Chapter 6: Hidoran Forest

Lionel grumbled as he strolled across the forest, weighed down by the bag of spices bouncing on his shoulder. Sweat soaked through his clothes as he thought about the grueling workout he had to endure just to satisfy Theo's theory of anima.

"Why can't I just use magic to carry this thing for me?"

Lately, Theo had assigned him the task of gathering spices from a nearby forest, but the job turned out to be much more tedious than he had expected. He could only use his bare hands to pluck the herbs, taking great care not to damage their quality.

While walking back, he accidentally stepped on a jagged rock sticking out of the ground. He stumbled but managed to regain his balance before falling. Unfortunately, the rock had already inflicted some damage, piercing his boot and causing a small cut on his foot.

When he was about to yelp in pain, he saw Theo whistling beside the gate. Lionel flipped his head in annoyance, and puffed his cheeks in frustration, "Can't you just use your anima and save me some time?"

Theo shrugged at the boy's pleading eyes, displeased by his laziness. "You do understand that conjuring is not a simple task, right?" He smiled and offered a needing hand, lifting the boy from the ground while chanting a spell to cleanse the dirt snuck underneath his shirt.

"It takes an incredible amount of power and control to conjure something out of thin air, let alone to carry a heavy bag of spices," he said with amusement.

Theo pointed towards the herbs and raised his palm from which a ball of anima appeared. "Lionel, this task may seem tedious to you, but it is an essential part of your training. Plucking these herbs and spices with your hands will help improve your control and anima's quality. The more you work with your hands, the more you become in tune with the elements around you. Resulting in a higher quality of spells you cast."

"Yeah, yeah, I know," Lionel winced and rubbed his foot. "I just wish it was easier."

Theo chuckled and patted Lionel's shoulder. "Each type of magic requires a different level of focus and control. Conjuring is more dangerous and unstable than invocation, it's not simple to call forth an existing entity or energy to conjure from a spell. Conjuring requires immense clarity and control."

Theo flicked his wrist and revolved the anima around his finger, and recited a spell. The spices inside a bag started to lift and swirl around him, creating a vortex. After finishing the spell, the spices settled back into his bag, surprising Lionel.

Lionel looked down at his hands, then back at Theo, still unconvinced by the theory.

Theo chuckled at his expression. "Think of it this way, Lionel. The more you understand its habits and the energies that exist within a spell, the better you become. Until one day this will increase the quality of your magic. The same goes for magic." Theo spoke calmly nonstop. "The key is finding the right balance between power and control, knowing when to use each type of magic to its full potential."

"Also, maybe next time, watch where you're stepping!" Theo laughed as he saw Lionel barely maintaining his balance.

***

Lionel went back into his room, propping his injured foot on a nearby stool. Although the cut had been cleaned and bandaged, it was still throbbing with pain. Over the last three days, Theo had done his best to keep him busy, always looking out for his well-being and guiding him when needed. The training had a lot of ambiguous meaning, he didn't know if it was intentional or purposed. Regardless, he did indeed feel that he was being toyed around by some pretentious magician who only wanted to eat in his spare time.

Lionel jumped on his bed and honked with satisfaction. Finally, the training was done. Lionel took out the sword he received from Morgan and placed it in his lap. He couldn't shake off the memory of the conversation he overheard between Morgan and Theo a few days earlier. The two were at odds with each other, each trying to convince him which side mattered. Morgan's words about choice and destiny weighed heavily upon him, causing him to question his place in the world and his beliefs.

Was he really bound by his destiny, as Morgan claimed? Or did he have the conviction to choose his own path?

He sighed, feeling the weight of these questions bearing down upon him. He knew that he needed to take some time to reflect and arrive at a decision. With a sense of resolve, he stood up from his bed and arranged his thoughts, walking around and enjoying the different scenery around the outpost.

As he walked through the streets, he couldn't help but admire the barricades constructed by the half-spirits. The walls stood seven meters tall and were fortified with vines that were densely packed with thick branches. The vines seemed almost alive, constantly shifting and tightening their grip to ensure the safety of the outpost. The half-spirits were scurrying around, attending to their daily tasks and taking care of the necessities of the community. The sounds of laughter and magic filled the air, creating a sense of calmness within the outpost.

Lionel walked towards Theo, and a feeling of annoyance washed over him. Theo had been nagging him about the importance of the training recently, encouraging him to consider his practice and put more effort into his control of anima.

"How's the foot?" Theo asked, still concerned about Lionel's injury.

"It's better now, thanks," Lionel rolled his eyes. He already knew that Theo would try to lure him back to his training and get pranked by his playful antics. "What do you want this time, Theo?"

Theo laughed and handed Lionel a bag of spices. "I need you to take these bags of spices to the market and sell them. You'll need to get used to the world around you and hone your negotiation skills."

Lionel sighed, "Here we go again." He couldn't help but grumble and thought how Theo always seemed to find reasons to make his life difficult.

"Really?" he pretended to be surprised, noticing the spices smudged on Theo's shirt and hearing his constant munching. "Selling spices is your idea of training?"

Theo tried to hide it with a smirk but failed as a speck of food landed on his shirt. Theo then smiled without a care, pretending not to hear his comment. "Who says I have to be physically present to keep an eye on anything? I have my ways to observe everyone in the outpost while enjoying my food."

Lionel's expression suddenly changed as Theo's body dissipated into a thin mist, with half of his body composed of air. "What the... How did you do that?"

Theo chuckled, "Ah, Lionel. You have much to learn about the ways of anima. Remember, appearances can be deceiving."

Lionel pouted, acting as if he was being bullied by Theo, "Alright, I'll go sell these spices. But don't try to pull any more of these tricks on me, Theo."

While walking away, Theo called out after him. "Hey, it's all for your own good! You never know what kind of shady characters you might run into."

"Let's see, a market..." After pondering for a while, he realized that it was unlikely for a market to appear in the forest, especially when the outpost had only been recently established.

Lionel could already feel his back crunching at the thought of Theo using him again for his amusement. Instead of simply instructing, Theo chose to teach his lessons through schemes and kept his tricks hidden up his sleeve. As if dealing with his recent schemes wasn't enough, he also had to endure the endless scheme of Riddick, the supposed "market vendor" who set up his stall in the outpost every morning. Lionel had met him three days ago when Theo sent him to the market to sell his spices. The man, Riddick, was a notorious haggler and had been playing him for the past three days, leading him to believe that he was getting a good deal—when in reality, he was getting the short end of the stick.

Once he arrived at the market, he noticed a makeshift booth with no other stalls or vendors from its area. The sign displayed "Riddick Wonder Market" Lionel sighed and felt his toes hurt, knowing that this was probably Theo's doing. The stall was empty, with only one person inside. That person was Riddick, a crooked man with a stingy habit.

Lionel walked up to the empty stall and saw Riddick leaning against it, looking as cocky as ever. "Oh, it's you, look who's back for more," Riddick said with a smirk.

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

"I should have known better than to come back here," Lionel responded.

Riddick chuckled, "Now, now, Lionel. No need to be so sour. I'm just trying to make a living, same as you."

"Sure, by playing me like a puppet every time I come here," Lionel retorted and glared in frustration.

Riddick shrugged, "It's all in the art of negotiation. And if you were any good at it, you wouldn't have fallen for my tricks."

Lionel sighed, knowing that Riddick was right. He had been struggling to improve his negotiation skills, but every time he came to the market, Riddick would always come up with a new trick, grabbing the end of the bargain and flipping the entire deal to his advantage.

"Here, take the spices," Lionel said as he handed over the bag of spices to Riddick. But before he could leave, his eyes caught a glimpse of a worn and ancient-looking codex lying on the side table of the stall. It was thick, made of leather, and had intricate symbols engraved on its cover. [Ulythes Herbs I].

During the past three days, Lionel adjusted to the climate and became more familiar with the dense and dangerous forest outside the outpost. He discovered the best times to harvest spices, how to identify them and where to find them, and how to use his surroundings to his advantage. The constant routine honed his patience, developing his wit and his intuition to find the perfect spot to gather the spices.

Moreover, he has also learned how to track dangerous animals while avoiding getting lost. Gradually, his ears have begun to pick up different sounds, adapting to the murmurs of the forest and understanding the movements of the animals around him.

While spending his time in the forest, he acquired new skills. He learned how to identify different species of herbs and spices, determining which plants were ready to be harvested. To his surprise, he became more proficient in his task with repeated practice, carefully observing the different characteristics of each plant to determine the best time to collect them.

"Is that the [Ulythes Herbs I] codex?" Lionel eyes lit up with excitement. He had always wanted to expand his knowledge about herbs and spices, and this codex could be the key to doing so.

"Hey, Riddick, what's the price for that codex over there?" Lionel asked, trying to hide his excitement.

Riddick followed Lionel's eyes at the book and smiled, a sly grin spreading across his face. "Ah, that old thing. It's been gathering dust for some time now, and I've been considering getting rid of it."

Lionel's heart skipped a beat as he saw a chance to finally come out on top in their negotiations. "How much do you want for it?"

Riddick was considering something as he stroked his chin. "Well, let's see. This codex is a compilation of knowledge about the rarest herbs and spices found in the Hidoran forest. It's worth a lot to the right person," he said.

Lionel raised an eyebrow and asked, "And how much is a lot?"

Riddick took a moment to think and said, "How about we make a trade? The codex for your bag of spices and a few extra coins for good measure?"

Lionel was in a dilemma as he weighed his options. He knew that the bag of spices was worth less than the codex, but he also knew that Riddick would try to make him pay more. After taking a deep breath, he decided to take a chance and said, "Deal," while holding out his hand.

After walking away, he muttered under his breath, "Bastard."

Suddenly, Theo's image appeared in the market, and his laughter echoed across the marketplace. The entire vibe of the market changed as fairies and spirits began to float around, making the place seem almost magical. The sound of chimes and laughter filled the air. The fairies and spirits strolled around, browsing through the wares and purchasing items like any other regular day.

Riddick was bargaining with a fairy when he noticed Theo's arrival and walked towards him. "What brings you here, Theo?"

Theo replied with a chuckle, "I just couldn't resist coming to see your latest scheme in action, old friend."

Riddick laughed and stroked his beard, "You know me too well, Theo. That young man was too easy to fool."

As Riddick watched the fairies and spirits going about their business, he noticed Lionel walking away from the market with excitement in his eyes. Riddick's expression turned serious as he realized the danger Lionel could face if he ventured into the forest alone.

Riddick expressed his concern for Lionel's safety, "Do you think he'll be okay, Theo? He's going into the forest alone."

Theo's smile faded as he considered Riddick's concern. "Well, if anything happens to him, my dear brother Thiraniel will definitely have my head on a platter."

Riddick let out a hearty laugh. "Ah, Thiraniel. He always has a way of keeping you in check," he said with a smile.

"That he does," Theo chuckled in agreement. "But don't worry, we'll make sure Lionel stays safe." With a wave of his hand, he infused Lionel's backpack with a trace of his anima. Theo kept his eyes and watched Lionel walked away towards the forest.

***

Determined to secure a bargain this time, Lionel resolved to collect the rarest and most sought-after herb of all. The [Sunroot]. This precious plant only grew in the warmest and sunniest locations and was known to enhance the user's anima and amplify the power of their spells.

The Hidoran forest is a lush and abundant woodland that harbors a diverse array of herbs and fauna, providing a habitat for numerous species. It is a protected ecosystem within the larger biosphere. To gain their potential benefits, enchanted regions were agreed upon to be nurtured and protected by neighboring kingdoms. Amongst the closest kingdom, Elastrade claimed the rights and responsibility of overseeing the guardianship of the Hidoran forest.

But as fate would have it, the month of the Ceremony had dawned upon the kingdom. During this auspicious time, the usual regulations and limitations were cast aside, making it easier for every traveler passing by to collect and gather their favored herbs and loot.

Lionel reached into his trusty [Dad's Oldie Backpack] and pulled out the [Ulythes Herbs I] codex. The treasured tome was filled with information about the various plants and herbs that can be discovered in the Hidoran Forest. The codex also provides details on their properties, instructions, and the uses of each herb, making it a valuable tool for any adventurer exploring the forest.

Lionel flipped to the page where the [Sunroot] was described, reading the entry carefully.

[Sunroot]

The Sunroot is a rare herb that can only be found and grown in a secluded location of [Rameses] resting at the summit of a hill. The herb emits a bright, golden aura that radiates with a warm energy, attracting all sorts of life to it. The flame blossoms at the tip of its petal and shifts into different forms. The herb is also shrouded with energy that releases a blight on its spot, a dark and cohesive foreign essence that is both dangerous and fascinating.

After reading the [Ulythes Herbs I], Lionel wore a belt around his waist, carrying a flask of [Ingris Slime], a rare explosive substance he obtained with the help of his Uncle Ben. Determined to win against Riddick this time, Lionel plans to use the [Sunroot] as a bargaining chip and gain an advantage. He intends to use the herb with the slime and harness its power, amplifying the strength of his attacks.

With the backpack securely fastened on his back, Lionel gripped a robust trowel known as the [Trowel of the Forest] in his left hand. A tool used for digging trenches and excavating the dirt underneath.

On his hands, he wore the protective [Gloves of Riddick] specially designed to protect him from the thorns and prickles, a necessary tool to gather a plant. He also brought a spare of [Ingris Slime] to his satchel, serving as a powerful adhesive and lubricant that can be used for various purposes.

After carefully inspecting his gear, Lionel decided to make a change. He put away the [Trowel of the Forest] and grabbed the [Staff of Compressed Magic] from his backpack. Once he carried the staff with both of his hands, he felt a sense of relief that he had made the right decision.

Lionel's mind was filled with the memories of ancient tales, told and whispered in the taverns of his hometown, recounting the exploits of daring adventurers who braved the low-tiered zones with reckless abandon. Remembering those stories, while tragic and awe-inspiring, painted a vivid picture of courageous souls who believed they could conquer any obstacle that crossed their path.

Oh, how they were wrong.

Their insatiable greed for treasure had blinded them, shrouding their judgment in a cloak of arrogance. They disregarded the warnings, the signs that whispered of imminent danger, plunging their life into the depths of the abyss. Alas, even with their unrelenting courage, and the unwavering belief in their capability, eventually led them astray, sealing their fate in a tragic demise.

The weight of those stories settled upon his heart, a mixture of sadness and nostalgia. He couldn't help but feel a pang of longing for a time when the allure of adventure, the thrill of the unknown, was all that mattered. The tales spoke of a bygone era, with heroes roaming the land for glory, as their names were carved in the annals of history.

Yet, even in the face of these heroic tales, he couldn't help but force to suppress the spark of determination burned within him. He yearned to carve his own legend, to walk the path less traveled, armed with wisdom and tempered with caution, not to follow those who had fallen. There's a good reason why he took the time to inspect his tools and choose the right equipment. He had to make sure that he had everything he needed to survive. He would forge his own path, not blinded by greed or pride, but guided by patience and intellect.

Lionel tightened his grip on the wooden staff, fully aware that it would slow him down, but at the same time, he felt much safer holding it in his hand. He had no intention of becoming another cautionary tale, a warning to other adventurers who give in to their greed.

The staff in his hands resembles that of a wooden shaft crafted from ancient tree bark. Its surface appears to be twisted, curling into the shape of a snake, with a claw holding an orb resting atop its head like a precious jewel. The energy concealed inside the sphere cackled with dense energy, and he could feel its magic coursing through his body.

He stroked the [Staff of Compressed Magic] with delicate care and felt a rush of memories coming back to him. Lionel shut his eyes and concentrated, receiving the message from the trace of anima imbued in the letter. "Take good care of the staff, my son. Remember, it can only be used five times," the excerpt had said. "It may not look like much, but it packs a punch that's sure to surprise you."

Lionel chuckled at his father's shameless tone and retrieved his [Rugue's New Glasses] to inspect the staff. Through the lenses, he could see the amount of anima compressed within the orb—and once released, could likely shatter a boulder to pieces.

Done with the task, he retrieved a wand from his backpack. From the backpack, he saw items neatly arranged according to their designated pockets.

Equipment:

[Ingris Slime]

[Gloves of Riddick]

[Dad's Oldie Backpack]

[Ulythes Herbs I]

[Trowel of the Forest]

[Rugues new glasses]

[Wand of Illumination]

[Staff of Compressed Magic] [x5]