The damp, cold wind carried a faint scent of vines as it slipped quietly through the valley entrance.
Broad sheets of shade cloth cast deep shadows, and a streak of frosty white stretched silently across the gray stone ground.
"These plants... grew a little taller again." Mick crouched beside the trellis, gently touching a newly unfurled leaf with his fingertip.
"They're very resilient," Louis said calmly behind him, his gaze resting on the supple yet vigorous stems.
This was the Demonic Shade Garden, created specifically to cultivate magical plants.
The soil had been mixed with Demon Marrow Soil refined by Silco to keep its magic active.
Coldlight Crystal Cloth had also been hung above the garden to recreate the low temperatures and lighting of the Northern Frontier's shaded cliffs.
To their delight, the seedlings had adapted well. Not only had they avoided withering, but several tendrils had emerged and gently curled around the railings, as though exploring their new home.
But not every Frostleaf Vine had been so fortunate.
Even with careful transplantation, the old vines with yellowing leaf veins had suffered broken roots and shriveled stems the moment they were lifted from the ground, quickly losing their vitality.
"This pile's beyond saving." Mick shook his head regretfully. "The roots have all rotted to mush."
"Don't throw them out," Louis said casually. "Send them all to Silco."
"Understood." Mick nodded and was about to turn away when he suddenly looked back.
"Oh, my lord, would you like to see the Frostblood Redberries? They're growing well."
Louis brightened at the name and gave a slight nod. "Lead the way."
They passed through the trellises toward the greenhouse on the other side.
The air was noticeably warmer there. A layer of special pale-purple soil covered the ground, giving off faint warmth.
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