As the crisp air of autumn deepened around Harmony's Refuge, the scarred fields gradually began to heal. The fungi slowly withdrew from the fields and the crops began to prosper once more. In the days following the vanquishing of the grub infestation, Deo was a constant presence in the fields, his hands and magic tirelessly coaxing the wounded plants back to health. He navigated the fields with the precision of a sculptor shaping clay, his green magic moulding the weakened plants, fusing the broken pieces together and restoring their strength.

The soil, previously ravaged and lifeless, now pulsed with vitality, a rich, loamy scent filling the air as Deo worked his craft. The Honeydew Melons, their vines withered from the onslaught of the grubs, now stretched towards the sun with a revitalised vigour. Deo knelt beside a particularly damaged melon plant, its leaves crisp and brown at the edges. With a gentle touch, he cradled a small, shrivelled fruit in his palm. Channelling his Verdant Surge skill in conjunction with Verdant Growth, he first focussed on the plant’s roots, sending tendrils of green magic deep into the earth to mend the partially devoured root system. As the roots began to heal, he turned his attention to the leaves, magic pulsing from his fingers and into the plant, the shrivelled leaves unfurling as they sought to soak in the sun’s vibrant rays once more. Finally, he concentrated on the melon itself, watching as it swelled and ripened before his eyes, its skin transforming from a dull, mottled yellow to a vibrant, honey-golden hue, the fruit plump and well on its way to be ready for the upcoming harvest.

The Silverspice plants, their delicate leaves formerly tattered and torn, now shimmered in the afternoon light, their pungent aroma carried on the gentle wind. As Deo tended to a particularly stubborn patch of Weeping Cabbages, he heard the soft crunch of footsteps behind him. Turning, he saw Elandor approaching at a brisk pace, his travel-worn cloak billowing behind him.

"Deo," Elandor called out, his voice carrying a mix of urgency and excitement. "I must speak with you."

Deo straightened, brushing the soil from his hands as he turned to face the merchant. "Elandor, what brings you here in such haste?"

Elandor came to a stop before Deo, his eyes bright with purpose. "I've received word from a buyer, a very influential one, who is greatly interested in the Celestia fruit. They're willing to pay a substantial sum, but I must leave tomorrow to meet with them."

Deo's eyebrows rose in surprise. "Tomorrow? That's quite sudden."

Elandor nodded, his expression serious. "I know it's short notice, but this is an opportunity I can't afford to miss. I was hoping you could assist me in harvesting the Celestia fruit today, so I can prepare for my journey."

Deo considered for a moment, then nodded, a smile forming on his face. "Of course, Elandor. The Celestia fruit is as much your success as it is mine. Let's go to the greenhouse and gather what you need."

Gratitude washed over Elandor's features. "Thank you, Deo. I know this is just the beginning of a great partnership!”

Together, they set off towards the greenhouse, the autumn sun casting long shadows across the rejuvenated fields of Harmony's Refuge. Upon entering the greenhouse, the sweet, heady aroma of the Celestia fruit enveloped them. The majestic tree stood at the centre, its branches heavily laden with the shimmering, green and golden fruits. Deo and Elandor worked efficiently, carefully plucking the ripe fruits from the branches and placing them into four large baskets.

As they filled the last basket, Deo stepped back, surveying their work with satisfaction. He gestured to the first basket, filled to the brim with the gleaming fruits. "This one is for your payment, Elandor. A quarter of the harvest, as we agreed."

Elandor nodded, his eyes shining with gratitude. "Thank you, Deo. This is more than fair."

Deo then pointed to the next two baskets, equally full and inviting. "And these two, you can sell on my behalf. I trust you'll get a good price for them. Send me back my share of the profits when you can."

Elandor grinned, rubbing his hands together in anticipation. "Oh, I certainly will. These fruits will fetch a pretty penny in the right markets. You can count on me to get the best deal."

Finally, Deo turned to the last basket, a mischievous glint in his eye. "And this final one, I'll keep here. I have plans for this batch!"

After concluding their fruitful endeavour in the greenhouse, the pair emerged into the dwindling light of day, the bounty of their labour secured. The quiet of the evening wrapped around them as they discussed the logistics of the upcoming trade and the anticipation of profit. With the fruits safely packed and plans laid, they retired for the night, the excitement of the day's achievements giving way to the peaceful anticipation of the dawn.

As the sun rose over Harmony's Refuge the next morning, Deo, Elandor, Lena and Caelum found themselves standing in the shade of the Iron Thicket, the baskets of Celestia fruit securely stowed in Elandor’s bag of holding. The merchant's horse stamped its hooves, eager to begin the journey.

"Safe travels, my friend," Deo said, clasping Elandor's hand in a firm shake.

Elandor returned the handshake, a warm smile on his face. "Thank you, Deo. I'll send word as soon as I've made the sale. And I’ll keep my eyes peeled for any further rare seeds as well.

With a final nod, and a pat on the head for Caelum, the merchant climbed onto his horse, taking the reins. He gave the group a wave as he urged his horse forward, the animal gradually building up speed. They watched as he disappeared over the horizon, before turning about and heading back towards the hamlet. As they approached the gap in the barrier, they spotted the Jumping Jacks - Jerome, Justin, and Jeremiah - engaged in conversation, their eyes scanning the horizon. The trio turned as Deo and his companions neared, offering warm smiles and nods of greeting.

"Ah, Deo, Lena, Caelum," Jerome said, his voice carrying a note of respect. "Good to see you. We were just discussing the state of our defences."

Deo raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued. "How goes the watch? Any signs of trouble?"

Justin shook his head, his broad shoulders relaxed. "All quiet on the perimeter for now. Just the usual critters - rabbits, squirrels, the occasional deer. Nothing to worry about."

Jeremiah, however, wore a slightly more concerned expression. "But we can't let our guard down. Winter's coming, and with it, the threat of more dangerous creatures."

Deo frowned, his brow furrowing. "Dangerous creatures? Like what?"

Jerome sighed, his gaze drifting to the wilderness beyond the thicket. "There were rumours back in Silverpine that Frostfang Wolves have been spotted in the region. Monstrous beasts, with icy breath and a hunger that grows as the prey grows scarce in the cold months. They could pose a serious threat to the hamlet if they catch us unawares."

Caelum shivered, edging closer to Deo. "Frostfang Wolves? They sound terrifying."

Deo placed a reassuring hand on Caelum's shoulder, his expression thoughtful. "We'll need to be vigilant, then. The Iron Thicket is a strong barrier, but we can't rely on it alone."

This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

Jerome nodded, his eyes scanning the length of the thicket. "We've been patrolling regularly, keeping an eye out for any signs of danger. But it's a lot of ground to cover, and the thicket blocks our line of sight."

Jeremiah perked up, an idea forming. "What we could really use is a watchtower. Something to give us a better vantage point, help us spot potential threats from a distance."

Justin, eyes sparkling with mirth, quipped. “Thought you would be tall enough to peer over it yaself.”

Lena, ignoring Justin’s comment, turned to Deo with a thoughtful expression. “A watchtower does make sense you know. We also need some way to close the entrances in an emergency, a way to batten down the hatches. Any ideas spring to mind?”

Deo considered the suggestions, his mind already mapping out potential solution and designs. "I think a watchtower is a great idea. I'll look into what we need to make it happen. I’ve got some system points we could use? Or the dwarves might be able to construct something simple? I’ll mull it over and get back to you. You settling in alright otherwise?"

“It’s great here Deo!”, Justin gushed. “That hafling Thalen whips up a wicked brew. I can’t wait to get back to the Hellhound after I’ve finished my round.” The large man was practically bobbing on his feet in excitement as he replied.

Deo smiled as he heard the effusive praise. “Glad to hear it. Keep up the good work, guys. Harmony's Refuge is lucky to have you watching over us.”

The Jumping Jacks stood a little taller at the praise, their expressions a mix of pride and determination. With the sun continuing its journey across the sky, the group made their way back to the heart of the hamlet.

As the days passed, Deo continued to work tirelessly in the fields, his magic and dedication helping not just the new crops, but also the Golden Grain, Crimsonroot, and Sylphbeans to flourish. The weather grew colder as autumn marched on, the crisp air carrying the promise of winter's approach. The leaves on the trees turned from green to a riot of reds, oranges, and golds, painting the landscape in the warm hues of the changing season. The days grew shorter, and the nights longer, the stars twinkling brightly in the clear, cold sky.

It was during this period that Deo Deo's thoughts turned to the basket of Celestia fruit he had kept for himself. He recalled the thrill of discovery and creation he had felt when he first dived into the art of alchemy, the satisfaction of brewing his first successful mana potion. With a new, potentially potent, ingredient at his disposal, Deo felt a reinvigorated sense of purpose and excitement. He longed to explore the properties of the Celestia fruit, to uncover the secrets locked within its shimmering, golden flesh.

In the quiet of his study, Deo began to gather his alchemical tools, the familiar weight of the mortar and pestle in his hands, the gentle clink of glass vials a soothing melody. He laid out his equipment with care, his mind already racing with the possibilities of what he could create. As he held a Celestia fruit up to the light, admiring its perfect form and the way the sunlight seemed to dance within its flesh, Deo felt a thrill of anticipation. He carefully selected a few of the most perfect Celestia fruits, their skins unblemished and their aroma sweet and inviting.

Recalling the lessons he had learned from his first foray into alchemy, Deo began the meticulous process of creating a stable suspension. He chose a base of pure, crystal-clear water, drawn from the heart of Harmony's Refuge's lake. Into this, he carefully stirred ground Luminaria petals until the mixture was a consistent viscosity and softly glowing.

Next, Deo turned his attention to the selection of active ingredients, as he placed the solution on a gentle heat. First, he carefully grated the golden green flesh of the Celestia fruit, watching as the soft glow of the base took on a shimmering, luminescent quality. His hands then dithered as he considered what ingredients to combine with his epic fruit. Plumping for Starwhisp Thyme, he gently shredded the plant and mixed it within. The simmering suspension began to crackle softly as the different ingredients began to interact, signalling the beginning of a magical reaction. However, the excitement was short-lived; the mixture soon turned a stodgy brown, its vibrant energy dissipating before Deo's very eyes.

With an exaggerated sigh, he set his first attempt to one side and undeterred by his initial setback, he began the process afresh. This time, as he reached the pivotal moment of ingredient selection, he paused, his mind a battlefield of indecision once more. His hand hovered between a freshy-shredded leaf of Silverleaf Spice and the long, purple petals of Dreaming Lavender. Slowly, he picked up a handful of the lavender, its fragrance providing a calming influence on his spiralling thoughts. As he sprinkled the petals into the vial, they swirled around in a mesmerising magenta maelstrom.

Deo waited and watched with bated breath as the two ingredients began to react. The interaction between the lavender and the Celestia fruit was immediate and intense, with vibrant purple swirls wrapping around the golden-green essence in a dazzling display. The colours clashed and mingled, battling for dominance before slowly starting to merge. The potion’s surface mirrored a stormy sky at dusk, flashes of light hinting at the tumultuous magic within. Deo found himself leaning closer, his heart pounding in his chest as he observed the spectacle. The mixture’s fierce reaction began to subside, the chaotic swirls settling into a deep, dark blood red, teeming with latent magical energy.

With all the ingredients combined, Deo set the potion to simmer over a low flame, the gentle heat encouraging the components to meld and harmonize. Having almost reached the final stage, Deo allowed himself a moment of cautious optimism and his mind began to race with the possibilities that his rare Celestia fruit could provide. What elixir of great power was he about to create?

As the pivot moment of activation approached, Deo stood before the final crossroads before creation. He initially picked up a Mana Shard, the ingredient that had proven itself crucial in his previous attempts at creating a mana potion. His gaze, however, was inexorably drawn to the previously perilous leaves of the Moonshade Elm. "This time will be different," he whispered to the shadows of his lab, a blend of hope and defiance in his voice. Choosing audacity over caution, he let a leaf fall into the bubbling mixture, stepping back as if from the edge of a precipice.

The mixture's initial reaction was subtle, a mere whisper of the storm to come. The potion began to seethe and churn, a slow build of power that hinted at the untamed magic within. Deo watched, his heart a percussion of nerves, as the liquid's colour remained unchanged, belying the tempestuous energy he could feel brewing beneath the surface. Then, as if the potion had only been biding its time, the true reaction unleashed. The surface of the concoction erupted into a maelstrom, the air crackling with the release of pent-up magical forces. Deo could only watch in mixed horror and fascination as what seemed like a controlled experiment teetered on the brink of chaos for a second time.

But as quickly as it had escalated, the potion began to assert its new identity. The violent bubbling subsided into a gentle simmer, the liquid transforming before Deo's eyes. Now, the colour shifted, deepening into a resplendent ruby red, its earlier menace dissolving into a captivating beauty. The air, once thick with the tension of unleashed power, now pulsed with a controlled vibrancy. Deo, standing at the precipice of failure and triumph, watched as the potion settled into a tranquil state, its surface smooth as glass and glowing with a deep, mesmerizing light. Before him, system notifications flickered to life, congratulating him on his successful experimentation.

[Consumable Crafted: Superior Health Potion]

[Experience Gained: +1000 XP]

[System Points Rewarded: +10 SP]

As Deo read the notifications flashing before his eye, absorbing the reality of his achievement, an unexpected sentiment crept through the triumph, a whisper of disappointment amidst the fanfare of success. Despite the potion’s undeniable utility and the ingredients required to craft it, Deo couldn't shake the feeling of mundanity that clouded his excitement. A Superior Health Potion, while invaluable to any adventurer or warrior, seemed a pedestrian outcome for such a rare and mystical ingredient as the Celestia fruit.

With a resigned sigh, Deo carefully set the newly crafted Superior Health Potion to one side. Turning back to his workbench, Deo immersed himself in the tedious process of duplicating his initial success as he worked to create more potions. His movements became a rhythm, hands dancing with practiced ease as he moved through the same motions time and again. Batch after batch, he crafted the Superior Health Potions, each vial an echo of the first, their luminescence gathering on the shelf beside him, a constellation of medicinal brilliance yet personal disappointment. The hours blurred, the outside world fading to a distant whisper until a knock at the door sliced through the monotony. Startled from his reverie, Deo wiped his hands on his robes, a trail of dust motes floating into the air disturbed by his sudden movement.

Opening the door, Deo was met with the sight of Freya and Hilda standing on his porch, blearily blinking his eyes as they struggled to adjust to the streaming rays of light after being in the shadowed laboratory. Before he could even utter a word of greeting or express surprise at their arrival, Freya dove headfirst into the reason for their unexpected visit.

“Can our cousins join us here, Deo?” she unceremoniously asked.