Chapter 16: Harvest

Chapter 16: Chapter 16: Harvest

"Our race has never had dealings with the Abyss, but the name ’Salamakis’... In the ancient Soul Language, it carries the suffix of ’the Burning Throne.’ In the demonic hierarchy, this usually signifies an extremely high rank."

"However, you need not be overly concerned."

"Bloodline Power is a foundation, but it is not everything. The resilience of the body is also a vessel for power. Now, in the name of my race, I shall bestow a blessing upon you."

An earthy-yellow ball of light floated from Mola’s palm toward Hesia and merged into his chest.

Hesia felt a warm, gentle power surge into his limbs and bones, as if he were standing in fertile soil awakening in the spring, filled with life and vitality.

The scrapes on his body healed rapidly, and all his fatigue was swept away along with them.

"Accept this blessing. You will gain a resilient Physique to compensate for the effects of your contract. And from this day forward, all Earth Bears will know that you are a friend to our race."

Hesia felt an unprecedented sense of fullness within his body and expressed his gratitude to the ancient being:

"Thank you for your generosity and wisdom, esteemed Rock Vein Speaker. To me, this blessing is like a lighthouse in the darkness.

As Thun’s friend, I am genuinely delighted that he was able to ignite his fire of courage."

Mola nodded slightly, a hint of approval in her eyes.

[Affinity with Earth Bear Mola has increased. Decryption Points +10]

"Do you have any other requests?"

Hesia didn’t stand on ceremony. Looking at the Earth Magic Master before him, he thought of the [Earth Affinity] he had just acquired.

"Esteemed Rock Vein Speaker," Hesia began, choosing his words carefully, "I am fascinated by the mysteries of Earth Magic. I was wondering if I might ask you for some knowledge on the subject?"

He paused, then added:

"In the human world, powerful magical knowledge is often treated as a treasure and strictly forbidden from being shared. This is both to protect the lineage of the teachings and to prevent the power from being misused.

Therefore, if my request offends your race’s traditions or taboos, I ask for your forgiveness."

Mola seemed a little surprised. A human asking her about Earth Magic? That was something new.

But then she remembered that this human had even managed to teach her son Knight Skills, and it didn’t seem so strange anymore.

"In our race, knowledge has never been intentionally barricaded from being spread. Sharing and passing it down is the way of nature."

Joy sparked in Hesia’s heart!

However, Mola’s next words poured a basin of cold water on him:

"However, our power stems from our bloodline; it is an innate talent, not something learned through Spells or Runes. Therefore, I cannot teach you specific Spells as a Human Mage would teach an apprentice."

Hesia: "..."

’Well, that was a waste of excitement.’

’You just can’t be envious of something like a racial talent.’

Seeing Hesia’s somewhat dejected expression, Thun suddenly remembered something. "Mua! Wait!"

He ran back into the cave behind him and returned with a pack in his mouth.

"Hesia," Thun’s voice was a little sheepish, "that day... you treated me to those honey-glazed rye balls. Mua said... human nobles are particular about ’returning a gift.’"

He pointed at the pack. "This is stuff left behind by some fools Mua dealt with a while back... Mua said it was useless to keep, so she told me to get rid of it... I thought maybe it would be useful to you?"

’Thun’s upbringing... is surprisingly strict,’ Hesia thought. ’He even knows about returning a gift.’

But his interactions with this Earth Bear mother and son had yielded far more than he had expected.

...

After bidding farewell to Thun and Mola, Hesia and Bruce returned to their small cabin.

He untied the pack.

Inside was an oddly shaped dagger, several Potions of various colors, and a leather-bound notebook.

Hesia’s attention was immediately drawn to the notebook.

The cover was so worn that the writing was illegible. The pages were yellowed and their corners curled.

On the title page, a line was scrawled in messy handwriting:

"David’s Adventure Notes"

He continued flipping through it.

The first few pages were neat Spell Notes, recording several Basic Magic models and some thoughts on Spellcasting:

[Light Technique]: The strongest Magic! Especially when exploring those damn sewers that even goblins find too stinky! In a pinch, it can even blind a goblin!

Our uptight Knight captain always says this move isn’t ’honorable,’ but I think any move that saves your life is a good move!

[Acid Splash]: Works wonders against big oafs in full Heavy Armor like Balrog! The smell is just too much, though, like a hundred skunks throwing a party!

Every time I use it, that pointy-eared Alina has to plug her nose and stay ten yards away from me, like I’ve defiled her or something! Hmph, stupid Elven habits!

[Greasy Skill]: A divine skill! A truly divine skill! I thought making those arrogant Knights fall flat on their backs was its limit.

Until I used it in Red Lantern Lane. Oh, damn, they used to only scream for that big lug Balrog, but I never thought I could get them to... I hereby declare this the one true divine skill!

Flipping further, the notes turned into a frantic rant about his adventuring companions:

April 7th, Sunny (I guess, you can’t see the sun underground anyway)

We’re in another damn dark cave! Did an Ogre chew on Balrog’s brain? Taking a job like this for just 10 Golden Shields?

What can that useless Shield of his do besides block the path? Every time we retreat, he gets stuck in the cave entrance.

And then there’s that ’Divine Archer’ Alina! She’s a good shot, sure, but her mouth is more venomous than her arrows.

All I did was accidentally drop an acid bottle near her feet and get her a little wet, and she chewed me out for three whole days!

What’s so great about being an Elf, huh?

April 15th, Overcast (It’s always overcast in a cave)

Almost got eaten by a mutant cave monster today!

Thanks to the old Dwarf’s flask, he actually threw booze in the monster’s eyes at the critical moment.

Although afterwards he was crying over his empty flask like his own father had died...

But, that old geezer’s snoring is as loud as thunder! And it comes with a mixed scent of cheap ale and pickled fish!

Sleeping next to him is pure torture! I’d rather listen to the sound of cave monsters grinding their teeth.

April 22nd, I want to die

I’ve had enough! I’ve really had enough! Balrog farted in the middle of a fight again! And it was one of those continuous ones, with vibrato!

Right at the critical moment when I was about to cast Flame Hand!

The flame just went POOF in my hand and died out! Almost singed my eyebrows off!

And he had the gall to say with an innocent look, "Sorry, I had too many beans for lunch."

...

Hesia suppressed a laugh and continued reading.

[Earth Spike Technique]: Cost me a whole 5 Golden Shields from a drunk Dwarf swindler!

It took me two and a half months of practice to barely reach the Entry Level! I can’t even hit a chicken with it!

Damn that Old Dwarf, don’t let me run into you in a tavern again!

Although, I could use it to give Alina’s little skirt a surprise when she walks by (the words were crossed out).

Damn it, I already swore it was an accident! Who would’ve thought an Elf’s fist could be harder than a Dwarf’s? My nose is still crooked!