Harvest

"Our race has never dealt with the Abyss, but the name 'Salamachis'... in the ancient soul-tongue, it carries the suffix 'Burning Throne.' Within the demon hierarchy, that usually signifies an extremely high rank."

"However, you need not worry too much."

"Bloodline power is the foundation, but it is not everything. The strength of the body is also a vessel for power. Now, on behalf of our race, I shall bestow upon you a blessing."

A clump of earthy yellow light drifted from Mora's palm toward He Xi, merging into his chest.

He Xi felt a warm surge of power flow through his limbs and bones, as if he were immersed in the revitalizing soil of spring, brimming with life and vitality.

The scrapes on his body healed rapidly, and the fatigue in his body was swept away entirely.

"Accept this blessing. You will gain a robust physique to compensate for the effects of your contract. And from now on, all Earth Bears will understand—you are a friend of the race."

Feeling an unprecedented fullness within him, He Xi thanked this ancient being:

"I am grateful for your generosity and wisdom, esteemed Stone Vein Speaker. This blessing is like a beacon in the darkness to me.

As a friend of Tuen, I sincerely rejoice that it can ignite the fire of courage within him."

Mora nodded slightly, a hint of approval in his eyes.

[Earth Bear's favorability toward you has increased. Parsing Points +10]

"Any other requests?"

He Xi didn't hold back, looking at the master of earth magic before him, thinking of the [Earth Affinity] he had just gained.

"Esteemed Stone Vein Speaker," He Xi chose his words carefully, "I am deeply drawn to the mysteries of earth magic. Might I ask you for some knowledge of earth spells?"

He paused, then added:

"In the human world, powerful magical knowledge is often treated as treasure, strictly forbidden from being passed around—both to protect the legacy and to prevent the abuse of power.

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

Mora seemed somewhat surprised. A human asking him about earth magic? That was a novelty.

But thinking that this human had even taught his son knightly skills, it didn't seem so strange after all.

"In our race, knowledge has never been deliberately walled off. Sharing and passing it on is the way of nature."

He Xi's heart leaped with joy!

However, Mora's next words doused him with cold water:

"Yet our power comes from bloodline—it is an inborn talent. Not learned through incantations or runes. Thus, I cannot teach you specific spells like a human mage instructing an apprentice."

He Xi: "..."

Well, so much for getting excited.

Racial talent was something you couldn't envy your way into.

Tuen, watching He Xi's disappointed expression, suddenly remembered something: "Mua! Wait!"

He ran back into the cave behind him, dragging a pack back in his mouth.

"He Xi," Tuen's voice carried a hint of embarrassment, "that day... you treated me to honey-glazed rye balls, and Mua said... human nobles care about 'returning the favor.'"

He pointed at the pack: "These are things left behind by some clueless fellows Mua dealt with before... Mua said keeping them was useless and told me to get rid of them... I thought, maybe they'd be useful to you?"

He Xi felt that Tuen's upbringing... was pretty strict, knowing to return a favor.

But dealing with this mother-and-son pair of Earth Bears had yielded far more than expected.

After bidding farewell to Tuen and Mora, He Xi and Bruce returned to their small hut.

He opened the pack.

Inside was a strangely shaped dagger, several bottles of variously colored potions, and a leather-bound notebook.

He Xi's attention was immediately drawn to the notebook.

The cover was worn to the point of illegibility, the pages yellowed, the corners curled.

On the title page, scrawled in messy handwriting:

"Brother David's Adventure Notes"

He continued flipping through.

The first few pages were neatly written spell notes, recording several basic spell models and casting insights:

[Light Spell]: The best spell! Especially when exploring those damned sewers even goblins find too stinky! In a pinch, it can blind a goblin's eyes!

That rigid knight captain of ours always said this move was "dishonorable," but I say any trick that keeps you alive is a good trick!

[Acid Splash]: Works wonders against blockheads like Baron in full plate! Just the smell is too strong—like a hundred skunks throwing a party!

Every time I use it, that pointy-eared Elina pinches her nose and stays three yards away from me, as if I've defiled her! Hmph, elven fussiness!

[Grease Spell]: God-tier! Truly god-tier! I thought making those arrogant knights fall flat on their backs was its limit.

Until I used it in Red Lantern Alley—oh, damn, they used to only scream at that big lug Baron, but now I can... I declare this the true god-tier spell!

Flipping to the back, it turned into a wild rant about his adventure companions:

April 7th, Sunny (probably, since you can't see the sun underground anyway)

Crawled into that damned Gloomy Cave again! Has Baron's brain been gnawed on by an ogre? Taking this job for just 10 Gold Shields?

What else can his broken shield do besides block the way? Every retreat, he's stuck in the entrance.

And that "sharpshooter" Elina! She shoots straight enough, but her mouth is sharper than her arrows.

I just accidentally dropped an acid flask near her feet and splashed her a little, and she cursed me out for three whole days!

So what if she's an elf?

April 15th, Overcast (every day in the cave is overcast)

Almost got eaten by a Mutant Troglodyte today!

Thanks to the Old Dwarf's flask—at the critical moment, he actually splashed the liquor into that monster's eyes.

Though afterward, he hugged his empty flask and cried like his own father had died...

Still, this old geezer's snoring sounds like thunder! Mixed with the stench of cheap ale and pickled fish!

Sleeping next to him is pure torture! I'd rather listen to a troglodyte grinding its teeth.

April 22nd, Want to die

I've had enough! Really had enough! Baron farted during battle again! That kind of trembling, chain-fart kind!

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

The flame just went "pfft" and died in my hand! Almost singed my eyebrows off!

And he said with an innocent face, "Sorry, too many beans at lunch."

He Xi suppressed his laughter and kept reading.

[Earth Spike Technique]: Cost me a whole 5 Gold Shields from a drunk Gnome Swindler!

Practiced for two and a half months before barely getting the hang of it! Can't even hit a chicken!

Damn that old gnome, don't let me run into you in a tavern again!

Still, it can be used to surprise Elina's little skirt when she walks by (words scratched out)

Damn, I swore that was an accident—who knew an elf's fist could be harder than a dwarf's? My nose is still crooked!