the cusp of its full glory, ready to unfurl its majestic canopy.

"Incredible," Elandor breathed, his voice filled with wonder. "I've never seen anything quite like it."

Deo nodded, a smile playing on his lips. "It's time for the final growth cycle. Stand back."

After providing his warning, Deo stepped closer to the Celestia Tree, a sense of exhilaration coursing through him. He placed one hand on the trunk, the bark smooth and warm beneath his palm, whilst his other hand clasped Yggdrasil’s Branch. Closing his eyes, he delved into the profound connection he shared with the tree, summoning his Verdant Growth skill. Deo focused his mana, visualizing it as a vibrant green energy that flowed from his core, through his arm, and into the Celestia Tree. He wove the magic carefully, ensuring that it harmonized with the tree's natural rhythm of growth. It was a delicate dance, a symphony of life and magic intertwining.

As the mana surged into the tree, Deo felt a rush of sensations. The Celestia Tree's life force pulsed beneath his hand, its roots and branches yearning to expand and flourish. The air in the greenhouse seemed to vibrate with the power of the unfolding magic as the tree hungrily lapped up the mana Deo sent forth. The Celestia Tree responded eagerly to Deo's magic, its leaves rustling as if caught in a gentle breeze. The trunk began to expand, its girth increasing as the bark stretched to accommodate the sudden growth. Branches elongated and thickened, their reach extending towards the greenhouse's glass ceiling. The canopy grew dense, creating a cathedral-like space beneath its boughs. Leaves unfurled, their starry hue intensifying, capturing and reflecting the room's light with an ethereal glow. And then, a new wonder began to manifest.

Along the branches, small buds appeared, their surfaces smooth and pristine. As Deo and Elandor watched in awe, the buds swelled rapidly, transforming into flowers of breathtaking beauty. Each bloom was a delicate starburst of white and gold, their petals shimmering as if dusted with diamond powder. The flowers lingered for a moment, their fragrance sweet and enchanting. Then, as quickly as they had appeared, they transformed once more. The petals fell away, revealing small, green orbs that grew at an astonishing rate. They quickly reached the size of large oranges, their skins a mesmerizing gradient of green and gold. They hung heavily from the branches, their weight a clear indication of their ripeness.

As the final fruit ripened, Deo stepped back, releasing his hold on the mana. The effort of channelling such a significant amount of magical energy left him feeling drained. He sagged back, his shoulders slumping as a wave of exhaustion washed over him. The Celestia Tree stood before them, resplendent and laden with a fruitful bounty. Just as Deo was catching his breath, a series of system notifications flashed before his eyes, their appearance as sudden as it was exciting.

[Epic Rarity Celestia Tree Successfully Grown!]

[Experience Gained: +10,000 XP]

[System Points Rewarded: +250 SP]

[Congratulations! You've levelled up! You are now level 31!]

[Achievement Unlocked: Epic Arborist – Thanks to your skillful cultivation of an epic seed into a magnificent, mature specimen, you now have an increased chance in discovering, or receiving, epic and higher rarity seeds.]

Deo blinked, a smile spreading across his face as he read the notifications. With a quick swipe of his hand, he dismissed them, the glowing text fading away to reveal Elandor's awestruck expression.

The merchant was stood stock still, mouth agape, as he took in the sight before him. His eyes, bulging with imagined riches, flickered between the hundreds of shimmering fruits weighing down the branches of the tree. Eventually, he found his voice, “"There are so many!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with wonder and disbelief. "And they're so large!"

Unable to contain his excitement, Elandor began to dance around the room, his laughter echoing off the greenhouse walls. "I knew it!" he shouted, his face split into a wide grin. "Oh I knew it! I told Judith! Oh, why did you throw away the seed, she said! It’s epic rarity, don’t you know! But I knew! I knew it was gamble! But I knew it would pay off!"

Deo watched Elandor's jubilant display, a smile tugging at his own lips. He understood the significance of this moment for Elandor, the validation of a risk taken and a trust placed in someone, who at the time, had been a complete stranger. The Celestia Tree's success was a triumph for both of them, a display of Deo’s Green Mage credentials and an illustration of the potential in their partnership.

As Elandor's celebration wound down, he turned to Deo, his eyes shining with gratitude and respect. "You've done it, my friend," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "The Celestia Tree... it's everything I hoped for and more."

Deo nodded, his own heart swelling with pride and satisfaction. The Celestia Tree stood as a symbol of the incredible things that could be achieved when nature, magic, and trust combined.

Elandor's gaze returned to the fruits, a gleam of excitement in his eyes. "You know, I've heard rumours about these fruits," he said, his voice hushed with reverence. "They say the taste is unlike anything in this world, and the effects... well, some claim they can heal any ailment, others say they grant extraordinary vitality."

He rubbed his hands together, a grin spreading across his face. "I can't wait to bring these to market. Imagine the demand! The price they could fetch!" Elandor paused, a thoughtful look crossing his features. "Although, I must admit, I have no idea what their true worth might be."

Deo chuckled softly, amused by Elandor's enthusiastic speculation. "Well, there's one way to find out," he said, gesturing towards the tree. "Why don't you try one? We have plenty to spare."

Elandor's eyes widened, a mix of surprise and temptation on his face. "Are you sure?" he asked, hesitation warring with the desire to experience the legendary fruit firsthand.

Deo nodded, a warm smile on his lips. "Absolutely. This is a moment to savour, my friend. Go ahead."

With a grin that could rival the sun's brightness, Elandor stepped forward. Deo, in a fluid motion, transmuted his staff into a clipping tool, the wood reshaping itself to form a perfect harvesting instrument.

"Here," Deo said, offering the tool to Elandor. "The honour of harvesting the first fruit is yours."

Elandor accepted the tool with reverent hands, his eyes sparkling with anticipation. He approached the Celestia Tree slowly and with careful movements, he reached up and selected a particularly ripe and inviting fruit. The tool sliced through the stem with ease, and the fruit fell gently into Elandor's waiting hand. He cradled it like a precious gem, admiring its perfect form and the way its golden shade seemed to glow in the greenhouse's soft light.

Stolen story; please report.

Deo watched, his own expectation growing as Elandor raised the fruit to his lips. The first bite was tentative, but as the merchant began to taste the flavours, his eyes widened in wonder.

"This... this is incredible," Elandor mumbled around the mouthful of fruit, juice glistening on his lips. "It's like a medley of flavours - sweet, yet tangy, with a hint of a citrusy zest. It's refreshing and invigorating all at once."

Eager to share the experience, Elandor reached up to harvest another fruit, his movements swift and sure. He turned to Deo, a wide grin on his face, and began to pass the fruit over.

Suddenly, Elandor froze mid-motion, his eyes widening in shock. "They're stabocos!" he squeaked out, his voice a mix of disbelief and excitement.

Deo blinked, confusion etched on his features. "Erm, what?"

Elandor stared at Deo, seemingly puzzled by his lack of immediate understanding. "You know, stat-boosting consumables," he explained, his tone suggesting that this should have been obvious. “Sta-Bo-Co’s. Consumable items that can provide a one-off boost to your stats.”

Deo's eyebrows shot up, the implications of Elandor's words sinking in. "Wait, you mean...?"

"I just gained 5 points in Vitality!" Elandor exclaimed, his voice rising with each word. "These fruits, they're not just delicious, they have one of the rarest properties of all!"

A moment later, realization dawned on Elandor's face, followed quickly by a look of dismay. "Oh, I shouldn't have wasted it," he bemoaned, his hand coming up to his forehead as he realised his merchant’s dilemma. "These things will be worth a fortune! Fruits that can permanently boost Vitality, even if it’s only by 5 points, are incredibly rare."

Deo couldn't help but chuckle at Elandor's rapid shift in emotions. "Well, it's not like we don't have plenty more," he said, gesturing to the abundance of fruits still hanging from the Celestia Tree's branches.

Elandor's gaze followed Deo's gesture, and a slow smile spread across his face. "You're right, you’re right" he said, a hint of awe in his voice. "We have a veritable treasure trove here. I’ll be able to sell these to Nobles all across Caeloria. Even the Dukes will be interested - I’m sure of it!"

Suddenly, Elandor remembered the fruit he was still holding. "Oh, here," he said, handing it over to Deo. "You should try it too."

Deo accepted the fruit, its weight comfortable in his palm. Before taking a bite, he decided to employ his Botanical Knowledge skill to gain more insight into the properties of the Celestia fruit.

Celestia Fruit

* Tier: Epic

* Description: The fruit of the Celestia Tree, known for its extraordinary properties and taste. It is said to bestow vitality upon those who consume it, whilst also being a powerful ingredient in alchemical solutions.

* Properties: Consumption of a single Celestia fruit grants a permanent increase of 5 points to Vitality. As per all stat-boosting consumables, the bonus from this specific fruit can only be attained once.

[Experience Gained: +500 XP]

[Skill Level Up! Botanical Knowledge has reached Level 17!]

After reading carefully, Deo dismissed the information and marvelled once more at the fruit he held in his hand. The skin of the fruit was incredible smooth and it felt deceptively light in his hand. He brought the fruit to his lips, feeling its smooth skin against his mouth and took a deep breath, inhaling the sweet, tantalizing aroma that promised untold wonders. With a decisive bite, Deo's teeth sank into the Celestia fruit. The moment the fruit's flesh touched his tongue, an explosion of taste burst forth, filling his mouth with a kaleidoscope of flavour.

The first note was a burst of sweetness, reminiscent of the most succulent mango at the peak of ripeness. It was a honey-like sweetness, rich and full-bodied, coating his tongue with its nectar. But as he chewed, the sweetness evolved, becoming more complex and nuanced. A tang of citrus, as bright and sharp as a freshly plucked lime, cut through the sweetness, providing a refreshing contrast. It danced on his tongue, invigorating his senses and making his taste buds come alive. The interplay of sweet and tart was like a delicate ballet, each flavour stepping forward before gracefully receding.

As he chewed, Deo felt a tingling sensation begin to spread from his tongue, radiating out through his entire body. It was as if the fruit's essence was suffusing every cell, every fibre of his being with a pulsing, invigorating energy. He could feel his heartbeat quicken, his blood singing with a newfound vitality. With each swallow, the sensation intensified, growing from a gentle tingle to a surging rush of power. Deo's senses heightened, his vision sharpening, his hearing becoming more acute. He felt stronger, more alive than ever before, as if the fruit had unlocked a hidden reservoir of potential within him. As he savoured the last morsel of the Celestia fruit, a sudden system notification appeared before Deo's eyes, its glowing text demanding his attention:

[Stat-Boosting Consumable Consumed: Celestia Fruit]

[Vitality Permanently Increased by 5 Points]

Curious to see the full extent of the change, Deo summoned his status page with a thought. The interface materialized before him, the glowing numbers and text painting a picture of his enhanced abilities:

[Status Page]

Name: Deo Mitchell

Race: Human (Outworlder)

Class: Yggdrasil’s Chosen (Legendary)

Level: 31

Experience: 151326 / 154770

Titles: Whisked by Fate's Winds, Cosmic Newcomer (Temporary), Ironbark’s Kin, Giant Slayer, Daring Pioneer, Settlement Shaper, Guardian’s Pact, Greenfield Guardian, Legendary Synergy, Hellhound’s Kin, Stoneheart Champion, Marked by Yggdrasil, Epic Arborist

Stats:

* Agility: 53

* Endurance: 59

* Intelligence: 146

* Strength: 52

* Vitality: 100

* Wisdom: 146

* HP: 500/500

* Mana: 730/730

Skills:

Botanical Knowledge (Level 17), Flora Communication (Level 10), Verdant Growth (Level 14), Nature’s Essence (Level 4), Ironbark Armour (Level 6), Leaf in the Wind (Level 24), Sylvanus' Grasp (Level 8), Fauna Communication (Level 5), Wildlife Insight (Level 10), Whispers of the World Tree (Level 4), Inferno Pulse (Level 8), Shadowmeld Mantle (Level 4), Celestial Bloom (Level 2), Verdant Surge (Level 6), Sylvan Step (Level 2), Chthonic Key (Level 1)

Territories:

* Harmony’s Refuge

* System Points: 2095

Quests:

* Yggdrasil’s Champion (Class Mission)

* Your sacred duty is to purify the realm, eradicating the unnatural corruption that seeks to defile it. Traverse the lands, seek out the sources of contamination, and restore balance using your unparalleled connection to the ancient power of Yggdrasil.

* Yggdrasil’s Chosen Class Quest

* Please select a quest from the list of options.

* Attend the Quinquennial Druidic Conclave

* You have been cordially invited to attend the Quinquennial Druidic Conclave, a prestigious gathering of druids held every five years. This conclave brings together practitioners of druidic and nature magic from various regions and races to share knowledge, celebrate nature, and discuss the challenges facing the natural world.

* Uncover the Hidden Darkness of the Elven Realm

* A sinister shadow looms beneath the serene façade of the elven lands. Whispers of unrest, deceit, and a darkness that creeps through the heart of the Ancientroot Enclave have reached your ears. This hidden threat, cloaked in secrecy, poses a danger not just to the elves but to the balance of nature itself.

* From Hamlet to Village

* Upgrade your hamlet to the level of a village.

* Progress: 4/5.

Bonded Partner: Pyro

Closing his status page, Deo turned to Elandor, a beaming smile on his face. "Wow, that was quite the experience," he exclaimed, his voice filled with awe and excitement. "Certainly beats an apple, that's for sure."

Elandor chuckled, nodding in agreement. "Exactly, Deo. These Celestia Fruits are in a league of their own." His expression then shifted, becoming more businesslike as he broached the next topic. "Now, down to business. If you recall, we agreed that I would take half of the first harvest of these Celestia Fruits as payment for providing you with the seed." He tapped his chin thoughtfully, his eyes surveying the bountiful tree before them. "However, I must admit, I didn't envisage you being quite this successful in bringing the tree to fruition." He gestured to the drooping branches, overflowing with the delectable green and golden fruits, proof of Deo's arboreal abilities.

"In light of this revelation," Elandor continued, his tone shifting to one of proposition, "I suggest I take a quarter of them instead. Then, if you so wish, I could take further fruit and sell them on your behalf for, say, a 20% commission fee?"

Deo, recognizing that Elandor was testing his negotiation skills, met his gaze with a calm, unwavering expression. "10%," he said simply, his voice firm and confident, refusing to elaborate further.

Elandor raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement playing on his lips. "Now, come on, Deo. I have to transport these goods without spoiling them to potential buyers. And I'll surely be able to charge a higher price in the markets I operate in, compared to what you’ll be able to sell them for. Besides, I have a name. A pull, if you will. I'll be able to attract very wealthy clientele." He paused for a moment, then added, "17.5%."

Deo remained steadfast, his response immediate and resolute. "12.5%."

"Hmm, a tough negotiator," Elandor mused, a glint of respect in his eyes. He pondered for a moment, then leaned forward, his voice taking on a tone of final offer. "15%, and I'll promise to give you first refusal on epic seeds I find in the future." He extended his hand, a knowing smile on his face, confident that Deo would accept his terms.

Deo considered the offer for a moment, weighing the potential benefits. With a decisive nod, he reached out and grasped Elandor's hand, giving it a firm shake. "Deal," he agreed, sealing their agreement with the single word.

"I shouldn't need too many of these fruits for myself this harvest," Deo continued, his mind already considering the distribution. "How about you take a quarter as payment for the seed, and then take another half that you can sell on my behalf?"

Elandor's eyes lit up, a calculating look crossing his features as the wheels of merchantry spun in his head. "Works for me," he said, his tone revealing his satisfaction with the arrangement.

The two stood there for a moment, surrounded by the verdant foliage of the greenhouse and the gentle hum life all around them. The Celestia Tree, with its bounty of extraordinary fruits, stood as a symbol of their partnership and potential for success. However, their tranquil moment of contentment and contemplation was abruptly shattered when the door to the greenhouse was flung open with a resounding bang. Tillo, one of the halfling farmhands, burst in, his face flushed and his breath coming in rapid gasps. His eyes were wide with urgency, and his usually tidy appearance was dishevelled, as if he had been running.

"Deo, come quick!" Tillo exclaimed, his voice high-pitched and strained. "We're being overrun!"