Harvest

"Our people have never had dealings with the Abyss, but the name 'Salamachis'... In the ancient language of souls, it carries the suffix 'Burning Throne.' In the demonic hierarchy, that usually means an extremely high rank."

"Still, you needn't worry too much."

"Bloodline Power is the foundation, but it isn't everything. A strong body can also serve as a vessel for power. Now, in the name of my people, I will grant you a blessing."

A ball of earthy-yellow light drifted from Mora's palm toward He Xi and sank into his chest.

He Xi felt a warm, gentle power flow into every part of his body, as if he were standing in fertile soil revived by spring, brimming with life and vitality.

The scrapes on his body healed quickly, and his fatigue vanished along with them.

"Accept this blessing. You will gain a sturdier body to make up for the effects of your contract. And from this day forward, all Earth Bears will know that you are a friend of our people."

Feeling a fullness within him unlike anything he had ever known, He Xi thanked the ancient being:

"Thank you for your generosity and wisdom, respected Stone Vein Speaker. This blessing is like a lighthouse in the darkness to me.

"As Tuen's friend, I'm truly glad it can kindle the flames of courage."

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

[Earth Bear's Favorability toward you has increased, Parsing Points +10]

"Do you have any other requests?"

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

"Respected Stone Vein Speaker," He Xi said, choosing his words carefully, "I'm fascinated by the mysteries of earth spells. Would you be willing to teach me some knowledge of earth magic?"

He paused, then added:

"In the human world, powerful spell knowledge is often treated as a treasure and strictly kept from outsiders. This is done both to protect the legacy and to prevent power from being abused.

"So, if my request offends your people's traditions or taboos, please forgive me."

Mora seemed a little surprised. A human wanted to learn earth magic from her? That was a first.

But then she thought of how this human had even taught her son knight skills, and it no longer seemed so strange.

"Among our people, knowledge has never been deliberately kept behind barriers. Sharing and passing it down are part of the way of nature."

He Xi's heart leaped with joy!

But Mora's next words doused his hopes:

"However, our power comes from our bloodline. It is an innate gift, not something learned through spells or Runes. So I can't teach you specific incantations the way a human mage teaches an apprentice."

He Xi: "..."

Well, so much for getting excited.

One couldn't exactly envy another race's innate gifts.

Tuen saw the disappointment on He Xi's face and suddenly remembered something. "Mua! Wait!"

It ran back into the cave behind them, then returned carrying a pack in its mouth.

"He Xi," Tuen said, sounding a little embarrassed, "the other day... you gave me honey-glazed rye balls. Mua said... human nobles believe in 'returning gifts.'"

It pointed to the pack. "These are things left behind by some idiots Mua dealt with before... Mua said they were no use to her, and told me to get rid of them... I thought they might be useful to you?"

He Xi thought Tuen's upbringing... had been pretty strict. It knew to return a gift.

Still, dealing with this Earth Bear mother and son had brought him far more than he'd expected.

After saying goodbye to Tuen and Mora, He Xi and Bruce returned to their little cabin.

He untied the pack.

Inside were a strangely shaped dagger, several bottles of potions in different colors, and a leather-bound notebook.

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

The cover was too worn to make out the writing. Its pages had yellowed, and the corners were curled.

On the title page, in messy handwriting, were the words:

"Brother David's Adventure Notes"

He continued reading.

The first few pages contained neatly written spell notes, recording several basic Spell Models and casting tips:

[Light Spell]: The greatest spell ever! Especially when exploring those damn sewers even Goblins think stink! In a pinch, it can even blind Goblins!

Our stiff-backed knight captain always says this trick is "ungallant," but I say any trick that keeps you alive is a good trick!

[Acid Splash]: Works wonders against dimwits like Baron, who are covered in heavy armor! The only problem is the stench. It's like a hundred skunks having a party!

Every time I use it, that pointy-eared Elina holds her nose and runs a good thirty feet away, as if I've sullied her! Hmph, elves and their bad habits!

[Grease Spell]: A divine spell! A truly divine spell! I thought making those arrogant knights fall flat on their faces was the limit of what it could do.

Then I used it in Red Lantern Alley. Oh, damn, those girls used to yell only at that big oaf Baron. I never thought I could... I declare this the true divine spell!

The entries farther on turned into a stream of furious complaints about his adventuring companions:

April 7, sunny (I think. You can't see the sun underground anyway.)

Back in the damn Gloomy Cave! Did an ogre chew on Baron's brain? Who takes a job like this for 10 Gold Shields?

What's that busted shield of his good for besides blocking the way? Every time we retreat, he jams up the cave entrance.

And then there's that "master archer," Elina! Sure, she shoots straight, but her tongue's even sharper than her arrows.

All I did was accidentally drop an acid bottle by her feet and splash her a little, and she cursed me out for three whole days!

So what if she's an elf?

April 15, cloudy (It's always cloudy in a cave.)

I was nearly eaten by a Mutant Troglodyte today!

Thanks to the old dwarf's flask, he actually splashed booze in the monster's eyes at the critical moment.

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

But that old geezer snores like thunder! And he smells like a mix of cheap ale and pickled fish!

Sleeping beside him is pure torture! I'd rather listen to a Troglodyte grind its teeth.

April 22, wish I were dead

I've had it! I've really had it! Baron farted in the middle of a fight again! A whole series of quivering farts!

Right when I was about to cast Hand of Flame!

The fire went "pfft" and died in my hand! I nearly singed my eyebrows!

And he had the nerve to look innocent and say, "Sorry, I ate too many beans at lunch."

He Xi tried to hold back his laughter and continued reading.

[Earth Spike Technique]: I paid a whole 5 Gold Shields for this from a drunken Gnome Swindler!

It took me two and a half months of practice just to get the hang of it! I couldn't even hit a chicken!

Damn old gnome, don't let me catch you in a tavern again!

Though I could use it to give Elina's little skirt a surprise when she walks by (the writing has been crossed out)

Damn it, I already swore it was an accident. Who could've guessed an elf's fist would be harder than a dwarf's? My nose is still crooked!