In a dream

Frank and Neph's relationship did not fall apart over this, because Neph offered him a new idea:

"Before coming to this stretch of sea, I had just left a peculiar place. There was no sun or moon there, only occasional flashes of lightning in the sky to provide light. Endless corrupted monsters lurked in the darkness.

"The land there had suffered severe contamination. Ordinary crops couldn't grow there, and the monsters that grew there were no different-their bodies contained vast amounts of corruption...

"I met the people who lived there. They survived by hunting prey in the darkness, but prolonged exposure to corruption, combined with malnutrition, left them short, frail, and extremely short-lived.

"And they told me that there was no normal death for anyone living there. Once the corruption accumulated to a certain point, they would mutate into terrifying monsters...

"Frank, tell me, if I found a crop that could grow in that environment, could it make their lives a little easier?"

"Oh, that's just... that's just too awful... Where are they? Could I go and take a look? I never imagined there were people living like that..." Frank's expression grew worried. "Your idea is good, but I think it'll be very difficult. None of the plants I know can grow in that kind of environment."

Neph had already known what his answer would be, but she still sighed and said with a bitter smile:

"I actually know of a plant that can grow in complete darkness, but even that plant can't survive in contaminated soil..."

"Do you have any seeds or other parts of that plant with you?" Frank asked with interest. "Maybe I could get some inspiration from them... I mean, I'd really like to help those people you mentioned."

"Really?" Neph made no attempt to hide