Deo's heart raced at Tillo's alarming words. Without hesitation, he closed his eyes and activated his Whispers of the World Tree skill, attuning himself to his domain. His consciousness expanded, reaching out to the boundaries of Harmony's Refuge. In his mind's eye, Deo focused on the Iron Thicket, the sturdy barrier that protected the hamlet. He expected to see a breach, an invading force pushing through the dense, thorny bushes. However, to his surprise and confusion, the thicket remained intact, undisturbed.
Perplexed, Deo extended his senses further, scanning the entirety of his domain. At first, he detected nothing out of the ordinary, the usual routine of life persisted throughout the land. But then, as his focus shifted to the crop fields, he noticed something peculiar. There, beneath the soil, Deo sensed an avalanche of miniscule life signals. They were tiny, almost imperceptible individually, but together, they formed a vast, writhing mass. The signals were concentrated around the roots of the crops, and Deo could feel the plants' distress as these unknown creatures attacked them from below.
Realization dawned on Deo, and he muttered under his breath, "Pests..."
Withdrawing from his Whispers of the World Tree skill, Deo opened his eyes, his expression contemplative, mind already spinning for the best solution to address this newfound challenge. The earlier mood of serene calm within the greenhouse had morphed into one of tense urgency.
Deo turned to Tillo, his voice firm and determined. "Let's go," he said, already moving towards the door.
Pyro, sensing the tension in the air, bounded up from his resting place. The hellhound, attuned to Deo's emotions and thoughts, shot out ahead of them, his fiery paws leaving smouldering prints on the ground as he raced towards the fields. Deo and Tillo followed swiftly, the halfling's shorter strides quickening to keep pace with Deo's urgent steps. While they hurried along the path, Deo's mind raced with questions and possibilities. Tillo's words tumbled out in a rush as they raced along the path, describing the unfolding crisis.
"It's the new crops, Deo," Tillo explained, his voice strained with worry and exertion. "The ones we brought from our home - the Honeydew Melons, the Silverspice, and the Weeping Cabbages. We were so excited to plant them, to add something new to Harmony's Refuge."
Deo nodded, remembering the halflings' enthusiasm to prove their worth by bringing something new to the hamlet.
"But then, a few days ago," Tillo continued, his words punctuated by the rapid patter of their footsteps, "we started noticing these yellow patches on the grass around the new crops. At first, we thought it might be a nutrient deficiency or a watering issue. But when we looked closer..."
Tillo's voice trailed off, and Deo could hear the shudder in his breath. The halfling's next words came out in a disgusted whisper.
"The ground was moving, Deo. Writhing. When we dug into the soil, we found hundreds of these... these grubs. Pale, wriggling things with sharp, biting teeth. They were everywhere, feeding on the roots, tunnelling through the earth."
Deo's brow furrowed as he listened, his mind racing to process this new information.
"We tried to remove them manually," Tillo went on, his voice tinged with desperation. "But there were too many. Every handful of soil we removed was teeming with them. They seem to have a particular fondness for the new crops, but they're spreading, Deo. Spreading to the other fields."
The gravity of the situation settled heavily on Deo's shoulders. An infestation of this magnitude could jeopardize the entire hamlet's harvest. They needed to act quickly, to find a way to eradicate these pests before they consumed everything – especially considering this was their final haul before winter.
As they approached the fields, the extent of the damage became visible even from a distance. The once-vibrant landscape was marred by a gradual progression of destruction, radiating outward from a central point like a blight spreading through the crops. The plants near the edges of the field appeared relatively healthy, their leaves green and fruits intact. However, as the eye travelled inward, the signs of damage became increasingly apparent.
Patches of yellowing, wilting plants grew larger and more frequent towards the centre of the field, the epicentre of the infestation. The Honeydew Melons, typically boasting plump, golden fruits, now displayed a gradient of health, from robust specimens on the outskirts to shrivelled and discoloured fruits closer to the heart of the affected area. Similarly, the Silverspice plants, with delicate, shimmering leaves, stood tall and vibrant on the edges but drooped and lost their lustre as they neared the centre. The Weeping Cabbages, with their purple heads spread joyfully wide on the outskirts, contrasted starkly with their inner compatriots, which were curled up and visibly waning. Finley and Caelum were stood to the side of the field, with the former wringing his hands in despair, venting his frustration to the young boy, as they surveyed the spiralling devastation before them.
Pyro, who had been leading the way, came to an abrupt halt at the edge of the affected area. The hellhound's hackles rose, and a low, warning growl rumbled in his throat. Even he, a creature of fire and fury, seemed unsettled by the unnatural activity beneath the ground. Deo placed a reassuring hand on Pyro's flank, silently acknowledging the direness of the situation. He turned to Tillo, his expression a mix of determination and concern.
"Show me the worst of it," Deo said, his voice steady despite the worry beginning to churn in his gut.
Tillo nodded, leading Deo and Pyro into the heart of the infestation. With each step, the ground seemed to shift and writhe beneath their feet, a sickening reminder of the pests that lurked below. As they reached the centre of the affected area, Deo knelt, plunging his hands into the soil, his fingers sifting through the writhing mass of grubs. He picked up one of the pale, wriggling creatures, holding it up for closer inspection. Focusing his mind, Deo activated his Wildlife Insight skill, seeking to unravel the secrets of the destructive pest:
Nocivi Vermis
* Tier: Common
* Description: Nocivi Vermis, more commonly known as Burrowing Grubs or Leatherjackets, are soft-bodied, pale larvae notorious for their insatiable appetites and destructive habit of feeding on plant roots. These pests can quickly decimate crops if left unchecked, causing widespread damage to agricultural systems. As they mature, they undergo a terrifying metamorphosis, transforming into an even more ravenous and mobile menace - the Volantes Vorax. These flying pests emerge from the ground in swarms, devouring any remaining foliage and laying their eggs to continue the cycle of devastation. It is highly recommended to deal with the pests before they reach this stage.
* Habitat: The grubs are typically found in soil, especially in areas with high moisture content, such as swampy conditions or near large water features. They thrive in damp, nutrient-rich environments where they can easily access plant roots.
* Behaviour: These grubs spend their entire larval stage underground, constantly feeding on roots. They are most active during the autumn months, when they voraciously prepare for their impending metamorphosis. Nocivi Vermis can reproduce rapidly under favourable conditions and will enter a reproductive and feeding frenzy upon discovering plant matter with a high sucrose level. As they approach maturation, the grubs become even more aggressive, consuming everything in their path before emerging as Volantes Vorax, ready to take to the skies and spread further chaos.
[Experience Gained: +10 XP]
As the information flooded Deo's mind, he felt a growing sense of unease. These grubs were perfectly adapted to wreak havoc on crops, and their rapid reproduction and potential metamorphosis meant that the infestation could quickly spiral out of control if not addressed swiftly.
Seeking to provide an immediate remedy to the plants' distress, Deo planted his staff in the ground and reached out to the plants closest to him. Calming his mind, he activated Verdant Surge on the worst affected plants. The Honeydew Melons began to fill back out, their sunny exterior replenished, their flesh regaining its firmness and vitality. The Silverspice plants straightened, their leaves shimmering once more as the restorative energy coursed through their veins. The Weeping Cabbages unfurled their heads, their purple colour brightening as they eagerly absorbed Deo's rejuvenating magic.
However, the plants' newfound vigour was short-lived. As the crops surged with renewed life, the earth itself seemed to quiver in excitement, as if sensing the sudden abundance of fresh, succulent roots. Beneath the soil's surface, the grubs' movement turned even more erratic and frenzied, their pale bodies wriggling and writhing over each other in a mad dash to devour the unexpected feast. The ground shifted and undulated, a sickening reminder of the voracious appetite that lurked just beneath the surface.
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Deo's eyes widened as he realized his mistake. The Verdant Surge, intended to heal and restore, had instead sent the Nocivi Vermis into a feeding frenzy, their insatiable hunger now focused on the freshly invigorated plants. The crops, once revitalized, began to wilt and wither anew as the grubs redoubled their assault, their numbers seemingly multiplying by the second.
"Agh! Ok, that was not a good idea," Deo said frustratedly, his brow furrowing as he watched the destruction escalate before his eyes.
As Deo pondered the various strategies to tackle the grub infestation, a thought flickered through his mind. His Inferno Pulse skill, with its searing flames, could potentially burn out the grubs en masse. For a brief moment, he entertained the idea of unleashing a controlled blaze across the affected fields, imagining the fire consuming the pests in a cleansing wave. However, as quickly as the thought had come, Deo dismissed it. While Inferno Pulse would undoubtedly eradicate the grubs, it would also cause irreversible damage to the crops and the soil itself. The flames would indiscriminately destroy both the pests and the very plants they were trying to save. No, Inferno Pulse was a last resort, a desperate measure to be considered only if all other options failed.
Pyro, who had been prowling around the edges of the infested field, seemed to sense Deo's train of thought. The hellhound, upon realizing that the threat was merely a mass of small, wriggling grubs rather than a fearsome creature, let out a disappointed huff. This was not an enemy he could sink his teeth into, not a foe that required his fiery prowess. With a dismissive flick of his paw, Pyro sent a few grubs flying, watching them land with a soft thud on the soil. He glanced back at Deo, his expression almost apologetic, as if to say, "I'm not much help here, am I?"
Deo couldn't help but smile slightly at Pyro's reaction. "It's alright, buddy," he said, giving the hellhound a reassuring pat. "We'll find another way."
Deo's thoughts continued to race as he considered potential solutions. Back on Earth, he might have turned to chemical pesticides to eradicate the pests. But here, in this world, such options were not readily available. Yet, as he pondered, an idea began to take shape. If he couldn't rely on synthetic pesticides, perhaps he could turn to nature's own defences. There had to be other creatures, predators or parasites, that could help control the grub population. Lost in thought, Deo almost didn't notice Elandor's arrival. The merchant, slightly out of breath from his slower pace, surveyed the damaged fields with a mixture of shock and concern.
"Deo, what in the world is happening here?" Elandor asked, his voice tight with worry.
Deo held up the grub, its pale body squirming between his fingers. "Burrowing grubs," he explained, his tone grim. "They're attacking the roots, destroying the crops from beneath the soil."
Elandor leaned closer, examining the creature with a furrowed brow. "I've never seen anything like it. What can we do?"
An idea suddenly crystallized in Deo's mind, as he vaguely recalled information on nature’s pesticides he’d read a long time ago. He turned to Elandor, a glimmer of hope in his eyes. "Nematodes," he said, the word feeling like a lifeline. "Do you know anyone that deals in Nematodes?"
Elandor blinked, confusion etched on his face. "Nema-what?"
Deo quickly explained, “Nematodes. They’re these tiny, worm-like parasites. I’m sure I read about a variant that could be used to control the population of pests.”
Understanding gradually dawned on Elandor's face and he nodded slowly. "I see. Well, I can't say I've ever traded in nematodes before, but I can certainly send out some messages, see if any of my contacts might know where to procure them."
Relief washed over Deo at Elandor's words. "Thank you," he said, his gratitude palpable. "Any lead you can find would be a tremendous help."
Elandor clapped Deo on the shoulder, a reassuring gesture. "I'll get on it right away. It will take a few hours before I hear anything back, but I’ll return as soon as I do."
As Elandor retreated from the writhing fields to send his messages, Deo turned back to the scene of despair. He began to pace restlessly among the fields, not happy to wait while his domain was under threat, desperately trying to recall other methods of dealing with pests. Eventually Deo’s mind recalled a snippet from a lecture he’d attended about a species of fungi that could infect and kill insect larvae, acting as a natural form of pest control. Excited by this possibility, Deo called over Tillo, Finley and Caelum, who had joined him in the infested field.
Listen," Deo began, his voice filled with a glimmer of hope. "I think I might know of another way to combat these grubs. There are certain types of fungi that can infect and kill insect larvae."
The halflings exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of interest and confusion. Caelum, however, leaned forward, his eyes sparkling with the thirst for knowledge.
Deo continued, his hands gesturing as he explained. "The first type of fungus grows in a white, cottony mass, often forming a dense mat on the surface of the soil or on decaying wood. When you look closely, you'll see that it's made up of many tiny, thread-like filaments. The second type is more colourful, often appearing in shades of green or blue-green. It grows in small, rounded clusters, like tiny, spongy balls."
Tillo nodded, committing the descriptions to memory. "White and cottony, or green and spongy. Got it."
Caelum, eager to assist, piped up. "How do we get these fungi, Master Deo? Can we find them in Harmony's Refuge?"
Deo paused, considering the question. "I'm not sure," he admitted. "But I think it's worth searching for. We can check the forests, mushroom patches, anywhere that fungi are likely to thrive."
The halflings nodded, their expressions brightening with the prospect of a new direction. Finley stepped forward, his voice filled with determination. "We'll help you look," he said, gesturing to his fellow halflings. "If these fungi can save our crops, we'll scour every inch of Harmony's Refuge to find them."
Deo held up a hand, a thought occurring to him. "Wait," he said, his voice filled with a sudden realization. "I think I can narrow down our search."
Closing his eyes, Deo reached out with his Whispers of the World Tree skill, his consciousness expanding to encompass the entirety of Harmony's Refuge. He sought the damp, shadowed places where fungi might thrive, the pockets of decay and renewal that were an integral part of the forest's cycle of life. In his mind's eye, the territory’s landscape unfolded, a tapestry of weaving ribbons and pinpricks of colour. He could sense the pulse of life in every blade of grass, every unfurling leaf. Before long he found exactly the type of area he was looking for. And then another. And a final third spot.
"Perfect," Deo said, his eyes snapping open, his voice filled with excitement. "I can sense three areas where the conditions are right for these fungi. One is in the heart of a forest area, where the trees are thick and the soil is rich with decay. Another is in the shadow of a cliff face, where moisture seeps from the rocks. And the last is near the edges of a minor swamp, where the ground is perpetually damp."
The halflings and Caelum leaned in, listening intently, their expressions a mix of hope and determination, as Deo provided them in-depth directions.
"We'll split up," Deo continued, his tone decisive. "Pyro and I will take the forest area. Caelum, you and Tillo search near the cliff face. And Finley, you head towards the swamplands.”
“And remember”, Deo added, "we're looking for either a white, cottony fungus or one that grows in small, spongy green clusters."
As the group split off, each heading towards their designated search area, Deo felt a flicker of hope. What had previously seemed an insurmountable challenge, now had a potential route to salvation. Leaving the haflings behind, Deo began to speed his progress to his location by interspersing Sylvan Steps with his steady jog. Pyro, with his vastly superior agility, had no trouble matching the pace Deo set.
In no time at all, they reached their designated search area, where they slowed their movement to a crawl as they walked methodically through the area. The trees loomed above them, coating the area in thick shadows, and the air was heavy with the scent of leaf mould and damp earth, the ground soft beneath their feet. Deo's eyes scanned the forest floor for any sign of the distinctive fungi, and he tapped into his skills to aid in the search.
As they ventured deeper into the forest, Deo spotted a patch of fungus that seemed promising. He crouched down, examining the small, whitish growth with intense focus, carefully noting the details. The thin, thread-like filaments were arranged in a radial pattern, and the surface had a slightly powdery appearance. For a moment, his heart raced with anticipation, believing he had found what they were looking for, until he activated his Botanical Knowledge skill:
Ivory Oyster
* Tier: Uncommon
* Description: This small, white fungus grows in clusters on decaying hardwood. The caps are smooth, ivory-coloured, and fan-shaped, with short, off-centre stems. The gills beneath the cap are white and closely spaced, radiating out from the point of attachment to the stem. This unremarkable fungus is neither poisonous, nor edible to most complex organisms.
[Experience Gained: +18 XP]
Deo realized that while the Ivory Oyster shared some similarities with the fungus he sought, it lacked the key characteristics. The cottony texture was absent and it didn’t have the pesticide qualities he was looking for. Frustration welled up inside him as he stood, his fists clenched at his sides. He had been so sure, so hopeful, but it was just another dead end. Hours passed, and the search proved increasingly arduous. Deo's initial optimism slowly gave way to despair as each potential lead turned out to be another false alarm. The forest seemed to mock him, presenting tantalizing glimpses of fungi that were always just slightly wrong.
As they completed their final pass through the area, Deo's frustration boiled over. With a growl of anger, he lashed out at the earth with his staff, sending a spray of dirt and leaves into the air. Pyro ambled over and nuzzled his snout into the back of Deo’s hand, offering silent companionship and support.
Discouraged and exhausted, they trudged wearily back to the hamlet, sending a message to the others to inform them of their lack of success and hoping that his companions had fared better in their respective locations. As they walked, Deo couldn't shake the feeling of defeat that clung to him like a heavy cloak. He had been so certain that they would find the fungi, that he could save Harmony's Refuge from the ravaging horde of grubs. Now, he was left with nothing but doubts and the bitter taste of failure.