Larin stood at the threshold of his expanding Natural Spring, gazing across the recently offered space. His mind flamed with possibilities as he imagined what the future might bring. Oakenna stood beside him, her face serene but attentive. An underground tunnel located from within the Great Tree was visualized in his mind, going deeper with stairs, each room holding endless potential.

"This will be your first major investment," Oakenna said calmly. "The Magic Forest is more than just a source of materials. It will evolve with your care, yielding rarer and more potent resources as time passes. It is a reflection of your efforts and your connection to the land. But this underground renovation will take time, the Great Tree will need to be nurtured and guided to grow into such an accomodation. This is the base of all Agents of Sinlung. "

Larin nodded, envisioning the potential of the place. "Let's do it."

Oakenna waved her hand, the motion fluid and deliberate. Mana pulsed outward, rippling through the air as the spell took hold. The ground shimmered faintly, and the first sprouts of the Forest began to emerge. Larin watched in awe as vibrant greenery unfolded before his eyes, a testament to the land's vitality.

"Over time, this forest will bear powerful materials," Oakenna continued. "Withered Conifers will provide bark infused with mana, excellent for crafting reinforced charms and spell foci. Grizzly Beards will grow at the edges, their fibrous roots perfect for binding volatile alchemical mixtures. You'll also see plants like Etherblossom, which enhances spell clarity, and Shiverbloom, whose petals can numb pain and treat frostburn."

Larin crouched to examine one of the new sprouts, its leaves glinting faintly in the sunlight. "What about herbs for healing?"

Oakenna smiled. "Healingdew and Bloodvine will flourish here as well. You'll also find Emberthorn Bushes for fire-aligned potions and Starbloom Lilies that radiate mana under starlight. This garden will become a cornerstone of your strength, not just for combat but for diplomacy and trade."

As Larin rose to his feet, he felt the weight settle upon him. This was no simple resource; it was a commitment to this land and its people, at least for those who relied on him. He looked at Oakenna, whose calm was reassuring.

"We'll make it thrive," he said.

"I know you will," she replied.

---

Later that night, Larin returned to his family's shack to fix dinner. Although the Spring did offer accommodations, he preferred the comfort of the small house he shared with his parents. It was just right to speak with them here, where so much important discussion had occurred.

The room was full of the smell of spices as Larin cooked. He packed fresh Silverfin Skimmers with herbs, and wrapped them in bamboo before placing them over the fire. A stew was simmering in a nearby pot, rich in the smell of smoked Megatusk boar meat and mashed Bloodvine. Xiaxoan Rice steamed gently; it would complement the meal beautifully.

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Working, he employed [Observe], his senses spreading out beyond the trees. The spell permitted him to feel life around him-the rustle of leaves, the subtle hum of insects, and the calls of nocturnal creatures in the distance. He was at peace, his sense of connection to the land keeping him grounded even as his mind drifted on the weight of new responsibilities.

And then, a commotion—a swift gallop accompanied by panting. At first so faint, yet it rose closer, more insistent. Larin turned his head, his senses narrowing. The runner's cadence was maddened, the mana signature flickering like a flame in the wind.

Without hesitation, Larin cast [Veilstep], his body vanishing as he reappeared in the shadows of a nearby tree. He followed up with [Shadow Meld], blending seamlessly into the darkness. From his concealed vantage point, he saw the figure emerge—a familiar one. It was Ngieri, her face flushed, her breaths ragged.

Larin stepped forward, casting [Veilstep] once more to appear directly in her path. "Ngieri?" he called, his voice steady but concerned.

Ngieri stumbled to a halt, her eyes widening as she recognized him. "Larin," she gasped, doubling over to catch her breath. "The borders… they've been breached."

The words hit Larin like a blow. His heart started pounding as he recalled memories—faces of his friends stationed on the border, moments shared with laughter and camaraderie. "Breached? By who? How bad is it?

Ngieri straightened, her face grim. "We don't know the full details yet. The response has been defensive so far, but the situation is dire. I was sent to bring you back. The War Council is convening, and your family will be there. Everyone must attend."

Larin's mind ran wild. "Who's leading the defense? Are our forces holding?

Ngieri hesitated before answering. "For now, yes. But the attackers are skilled. This isn't a simple raid."

The weight of her words settled heavily on Larin's shoulders. He looked past her, his thoughts torn between the duty ahead and the immediate concern for his family and friends. "We'll leave right away."

Ngieri nodded, but her body was still stiff. "Sorry for bursting in like this. I could have come sooner, but… I wasn't thinking straight. The shock of the news—it caught me off guard."

Larin put a hand on her shoulder, his grip firm but reassuring. "You did well to come here. Now take a moment to breathe. The journey back won't be any easier if we're both frazzled.

Ngieri smiled faintly, her breathing slowing as she took his advice. "Thanks, Larin."

"Come inside," Larin said. "I was just finishing dinner. Let's eat before we go. We'll need the energy."

Ngieri hesitated, then nodded. They turned back toward the shack. The smell of the meal filled the air. Larin quickly plated the food: the Silverfin Skimmers, the Xiaxoan Rice, and the hearty Megatusk stew. He set it down on the table. There was silence between them as they ate; the tension of the situation cast a shadow over the meal.

"This is good," Ngieri whispered quietly, the voice breaking into the stillness. "Better than anything I have had for weeks."

Larin smiled as weakly as possible. "Least I can do."

As they cleaned up quickly, the importance of their task started to fill their minds again. Larin then scribbled a note for his parents before leaving, which could explain why they were left waiting if his parents arrived at that time after Larin and Ngieri would already be long gone.

Outside, night had fallen and the stars shone scattered all over the sky like pricks of light. The air was cool and brought with it a faint smell from the forest. Larin and Ngieri stood by one another's sides, each resolve growing more substantial with each tick of time.

"Ready?" Larin asked.

Ngieri nodded. "Let's go.

They went back together together, their mana glowing briefly as they used all their capacity to traverse the distance. As Larin headed for Tlangthar, his mind turned over and over the implications of the border being breached. Everything was changing, the balance of the world precarious, but for the present he knew exactly where to focus his attention: protect his people and family, and the land he called home.