Dawn broke over the black expanse of the Barren Hills of Deepshadow.
Jonn emerged from his house, carrying a small water reservoir in one hand and fidgeting with a farm tool in the other. As he traversed the walled village’s paved path, the morning breeze offered little relief from the sweltering heat. Recent days had seen temperatures soaring, inducing sweat even at rest.
Though more resilient to temperature fluctuations than his fellow villagers, even Jonn felt uncomfortable in the midsummer heat.
We need trees inside the village to cool these scorching days.
He glanced at the small area prepared for future planting in the walled area of the village. He then shifted his gaze to the metal posts on the walls. Atop each post, silver plates faced inward, with wooden boxes on the opposite side concealing the soon-to-be-installed Aether Tears.
Jonn had completed his Mana Reflectors project. All that remained was to await the next harvest, when he could transfer some of the green mana crystals from his greenhouse to this area.
We have 20 square meters of plantable space within the village walls.
I’ll transplant some mature plants from Grandpa’s old greenhouse. The mango and orange trees will add a vibrant touch here.
He smiled, envisioning the village adorned with more lush greenery within its confines.
Lost in thought, Jonn exited the walled area, navigating through the village’s stark black surroundings until he reached the imposing structure of the village’s greenhouse.
The expansive greenhouse, a result of merging two previous structures, now boasted approximately 310 square meters of plantable area. Over half remained free for crops, but this would change in mere weeks when the Eternal Village would achieve its most bountiful food production in recent memory.
Jonn retrieved his magnifying glass and began his observational work, spending only a fraction of his current mana on the routine plant monitoring he conducted every few days.
[Mana: 385/502]
Despite the potential for more greenhouse work today, Jonn restrained himself. His primary focus since receiving the [Exotic Animals] quest was nurturing the village’s beasts and animals. Conserving most of his mana, he made his way to the fenced animal enclosure, where Mimosa, Luna, and Roulf eagerly approached upon spotting him.
“Moo!”
Roulf’s resonant call roused the drowsy chickens, prompting many to swiftly exit their coop to greet their master.
Annabelle led the animal procession, her physique markedly different from months prior. Her feathers had grown whiter and more voluminous, while she stood at least 4 inches taller. Her eyes sparkled with undeniable intelligence, and her graceful, noble movements captivated onlookers.
Jonn chuckled at the sight of his beloved animals, each with its endearing quirks.
This scene, though familiar, never failed to delight him. He had been diligently creating more blue mana crystals for the village’s animals, while also using [Magic Breath] to nourish the beasts or animals who already had mana cores.
His efforts were bearing fruit!
Four more animals had ascended to beast status, with another five mere 10 mana units shy of progression.
Annabelle and Mimosa have made remarkable strides, both surpassing 60% progress within level 1. In another month, they might reach level 2 and assist me with the [Exotic Animals] quest.
His gaze then shifted to Roulf, the bull, as he gently massaged the impressive horned animal’s head.
Perhaps investing more in Roulf would be prudent? I can’t risk him carelessly, as he is a breeder. Yet his physical strength is unparalleled—second only to mine in the village, and rapidly increasing!
Roulf
Level 1
Health: 200/200
Mana: 149/149
Stamina: 189/189
[Attributes]
Strength 15.9 Agility 6 Dexterity 1.9 Constitution 20 Endurance 18.9 Intelligence 14.9 Wisdom 12 Charisma 2 Luck 6 [Affinity] +4000 (Worship)
Roulf’s physical attributes were not only impressive, but were developing at a rate far surpassing Jonn’s own growth.
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This rapid progression, however, didn’t surprise Jonn. He had expected it even before witnessing his bull transform into an increasingly muscular creature with each passing day. Valorian’s magical reality was intricate; genetics and daily routines played pivotal roles in shaping a creature’s development.
In this world, some animals without mana cultivation could overpower creatures with high mana reserves. The Triceratops exemplified this phenomenon. A single one, if it caught an unprepared mage—even one stronger than Jonn—could easily trample them to death.
Jonn had gleaned these insights by meticulously observing the diverse animals in the village and poring over the books he’d acquired since his grandfather’s passing.
Each living entity followed a unique growth trajectory. A bull like Roulf could enhance their physical attributes with relative ease. Humans, on the other hand, even those wielding magical power, found it challenging to improve beyond certain thresholds.
Jonn was beginning to encounter difficulties in enhancing his physical attributes. He saw that, moving forward, his [Intelligence] and [Wisdom] would increasingly outpace his physical attributes.
He seemed to have exhausted most activities capable of significantly stimulating his physical growth. Only [Dexterity] had shown steady improvement lately.
This stood in stark contrast to the village’s animals. They possessed certain attributes that were challenging to improve, while they advanced effortlessly in others, as if such growth were innate to their nature.
Day after day, he witnessed his theories becoming reality, but he wasn’t worried. Beasts should be stronger physically and mages should be more focused on their magical sides, [Intelligence] and [Wisdom].
Having completed his morning animal assessment, Jonn seized the opportunity before Betta’s arrival to collect the day’s milk and eggs, and used his available mana to help the animals.
With 200 mana units, he crafted a blue crystal and gave it upon one horse. Jonn held a deep appreciation of the potential of these equine companions.
[Mana: 199/502]
Jonn had replenished some mana units since leaving the greenhouse to assess his animals. He now had enough to use [Magic Breath] 9 times, accounting for the {Spell}’s cooldown.
Each application of [Magic Breath] visibly accelerates the animals’ growth rates. On days without it, their mana reserves increase by 1 to 3 units. With [Magic Breath], that growth jumps to 3 to 7 units.
Some animals seemed to benefit more from his help, while others struggled to process the mana influx. This variance appeared unrelated to species, but rather tied to innate characteristics.
Mimosa, despite her superior strength, lags behind Luna in mana absorption.
Jonn leaned forward, exhaling towards the two cows. His mana-enriched breath permeated the surroundings, reaching up to 12 meters away.
The initial 30 mana units required to activate the {Spell} were depleted from his reserves. Now, he settled into an observational stance, awaiting the cooldown before he could reactivate [Magic Breath].
[Mana: 169/502]
...
[Mana: 182/502]
After 50 minutes, Jonn completed his ninth and final [Magic Breath] spell.
[Mana: 33/502]
He concluded there, always prudent to maintain a mana reserve despite his regeneration capacity.
As Jonn departed from the animal enclosure, Betta had already gathered the eggs and milked the cows.
[Magic Breath] posed no harm to villagers, and the animals simply inhaled it without exhibiting any unusual behavior.
Accustomed to Jonn’s actions, Betta, having collected over 70 liters of milk and 30 eggs, returned to the village to distribute the animal-sourced food.
Jonn encountered one of Tim’s young blacksmith apprentices and accompanied him to the veteran craftsman’s residence.
However, instead of their usual discussion about forging techniques, the conversation took an unexpected turn. “Elder,” the pre-teen inquired of the tall, robust, white-haired young man beside him, “is it true we’re going to trade with the town Johan’s group came from?”
Jonn’s eyes narrowed at the question. Fourteen days had passed since Asher and two other villagers departed for Littlewood, Johan’s former hometown.
“Yes, it’s true,” Jonn confirmed, tempering expectations. “Asher’s group should be arriving there by now… But don’t get your hopes up. They’re unlikely to achieve much on this trip.” He revealed partial truths, withholding the complete picture.
To the villagers, Asher’s journey represented a search for opportunities. The Council members, however, knew its true purpose.
Jonn gazed southwest, his anxiety for the envoys’ return clear in his narrowed eyes.
If Jack’s group includes mages, it might be advantageous to confront them before they reach us!
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Meanwhile, after days of south-westward travel, Asher and his two compatriots were at that very moment entering Littlewood’s boundaries.
The three men, clad in tattered black hoods, sat side by side atop a cart drawn by a single horse. Their vehicle carried items for sale, but their eyes were fixed on objectives beyond their apparent purpose.
Asher, his gaze narrowed as he scrutinized Littlewood’s entrance, felt his hand twitch near a ready throwing knife.
‘Will this work?’ he questioned himself, experiencing his first leadership role during a reconnaissance mission.
As their wagon lurched onto the initial cobbled street, Asher took a deep breath, reminding himself to avoid unnecessary risks.
The sight of Littlewood’s colorful houses eased his tension slightly, while the town’s ambient sounds—characteristic of a few hundred inhabitants—evoked unexpected emotions.
Littlewood wasn’t affluent. The town lacked beauty, with scant decorative plants adorning its streets. A pervasive apathy hung in the air, typical of settlements grappling with Valorian’s current troubles. Yet, to these three men accustomed to the Barren Hills of Deepshadow’s poverty and their village’s meagerness, this modest town possessed its own unique allure.
“Do you think our village will ever grow this large?” one of them asked, his tone enthusiastic.
“I believe so. Sarre’s group won’t be the last to join us,” the other responded, drawing Asher’s attention to their dialog.
“Boys, if we succeed in our mission, anything’s possible,” the blond leader interjected. “Let’s separate and listen for gossip. Remember, keep your necklaces on at all times while feigning business interests.” He touched the white, sphere-shaped stone pendant hanging from his neck.
None of them understood the true nature of these items Jonn had bestowed before their departure. However, the village leader’s instructions were unambiguous: wear the necklaces constantly while investigating their three primary targets.
Yeoman Ferry, the Riverash Family, and the presence of mages in Littlewood!
The trio exchanged glances, confirming their necklaces were in place, and reaffirmed their objectives.
“Arnald suggested the Town’s Center and Noble Woods as prime areas for information,” Asher instructed. “I’ll approach Noble Woods with our fruit cart, while you two sell tools in the center.” His cart halted at a bustling street corner as the day began.
Disregarding the pervasive odor of horse manure, typical in Valorian towns, the trio divided their resources. Asher departed with a basket in hand, leaving his companions with the cart.
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