Master Of None

The night was not too busy. The sounds that the three would hear now and then were fairly quiet and in the distance. Only once or twice did they need to stop in the first few hours. It was mostly to make sure they were on the right trail.

Many trails that went through the fields were crisscrossed due to the different directions merchants would come from. As much as anyone could attempt to regulate them, it was an impossibility. Hence the reason why there was a big movement to make a proper road from other cities to Genesis. 

” It’s getting a little colder with the breeze.” Walker handed Su one of the extra claims to stay warm. If they were too cold they could have a slower reaction. Midnight seemed not to care. Part of this was her gradually growing understanding of other elemental manas. The understanding of water elemental mana would help her resist the cold better than other creatures.

”At least the cold means monsters will be held off. Just a few though.” Su didn’t want to jinx them by saying they were in the clear. 

”Agreed. The wind is blowing around our scent so anything downwind could follow us.” The worry was real, but this was also why Midnight would be able to pick up on anything ahead of them without the need to scout ahead for a while.

A soft growl of confusion made them stop. Midnight was staring right ahead with her face scrunched up. What Walker and Su saw were small purple plants that were poking through the melting snow. It would not have been something confusing if not for the fact that the plants were glowing with purple light. 

”What are those? Should we have brought Remey?” Since Su knew that Walker and Midnight were not experts in alchemy, this plant was a mystery to them. 

”I’ll appraise them before we move closer. I don’t like the glowing part. Just makes me feel weird.” It wasn’t that the plants were odd. They were small purple leaved flowers. It was not entirely unusual since the party had seen similar plants in the forest. Yet, the glowing part that they saw meant mana was within these plants which could cause different outcomes.

’Spring break daisy 

The spring break daisy is a plant that grows at the very start of the warmer season. The moment the snow begins to melt the dormant stored mana is activated in the bulb of the daisy roots. It will grow quickly to break out of the earth and snow and absorb light elemental mana. They are ideal for lighting pathways within gardens and can help reduce fevers when steeped in tea. When removed from the ground they will return to a dormant state for up to six months.’ 

”Wow. They are amazing. So they can be beautiful and help the sick. Let’s pick some on our way so we can give them to Gil’s mother and Remey.”

”I can give some to Alice for the cathedral too.” Both Walker and Su found benefits in this. Midnight didn’t seem opposed either until she saw the small figures farting around the flowers. Her growl made Su and Walker focus up and look more closely. 

’Crystal dragonfly

The crystal dragonfly is an insect monster known for laying eggs in the melting snow. They only hatch when snow begins to melt and mud starts to form. They are often ignored later in the season but during the start, they are avoided. Their bites can cause very painful itchy sores along with a pheromone that attracts other monsters. They are considered very dangerous at certain times. The wings of the crystal dragonfly are perfect for any potion requiring strong water elemental mana.’

”And those do not seem friendly.” Walker could count more than twenty zipping around. They were the size of a grown man’s fist so they seemed weak. However, Walker knew this wasn’t the case. If he was bitten then he would be in pain for some time while also drawing more dangerous monsters near them.

”We are going around. We are only three and having walking bait for monsters is not worth it. Maybe we will see more of those spring break daisies elsewhere.” Walker nodded to Su since this was the best practice. Charging in against a speedy flying opponent would not be an easy battle. They would not come out unscathed. 

Since there was a risk of the crystal dragonflies noticing them, Midnight had a breath ready to send out flames. She watched intently while they skirted the area where the daisies grew. It was only an added twenty or so minutes of creeping around but it was a worthwhile endeavor. 

”At least we are still on trail and can keep a better eye out for those monsters ahead. I can even hear them buzzing a little.” Walker had managed to catch on to the very soft hum of the crystal dragonfly wings. 

”I’ll keep my focus in case we hear it ahead.” Su memorized the sound while she took the lead. It was better that she was ahead in case there were some that got too close. She had the higher defense and resistances in case they did bite here. Walker didn’t hesitate to wrap his cloak tighter. It was better they bite that than his skin. Midnight was the only one that didn’t need to worry due to her scales being so tough.

”We should be making good time to pass by home by the end of the day.” Walker looked ahead at the rising sun which broke over the distant mountains. The city of Diamond would always be their home even if they lived in Genesis now. It was just unfortunate that they would not be stopping there to say yellow to a few people. 

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