Chapter 8: Rooibos and Ruminations
The sun hung low in the morning sky, casting long shadows and bathing the landscape in a cool, refreshing light. The air felt crisp, a reminder of the early hour, as Deo set out for a walk with Pyro by his side. The large dog trotted happily, his tail swishing to and fro, evidently as curious about their new environment as Deo was.
Walking by the lake, the serene setting inspired a calm, contemplative mood in Deo. The gentle sounds of the water, combined with the sweet melodies of songbirds, provided the perfect backdrop for Deo's exploration.
Drawing on his Botanical Knowledge skill, Deo kept an eye out for any plants that could be of use or interest. A burst of bright green caught his attention as he identified a cluster of Marbled Mint. "Good for teas, apparently" he murmured, gently plucking a few leaves and storing them in his herbologist's satchel. With a smirk, he thought, "I wonder if the system offers a decent teapot for a few SP."
Next, taking out his miniature shears, he took a number of small cuttings and also tucked them away within the satchel. Not wishing to leave the plant depleted, Deo channelled his Verdant Growth skill, giving back a touch of his own mana to restore and invigorate the plant. As the subtle green glow of his skill faded, the Marbled Mint seemed to stand a tad bit prouder, its leaves glistening with a rejuvenated vitality.
[Skill Level Up! Verdant Growth has reached Level 3!]
Deo felt a warm satisfaction bubble within him. The symbiotic relationship he had begun to develop with the flora around him was proving to be beneficial for both parties.
Continuing his exploration, Deo's steps slowed as he felt an odd sensation; a prickling at the back of his neck. He began to notice a distinct change in the environment. The chirping of birds and other ambient noises dimmed. There was an eerie silence as he approached a particularly dense section of the lakeside vegetation.
Peering through a gap between two bushes, Deo's eyes widened in recognition and alarm. Lying in wait was another Carnivora Sylvanum, the nightmarish, venus flytrap-like monstrosity. Pyro, sensing the familiarity, emitted a low, menacing growl, whilst his eyes, normally a calm amber, ignited into a brighter crimson, his memories of the previous encounter still fresh and raw. The hound’s stance became defensive, his protective instincts flaring up in the presence of the very plant that had once ensnared him.
"Easy, Pyro," Deo whispered soothingly, placing a steadying hand on the hound's flank. "We're just observing. Stay close." Pyro's growls subsided, but his alert posture remained, trusting Deo but wary of the lurking danger.
Unlike the previous one Deo had encountered, which had been a frenzy of movement and aggression, this one was eerily still. It lay in wait with predatory patience, its huge, serrated jaws dripping with viscous mucus, tendrils lying poised for a hapless creature to wander too close. The terrifying beauty and stealth of this plant was undeniable.
Recalling his "Champion of the Wilds" quest, Deo pondered its most recent directive; “Carnivorous plants have proliferated across the wilds. Discover the root cause for this proliferation and restore equilibrium to the ecosystem.” He wondered if this stealthy plant before him held any answers.
Grasping Yggdrasil’s Branch, Deo took a deep breath, hoping to tap into the inherent energy of the carnivorous plant, similar to how he had communed with the Ironbark tree yesterday. The staff's markings glowed softly, hinting at its latent power.
Closing his eyes, he reached out with his Flora Communication skill, attempting to touch the very essence of the Sylvanum. Instead of the age-old wisdom he'd felt from the Ironbark tree, a wave of primal hunger washed over him. It was raw, urgent, and unyielding. The sensation was cold, alien, and utterly dominating. It was clear that the core of this plant's existence revolved around a relentless need to consume.
Carrying that raw hunger in mind, Deo tried to push further, to project a simple, but direct question: why? Why were there so many of the Carnivora Sylvanum proliferating across the wilds?
The sensation that returned was jarring. Waves of hunger, but now tinged with a subtle undertone of dissonance. It was as though the natural rhythm that should have been there, the balance inherent to most plants, was skewed. This wasn’t just the natural hunger of a predator. This was amplified, intensified.
Behind it all, he felt a trace of... wrongness. It was fleeting and nebulous, like a shadow at the corner of one's vision, but it was undeniably there. The Sylvanum felt different from other plants, as if something had nudged it from its natural course.
Shaken, Deo withdrew from the connection, his head reeling a little from the intensity of the sensations. The plant didn't provide clear answers, but it did offer hints. There was a deviation in the Sylvanum, perhaps a symptom of a deeper malaise affecting the wilds. Whatever it was, the Sylvanum seemed to be more a victim of this change rather than the root cause.
Drawing a slow, stabilising breath, Deo tried to process the flood of raw emotion and information. He could sense the desperation and relentless hunger driving the Sylvanum, a compelling force almost alien to the natural order he was accustomed to. But the cause? That remained elusive.
Feeling somewhat defeated but not willing to give up just yet, Deo took a moment to consider his options. He recalled the other skill he had available to him: Nature's Essence. Perhaps, by tapping into the latent magic within the Sylvanum, he could gain a clearer understanding or a different perspective.
Closing his eyes, he began to concentrate, channelling his newfound ability toward the menacing plant. He attempted to draw on its innate energy, to decipher its very essence. But as he reached out, he felt a jolt, almost like an electric shock, and was pushed back mentally.
Opening his eyes in surprise, he saw a system notification floating before him:
[Error: Nature's Essence Level insufficient. Extracting from Epic-level plants without their blessing requires Level 12 or higher.]
He glanced towards Pyro, whose tense form and heightened alertness were clear indicators of their shared discomfort. "I guess this isn't the time or place to solve this puzzle," Deo whispered, mostly to himself.
Gently patting Pyro's head, he said, "Come on, boy. Let's move on. We have a lot more ground to cover, and I still need to think about breakfast." Pyro, seemingly grateful for the distraction, gave a soft whine in agreement, his eyes still wary but ever trusting in his human companion. The duo left the lurking Sylvanum behind, continuing their exploration around the lake.
The lake reflected the golden hues of the morning sun, its calm surface only occasionally disturbed by the playful antics of aquatic creatures. Birds flitted about, their cheerful songs adding to the ambience. Deo and Pyro continued their walk, the connection between man and his companion evident in their synchronised steps.
In the distance, a particular shrub with needle-like leaves and a bright reddish stem caught Deo's eye. His steps quickened in excitement, and Pyro, sensing his master's enthusiasm, bounded ahead. "Wait up, Pyro!" Deo called out playfully.
As they approached, Deo crouched beside the plant, activating his Botanical Knowledge skill:
[Rare: Rooibos - Caffeine-free and rich in antioxidants. Can be brewed as a tea and its red brew is known for its sweet, nutty flavour.]
Deo's face lit up. "Rooibos!" he exclaimed. "I've had this tea back on Earth! I never imagined finding one here." He was familiar with the taste and had enjoyed it on many occasions.
Eager to make the most of this discovery, Deo gently harvested a few branches, ensuring not to harm the plant. After storing them carefully in his satchel, he once again used his Verdant Growth skill, nurturing the rooibos and ensuring its continued vitality.
Pyro wagged his tail, watching Deo with evident curiosity. Deo chuckled, "I think we've just found our beverage for breakfast, buddy." With renewed energy and the prospect of a refreshing drink, the pair continued their exploration.
Deo's stomach gave a low rumble, echoing his earlier thoughts about breakfast. The energy he had expended from all the exploring, not to mention his recent attempts at plant communication, had taken its toll. He needed sustenance.
Scanning the surroundings, he spotted a cluster of berry bushes. Drawing closer, he noted the vibrant red and purple hues of the fruits, signalling ripeness. Once again, he relied on his Botanical Knowledge skill to discern their edibility.
[Common: Reddream Berries - Sweet with a tangy aftertaste. Nutritious and safe for human consumption.]
[Skill Level Up! Botanical Knowledge has reached Level 10! This skill now provides further information, including conditions required for optimal plant growth.]
"Whoa," Deo whispered, glancing down at the Reddream berries in his hand. "That's new."
Pyro tilted his head to the side, sensing Deo's excitement. The hellhound's calm amber eyes looked up, questioning.
Deciding to test out this new feature, Deo focused again on the Reddream berries.
Reddream Berries
* Tier: Common
* Description: These berries are commonly found in temperate forests and are a reliable food source for many herbivores.
* Properties: Sweet with a tangy aftertaste. Nutritious and safe for human consumption.
* Growth Conditions:
* Soil: Rich, well-draining soil.
* Water: Moderate, prefers consistent moisture but not waterlogged conditions.
* Sunlight: Partial shade to full sunlight.
* Temperature: Thrives in mild to slightly cool climates.
"Interesting," Deo mused, his eyes scanning the additional information. "This could be incredibly helpful, especially when I start growing my own plants." Satisfied, Deo began collecting the juicy berries. As he did so, Pyro, always the curious and alert companion, had his attention caught by the rustling of leaves overhead. Looking up, Deo spotted several clusters of brown nuts hanging from the branches of a nearby tree. The tree itself stood out due to its unique bark pattern, reminiscent of a honeycomb.
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Drawing on his enhanced Botanical Knowledge skill, he focused on the tree to get more information.
Golden Crust Tree
* Tier: Common
* Description: Standing tall and majestic, the Golden Crust Tree is distinguished by its bark, which displays a tessellated pattern of golden hexagons set against a deep russet background. The tree is also known for its resilience and the bountiful nut harvest it provides.
* Properties: This tree is known for its nuts, which are a crunchy delight and rich in essential oils. Its bark also possesses mild medicinal qualities, often used in herbal remedies.
* Nuts: Golden Crust Nuts - Edible, highly nutritious, and a favourite among many forest creatures. Crunchy with a rich, buttery flavour. Packed with proteins and healthy fats.
* Growth Conditions:
* Soil: Prefers loamy, well-draining soil.
* Water: Moderate watering, with occasional deep soaks.
* Sunlight: Enjoys full sunlight but can tolerate partial shade.
* Temperature: Adaptable to a range of temperatures but thrives in temperate climates.
"Good eye, Pyro," Deo said with a grin, quickly gathering a handful of the nuts. They'd make a great complement to the berries.
With a decent haul of berries and nuts in tow, Deo's thoughts turned back to breakfast. "Alright, Pyro," he began, standing up and looking around to orient himself, "let's head back and whip up something tasty."
The walk back to their lakeside dwelling was peaceful, the morning air still holding that fresh crispness. The idea of a warm Rooibos tea with a side of berries and toasted nuts was tantalising.
Upon arriving, the clear reflection of the sky in the lake greeted them, along with the faintly smoking remnants of their last night's campfire. This view, with its blend of nature's beauty and their own makeshift comforts, was quickly becoming a familiar sight.
Deo and Pyro returned to their lakeside dwelling, the morning sun casting warm glints over the lake’s surface. Laying out his haul on a large flat stone, Deo began sorting the ingredients for breakfast.
First, he crushed the Golden Crust Nuts with another rock to break their outer shell, revealing the creamy and meaty nut inside. The aroma was tantalising — rich and slightly earthy.
With the nuts prepared, he took a few Reddream berries, carefully washing them in the lake's clean waters before mashing them into a juicy pulp. The idea was to create a simple sauce to drizzle over the roasted nuts, giving them a sweet and tangy edge.
Deo reignited the embers from the previous night’s fire. Placing a flat stone over the flames, he waited for it to heat up. Once hot, he scattered the nuts over it, letting them roast. They began to sizzle and pop as their oils heated up, emitting an even richer aroma that made Deo's stomach growl in anticipation.
He took out the Greenpipe bowl and filled it with fresh lake water. As he set it close to the flames to heat up, he also prepped the rooibos. Gently crushing the leaves and stems between his fingers, he inhaled the distinct, slightly sweet aroma. The scent was invigorating and took him back to memories of older times – another world even.
As the nuts roasted to a delightful golden brown, he drizzled the Reddream berry sauce over them. The mixture of sweet and savoury, combined with the slightly tangy kick of the berries, made for a mouth-watering combination.
When the water was just about to boil, he added the crushed rooibos leaves, letting them steep right in the bowl. The clear water took on a deep, reddish-brown hue as the essence of the rooibos infused it.
Taking the roasted nuts off the stone and onto a makeshift plate, Deo was delighted at the delicious aroma wafting up. The Reddream berry sauce had caramelised slightly due to the heat, creating a glistening, flavourful glaze over the nuts. The mouth-watering combination made him all the more eager to tuck in.
Deo sat cross-legged by the lake, makeshift plate in one hand and the steaming bowl of rooibos tea in the other. With the serene backdrop of the shimmering water, chirping birds, and the soft rustling of leaves, he took a moment to truly appreciate the tranquil beauty surrounding him.
He took his first bite, the nuts offering a delightful crunch, complemented perfectly by the sweetness of the berry sauce. Each flavour burst forth, a testament to the wild's bounty. With a sip of the rooibos tea, its warm, aromatic liquid washed down the meal, its slightly sweet flavour providing a wonderful counterbalance to the tanginess of the berries. While Deo feasted on his concoction, Pyro enjoyed a few of the raw nuts, crunching on them happily, with Deo occasionally tossing one into the air for him to catch.
Deo sighed contentedly, each bite and sip further enhancing the serenity of the moment. "This," he thought, "is what it feels like to be at one with nature."
After finishing his meal, Deo set the empty plate and bowl aside, leaning back against the trunk of a nearby tree. Pyro, sensing a lull in activity, sauntered over and rested his head in Deo's lap, eyes half-closed in contentment. Deo absentmindedly scratched behind Pyro's ears, lost in thought.
With a satisfied sigh, Deo remarked to himself, "Always easier to think on a full belly." He felt re-energised and rejuvenated after the hearty breakfast, and now, his mind turned to more practical matters.
Pulling up his status, Deo returned to the Territorial Marketplace interface. As he browsed through the numerous listings, his eyes were drawn to the starter bundles. The packages were designed for newcomers like him, offering essential items at a discounted rate, and he couldn’t deny their appeal. Each bundle was curated to meet the basic needs of a settler while also offering a touch of specialisation based on preferences.
However, as he navigated to the structures section, a sense of sticker shock hit him. He was reminded that the cost of buying fully-formed structures was astronomical, especially for someone with his current SP balance. The extravagant prices made it evident that purchasing a structure outright was out of the question for the time being.
Shifting his attention to the enhancements section, Deo found himself intrigued. It appeared that one could build a basic structure and then upgrade it progressively. From what he could discern, the approach of incremental improvement seemed more cost-effective. By building the basics and then enhancing them, not only would he spread the cost over time, but he'd also be able to customise and upgrade according to his growing needs.
He pondered, "Starting small and building up might be the way to go. It aligns with the natural order of growth, after all."
Deo's eyes returned to the Starter Bundles category, and he decided to delve deeper into what was available. The system presented a range of bundles designed to help settlers kick-start their endeavours in various fields.
Selecting a Farming Tools Starter Bundle, a new interface popped up displaying the contents:
Farming Tools Starter Bundle - 50 SP
* Hand Trowel: Ideal for planting small crops and flowers. Sturdy design ensures longevity.
* Wooden Hoe: Useful for tilling soil and preparing larger plots for planting.
* Handheld Seed Drill: Allows for the easy sowing of seeds at consistent intervals.
* Watering Can: A simple tool with a large capacity, ensuring your crops remain hydrated.
* Seed Packet Assortment: A variety of basic seeds to help start your farm.
* Basic Fertiliser: Enhances soil fertility and gives your crops a healthy start.
* Basic Blueprint Set: Detailed diagrams for constructing simple farming structures like a trellis, raised beds, and basic greenhouses.
* Instructional Guidebook: Basics of Farming.
Deo pondered on it for a moment before going back and then opening the Basic Construction Tools Starter Bundle.
Basic Construction Tools Starter Bundle - 70 SP
* Hammer and Nails: Essential tools for any building project.
* Small Lumberjack’s Axe: Essential for felling smaller trees and splitting logs.
* Wooden Saw: Effective for cutting timber into manageable pieces.
* Chisel and Mallet: Allows for detailed work and refining wooden structures.
* Measuring Tape: Ensures precision in building tasks.
* Basic Blueprint Set: A collection of designs for rudimentary structures and furnishings.
* Instructional Guidebook: Basics of Construction.
Considering the contents of each, Deo weighed the pros and cons. Both bundles seemed essential, given his goals of building a shelter and establishing a sustainable food source.
After pondering the first two bundles, Deo's attention shifted to another option that seemed crucial for a self-sustaining life – livestock. He clicked on the Basic Livestock Starter Bundle to see what it entailed.
Basic Livestock Starter Bundle - 150 SP
* Five Chickens: Hardy layers that provide a steady source of eggs.
* One Rooster: Essential for breeding and expanding your flock.
* Pair of Goats: Excellent for milk and can be raised for meat. Hard-wearing and able to graze on even the roughest terrains.
* Basic Chicken Coop Blueprint: A simple design ensuring the safety and comfort of your chickens.
* Simple Goat Pen Blueprint: A basic enclosure for keeping your goats safe.
* Feed Dispenser: Contains enough chicken feed to last a month and supplemental feed for the goats.
* Basic Livestock Care Guide: Instructions on how to tend to, feed, and care for your poultry and goats.
With the livestock bundle details clear, Deo considered the implications. There would be the immediate advantage of fresh milk from the goats and eggs from the chickens, as well as the potential for breeding. The challenge lay in taking care of such a variety, ensuring their safety, and perhaps the daunting aspect of building and setting up their respective homes.
His thoughts shifted momentarily from livestock as he recalled another item he'd been considering. Tapping on the enhancement section, he pulled up the details of the Makeshift Shelter Enhancement.
Makeshift Shelter Enhancement - 150 SP
* Offers upgrades to a makeshift shelter, turning it from a basic campsite into a more permanent and comfortable dwelling.
* Provides weatherproofing enhancements and insulation.
* Increases storage capacity and adds a basic kitchenette setup.
* Comes with a blueprint for a simple rainwater collection system.
This enhancement would make Deo's current living situation significantly more comfortable, turning his rudimentary setup into a proper home. It would also offer the added benefit of convenience in daily tasks.
Staring at the options laid out before him, Deo pressed a hand to his chin, deep in thought. The Farming Tools Starter Bundle and the Basic Construction Tools Starter Bundle were both compelling. He tried to envision his next few weeks, maybe even months.
With farming tools, he could start planting a wider variety of crops, improving both his food supply and potentially goods available for trade. The basic guidebook included would also help him understand the intricate patterns of planting, ensuring that he could optimise growth based on seasons and soil types.
The construction tools, on the other hand, would open doors to various building projects. The hatchet could be instrumental in gathering wood, and the hammer and nails would allow him to craft basic furniture or even make repairs to any existing structures. The small lumberjack's axe hinted at larger construction projects, perhaps even building a second, more robust, shelter or creating a storage barn.
After some contemplation, it became evident that these two bundles were non-negotiable. With those tools in hand, the development of his territory would not only become feasible but also more efficient. There was no question about it; he needed them to lay the foundation for the future of his homestead.
Deo did some quick mental math. The Farming Tools Starter Bundle and the Basic Construction Tools Starter Bundle together would set him back 120 SP. That left him with a budget of 150 SP, enough to either invest in the livestock or upgrade his shelter.
Livestock was a tantalising choice. The thought of having goats provided the prospect of milk, cheese, and potentially wool. The chickens would ensure a regular supply of eggs, and, with careful management, perhaps more chickens in the future. The bundle would make him even more self-sufficient in terms of food and resources, turning his place into a real homestead. Moreover, having animals around would also contribute to the lively atmosphere he sought for his territory.
On the other hand, the Makeshift Shelter Enhancement offered immediate comfort. The current situation he was in wasn’t terrible, but he could certainly use more protection from the elements and unexpected wild encounters. Whilst his one night in the shelter proved fine so far, who knew how the weather would be over the coming weeks. This enhancement would solidify his base of operations, making daily tasks more streamlined and ensuring a good night's sleep. There was a certain appeal in having a place that felt more like a home than a campsite.
It was a difficult decision, and Deo found himself torn between immediate quality of life and long-term sustainability. Both options had their merits, and neither could be dismissed outright.
Taking a deep breath, he reflected on his first day in this new world and the unpredictability and the inherent dangers that lurked around every corner. With this in mind, he finally made his decision and tapped his interface.