He pushed himself out of bed, rubbing the sleep from his eyes as he shuffled toward the kitchen. A cup of coffee brewed quietly while he opened his interface, his gaze falling on the map progress. The percentage ticked upward slowly but was still far from complete. A sigh escaped his lips. “Guess there’s no rest for the determined.”
After breakfast, Noah stepped outside, the crisp morning air carrying the faint scent of damp soil. His eyes landed on the World Seedling, now standing taller and more vibrant than the day before. Its leaves shimmered in the sunlight, exuding a quiet vitality that filled him with pride. Kneeling by the seedling, he ran his fingers over the damp soil, noting the small pool of water at its base.
“You’re doing well,” Noah murmured, a soft smile playing on his lips. The surrounding plants, including the Frost Fern seedlings, appeared healthier too, their delicate leaves shimmering faintly. The magical watering can rested nearby, its faint glow a reminder of the progress he’d made.
Noah picked it up, giving the seedling a generous drink of enchanted water. The ground sparkled faintly as the liquid seeped into the soil, and he watched as the World Seedling’s roots extended slightly further, their movement almost imperceptible.
Satisfied, Noah set the watering can aside and headed back to the house. He grabbed his car keys, wallet, and a few bottles of water, carefully packing them into his Inventory.
The heat outside was already rising, the oppressive warmth making the air feel heavy and thick. As he stepped into his car, the leather seat was warm from the sun, and he adjusted the air conditioning to cool the interior. The engine roared to life, and the vehicle’s vibrations seemed to sync with the pulse of the day, setting the rhythm for Noah’s journey.
Turning off his damaged driveway, Noah began his drive up the road, his map slowly filling in new parts as he went south as the compass began to indicate. The road ahead was less maintained, lined with abandoned houses that were either in ruins or precariously perched halfway to collapse. As he navigated through this desolate area, Noah kept a watchful eye on the compass, which now pointed slightly west. Three of the green gems on the compass had illuminated, casting a faint, eerie glow in the dim interior of his car.
Muttering to himself, Noah maneuvered around the crumbling remnants of the street. "Good thing my car can go off-road," he said, a hint of relief in his voice as he slowed down and drove into the bush. The terrain grew bumpier, but his vehicle handled the uneven ground with relative ease. The compass directed him forward, and Noah observed as another two gems lit up, their glow intensifying with each passing moment. Only one gem remained unlit.
As he continued driving, the last gem on the compass flared to life, causing the other gems to flash rapidly in a synchronized pattern. Noah brought the car to a stop and shifted it into the park. He turned off the engine, the sudden silence of the bush contrasting sharply with the engine’s previous hum. With the compass in hand, he exited the vehicle and took a moment to assess his surroundings.
The compass indicated a more northern direction now, but the gems' flashing dimmed slightly as he adjusted his path. When he turned south again, the flashing became more pronounced, guiding him with increasing urgency. "South it is then," he concluded, setting out on foot.
Noah walked for about five minutes, the rhythmic crunch of leaves and twigs underfoot accompanying his steps. The compass' flashing lights eventually steadied into a solid green glow. He scanned the area and noticed a small, almost inconspicuous hole in the ground, partially concealed by overgrown grass and underbrush.
Curiosity piqued, Noah knelt beside the hole. Within it lay a dark rock, its surface emitting a faint, eerie glow. The rock seemed to be an impact fragment, likely from a meteor that had fallen during the recent meteor shower. The sight of the rock, illuminated by the soft, otherworldly light, added a sense of gravitas to the discovery.
Gently, Noah touched the meteor fragment with his palm. As he made contact, a hidden quest appeared before him, its details shimmering faintly in the dim light. The moment was filled with a mixture of awe and anticipation as Noah prepared to uncover what lay ahead.
Noah’s gaze flicked between the glowing interface and the meteor fragment. His curiosity burned brighter than his caution. With a deep breath, he tapped Yes on the prompt, sealing his decision.
The system window dissolved momentarily, only to reappear with a sharp chime. The new message made his eyes widen.
The words hovered in his vision, stark against the soft glow of the fragment below. Noah knelt closer to the meteor shard, his fingers brushing the uneven surface. The faint hum grew louder, resonating with his touch as if alive with purpose.
“What’s this about powering a core?” Noah muttered, his voice a mix of intrigue and apprehension. The fragment pulsed faintly beneath his fingertips, its rhythm steady and insistent. Whatever this was, it wasn’t something he could walk away from—not without answers.
Straightening up, he glanced at the magical compass in his hand. Its glowing gems blinked faintly, syncing with the pulse of the shard as though urging him forward. Determination settled over Noah like a second skin. “Alright, let’s see what this is all about.”
Noah knelt again, staring at the meteor fragment. The realization struck him—it wasn’t just a random shard. This was a dungeon core. His heart raced as he pondered his next move. Finally, with a steadying breath, he touched the compass to the core.
The green gems on the compass began to blink out one by one, and a low humming sound resonated from the core. The hum grew louder, vibrating through the ground until the final gem’s light disappeared. The core’s glow intensified, surrounding itself with a strange, pulsating light.
Suddenly, the meteor fragment began to sink into the earth. Noah stumbled back as a deep rumble echoed around him. The ground shifted, trembling under his feet, before a staircase emerged from the earth, bathed in a soft, misty light that beckoned him forward.
The staircase settled into place with a final, echoing rumble, and the soft misty glow surrounding it seemed to pulse gently, almost invitingly. Noah stood frozen for a moment, his heart pounding as he took in the surreal scene before him. The magical compass in his hand was now dim, its job seemingly complete.
A soft chime resonated in the air, pulling Noah's attention to his interface.
Noah blinked at the message, the words glowing faintly before fading away. He stared back at the staircase, its misty aura hinting at mysteries hidden below.
"So... this is what the system meant by powering the core," Noah murmured, his grip tightening around the compass. A mixture of curiosity and apprehension churned in his chest. The descent into the unknown was no longer just an option—it was the next step forward.
Steeling himself, he took a deep breath and stepped toward the staircase, his boots crunching softly against the freshly disturbed earth.
Noah stood before the staircase, a mix of curiosity and unease bubbling within him. He had heard of dungeon trials before but never imagined he would face one himself. With a deep breath, he steeled himself and began his descent.
The stairs wound downward into the earth, the air growing cooler with each step. The faint, rhythmic hum of the core accompanied him, a steady reminder of the power that had drawn him here. As the mist parted, Noah stepped into the stone chamber below.
The room was stark and rugged, its walls composed of rough-hewn stone flecked with red veins that pulsed faintly in the dim light. The chamber exuded an air of ancient purpose, the cool mustiness carrying hints of earth and timeworn dust. Small motes of light drifted aimlessly, casting an eerie, shifting glow that barely illuminated the space.
At the far end of the room stood a wooden table, its surface worn and splintered with age. It seemed incongruous against the cold stone backdrop, as if placed there deliberately. Resting atop the table was a piece of parchment, glowing faintly under the light radiating from the dungeon core embedded in the wall behind it. Shadows danced across the chamber, adding to the otherworldly atmosphere.
Noah approached the table cautiously, his steps echoing softly in the quiet chamber. His eyes darted around, searching for any signs of danger. When nothing seemed to stir, he focused on the parchment. As he reached for it, a shimmering screen materialized before him, its edges crackling with faint arcs of arcane energy.
The screen displayed a message written in elegant, flowing script:
Noah’s brow furrowed as he read the instructions, his gaze flickering to the parchment on the table. A faint, almost imperceptible vibration emanated from it, as though urging him to uncover its secrets. Taking a deep breath, he reached out, his fingers brushing against the rough surface of the aged paper.
The riddle was written in faded ink, the words curving elegantly across the page:
Noah read it aloud, his voice echoing softly in the chamber. The words seemed to carry weight, and as they faded, the room responded. The red veins in the stone walls pulsed with a deeper intensity, their light flickering like embers stirred to life.
“Ash to roots… life reborn where flame has been,” Noah murmured, his mind racing. The riddle hinted at destruction giving way to growth—a cycle of renewal through fire. It was poetic, but it also felt uncomfortably real in a place like this.
The shimmering screen lingered in the corner of his vision, its message glowing faintly: “Retrieve the key to unlock the next path.”
Noah glanced at the rugged chamber. The faint red veins in the walls pulsed irregularly, their glow casting shifting shadows across the room. At its center, a circular patch of ground stood out—a blackened, cracked surface, as if scorched by fire long ago.
He approached the spot cautiously, kneeling to examine it. The earth was dry and brittle under his fingers, but beneath the surface, he could sense something else. Faint traces of heat lingered, and the smell of charred wood was just strong enough to notice.
“This has to be it,” Noah muttered, standing and brushing off his hands. “But how do I ignite it again?”
His gaze darted back to the shimmering screen, then to the core’s faint glow behind the table. An idea began to form. If fire was the catalyst for new life, maybe it wasn’t literal flames he needed but something to symbolize the spark of renewal. He reached into his inventory, pulling out the enchanted watering can, now imbued with faint traces of elemental magic.
“Let’s see if this does the trick,” Noah said, unscrewing the cap and tilting the can. A trickle of the enchanted water fell onto the scorched ground, its iridescent liquid shimmering faintly as it seeped into the cracks.
At first, nothing happened. Then, slowly, a deep rumble echoed through the chamber. The blackened patch of earth began to glow faintly, embers flickering to life within its cracks. Noah stepped back as tendrils of light spread outward, curling like roots through the brittle surface.
From the heart of the patch, a tiny green sprout emerged, pushing its way through the ash. It grew rapidly, unfurling delicate leaves that shimmered with faint golden veins. The air around it seemed to pulse with energy, the scent of fresh grass and blooming flowers replacing the musty air.
A soft chime sounded, and the shimmering screen updated:
“Key retrieved. Proceed to the next challenge.”
Noah crouched to inspect the sprout, marvelling at its rapid growth. At its base, nestled among the roots, a small, glowing orb sat embedded in the soil. He picked it up carefully, feeling a faint warmth emanating from it.
“This must be the key,” he said, standing and glancing back at the door behind the table. Its surface now shimmered faintly with the same golden glow as the orb in his hand.
With a deep breath, Noah approached the door as he entered the next room it was fairly large, its emptiness striking and disorienting. Noah took a tentative step forward, his boots echoing faintly against the cold stone floor. The walls, etched with faint glowing patterns, pulsed softly in rhythm with the timer that flickered to life above the far end of the chamber.
The words hovered in Noah's vision, the prompt clear and urgent. The choice wasn’t much of a choice at all. With a determined nod, Noah selected Yes.
The notification faded, replaced by a shimmering pulse of light in the room’s centre. The ground trembled faintly, and a low rumble resonated through the chamber. Noah glanced around, muscles tensing instinctively as the once-empty space began to transform.
A brilliant flash of light forced him to shield his eyes. When the glare faded, he saw several items materializing in the room's centre. Among them were three books stacked neatly and four small pouches, their drawstrings tightly bound.
The rumble intensified, and the chamber began to shift. Sections of the smooth floor split apart with precise movements, His eyes flicked to the timer—Two Hours—and the steady, ominous tick that accompanied it. then down to the new revealed formed features:
- Garden Beds: Four medium-sized beds rose from the ground, filled with rich, dark soil. Their frames glowed faintly, suggesting magical enhancements.
- Pond: To Noah’s left, a small pond materialized, the water shimmering with a crystalline clarity. The gentle ripples on its surface reflected the faint glowing patterns on the walls.
- Workbench: To his right, a sturdy workbench appeared, complete with tools for gardening and alchemy. Tiny runes etched into its surface pulsed softly, hinting at magical capabilities.
Noah approached the items cautiously, his eyes scanning the pouches and books. As he neared them, a new system notification appeared.
Would you like to learn the skill "Analyse"? Y/N
He hesitated for only a moment before selecting Yes. One of the books in the stack shimmered, disintegrating into motes of light that flowed into Noah. A flood of information filled his mind, details of how to identify and assess magical properties imprinting themselves as if he’d always known them.
With this newfound knowledge, Noah turned his attention to the pouches. Hovering his hand over the first, he activated his Analyse skill. A soft chime confirmed the action and glowing text appeared:
Noah exhaled slowly, absorbing the details. These seeds weren’t ordinary—they embodied elemental affinities, each offering unique potential. His gaze shifted to the glowing garden beds and the pond. The trial was clear: he had to cultivate these seeds into something greater, combining their properties to create an uncommon seed.
The timer ticked down relentlessly, and Noah felt the weight of the challenge pressing on him. Gathering the pouches and placing them on the workbench, he reached for the remaining books. One was a blank notebook paired with a sleek pen—tools for documenting his progress. The other was a thick tome titled "Magical Botanical 101."
Noah flipped it open, skimming through the pages. The book detailed plant properties, crossbreeding techniques, and the optimal conditions for magical growth. It was a treasure trove of information, but time was short. He jotted keynotes into the notebook, focusing on methods for combining the seeds to achieve the trial’s goal.
With a plan forming in his mind, Noah rolled up his sleeves and got to work. Two hours might be enough—if he made every second count.
Noah’s gaze shifted to the garden beds and the shimmering pond, now equipped with the invaluable knowledge gained from the Analyse skill. Each piece of information felt like another step closer to understanding the trial's demands. He knew the seeds and environment had to be used wisely to craft the uncommon seed the quest required—and the timer's steady countdown left no room for error.
The faint sound of dripping water and the rhythmic ticking of the timer filled the room, creating a palpable sense of urgency. Noah leaned against the workbench, the pouches of seeds laid out before him and flipped open the Magical Botanical 101 book. Its weathered pages were dense with insights about the elemental seeds, their growth patterns, and their unique properties.
For the next half-hour, Noah immersed himself in the book’s contents, jotting down notes in the accompanying notebook. He scrawled diagrams, listed potential combinations, and highlighted sections on crossbreeding techniques. The Sunfire Flower’s radiance, the Aquafern’s water purification abilities, the Earthbloom’s soil enrichment, and the Windwhisper’s gentle breezes all carried potential, especially when combined. His pen moved quickly as ideas sparked in his mind.
Finally, he closed the book, and his plan solidified. Using Analyse, he assessed the garden beds and pond.
Satisfied with the results, Noah stood and checked the timer. Just over an hour remained—enough time if he worked efficiently. He gathered the seed pouches, his movements deliberate and focused.
Noah selected a Sunfire Flower seed and a Windwhisper seed. Carefully spacing them about a foot and a half apart, he ensured their growth wouldn’t interfere with each other. The combination seemed promising: the heat and energy of the Sunfire Flower balanced by the cooling, soothing breeze of the Windwhisper.
Here, he opted for complexity. Noah planted a Sunfire Flower, an Aquafern, and an Earthbloom in a triangular arrangement. He left the center space open, aiming for potential crossbreeding between all three seeds. The synergy between fire, water, and earth elements could yield something extraordinary.
You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.
In this bed, Noah planted an Aquafern and a Windwhisper, spacing them to allow their properties to intertwine. The combination of water and air felt harmonious, the Aquafern’s hydration abilities likely to complement the Windwhisper’s ventilation.
For the final box, he chose an Earthbloom and a Windwhisper, planting them with consideration for their unique interactions. The Earthbloom’s soil-enriching properties seemed an excellent counterpart to the Windwhisper’s refreshing breeze.
Noah grabbed his own enchanted watering can, which he’d filled earlier at the pond. Its familiar weight and design made it easy to maneuver as he poured water over the soil. The liquid shimmered faintly as it flowed, a visible sign of the can's magical properties. He worked methodically, ensuring each box received an even amount of water.
Emptying the can, Noah returned to the pond to refill it before giving the seeds another careful round of hydration. The soil darkened as it absorbed the enchanted water, and a faint, almost imperceptible glow began to rise from the garden beds. The seeds were beginning to react.
He placed the empty watering can beside the workbench, the soft glow from its surface matching the quiet hum of the dungeon around him. Pulling out his notebook, Noah began organizing the remaining seeds, categorizing them by their elemental affinities and jotting down notes. With each idea he sketched, his plans grew more precise. The extras, though not necessary for this trial, were already sparking thoughts for future use.
The timer ticked steadily, its ominous rhythm a constant reminder of the limited time. Yet, Noah felt a growing sense of confidence. With the seeds planted, the soil enriched, and the environment prepped, he’d done everything the trial demanded. The knowledge from the Magical Botanical 101 book and the insights gained from the Analyse skill had guided him to this moment.
Now, it was a matter of waiting—and watching—to see how the seeds would grow and what potential they might reveal, Noah decided to take a look at what seeds he had left.
With only a few seeds remaining, Noah debated whether to attempt a four-way crossbreed. The idea was tempting, but the complexity of managing such a mix weighed on his mind. Letting out a soft sigh, he rose and walked over to the planter boxes, observing the progress. Each seed had already begun to sprout, their growth patterns unique to their elemental natures:
- Sunfire Flower seeds displayed vibrant stems tinged with orange, emitting faint warmth.
- Aquafern seeds produced delicate, watery-blue fronds that shimmered in the light.
- Earthbloom seeds had sturdy, thick stems with small budding flowers that smelled faintly of fresh soil.
- Windwhisper seeds grew slender and airy, their leaves swaying slightly as if caught in an invisible breeze.
Hearing a soft clatter near the table, Noah turned his head. A few feather-like brushes had materialized, their delicate bristles glinting faintly in the dungeon’s light. Intrigued, he picked one up and examined it briefly before setting to work pollinating the plants.
Noah moved methodically between the planter boxes, brushing the pollen from one bloom to another. Each stroke was precise, and the process was both calming and fascinating. He ensured every plant had the opportunity to share its traits, the dungeon’s ambient magic amplifying their potential interactions.
As he finished, he stood back to observe. The pollinated blooms began to change almost immediately, their petals curling inward as seed pods started to form and swell. The transformation was mesmerizing; the pods grew rapidly, their surfaces darkening as they matured.
When the pods finally took on a dry, hardened appearance, Noah knew they were ready. Carefully, he harvested them, placing each pod into groups on the table. Most of the seeds inside were typical, closely resembling their parent plants. However, one particular group caught his attention.
He reached for the final pod, noticeably larger than the others. His heart raced as he cracked it open, hoping for something exceptional.
Inside, he found a seed unlike any he had encountered before. It was small, about the size of a peppercorn, but its unique appearance set it apart. The Radiant Air Herb Seeds shimmered with a blend of light red and pale blue, reflecting the parent plants' radiant heat and air affinity. The seed's surface was smooth, adorned with swirling patterns that resembled gusts of wind, while faint streaks of red danced across its top.
When Noah held one in his palm, the seed emitted a faint, warm glow, contrasting with its cool, almost ethereal feel. He activated his Analyse skill, and the results appeared before him:
Noah’s grin widened as he realized he had uncovered his first uncommon seed. It was a significant step forward in the trial, but he wasn’t finished yet.
He moved on to the remaining pods, his excitement mounting. The last pod, noticeably heavier and larger, seemed to radiate an unseen energy. Noah opened it carefully, and what he found inside took his breath away.
The single Mystic Nexus Seed shimmered with an otherworldly glow, its surface a captivating blend of gold and deep ocean blue, crisscrossed with faint green veins. It pulsed faintly in his hand, exuding a subtle warmth and light that seemed almost alive.
Activating Analyse, Noah eagerly read the results:
Noah stared at the description, his mind racing with possibilities. The Mystic Nexus Seed was a rare find, a treasure that could significantly impact his progress.
With renewed excitement, he carefully placed the uncommon and rare seeds to the side, cataloguing them in his notebook. The trial wasn’t over, but these discoveries were a turning point. Noah began planning how to use the seeds to complete the quest and unlock the full potential of his finds.
Noah smiled as he examined the unusual seed in his hand. It was his first uncommon find, and its intricate details were mesmerizing. Now, he held the final pod, noticeably larger than the others. A spark of hope lit within him as he cracked it open, and he was not disappointed.
Inside was a Radiant Aqua Sunbloom Seed, its surface a mesmerizing blend of shimmering gold and deep ocean blue, interlaced with faint green veins. The seed’s smooth, slightly glossy finish reflected the light, and it emitted a soft, bioluminescent glow that alternated between golden and blue hues. It was unlike anything he had seen before, and Noah could feel its extraordinary potential.
Activating his Analyse skill, he read the information that materialized before him:
Noah’s eyes widened with awe as he absorbed the description. The Radiant Aqua Sunbloom Seed was rare and seemed to hold the potential to create something truly powerful.
The room was alive with growth, the plants responding quickly to the enchanted environment.
With a final glance at the timer, Noah decided to plant the Radiant Aqua Sunbloom Seed in one of the remaining planter boxes. He carefully selected a fresh, empty bed and pressed the seed into the rich soil, ensuring it was placed in the ideal spot to thrive. Grabbing his enchanted watering can, he poured water over the soil, watching as the seed absorbed the liquid.
Satisfied with the planting, Noah tidied up the remaining seeds and equipment. He took a seat near the garden beds, his gaze fixed on the Radiant Aqua Sunbloom Seed, anticipation bubbling within him.
As he watched the plants grow, he turned his attention back to the remaining pods. Reaching for the second-to-last one, he cracked it open and was surprised to find a large quantity of tiny, rice grain-sized seeds spilling out. Curiosity sparked again, and Noah picked up one of the small seeds, activating Analyse once more.
Noah carefully opened another pod, revealing several Wind-Earth Grass Seeds. Their dual nature fascinated him, and he quickly documented their properties in his notebook. As he worked through the remaining pods, a small mishap interrupted his rhythm.
“Shit,” he muttered under his breath as water spilled from his nearby flask onto a few unopened pods. He grabbed his shirt to dry them off, only to notice something strange—the water was being absorbed by one of the pods. The pod seemed to draw the liquid in, its surface pulsing faintly as if alive.
Intrigued, Noah picked up the pod and opened it carefully. Inside, he found pebble-like seeds with a smooth, glossy texture. Selecting one, he activated his Analyse skill to uncover their secrets.
Noah marveled at the Hydrobreeze Bloom Seed, its shimmering design and delicate properties setting it apart. His excitement grew as he realized the potential combinations he could create with these new discoveries.
He continued harvesting the remaining pods, meticulously sorting and cataloging each seed type. By the time he was finished, his collection was impressive: ten seeds from the elemental plants and at least five unique varieties. The neatly arranged seeds filled his notebook with possibilities, each one a potential breakthrough in the trial.
Satisfied with his progress, Noah pulled the now-empty plants from the planter boxes, ensuring they were ready for their next use. The timer on the wall ticked steadily, showing 55 minutes remaining.
Noah flipped through his notebook, jotting down ideas for crossbreeding the new seeds. His mind raced with strategies, the thrill of discovery driving him forward. As he glanced at the stone bowl embedded in the wall, a sense of purpose filled him. The goal was clear: create and place an uncommon seed into the bowl to complete the trial.
With a determined nod, Noah set to work. He approached the first planter box and carefully planted a Hydrobreeze Bloom Seed alongside a Wind-Earth Grass Seed, spacing them about a foot apart to allow for optimal growth and interaction. He watered them swiftly, ensuring the soil absorbed the enchanted liquid evenly.
Moving to the second planter box, Noah planted a Radiant Air Herb Seed, followed by another Hydrobreeze Bloom Seed and a Wind-Earth Grass Seed. This combination, he hoped, would yield a promising crossbreed. He thoroughly watered the seeds, his movements efficient and precise, feeling the ever-present pressure of the ticking timer.
For the third box, he decided to take a bolder approach. He planted a Hydrobreeze Bloom Seed, a Radiant Air Herb Seed, a Radiant Aqua Sunbloom Seed, and a Wind-Earth Grass Seed in a strategic layout designed to encourage cross-pollination. As he watered them, he observed the seeds sprouting rapidly, their growth accelerated by the dungeon’s magical enhancements. The sight filled him with optimism and renewed focus.
With 45 minutes remaining, Noah turned his gaze toward the stone bowl embedded in the wall. Its presence was a constant reminder of the looming deadline. He needed to select and place an uncommon seed soon, but for now, he returned to his spot on the ground and watched the plants with anticipation.
Noah closed his eyes, letting the quiet hum of the dungeon and the soft rustling of the growing plants calm his nerves. He embraced the stillness, allowing his thoughts to settle and focus. Every decision up to this point had been calculated, and he was determined to see it through.
Opening his eyes, Noah noticed that several plants in the first planter box had already begun to bloom. He stood quickly, grabbing the feather-like brush he’d used earlier. With deliberate precision, he began cross-pollinating the flowers, ensuring each plant had the best chance of producing viable seeds. His movements were steady, each stroke carefully designed to maximize potential outcomes.
As the pollination process concluded, Noah watched with bated breath. The flowers began their natural cycle, their bases swelling into seed pods. The magical environment hastened their development, and he marveled at the process. The pods grew larger than usual, some emitting a faint glow before disappearing altogether.
The 30-minute mark loomed as Noah’s sense of urgency grew. He watched the pods closely, silently willing them to ripen faster. When they finally reached maturity, he moved swiftly to harvest them, opening each pod with care.
Most of the seeds were similar to those from the parent plants, but as Noah worked through the harvest, one pod from the first planter box caught his attention. Inside were seeds unlike anything he had seen before. Their distinctive appearance immediately stood out.
Noah held up one of the peculiar seeds and activated his Analyse skill. The shimmering display of information that followed caused his eyes to widen in surprise. The seeds possessed unique properties, setting them apart from the others. This was the breakthrough he had been working toward.
Noah studied the seed with a mix of satisfaction and curiosity. The results from the second planter box were particularly rewarding, showcasing the successful interaction between plant types. The larger seeds hinted at a more promising outcome, making this crossbreed a key milestone in the trial.
As the timer ticked closer to its final moments, Noah shifted into high gear, harvesting the remaining pods and cataloguing their contents. His focus was razor-sharp—every second counted in ensuring the trial's success.
Noah’s heart raced as he moved to the third planter box. He hoped for a fresh result, something that would elevate the trial’s outcome. However, as he harvested the pods, he realized that the seeds were similar to those from the parent plants. Frustration crept in, but there was no time to dwell on it.
With 20 minutes remaining, Noah took a deep breath and reassessed his options. He had already achieved significant breakthroughs, but he needed to ensure he had an uncommon seed ready for the stone bowl. Determined to make the most of the remaining time, he pushed forward, preparing for the final step of the trial.
Heading towards the stone bowl on the wall, Noah reached for one of the Zephyr Bloom seeds,
Noah hesitated at the stone bowl, holding the Zephyr Bloom seed in his hand, ready to complete the trial. Just as he was about to drop it in, an unexplainable sensation rippled through the air. The atmosphere grew heavy, thick with an unseen energy that pressed against his skin. He froze as an unsettling surge of magic erupted behind him.
Turning sharply, Noah's breath caught. The plants in the garden beds glowed brilliantly, their light intensifying until it was almost blinding. He shielded his eyes as the forms of the plants began to blur, merging into a single radiant entity in the room's center. The air crackled with energy, and Noah could feel the very essence of the elements swirling together.
As the light dimmed, a magnificent sight came into view. Standing tall in the middle of the chamber was a plant unlike anything Noah had ever seen. Its star-shaped blossoms shimmered with an ethereal aqua hue, their petals seemingly infused with the glow of the morning sky. Around the base of the plant, four pods grew in rapid succession, swelling with purpose as though offering themselves to Noah.
His heart raced as he approached, his Analyse skill instinctively activating. The results materialized in his mind, the words resonating with awe-inspiring detail:
The plant began to wilt before his eyes, its brilliant energy spent. Noah moved quickly, harvesting the four pods as the Celestial Aegis Blossom withered away to nothingness. “Thank you,” he murmured, his voice carrying gratitude for the enigmatic forces that had allowed this moment to happen.
He turned back to the stone bowl. This time, he selected one of the Celestial Aegis Blossom pods, placing it gently into the hollow. As the seed settled, the bowl emitted a radiant burst of light, the room trembling as if in acknowledgment of his success.
Before Noah could react further, the world around him shifted. The dungeon dissolved into streaks of light and shadow, and within moments, he found himself standing back outside. The staircase behind him crumbled, sealing the earth once more. The cool breeze of the outback brushed against his face as he stood in stunned silence, processing the surreal events. as the quest window opened
Noah’s system interface displayed the quest completion, but before he could fully process it, a new message appeared: Warning: Detecting a higher tier of seed from the quest. Please stand by while bonuses are generated.
Anticipation tightened in Noah's chest as the air around him shimmered with faint arcs of magical light. The promise of additional rewards felt like an unspoken acknowledgment of his exceptional achievement. Moments later, two items materialized before him, glowing faintly against the sunlit outback.
Noah knelt down, carefully retrieving the objects.
The Mystic Waterskin was made from a supple yet durable material that seemed to glisten faintly as if imbued with latent magic. It felt light in his hand despite its apparent sturdiness. With a nod of approval, he slipped it into his inventory for future use, already considering its potential applications.
Next, his attention turned to the Upgrade Token. Noah pulled it from his inventory, marveling at the intricate craftsmanship.
The token was a flat medallion, about the size of a large coin, its surface shimmering with an iridescent hue that shifted between emerald green and deep sapphire blue as it caught the light. At its center was an engraving of a world tree, its branches and roots extending elegantly to the edges of the medallion. The leaves of the tree were inlaid with tiny, sparkling gemstones, giving the token an almost lifelike quality. Around the edges, ancient runes glowed faintly in a warm, golden light, pulsing in a steady rhythm that hinted at the magical power locked within.
The reverse side bore the image of a stylized sun and moon encircling each other, a clear symbol of harmony and transformation. The token’s smooth surface felt cool to the touch, yet it emitted a subtle warmth, as though resonating with Noah’s intent to use it.
Placing the token back into his inventory, Noah felt a flicker of pride at the reward's significance. It was a tool he could use to enhance his capabilities, though its full potential would undoubtedly reveal itself in time.
Finally, Noah turned his focus to the Basic Skill Book in Mana Manipulation. Its cover was crafted from deep, rich blue leather, embossed with elegant silver patterns and symbols that seemed to pulse faintly with life. The book exuded a quiet power, its title etched in an intricate script that seemed to draw his eyes toward it.
The moment Noah concentrated on the book, a window appeared in his system interface: Would you like to use the Skill Book: Mana Manipulation? Y/N
Noah hesitated only briefly before selecting Yes.
The book disintegrated into a fine cascade of glowing dust, which swirled around him in a gentle, mesmerizing current. The motes of light began to merge with his body, and a wave of energy coursed through him. Thick, glowing lines of blue traced along his skin, their brightness pulsing rhythmically as the knowledge of mana manipulation flowed into his mind.
Concepts of channeling energy, controlling flow, and even rudimentary spell structures filled Noah’s thoughts, as though years of study had been condensed into a single moment. The sensation was intense but exhilarating, leaving him with a newfound understanding of the invisible energy surrounding him.
As the glowing lines faded, Noah took a deep breath, his senses sharper and his awareness heightened. For the first time, he could feel the subtle hum of mana around him, a quiet pulse that seemed to ripple through the air like an unseen tide.
“That’s... incredible,” Noah murmured, flexing his fingers as if testing his newfound ability. This skill would undoubtedly be a game-changer.
With his rewards safely stored and his mind still reeling from the influx of knowledge, Noah turned toward the horizon.
Noah stood still, his senses attuned to the newfound connection he had gained. The mana in the air felt tangible, like an invisible current weaving through the fabric of the world. It was subtle yet profound, allowing him to sense its presence with an intensity he’d never experienced before.
Turning his focus to the northeast, he noticed a faint but distinct source of mana drifting through the air. It pulsed gently like the rhythmic beat of a distant drum or a soft whisper carried on the breeze.
A realization washed over him, and Noah’s gaze fixed on the horizon.
“That’s the direction to the World Seedling,” he murmured, his voice filled with a mixture of wonder and certainty.
The connection felt undeniable, as though the seedling itself was calling to him, tethered to the flow of mana in ways he was only beginning to comprehend.