I looked at the flailing Mandragora, wearing a helpless expression.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Chuchu!”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Then Chuchu pulled a long stick from its belly pouch.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
It resembled a switch or a disciplinary rod.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Chu!”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Tap tap!
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Chuchu began tapping the Mandragora with the stick.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
It looked exactly like it was scolding it, telling it to sit still.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Grrrrraaaaaa—!
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
But the Mandragora kept squirming.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
It was like it was screaming that it didn’t want to die.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“…Sheesh.”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Was it just me, or did it really feel like it had a personality?
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
I scratched my cheek, visibly conflicted.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
『Kyuuu… poor plant.』
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Popo!”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Dania and Popo stared at the Mandragora with pity in their eyes.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Guys…
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
This is today’s daily meal, you know…
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
How are you going to eat if you get emotionally attached?
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
‘Well, it can’t be helped.’
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
I decided to play the villain.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
As pitiful as the Mandragora’s burning will to live was…
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
There was no way I could just let this precious thing go to waste.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Just eating it once could shoot my level straight up to 35.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Not just me—imagine how much the other Guardians would gain too.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
That’s why…
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
I had to make a heroic decision for the greater good.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Grrrrraaaaaaa—!
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Did it sense what I was thinking?
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
The Mandragora let out another pitiful wail.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
It flailed its limbs at Chuchu.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Chuchu?”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Grrrraaa—!
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Chu?”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Grrrrraaaaaa—!!
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Every time the Mandragora shouted, Chuchu nodded.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Wait—are they communicating right now?
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Chuchu!”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Chuchu came running up to me.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Chu! Chuchuchu!”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Then it began flailing its arms and legs at me in desperation.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
‘…What?’
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
The more Chuchu spoke, the wider my eyes became.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
***
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
A little while ago.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
The Mandragora, having been kidnapped into Seojoon’s lair, experienced something… strange and wondrous.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Fwaaaash!
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
A radiant light of five colors wrapped around its body, warm and soothing, as if healing the wounds of its soul.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Grrraaaa—!
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Right after, the Mandragora realized the energy within it had grown stronger.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Its arms and legs thickened.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Its simple thoughts started to grow more complex.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
It had become… smarter.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Fwaaash!
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Then, another change occurred.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
A seed was born from the flower it had bloomed.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Alright, today we’re going to slow-boil this guy together with some Nagattara meat.”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
That’s when the human male plucked it out of the ground.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
The Mandragora realized.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Ah.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
So this was the end—it was about to be eaten.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
But strangely, it was okay with it.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Why?
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
『Grrraaa…』
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Because it had succeeded in creating a seed.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
For the Mandragora, this wasn’t the end, it was a new beginning.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
There was no need to resist.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
And besides, once a Mandragora expels its seed, it can no longer move the way it used to.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Because the small trace of spirit it had… flows into the seed instead.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
And so,
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
It quietly accepted its fate of being eaten.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Grrraaa?”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
But something was off.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Why wasn’t its mind fading?
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
It was startled to realize that its ‘spirit’—which should have been passed into the seed—was still intact.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Bubbling…!
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Then it began to feel heat rising from beneath.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
It was terrifying.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Grrrrraaaaaaa—!!
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
So it began to struggle again.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Please, just listen to me for a second!
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
But there was no way to communicate with the human, who was about to toss it mercilessly into a boiling hell.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
A moment of despair.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
But then,
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Chu?”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
The golden-furred creature that had first kidnapped it understood what it was saying.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Grrroooaarrr—!
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
(Can it really understand me?)
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Chu!”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
(Yes.)
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Grrroooaarrr!
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
(Spare me… I will work for you.)
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Chuchu!”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
(No. Master, you eat me and get stronger.)
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Grrroooaarrr!
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
(I’m a special Mandragora. If you keep me alive, I’ll be a great help in cultivating Mandragoras.)
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Chu?”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
(You’ll help us grow Mandragoras? How?)
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Grrroooar!
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
(Mandragoras will constantly try to escape. I can keep them under control.)
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Chuuu?”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
(Interesting.)
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
The Mandragora realized it.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
That this golden-furred being in front of it was its lifeline.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
The fact that it had been kidnapped by this creature no longer mattered.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Grrroooaarrr—!
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
(I’ll do my best!)
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
The golden fur nodded once.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Then it ran over to the human man and began explaining fervently with gestures and motions.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
‘Please! Oh heavens!‘
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
‘Oh god of the Mandragoras!‘
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
‘Please have mercy on me!‘
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Huh, it says it’ll take charge of the Mandragoras we’ll be growing?”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Chuchu!”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
I let out a bewildered laugh at the unexpected statement.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
‘Now that I think about it, this one does seem a bit different.’
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
I hadn’t seen other Mandragoras, so I couldn’t compare.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
But my unique intuition was whispering to me that the Mandragora before me was indeed a special one.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
‘What should I do?’
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
I glanced at the pot of Clearwater Herb boiling vigorously and hesitated for a moment.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Should I take a chance and trust it?
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
I’d been wondering what to do if the three Mandragora seeds I’d accelerated with <Rapid Bloom of Spirit Herbs> grew again overnight and tried to escape.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Hmmm.”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
As I stroked my chin,
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Grrroooaarrr!
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
The creature let out another pitiful cry.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Sigh… I’m getting soft-hearted.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Alright.”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
I made my decision.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
I’d prioritize long-term gain over immediate benefit.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
If it really could command the other Mandragoras, then maybe I could someday run a large Mandragora farm.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“I’ll watch and see if what you said is true.”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Gr-Grrroooaarrr!
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“But remember this—there’s only one chance.”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Grrroooaarrr!
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
It nodded with all its might, as if begging me to believe in it.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
In the end, the Mandragora was spared and returned to its place.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Heh heh heh…”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Looking back on the situation, I couldn’t help but laugh wryly.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Now I’ve come to the point of negotiating with a plant.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Well then, for today, let’s have some more Tai Yin Yang Essence and Heaven-Earth Revitalizing Soup.”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
[Dania wants to eat meat!]
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Oh, this? You want me to grill some more?”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
[Yeah. Grill the meat.]
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Tai Yin Yang Essence, Heaven-Earth Revitalizing Soup, and Nagattara meat.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
That was tonight’s dinner menu.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
There was a bit of palate fatigue from eating them all in a row, but even so, it wasn’t bad.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Once dinner was over—
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
「Your level has increased.」
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
My level went up again: now 34LV.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
「Guardian <Popo>’s level has increased! 108LV → 109LV」
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
「Guardian <Chuchu>’s level has increased! 146LV → 147LV」
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Popo and Chuchu also leveled up!
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
And the one who leveled up the most—
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
「Elemental Dragon <Dania>’s level has increased! 110LV → 111LV」 「Elemental…….」 「Elemental Dragon <Dania>’s level has increased! 113LV」
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Dania went up four levels at once!
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
‘So this is the difference in growth potential.’
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Wow.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
An astonishing leveling speed.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Dania used to be lower level than Popo, but in just one day, it overtook it.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
「The energy of the First Horn (Horn of Potential) grows stronger.」
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
And maybe because of the level-up, the First Horn got a little bigger too.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
My <Dragon Blood> responded to that.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Thump~! Thump~! Thump~!
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
At this rate, Dania’s potential might awaken again!
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Ah—
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
114LV!
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
That must be why everything except <Elixir Master> was locked in that special skill shop.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Both my max level and the potential-related perks like that seem to become less restricted as Dania grows stronger.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
‘Good. I’m absolutely getting Dania to 1000LV.’
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
The more I learn about Dania, the more I realiz,
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Dania growing stronger = Me growing stronger.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
And maybe now I understand a little…
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Why my trait is 「Dragon’s Oath (EX)」.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
So I’ve got to raise Dania’s level no matter what!
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Aigo, my little bundle of blessings, when is your second horn going to grow?”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
『Kkyu? Second horn needs more level-ups!』
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Hmm…
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Looks like it’s going to emerge around 120LV or 130LV.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
I had hoped maybe it’d show signs around 115LV, but…
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Too bad.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Well then, shall we go plant these next?”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
『Kkyu? What’s this?』
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Chuchu?”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Popo!”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
I pulled out the seeds sent earlier by Bangbaedong Gourmet.
[S] Shine Muscat Seeds x10
[S] Kiwi Seeds x10
[S] Cabbage Seeds x10
[S] Green Onion Seeds x10
[S] Carrot Seeds x10
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Five types of crops, all S-rank, just as requested.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Wow.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
If we grow all of these, our food supplies will be even richer.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
‘After all, you can’t live on spiritual herbs and elixirs alone.’
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Here, take one each and plant them in the soil Chuchu dug out, in order!”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
『Kkyu! Okay! Dania wants to try!』
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Popo!”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Chuuuu!”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
The four of us huddled together and worked hard to plant the seeds.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Since we did it as a group, we were done in no time.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Nice job, everyone… huh?”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
I stood up with a satisfied smile and was startled by what I saw.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
A sprout poking out of the ground with a little pop.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
That sprout,
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
「Eldrias Seed, LV 500」
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
It was from the legendary tree that gives birth to the Spirit King!
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
At last, the seed had sprouted.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
『Kkyuu!! Smells so nice!』
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Popo!”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Chuchuchu!”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Dania, Popo, and Chuchu all bounced and jumped around the Eldrias sprout in a fuss.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
I think I know why they’re so excited.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
‘What is this scent?’
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
It was like the pure and refreshing scent of early morning dew in a deep forest.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
With a gentle hint of sweet grass and the faint aroma of tree sap.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Every time I inhaled, I could feel the natural energy within the fragrance as if the life of an ancient forest had gathered and was breathing right there.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
It cleared my mind, as though my body were being purified.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
‘No way… could this be…’
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
『This! Spirit! Smells! So good!!』
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Dania gave me the answer.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Yes—this was the scent of a spirit.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
‘Wow. It really does smell amazing.’
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
The more I breathed it in, the more uplifted I felt.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
No wonder those three are so excited.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
[Uwoong! I’m excited! Baby sprout, grow big and strong quickly!]
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Popo!”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Chuchu!”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
The two spent their time just staring endlessly at the sprout of <Eldrias>.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
And then,
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
[Kyuuuwoooong! Seojoon! I’m sleepy!]
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Dania came fluttering over with its wings flapping.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
It seemed like it was finally getting sleepy.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
“Haha, okay. Come here. Let’s take a nap.”
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
I gently stroked Dania’s back as it curled up in my arms, and we drifted off for a short rest together.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
I hoped that, when we woke up, the freshly planted Mandragora would be fully grown.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
***
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
While Seojoon, Dania, and the Guardians were taking a brief nap…
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
The aura of <Elixir Master> flowing from Seojoon’s body accelerated the growth of the Mandragora.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
As a result,
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Graaaah!
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Groooaaar.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Gwooooo.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
All three Mandragora had fully matured in a dazzling flourish.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Uwooooongwooooong!
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Their internal energy rapidly surged to its peak.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
GRAAAAAAH!
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Groooh.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Gwooo.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Crack! Crackle-crack!
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
They pushed up from the earth, rising fully with roots and all.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
GRAAAAH!
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
The one in the lead pointed toward a distant underground tunnel.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Seeing this, the three Mandragora tried to sprint off toward that tunnel together…
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
GROOOAAARRR!
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
A massive Mandragora blocked their path.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
GROOOAAARRR!
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
It gestured, telling them to go back to their original positions.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Groooh…?
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Grooooh!
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Gwooo…
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
In the end, they were forced to retreat by this new Mandragora and returned to where they had been.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
That first Mandragora, the one Seojoon had given a single chance, was faithfully carrying out its promised role.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
GROOOAAARR!
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
It didn’t stop there. Using the <Breath of the Seed> it had received from Chuchu earlier, it enabled the other Mandragora to begin bearing seeds.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Then—
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
One of the three Mandragora succeeded in forming a seed before the others.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
GROOOAAARRR!
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
The first Mandragora approached.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
It reached out and harvested the seed.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Gwooooo…
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
The Mandragora that had just borne the seed suddenly slowed.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Yes, this is the normal state of a Mandragora after releasing its seed.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Its spiritual essence flows into the seed, and the remaining body becomes a lump of potent elixir.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Only the first Mandragora stands apart from this usual cycle.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Gwooo….
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
After fully releasing its seed, the Mandragora spoke its final words—and its movements came to a complete stop.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
The first Mandragora looked at the now-still one and spoke.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
GROOOAAARRRR— (I will remember you.)
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
This was not the end for the Mandragora, but a new beginning.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
The first one offered its blessings for this new start.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
Then it turned around.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
It planted the two harvested seeds into the pre-dug earth.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
And gently laid the motionless Mandragora’s body next to the sleeping human.
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
GROOOAAARR!
XyZaBc1234567890!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{}|;:,.<>?/~`
The first Mandragora, having perfectly fulfilled its role, let out a powerful cry.
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