He knew from experience that planning was one thing, and executing it was another. There were chances that he might fail and not be able to divert their attention, but he was determined to try. After all, one does not stumble upon a treasure as valuable as the eternal seed every day.
So he began to move closer to the blue light amidst the colossal beasts, every step filled with trepidation and hope. It was a daring task, as there were thousands of beasts present.
Slowly but surely, Theo returned to his original position, standing in front of the eternal seed, just behind the assembly of powerful leaders. This time, however, the other beasts did not turn their gaze towards him. Theo was understandably nervous, covered in cold sweat—a normal reaction given that he was surrounded by thousands of deadly beasts, and a single misstep could cost him his life.
He silently waited for the right moment, observing the three-headed Chimera, Blazing Lion, Azure Primordial Terragon, and the single-headed Hydra, which had a head resembling that of a fearsome dragon and a body akin to a muscular serpent.
However, Theo's focus wasn't entirely on the Hydra's appearance. Instead, he paid close attention to their eyes, noting how each leader kept a vigilant watch over the others.
As the night deepened, so did the intensity of the blue light, and the breathing of the gathered creatures. It seemed as though merely standing near the light intoxicated them, filling them with a drug-like vitality. Even Theo felt refreshed, as if every cell in his body was bursting with energy.
He silently bit his finger to break free from the intoxicating effects and focused on his plan. Closing his eyes, he began to silently count down in his mind:
"10...”
“9...”
“8...”
“7...”
“6...”
“5...”
“4...”
“3...”
“2...”
“1..."
*Booooooom!!!*
*Booooooooooooooom!!!*
*Booooooooooooooooooom!!!*
The earth trembled as if struck by a massive earthquake, the ground heaving beneath the feet of the bewildered creatures. Clouds of dust billowed into the air, obscuring the chaos as the sky lit up with an unnatural brightness, mimicking daylight. All the beasts turned towards the source of the disturbance, their eyes wide with alarm.
Behind them, the explosions continued relentlessly, each blast more forceful than the last. Huge boulders cracked and shattered, sending shards flying as if they were mere pebbles. Ancient trees, unable to withstand the shockwaves, became charred and splintered, their once-mighty trunks snapping like twigs.
The intensity of the explosions signaled that this was no minor foe but someone powerful, someone determined to seize their precious possession—the eternal seed.
Gripped by awe, the beasts could only watch as the landscape descended into chaos. The land around them was ravaged, torn apart by devastation as an unknown enemy fiercely vied for supremacy over the invaluable prize.
*Booooooooooooom!!!*
*Booooooooooooom!!!*
As the creatures stood alert, their eyes burning with rage at the disturbance, a figure appeared beside the tree. With a leap, Theo wrapped his arms around the two-foot flower bud. The force of his embrace and the momentum of his leap caused the bud to break free from its branch. Just as his feet were about to meet the ground, a dark gate materialized beneath him, swallowing him whole.
Behind him, the series of explosions continued unabated.
*Booooooooooooom!!!*
*Booooooooooooooom!!!*
*Booooooooooooooooom!!!*
***
Back in his familiar sanctuary, Theo patted his chest. His heart felt as though it might burst from his chest, beating frantically. Although he did not fear for his own life, there was someone waiting for him at the farm whom he could not bear to leave behind.
His gaze naturally drifted towards her. At the base of the Radiant Yggdrasil tree, she lay on her usual bed, serene like a beautiful doll. Her breathing was rhythmic, as if she were in a deep slumber. Rainbow leaves swirled around her as if they were silent guardians protecting her.
For a moment, Theo’s usually stoic face softened with warmth as he looked in her direction.
She was alive, thanks to the Radiant Yggdrasil tree, and for that, he was deeply grateful. He marveled at how the Radiant Yggdrasil tree had responded to Lilith’s weak presence and even came to her rescue that day, offering its healing powers without asking for anything in return. However, just gazing at the tree, Theo's heart swelled with gratitude.
The majestic tree, once vibrant and full of life, now seemed to wilt under the weight of its sacrifice. Its branches drooped sadly. Around Lilith, the tree's roots, which had previously danced in the air, now hung limp and lifeless.
Lilith’s condition was getting better, but the Radiant Yggdrasil tree was dying day by day. Theo wished he could save the tree as well, but he knew that was beyond his reach. For him, he would sacrifice everything in the demonic farm if it meant saving Lilith—she was too precious, more than anything else he had.
However, the cool, soothing sensation on his hand and in his embrace soon snapped him back to reality. The blue light, previously shining brightly, had dimmed, yet it still enveloped him in a gentle glow.
Remembering his immediate task, Theo made his way towards the Dreamweaver's Pond. He was here for its special ability, hoping to monitor the situation outside. As Theo activated the Dreamweaver's Pond, the water’s surface began to ripple and shift, revealing the chaos unfolding outside.
Suddenly, a series of explosions echoed from within the pond. The sound was deafening, but these were not caused by his Crimson Detonator Pearls; rather, they were the result of attacks by the creatures.
The Hydra and Blazing Lion were currently engaged in a fierce battle with the Azure Primordial Terragon, while the Three-Headed Chimera hurled massive fire blasts in the Terragon’s direction. It seemed that after Theo's departure, the larger leaders had united against the Azure Primordial Terragon.
Nearby, the bat-like bird’s scorched body lay on the ground, stained black from the battle. The Sunflare Serpent that had previously intimidated Theo was now split across the battlefield; its body stretched from the east to the west side, while in the middle, the four titans clashed.
Behind them, the bodies of the remaining beasts littered the ground as if bowing to the gods. However, upon closer inspection, it was clear they were all dead, sharing the same fate as the bat-like bird, likely victims of the Three-Headed Chimera.
Theo's eyes widened in shock. It had been no more than five minutes since he had escaped, and already the outside world had descended into this turmoil.
He understood what had transpired. After discovering the Eternal Seed was missing, the creatures began suspecting each other, and a fight broke out almost instantly. None suspected the human who had vanished into thin air, as none had seen him take the seed. Under their watchful eyes, it seemed impossible that they wouldn't have noticed him.
Naturally, the main antagonist appeared to be the Azure Primordial Terragon, who was the strongest and had been closest to the Eternal Seed. Moreover, the tree from which the Eternal Seed had hung now lay crumbled on the ground. Although it was expected to wither, the ferocity of the battle had precipitated its demise.
Theo felt a twinge of guilt for casting the Azure Primordial Terragon as the villain, but he didn’t dwell on it for long and deactivated the Dreamweaver's Pond ability.
Redirecting his attention to the Eternal Seed cradled in his hands, Theo gazed at it thoughtfully and murmured, "It took a hundred thousand years for you to mature, and yet I managed to spirit you away right under the noses of those behemoth beasts. Rest assured, I have no intention of consuming you for my own gain."
He spoke to the seed as if to comfort it, but deep inside, he was well aware that consuming the seed would be lethal—it would cause him to explode instantly. Hence, he had no real choice in the matter.
After a moment of contemplation, he continued, "Should I keep you with me to boost my own growth and strength? But that would be selfish. As a farmer, it's only right that I let you grow in the soil, nourished by Abyssal water."
Theo shared his intentions with the seed, which seemed to pulsate with energy, as if responding to his words. He wasn’t surprised by this reaction; the Eternal Seed was continuously vibrating with energy, making it hard for him to discern its subtle attempts at communication.
He walked over to the area where his special plants were cultivated, beside the Dreamweaver’s Pond. Kneeling down, he began to dig with his hands, the soil yielding easily under his fingers. Once he had created a suitable space, he gently placed the flower bud into the ground.
Once the Eternal Seed was in the soil, it looked no different from any ordinary seed. Commanding his Abyssal Bloodstone Watering Can, he watered it, completing the planting process.
His other plots of land were already filled with growing crops, leaving him with no further tasks there. However, venturing outside the farm wasn't an option just yet, as the monstrous creatures were still embroiled in battle. While he could use a teleporter to return to the academy, he first needed to ensure Lorian's safety. Thus, he decided to remain in the Demonic Farm for the time being.
The class mission had been officially completed after he had secured the seven cores. He believed seven cores were sufficient and didn’t see the need for more.
Theo appeared beside the Radiant Yggdrasil tree and settled next to the bed where Lilith lay. Under the gentle glow of the silver moonlight, her serene face and the rhythmic rise and fall of her chest brought a soothing calm to his heart. He gently took her pale hand in his, the warmth of her soft skin thawing his frozen heart. He continued to gaze at her, lost in the peacefulness of her deep slumber.
In the past, her teasing had often irked him, but now, he found himself longing for it. He wished she would wake up and playfully annoy him just like the old days. He had never thought he would miss those times. Theo was beginning to understand that one only realizes the value of what they have once it might be lost; before that, it's easy to feel as though one has nothing.
Theo was immensely grateful for Lilith's presence in his life. Since their first encounter, she had stood by his side like a unconquerable pillar of support, unlike any other. Even when Elena had betrayed him to save her brother after Cedric's blackmail, Lilith remained by his side to protect him. Time and again, this crazy girl now in slumber had protected him: once, she was ready to risk her dignity to shield him from a drug given by Elara, and another time she had sacrificed herself to ensure his peace of mind.
Theo sighed, burdened by the knowledge that he was responsible for her condition. If only he hadn't been so foolish and consumed by the need to save everyone, perhaps he could have saved her. But it was too late for regrets.
Now, watching over Lilith's serene, slumbering face had become a crucial part of his routine. Whenever he was free from other tasks, he found solace beside her, allowing the sight and sound of her breathing to calm the turmoil in his heart and quiet the storm of his thoughts. Simply being by her side brought him peace.
As the night deepened, the silver moon continued its vigil over the two. Eventually, fatigue overcame Theo, and he too fell asleep, resting his head near Lilith’s while the rest of his body sprawled comfortably on the ground beside her. This quiet companionship under the moon’s watchful eye was his sanctuary from the chaos of the world.
Time flowed unnoticed as Theo lost himself in the peacefulness beside Lilith. Yet, his tranquil rest was abruptly shattered by a series of urgent notifications that jolted him awake. As his eyes snapped open, the sight before him left him utterly astounded. His demonic farm, usually a haven of calm, was now engulfed in turmoil. At the heart of this upheaval, pulsating with an eerie glow, was the Eternal Seed.