Year 2 Chapter 4: Did You Grow Taller?

The first area he had to check on was his farm: Keith headed over to the farmhouses, which were quiet, “Gala, Eldi, I am back!” With his call, the ground trembled: the first one to come out of their home was the small one; the bird’s feathers were bright and shimmering yellow with the ends tinted crimson red like flames. It flapped into the air and charged at Keith’s body, nuzzling its beak on his chest.

“I see you are as energetic as ever.” While he stroked the bird’s head, a loud thud made his body jolt up: a towering beast stood before Keith. He smiled, “Hello to you as well, Gala.” That imposing size was undermined by the cute expression the cow had. The cow licked his cheek, but with how large she was, it was the entire body.

“Haha,” There was no anger as he laughed, “You two are definitely more energetic.” I have to thank Diana. She had been taking care of them while they were out.

“Let me get you your food and bed.” Keith grabbed a bag of hay and replaced the old with the new. So soothing. Resting was important, but Keith preferred working; it gave him a clear mind. He patted Gala’s bed before heading to Eldi.

As he fixed Eldi’s bed, “We’re going to have omelets for a few days.” There were a bunch of eggs in the nest. Each of her eggs would cost a fortune; the flavor of each egg was bold. This wasn’t the only ingredient; the other was Gala’s milk. A milk from a cowtaur was delectable and rivaled that of Eldi’s eggs. Each ingredient was important and delicious for a healthy meal.

“Here you are,” Keith grinned as the two animals jumped into their new beds, nestling into them. Keith smiled as he headed to the next area: Bei and the dragon bees. As he headed to the second section,

“...Should I give you guys a bigger area?” There was a large population of dragon bees around.

“Bzz.” Bei slowly floated around him.

“Go ahead.” Keith didn’t mind; with the dragon honey in his hands, more space was fine. The bees buzzed around him before a few had brought out a giant honeycomb.

“Oh, that’s a lot.” Keith took out a jar and stored the rich and golden honey. Bei and the bees nestled him a few more times before they returned to their hives.

Milk, eggs, honey.

He could get these ingredients consistently. Despite this constant supply, Keith thought: should I get another one? Adding another animal to his farm would be interesting, but he did not know which one he should incorporate. While Keith wondered, “Keith, the plants are watered.” Carolyn walked over with Eri in her hands.

“Thank you.”

“Keith!” A small blur kept rushing toward Keith.

“Oh, Fira, you’re on the island as well.” Keith didn’t bring Fira back with him; she wanted to spend more time with Tidal and the other spirits in her village.

“Mmhmm! Came right back...”

“What did you do?” Keith’s eyes narrowed at the spirit who didn’t give him eye contact; she was looking away.

“Hehe.” The little spirit only gave a goofy grin, “Nothing!”

“...” Tidal might end this child. This was not the first time she had caused trouble for him.

As he was about to scold her, he noticed an oddity, “Have you gotten bigger?”

“Hmm?” Fira blinked. She glanced at herself, “Did I?”

“I might be imagining it.” Fira was already small compared to other spirits; she had not grown at all ever since he formed a pact between them. When he thought about it some more, it might be due to spirits living longer than humans. Maybe slower growth?

“Since we finished all of this hard work...” Carolyn glanced at Keith with a pouty look.

Message received.

Keith laughed, “Alright, I will get to work.” Keith cracked his knuckles. It had been some time; he missed cooking in his kitchen. Yes, he cooked at the Freed Manor. But this was something he constructed and designed. He turned on the stove and got to work.

“Keith!” While he cooked, Diana and Nephele rushed in.

“Hello, you two. How was your day?”

“Fine.” Diana brushed her hair to compose herself while Nephele did the exact opposite as she held onto his waist even tighter.

“Every day is tough!” Nephele cried, which made Keith stroke her head.

“Thank you for being my substitute.”

“Big Sister Diana, Big Sister Nephele!” Eri waddled over as she hugged Diana’s legs; the two spirits softened further as they hugged her. Nephele even tossed her into the air, “I missed you so much, Eri! Did you grow?!”

“Mmhmm!” The little one nodded.

“That’s good.” Diana smiled as she caught her and gave a scowl to Nephele.

“I’ve also brought back some gifts; we can eat them later,” Keith added.

“Yay!” Nephele cheered.

“Give me a moment, and dinner will be served.” Keith was almost finished. The two great spirits nodded as they left; their feet were light, clearly delighted with today’s meal. A few minutes later, Keith brought the food to the table.

“Leader, you’re back!” Arlo called out.

“Mmhmm.” Keith smiled, “Did you gain muscle?” He glanced at him a few times: Arlo’s arms were more toned than before, and he could see muscles forming. It was a distinct and apparent change compared to his thin physique from two months ago.

“Mr. Skar advised me to build muscle to more efficiently hammer ores.” Arlo didn’t return home like the other students; instead, he worked an internship at Dalen’s workshop, earning coins and gaining experience from the dwarves of the workshop.

“That’s good, you were on the thin side.” All the blacksmiths he met with were muscular and toned. Arlo was on the lanky side of things.

“I feel there were so many things I did not learn.” A frog in a pond. Arlo grinned, “But I learned a lot under Mr.Skar and Mr.Dalen.” The two mentored him in his work.

“Haha, then the others’ weapons will be maintained well.” A majority of their weapons were watched over by Arlo.

Arlo nodded, “I know my weapons will be stronger than before.”

“That’s good!” Keith laughed as everyone enjoyed their meal. Diana asked, “Keith, do you know when the others would return?”

“Probably tomorrow at the least.”