Advancement Path (Thanks to 1436508778528444416 for the Alliance Leader)

"Are you looking to ask about advancement?"

After the morning lessons concluded, Sylutia went to the study alone to consult Scholar Heide.

"Yes, Teacher. If I cultivate a plant with a First Order Aspect Power, can I use it to advance?" the young girl asked curiously.

"Of course. That is the proudest achievement and the primary method of advancement for Gardeners," Scholar Heide said with a smile, stroking his beard.

"It is not just advancement; you also gain some of the plant's abilities. For instance, there is a Gardener in Viscount Xuefeng's estate who used a 'Sickle-Thorn Vine' to advance. When he grips a whip made from the vine, he can command it as if it were his own arm, causing it to sprout sharp, venomous thorns."

"Even an average First Order adventurer would struggle to stand against him."

"I have also seen a Gardener who advanced using a 'White Narcissus.' Because the White Narcissus that condenses a Aspect Power possesses the ability to emit cold air, she gained a similar power."

"Most First Order plants possess the Emerald Nectar Aspect Power, but as one continues to advance, many plants begin to exhibit distinct characteristics and different Aspect Power powers. In other words, not all Gardeners are limited to the 'Emerald Nectar' Aspect Power," Scholar Heide reminded her.

"However, for a Gardener, the Emerald Nectar Aspect Power rank is indeed the most compatible."

"Then, if I use a certain First Order Aspect Power plant for my advancement, can I use a different one for the next stage?" Sylutia asked, concerned. If she were forced to use a Swan Orchid for every advancement, she would be wasting her Cornflower talent.

"It is not strictly required, but the abilities gained from your previous Fate Card will dissipate and be lost," Scholar Heide replied after a moment of thought.

"If your 'ability' slots have space, you can transfer those Aspect Power powers into an Ability Card, though they will be significantly weakened compared to the original Fate Card effect."

"Master-level Gardeners have various ways to utilize the extraordinary plants they cultivate. Rest assured, your past sweat and effort will not be in vain," he said, dispelling the young girl's doubts.

"We have been talking for quite a while." Scholar Heide picked up his teacup to moisten his throat.

"You must have made some progress by now, Tia."

"Almost there, Teacher. I will be sure to give you a surprise when the time comes," Sylutia said, hands clasped behind her back with a playful tone.

"Heh heh heh, then I shall wait with anticipation."

"By the way, it was Lady Falan who gave you the seeds and the book, correct?" Scholar Heide recalled.

"Yes, though I have never met her. It was Sister Mailin who obtained the seeds and book on my behalf."

"I see. Once you have successfully cultivated them, you may take your results to visit that Lady. Although she dislikes being disturbed by outsiders, she will not be stingy with rewards for a student as excellent as you."

"And one more thing—do not dress so plainly when you go," Scholar Heide said, the corners of his mouth curling upward.

"When you visit, remember to restore your hair to its natural, beautiful silver-snow luster. Also, wear a well-fitted, proper dress. Try to look your best and show the liveliness and charm you were meant to have; that Lady will surely take a liking to you."

"Oh, must I really?" Sylutia asked, puzzled.

"Of course. You don't think she is just an ordinary noblewoman, do you? Even Viscount Xuefeng must send word in advance before visiting her."

"She is one of the few Third Order transcendents in Scorched Stone City, a true heavyweight who has condensed the 'Gardener' rank." Speaking of this, Scholar Heide felt a touch of melancholy.

He had been stuck at the Second Order his entire life, unable to advance further, so he could only envy those blessed with good fortune.

"I understand. Thank you for your guidance, Teacher." The girl held her book to her chest and bowed deeply in gratitude.

It was truly her good fortune to have such a teacher.

Leaving Scholar Heide's study, Sylutia headed to the dining hall for her meal.

"Tia, you took so long to get here; we were just about to finish," Comia greeted her. Indeed, the plates in front of the group were already empty.

"I was held up a bit today."

She sat down with her plate of bread and water. Karen, Comia, Mick, and Ray were all present.

After eating her bread and sipping her water for a short while, Sylutia looked up.

"Why are you all staring at me?" They had stopped chatting entirely.

"It's nothing, we were just looking at you," Comia said, covering her mouth with a giggle.

"We were just talking about how you eat so gracefully and unhurriedly. The others didn't believe me."

"Is that so?" Sylutia's movements slowed.

She hadn't paid much attention to it before, but looking back, some of her habitual movements in this life were indeed different from her previous one, leaning more toward etiquette and elegance.

Perhaps her family background had truly been quite good, but she wasn't in a hurry to recover those memories. Her current life was quite pleasant, wasn't it?

It was best to let everything take its natural course; there was no need to invite trouble for herself.

"I'm finished." The girl popped the last small piece of bread into her mouth, drank the remaining water in her cup, and announced softly.

"Alright~"

With that, the others picked up their plates and left with her. There was a sense of unspoken rapport that made Sylutia, who was accustomed to being alone, feel a flicker of happiness.

Perhaps this was the joy of being surrounded by others, the girl thought.

This wasn't so bad, after all.

Arriving at the training grounds, she helped the others organize their knowledge once more. Her voice was exceptionally light today, occasionally carrying a girlish charm that made it difficult for the group to keep their focus.

"Ahem, that is all for today. Let's take a break now." She set down her small wooden pointer, having noticed the reason for their distraction.

I still can't be too relaxed, Sylutia thought to herself while sipping water.

As the group sat in the lounge area chatting and relaxing, a figure walked into the training ground, scanning the room until her gaze quickly landed on Sylutia.

"Why is Valenie here today?" someone noticed the approaching figure.

"Isn't she always by Iona's side? Iona didn't come today, yet she appeared all on her own."

The girl with reddish-brown hair walked straight to the lounge area, stopped in front of the seated Sylutia, and held out her hand.

"Where are your recent notes? Hand them over," she said with an arrogant tone.

"My notes..." Sylutia looked away, considering whether or not to give them to her.

Before she could answer, Mick jumped up from the side and blocked Valenie's path.

"Look, Miss Valenie, that's no way to ask someone for something." He crossed his arms, his height—a full head taller than Valenie—looming over her.

Facing the fierce-eyed youth, Valenie took a step back and covered her nose with her hand, as if she couldn't stand the smell of Mick's sweat. In reality, Mick hadn't even started training yet and wasn't sweating at all.

"Who are you? What right do you have to stand in my way? Do you not know who I am?" Her father was Knight Levin, a Third Order transcendent who could easily slaughter dozens of men with a single swing of his sword.

Even Scholar Heide was only a Second Order, and as the daughter of Knight Levin, she possessed enough pride and confidence to believe no one would dare offend her.

Hearing this challenge, Mick felt a flicker of panic. As an adventurer, he knew all too well that there was a massive gap between every stage of a transcendent Aspect Power, and if he truly offended Valenie, the consequences would be unpredictable.

"I just don't like the way you're acting. Even if you're borrowing something, you should at least explain why and when you'll return it." He took a deep breath and tried to reason with her.

"Hah, you think you're worthy of lecturing me?" Valenie tossed her short hair and spoke with disdain.

She reached out a hand, attempting to shove Mick aside, but he didn't budge. It wasn't just Mick; Ray had also walked over, and his massive frame blocked out the light above Valenie just by standing near her.

Even without making contact, the heat radiating from his body made Valenie retreat a few steps, unwilling to get any closer.

"You too!" She was growing irritated now.

Seeing the situation escalating into a conflict, Sylutia stood up and moved around Mick to stand before the girl.

"These are my notes, Miss Valenie. You may borrow them, but could you tell me what they are for? I might be able to offer better advice." She didn't believe Valenie wanted to study them herself, as the girl was always distracted in class and showed no interest in her grades or ranking.

"Hmph, just give them to me. Why so many questions?" Valenie snatched them away and shot the group a glare.

Before long, the knight's daughter left the training ground with the notes, leaving Sylutia and the others to discuss what had just happened.

"Was it really worth giving them to her? It feels like a loss, though it's good we didn't end up in a fight," Comia mused.

"She is a noble, after all. We can't afford to offend her."

"What does she even want with the notes? She doesn't study anyway," Mick said, unable to fathom it.

"It's probably for Iona," Sylutia said, sitting back down with a thoughtful expression.

"Iona? Isn't she doing very well in her studies?" Karen asked, confused.

"She is, but..." Sylutia reflected on the recent situation.

"Iona hasn't been coming to class much lately. She's probably fallen behind on a lot of material, and given her pride, she's surely too embarrassed to ask other students, and she doesn't want to lose face in front of Master Heide."

"Forget it, let's not slight that young lady's pride. We'll just pretend we don't know," she said, shaking her head.

"But, Tia's notes..." Comia was reluctant; she relied on Sylutia's notes every day to supplement her own learning.

"It's alright, I can just explain them to you. I've basically memorized everything in those notes anyway," the girl said with a reassuring smile.

"I suppose that's the only way. That woman is truly wicked, hmph!" Comia said, pouting.

"When I reach the Third Order, I'm definitely going to come back and slap her face, make her serve me tea and apologize, and force her to kneel and lick my shoes," Comia continued to grumble.

"Oh, is Comia really that vengeful?" Sylutia found it somewhat amusing.

"Of course. You can only be happy if you pay back every grudge. Otherwise, keeping it bottled up inside would be miserable," Comia said, explaining her philosophy on life.

"Exactly, exactly," Mick raised his hand in agreement.

"Me too," Ray added in a low, rumbling voice.

"There are some things you really have to stand up against, otherwise the other party will just keep pushing," Karen said, sharing her own common-sense philosophy.

"Alright then, if I ever gain the strength, I'll make her apologize and bow her head to me too," Sylutia promised with a smile.

"That's the spirit! Tia, don't be too soft-hearted and forgive everyone. Some people are just plain bad," Comia said, giving a thumbs-up.

"Alright, let's call it a day for training. Why don't we head to my place early? My mom said she prepared a feast for tonight and told me to invite you all over," Comia suggested, raising her hand again.

"Is there good food?" Mick was tempted.

"I love to eat," Ray replied immediately.

"Looks like we have to go tonight," Karen nodded as well.

"Let's go, let's go."

And so, the original trio became a party of five, and they left the training ground together, heading toward Comia's home.