Chapter 14: Fairy Arc (1)
Filoria. A city untouched by the hands of mankind. Pristine waterways, homes carved of stone and flowers blooming at every corner; Filoria was one with nature. Hanging off the sides of buildings were glowshroom. They were native mushrooms that glow a florescent blue and purple. However, glowshrooms weren't the reason why the city was so bright. Growing form the center of the pond that's located right at the heart of the city, was a giant crystal tree. The tree known as Lumia. Once every 10 year, Lumia bears its fruits. Like orbs of light, Lumia’s fruit gently drifts throughout the city. Ten’s of thousands of fruits light up the sky for several days. During this time, the citizen of Filoria will celebrate a festival call ‘Fetail Etoilee’, Festival of Stars.
For the first time in 300 years, humans have finally entered the paradise known as Filoria. The city of Fairies.
[ping]
First to discover Filoria: +500 fame. Double exp for 2 weeks
Awesome!
Sitting atop Marcus's head and shoulders were the villagers that Marcus have saved. Some were also sitting in his Sack along with Diloria. Everyone eyes popped as they witness the beauty known as Filoria. It may have been a coincident or perhaps fate but Marcus and his companions were entering the city during the time of the festival!
The streets were crowded with songs and performances. The population mostly consist of fairies but elves could also be seen wandering the streets. Marcus stood out like a sore thumb. Not only was he the only human around, or the fact that he was chaperoning 18 smaller humans on his head, it was because to everyone else, Marcus was a ‘giant’. Elves and fairies were very similar in stature. Skinny, short and very beautiful. Of course the major differences lies with their ears, eyes and wings.
Marcus was curious about the orbs of light. He notice many elves and fairies picking them from the air and eating them.
[ping]
Harvest: Intermediate lvl. 1 (2%)
Increase quality of harvest by 1 grade,
+35% success rate of harvesting
Whoa! It jumped a whole level.
Taking a bite, Marcus jaws dropped even further.
[ping]
permanent increase: + 500 mana, +25 intelligence
The mana fruit had a very peculiar taste. It wasn't sweet but it made your tongue tingle in delight. It felt like biting through air but it at the same time you can feel a silky texture on your tongue. Marcus helped himself to a couple of more while sharing some with his companions (Diloria included).
Marcus first order of business was the potion shop. Like Rohan, the shops in Filoria all had large wooden signs with images of their goods. It was rather easy for Marcus to spot the potion shop, mostly because he could see over the heads of the fairies and elves.
[jingle]
Ducking under the wooden door, Marcus was instantly greeted by a very beautiful fairy. All the fairies were very beautiful but this store owner was definitely the most beautiful fairy he’s seen all day. Almost as pretty as the queen herself.
“Oh! A human! I haven’t seen one in ages. How may I help you?” (Store owner?)
“W-wha. You’re beautiful!” (Marcus)
“Huhuhu! Please behave~!” (Store owner)
[ping]
+ 5 charm
“Hehe, sorry! My name’s Marcus. I’m looking for a moderate antidote for shrink” (Marcus)
“Name’s Reme.... Here you are dear Human” (Reme)
(Moderate) Shrink Antidote
Cures moderate or lower shrink.
Cost: 50 g
*gulp*
“Ehehehe...Is it possible for a discount?” (Marcus)
“If you’re willing to stay the night, I may consider it~” (Reme)
“Sorry but I have plans with the Queen tonight” (Marcus)
“With the Queen?!” (Reme)
“Yes, she asked me to visit her tonight” (Marcus)
“Oh my Lumia! To think the Queen would…” (Reme)
“Um, if it’s 50 gold, I’ll have to come back later” (Marcus)
“Uwha? W-with the Queen… with the Queen...?” (Reme)
Marcus didn’t know what to say. He said farewell towards the flabbergasted Reme as he left towards the Queen’s Palace. Little did he know, a rumor regarding him and the queen was about to spread.
***
After exploring the city for a few hours, Marcus stopped by the Palace gate.
“Halt, state your name and business” (Guards)
“Um... My name’s Marcus, I’m here to see the Queen” (Marcus)
“One second” (Guards)
The guard raised his hand. A blue light surrounded his palm. After putting his hand back to his side, two fairy maids and one elder fairy-man greeted Marcus.
“Yes, this human is indeed Marcus. Please, this way” (Old fairy-man)
Crossing over a bridge, Marcus got a clear view of the tree. It was majestic. To Marcus, it was as if the moon itself was sitting among the branches.
*pulse*
[...Markus...Markus…]
An otherworldly feeling came over Marcus. The tree was calling out to him. He didn't know what it was but he felt drawn to it. As soon as they entered the Fairy’s Palace, the voice disappeared.
“Attention! Your Majesty, Una the 5th!” (???)
All the fairies in the throne room took a bow. Marcus fumbled a bit as he did a half bow/half curtsy. The Queen only chuckled as she watch small naked humans dangling off of Marcus’s head.
“Your highness, the Human known as Marcus has arrived” (Old fairy-man)
“Thank you Donel. You may leave” (Una)
“As you wish your highness” (Donel)
The old man Donel and the two maids took a bow before leaving.
“Hello young hero. I've seen you’re heroic feat against the abominable creatures, I wish to request for your aid” (Una)
“W-wait, wait! Um, I still have questions” (Marcus)
“If it’s within my knowledge, please ask” (Una)
“First, how did you know what was happening?” (Marcus)
“Fairies are capable of bonding their mana with things of nature. Your pure and innocent soul was like that of a newborn child. I was able to peer into your mind” (Una)
“Wah?! Like mindreading?” (Marcus)
“Huhu, not quite child. It requires physical contact and not all fairies can do what I can” (Una)
“Um okay, second, how did you know where I was? How did you find me?” (Marcus)
“You summoned me without knowing? Huhu, you are quite funny indeed!” (Una)
“Summoned?” (Marcus)
“The flute you played calls forth I, Una the Fairy Queen. It can only be used once, after the flute will disappear” (Una)
Marcus did recall the flute breaking.
“That makes sense” (Marcus)
“Did I satisfy all your curiosity?” (Una)
Marcus had tons of questions to ask but they weren't that important.
“Um, one last thing. Can you cure these villagers? They are under a curse call shrink” (Marcus)
“Hm. I may consider your request. But in return, I wish to make a request of you young hero” (Una)
“Sure, what is it?” (Marcus)
“As you've seen for yourself, the demons known as Galzars have been invading our forest in recent years. I wish for you to travel with our troops to drive out the vile demons once and for all!” (Una)
[ping]
Quest: Defeat King Galzar
Rank: C
Description: Drive out the demons from the forest of Derlin. Defeat King Galzar
Reward: Access to Filoria. + Exp. + Gold. + Fame. One item from Queen’s Treasury.
Failure: Decrease affection from Queen Una V. Restricted access to Filoria.
“Ah, why ask me? I’m just a farmer…” (Marcus)
“That’s exactly why I asked young hero. I have sense your capability for agriculture. Traveling through the forest with carts is nearly impossible. We require someone of your talent to procure food for the soldiers. I believe it was fate for you to have summon me” (Una)
Phew, sound easy.
“In that case, I, Marcus, will help the fairies! You have my word!” (Marcus)
[ping]
you accepted the Quest: Defeat King Galzar
“So when do we leave?” (Marcus)
“Huhu. Eager one, aren’t we? I will have my soldiers ready within a week’s time. For now, why don’t you have a rest within the castle walls. We’ll provide food, clothing and shelter for you and your companions” (Una)
“Thank you very much Una!” (Marcus)
“Ahem” (Guard1)
“It’s your ‘Highness’, human!” (Guard2)
“Huhuhu! No need for such formalities with this child! Please Marcus, call me Una” (Una)
“Hehe, okay!” (Marcus)
That night, Marcus companions were finally given some dignity as the put on their tiny outfits. After a grand feast and a relaxing bath, they all shared one room on the 2nd floor of the castle….
“Hey Mister… thanks for saving us” (Girl?)
“...” (Marcus)
“Yes, without you, we wouldn’t have been able to escape. Really. Thank you!” (Women?)
“Yeah Marcus, thank you!” (Man?)
The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
Marcus didn't know what to say. He still remembers vividly how he couldn't save two villagers from the owl. One of them was just a child…
“...I didn’t do any special...you guys rest, it’s been a long day” (Marcus)
“Good Night Mister!” (Girl?)
“...Good night…” (Marcus)
Log out
***
[knock knock knock]
It’s morning. Marcus opens the guest room’s door.
“Huh? Hello, anyone there?” (Marcus)
“Hey! Down here!” (???)
Looking down, Marcus notices a very adorable child fairy. She had orange hair and a green dress. If it weren't for her puffing cheeks and glaring eyes, Marcus would seriously mistaken her for a doll.
“O-oh, sorry!” (Marcus)
“Hmph! You humans are so rude!” (???)
“Ah! My name is Marcus, please to meet you!” (Marcus)
Kneeling down on one knee, Marcus bowed his head to the feisty little girl.
“Hehe! That’s much better! My name is Yunni! The Queen has sent me here to teach you about our native plants and our cuisine! I came here yesterday but you were gone!” (Yunni)
“Sorry about that, I-erm... had to step out” (Marcus)
“What?! Even the guards couldn’t find you! Please don’t do that next time!” (Yunni)
“Ah, I’ll try not too!” (Marcus)
“Hmph! Are you making fun of me?!” (Yunni)
“Huh? N-no?” (Marcus)
“Grrr. Anyways, come with me! I have lots to show you!” (Yunni)
Marcus and Yunni travelled to the royal garden. There was always two guards following behind them. Marcus back was always sweating, he didn’t know why but he felt some killing intent from the guards.
“Okay! I’ll reintroduce myself! My name is Yunni Escalar, the Royal Gardener! You can call me Master!” (Yunni)
“Huh?” (Marcus)
“Hey! I said call me Master!” (Yunni)
“Yes master” (Marcus)
“Hmph. Now pitiful human, time for your first lesson!” (Yunni)
“Yes Master!” (Marcus)
“First, tell me exactly what each plant is called and their properties! If you can’t, you don’t deserve to be my disciple! Huhuhu!” (Yunni)
Marcus walked over to the first plant…
“Hm. Red clover. Basic heal, very good for fire resistance” (Marcus)
“Huh?! U-uh… c-correct!” (Yunni)
“Deary daffs. Used to deter insects and unwanted pest” (Marcus)
“...c-correct…” (Yunni)
After 40 minutes...
[ping]
Botany Intermediate lvl. 1!
increase detail information about plants
Mycology beginner lvl. 1 unlocked
+increase detail about mushrooms
+ 10 nature
Yunni was speechless! She stood there staring blankly at Marcus as he finished identifying every plant in the garden.
“So what’s next?” (Marcus)
“...Hmph! Don’t get cocky human! Come with me!” (Yunni)
“Huh?” (Marcus)
The next location was the river bank outside the castle. Marcus kept hearing a bunch of giggles as he walked through the streets.
“Hehehe, hey it’s the human!” (???)
“Did you hear?” (???)
“Really! No way!” (???)
Stopping in a very large clearing, Marcus could see the crystal tree again in all it’s glory.
[...Markus...Markus…]
Ignoring the voices in his head, Marcus gave his full attention towards Yunni.
“Listen up human! The next part is a lot of work! Don’t think about slacking off!” (Yunni)
“Yes Master!” (Marcus)
“Good. Take this hoe and plow a one meter by one meter square” (Yunni)
Marcus had his own hoe but he didn't mind receiving a new one.
“-identify-” (Marcus)
(Rare) Black Steel Fairy Hoe (75/75)
Description: A hoe made of black steel by a dwarf craftsman. Imbued with magic.
Attack: 30-34
Bonus: +50 MP. +increase Earth Affinity.
Requirement: Class restriction: Farmer related professions
Hm. Much better than mine.
This was actually very good news for Marcus. Most of his equipment he's been using to fight with have lost most of it's durability due to repair. Taking the hoe, Marcus focused his mana. This would be his first time actively using his terraform skill, he was curious how effective it would be.
“-Terraform!-” (Marcus)
Having the image of a plowed field in his mind, he struck the ground with all his might.
[-159 mp]
*rumble*
The ground shook violently and a huge puff of dust was lifted into the air.
“W-wah!” (Yunni)
“Whoa!” (Guards)
As the dust settled, the whole field from Marcus to the edge of the lake was plowed. In a mere 0.2 seconds, Marcus managed to plow roughly an 8 x 8 meter ‘square’, though the shape was more like a circle.
“Oops...too much?” (Marcus)
“W-wah? H-how did you do that?!” (Yunni)
“...” (Marcus)
Marcus didn't know how to explain it. He wasn't even sure himself.
“It’s a skill?” (Marcus)
Back in Rohan, Marcus always manually plowed the fields. This was literally his first time using mana, he was also surprised on how effective it was.
“Ah! Ahem. M-moving on” (Yunni)
Yunni walked around inspecting the freshly plowed field. She was surprised not only by the size but also the quality of the soil! The soil grade jumped from B to A. She didn't know what to say or what to think. Marcus walked over to the edge of the river…
“So what’s next?” (Marcus)
“Eeek! Don’t scare me like that!” (Yunni)
“Miss Yunni! Are you alright?!” (Guards)
“I’m fine! Stop treating me like a baby!” (Yunni)
“Sorry Miss Yunni” (Guards)
Yunni took out a bag of seeds. Smirking, she handed the bag to Marcus. As Marcus took the bag, she started to have a wicked laughter. Marcus stood there staring blankly at the maniacal laughing Fairy.
[Wahahahahaha!]
After catching her breath...
“This is a Wisp Berry Tree! Grow one and you pass the test to be my disciple! If you fail, I’ll kick you out of Filoria!” (Yunni)
[ping]
Quest: Grow a Wispy Tree!
Rank: Undetermined
Description: Grow a Wispy Tree before the end of the day.
Reward: +Exp, Gain title: Yunni’s Apprentice
Failure: decrease affection with Yunni
“Erm... Kicked out?” (Marcus)
“Hey! No talking back!” (Yunni)
Yunni’s face was flustered. She didn't expect Marcus to pass all her trials so easily. She wanted to watch him struggle and show how much more superior she was at farming.
Plucking a seed from the bag, Marcus examined it…
[ping]
Wispy Tree Seed (Grade: B)
Growth time: 14 Hours. -1 hour/25 mana
Thanks to his increase in botany from beginner to intermediate, Marcus was now able to see how long it will take to grow.
...25 mana eh? I still have a lot left over.
Pouring his mana into the seed, Marcus gently placed it into the soil…
What happened next surprised everyone. The earth rumbled as a giant tree popped out from the soil! Yunni was completely floored by the tree’s sudden appearance. She literally froze as she fell into the pond.
[splash]
“Miss Yunni!” (Guards)
Jumping into the water, Marcus saved the drowning fairy. Though it may seem somewhat heroic, the lake was only waist deep for Marcus.
Marcus held Yunni princess-style as he walked back towards dry land. The guards rushed over to help Yunni back on her feet.
“Miss Yunni! Are you okay?!” (Guard1)
“You’re not hurt anywhere are you?” (Guard2)
“I’m FINE!” (Yunni)
“I’m glad you’re okay Master” (Marcus)
“Fuee?!” (Yunni)
Yunni turned around to see Marcus face-to-face. He was kneeling down while giving her a smile of relief. Yunni was now red from ear to ear as she started flailing her arms up and down.
“Master?” (Marcus)
“Wa-wa-wa-wa-wah! Eeeeeek!” (Yunni)
“Miss Yunni!” (Guards)
Yunni suddenly bolted with her wings towards God knows where. The guards chased after her, leaving Marcus by himself.
[ping]
+ 5 charm. + 1000 exp. Gain title: Yunni’s Apprentice!
level up!
Marcus was confused. First it was Stephanie and now it was Yunni....
“Not again...” (Marcus)
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