[B1] Chapter 20: From Swordsman to Seedsman: A Classy Dilemma
As his hand instinctively reached out to push her away, his fingers grazed the softness of her cheek, the delicate curve of her nose, and brushed against the edge of her slightly parted lips, feeling their warmth. Her eyes filled with mischief, locked onto his for a brief moment.
With that mischievous smile, she seemed to revel in having caught him off guard. And then, just as quickly as she'd appeared, Lilith turned and darted away, leaving him breathless and flustered.
Ignoring the playful demoness, he prioritized getting that strange fruit out of his mouth. Just as he was about to spit it out, the fruit dissolved upon contact with his saliva.
A slight tingling sensation spread throughout his mouth, almost numbing his tongue for a split second. Then, without warning, several notifications popped up before him.
<<<<
[You've consumed the Demonic Insight Pill, imbued with the essence of the Abyss from the Abyssal Nexus of Lost Souls. This grants you a passive spell known as 'Netherfield Gaze', enabling you to discern the dark truths of your demonic farm.]
[Netherfield Gaze Acquired!]
[Netherfield Gaze (passive): With a mere glance, the user discerns the nature and properties of everything that resides within their demonic farm, from the twisted hell-crops to the enigmatic secrets they hold.]
>>>>
Blinking in mild surprise, he muttered to himself, 'Well, that was unexpected... Should I thank her or chase her with a broom? It says I can discern the nature and properties of everything... But where's the instruction manual for this?'
He frowned at the notification, then shifted his attention back to the tools hanging in front of him. As he focused on each one, their descriptions began to pop up before his eyes.
<<<<
[Helltiller's Spade - Novice Tool (Level 1)]
[~ Crafted from bones of ancient underworld beasts, this dark spade can, upon the user's mere thought, summon the farm's abyssal forces to till a 1x1 patch within their demonic domain. The abyssal energies cause the soil to writhe and shift, preparing it for planting, and eliminating any manual labor. As the user's experience in demonic farming deepens, this spade can harness more power, enabling the tilling of larger areas. If lost or destroyed, returns to the farm within 24 hours.]
>>>>
Staring at the spade, he mused, 'Bone-crafted tools, huh? Rather than wielding a blade, I'm to till this ghostly land. It’s a sword for the soil, a blade for the earth. Well, not having to do manual labor is a plus, but can I fend off a beast with a... spade? At least I won't have to break my back digging.'
After pausing, he mumbled, "But this isn't any ordinary farming, that's for sure."
The boy then shifted his gaze to the next tool, a shadowy pouch.
<<<<
[Sower's Abyssal Pouch - Novice Tool (Level 1)]
[~ This shadowy pouch, stitched from the wings of fallen succubi, when commanded, can either retrieve seeds from the Golden Vault or store them with a mere thought. Upon instruction, it opens its maw to release the chosen seeds. These seeds are then drawn into a 1x1 plot, finding their destined spot in the soil and being sowed with devilish precision. user's experience in demonic farming deepens, the pouch can sow seeds over even larger expanses. If lost or destroyed, it returns to the farm within 24 hours.]
>>>>
He muttered some self-consoling words with a hint of sarcasm, 'So instead of a pouch full of gold or magical gems, I get a fancy seed bag? Great. No grand spells or ancient incantations, just... precision seed planting. Who needs to summon a firestorm when you can... unleash a shower of seeds? I wonder if an avalanche of sunflower seeds would intimidate my foes...'
After saying some comforting words, he turned his attention to the claw looking tool.
<<<<
[Soulplanter's Obsidian Claw - Novice Tool (Level 1)]:
[~ A dark, claw-shaped instrument, forged from the obsidian of hellfire mountains. Upon the user's thought, it beckons the dark aura of the farm to trans-locate seedlings, young plants, or fledgling trees within a 1x1 area, ensuring they root firmly in the shadowy soil. As the bond between the user and the Soulplanter’s Obsidian Claw strengthens, it can transport plants across even larger area with just a thought. If lost or destroyed, returns to the farm within 24 hours.]
>>>>
A gleam sparkled in his eyes as he read the description.
'With this, I can rearrange the terrain with just a thought. It's not a mighty staff or a powerful wand, but controlling the land and its plants... that's power in its own right. I wonder, can I just yank out a massive tree outside this farm and hurl it at my foes?' he mused humorously.
Shrugging, he figured he'd only find out with a test run. For now, he turned his attention to the next item on the list.
<<<<
[Darkreaper's Scythe - Novice Tool (Level 1)]:
[~ Molded from the eternal darkness at the depths of the abyss, this scythe allows the user, through a simple thought, to harvest anything matured within a 1x1 plot. Crops and fruits are gathered with their peak condition, ensuring no manual labor is involved. As mastery over the tool grows, it can be used to reap larger areas of the farm. After each harvest, the scythe automatically channels the bounty directly into the Golden Vault. If lost or destroyed, returns to the farm within 24 hours.]
>>>>
'Now here's something deadly-weapon-like,' he mused at the sight of the scythe. It bore the closest resemblance to a weapon he was familiar with.
'This... feels a bit more like it. It may be meant for crops, but it’s still a scythe. Perhaps it can cut down more than just plants?'
After examining the four tools, he wore a soft smile and then turned his attention to the pièce de résistance in the center. The golden vault's magnificence captured his attention, and almost instantly, its description began to appear before his eyes.
<<<<
[Voidkeeper's Golden Vault - Novice Storage (Level 1)]:
Forged from the infernal gold of the Ninth Circle and sealed with the heart of the Abyssal Dragon, this vault stands as an anomaly among mortal possessions.
Possessing the essence of the Abyss, it offers huge storage, irrespective of type or quantity. The items stored within remain unchanged, preserved in their exact state, unaffected by time or external conditions. Furthermore, its connection with the user allows them to access and utilize its contents even from outside its space.
>>>>
After reading the description, a joyous gleam appeared in Theo's eyes. "So this vault... it might just make having this farming class worth it. This storage feature sounds almost too good to be true. But Can it store anything alive or huge? It's only at Level 1, so perhaps there's more to it as it levels up."
His eyes darted around, searching for the mischievous demoness. Spotting her by the abyssal pond, he shook his head with a wry smile. "Should I... try storing her in it?"
He chuckled at the thought, turning to leave the shed. 'Ah... If I actually tried, she'd probably suck me dry of every last drop of my blood,’ he mused, shaking his head in amusement. ‘Guess I'll test the golden vault elsewhere. Preferably without any blood-drinking involved.'
Exiting the shed, he curiously inspected the soil beneath him.
<<<<
[Bone and Ash Soil (Level 1)]
A unique mixture of ash and crushed bone dust, this particular soil yields crops that carry a touch of the underworld's essence. Additionally, it accelerates the maturation of crops by ten times.
>>>>
"Bone dust and ash, just as Lilith mentioned. And crops that grow at super speed? This might just solve my financial issues. Although, what exactly can I grow in this farm? Hope it's something valuable, but not so creepy it'd scare off potential customers. I mean, I don't want the villagers marching here with pitchforks like some medieval witch hunt. Last thing I need is to end up on a 'Farmers to Avoid' list." Theo mused aloud.
A soft smile lighting up his face as he thought of the prospect of fast-growing crops.
Shaking off his daydream, he proceeded to take a closer look at the other peculiar structures scattered around him.
<<<<
[Bone Fences]
~ Crafted from the bones of vanquished enemies, these fences not only protect the farm but also add to its macabre aesthetic.
[Obsidian Shed]
~ Almost indestructible, this shed is used for storing farming tools.
[Abyssal Well]
~ Sourced from the serene Abyssal Nexus of Eldritch Springs, this water source is a blend of midnight dew and abyssal springs. With a shimmer that hints at moonlit dances and the mischievous play of impish creatures, this pond's waters have a touch of otherworldly enchantment. Besides its captivating allure, it holds the power to speed up crop maturity by ten times.
When consumed, the energy of this water courses through one's body, cleansing impurities and refining the meridians. Every layer, from the skin to the very bones, undergoes a transformation, leading to enhanced strength, agility, and endurance.
>>>>
Upon inspecting his surroundings, Theo's attention was captured by the abyssal well. "It not only speeds up the maturity rate but also has this body refinement effect.." he murmured in surprise, feeling a swell of happiness. Noticing that Lilith had scampered off to another area, he approached the well more closely and spotted a watering can resting beside it.
Curious, he reached out to inspect the can, and immediately, a description appeared before him.
<<<<
[Abyssal Bloodstone Watering Can - Novice Tool (Level 1)]
[~ Crafted from a rare and dark, porous bloodstone, this can channels the chilling waters from the Abyssal Pond. When commanded, it can precisely irrigate a 1x1 plot, ensuring that each drop provides nourishment to the crops. As the user's experience in demonic farming deepens, the can's reach might extend over even greater expanses. Additionally, it can automate the watering process upon command, allowing for hands-free cultivation. If lost or destroyed, it returns to the farm within 24 hours.]
>>>>
After reading the description, Theo thought, 'Just another useful tool for the farming. Not as flashy as some of the other items, but it does its job.'
Turning around, he took a moment to survey the expansive farm. The vast land seemed to stretch for about 10 acres, at least by his best estimate. 'I've got the land, the tools, the magical abyssal well and even a fancy watering can… but not a single seed to plant. How am I supposed to grow anything without seeds?,' he thought with mild exasperation. 'Where in the nine hells am I supposed to get seeds suitable for this demonic farm? Maybe there's a demonic farmer's market hidden somewhere?'
Scanning the area, Theo found no signs of a shop or anything resembling a demonic farmer's market. 'Of course, I've got a whole demonic farm and not a single seed to my name,' he thought, a bittersweet smile tugging at his lips, finding the whole situation rather absurd.
Taking a moment to reflect on his situation, he mused aloud, ‘According to the 'Secrets of the Awakened' book, when one awakens, their class aligns with their innate talents. I did train in swordsmanship and martial arts for six long years to the point of getting tortured by that old man, but who'd have thought? All those days helping him on his farm would lead me to become... a farmer in a world filled with demons and beasts.’
The boy had never expected that his skill in swordsmanship and martial arts would take a back seat, only to be replaced by his unexpected talent for farming, which became the star of the show when his class awakened. It was a peculiar twist of fate that left him both puzzled and slightly frustrated.
A farmer class was the last thing he expected but he remembered the days during vacation on the farm with his grandpa. ‘Am I being cursed for that simple reason?’
Drawing a deep breath, he tried to stay positive. ‘Well, this isn't as bad as I first imagined. Maybe, with time, perhaps this farm can offer more than meets the eye. Just because I don't have a combative class doesn't mean I'm entirely powerless. After all, every class has its strengths and not all battles are won with brute strength alone.’ He scratched his chin, pondering his options.
His gaze swept over the vast land, ‘But first, what can this farm produce? Is any of it even something I can use as food? And about that well's water... Sure, it's said to refine the body, but it doesn't look all that appetizing. Maybe I could dare Lilith to take the first sip?’ A soft smile appeared on his face momentarily before he shrugged ‘However, first things first, I need to figure out a way to get seeds for this demonic farm. One step at a time.’
In a world where magic and powerful classes held paramount importance, where the law of the jungle seemed to reign supreme, a true survival-of-the-fittest scenario, the notion of retreating to a farm didn't sit right with him. He wasn't the type to cower behind crops. He had been groomed to be a leader, bearing the weight of responsibility for the safety of those he cherished, such as Elena and Liliana.
Hiding in the confines of a farm wasn't an option for him. The idea of monsters attacking and putting his loved ones in danger was something he couldn't bear. While he would prioritize his own safety, he knew he couldn't simply turn a blind eye when it came to ensuring the safety of Elena, Liliana, and perhaps even Lilith.
Even if he was stuck to be a farmer, he was determined to find a way to safeguard his people. In a world of magic and swords, he intended to rely on his intelligence, adaptability, and the tricks up his sleeves to ensure the safety of those he held dear.
As Theo was deep in thought, Lilith's voice abruptly pulled him back to reality. "I can't go any further! There's something here that's stopping me." He glanced up to see her halted near the distant fences, turning to face him with a puzzled expression.
[B1] Chapter 20: From Swordsman to Seedsman: A Classy Dilemma
As his hand instinctively reached out to push her away, his fingers grazed the softness of her cheek, the delicate curve of her nose, and brushed against the edge of her slightly parted lips, feeling their warmth. Her eyes filled with mischief, locked onto his for a brief moment.
With that mischievous smile, she seemed to revel in having caught him off guard. And then, just as quickly as she'd appeared, Lilith turned and darted away, leaving him breathless and flustered.
Ignoring the playful demoness, he prioritized getting that strange fruit out of his mouth. Just as he was about to spit it out, the fruit dissolved upon contact with his saliva.
A slight tingling sensation spread throughout his mouth, almost numbing his tongue for a split second. Then, without warning, several notifications popped up before him.
<<<<
[You've consumed the Demonic Insight Pill, imbued with the essence of the Abyss from the Abyssal Nexus of Lost Souls. This grants you a passive spell known as 'Netherfield Gaze', enabling you to discern the dark truths of your demonic farm.]
[Netherfield Gaze Acquired!]
[Netherfield Gaze (passive): With a mere glance, the user discerns the nature and properties of everything that resides within their demonic farm, from the twisted hell-crops to the enigmatic secrets they hold.]
>>>>
Blinking in mild surprise, he muttered to himself, 'Well, that was unexpected... Should I thank her or chase her with a broom? It says I can discern the nature and properties of everything... But where's the instruction manual for this?'
He frowned at the notification, then shifted his attention back to the tools hanging in front of him. As he focused on each one, their descriptions began to pop up before his eyes.
<<<<
[Helltiller's Spade - Novice Tool (Level 1)]
[~ Crafted from bones of ancient underworld beasts, this dark spade can, upon the user's mere thought, summon the farm's abyssal forces to till a 1x1 patch within their demonic domain. The abyssal energies cause the soil to writhe and shift, preparing it for planting, and eliminating any manual labor. As the user's experience in demonic farming deepens, this spade can harness more power, enabling the tilling of larger areas. If lost or destroyed, returns to the farm within 24 hours.]
>>>>
Staring at the spade, he mused, 'Bone-crafted tools, huh? Rather than wielding a blade, I'm to till this ghostly land. It’s a sword for the soil, a blade for the earth. Well, not having to do manual labor is a plus, but can I fend off a beast with a... spade? At least I won't have to break my back digging.'
After pausing, he mumbled, "But this isn't any ordinary farming, that's for sure."
The boy then shifted his gaze to the next tool, a shadowy pouch.
<<<<
[Sower's Abyssal Pouch - Novice Tool (Level 1)]
[~ This shadowy pouch, stitched from the wings of fallen succubi, when commanded, can either retrieve seeds from the Golden Vault or store them with a mere thought. Upon instruction, it opens its maw to release the chosen seeds. These seeds are then drawn into a 1x1 plot, finding their destined spot in the soil and being sowed with devilish precision. user's experience in demonic farming deepens, the pouch can sow seeds over even larger expanses. If lost or destroyed, it returns to the farm within 24 hours.]
>>>>
He muttered some self-consoling words with a hint of sarcasm, 'So instead of a pouch full of gold or magical gems, I get a fancy seed bag? Great. No grand spells or ancient incantations, just... precision seed planting. Who needs to summon a firestorm when you can... unleash a shower of seeds? I wonder if an avalanche of sunflower seeds would intimidate my foes...'
After saying some comforting words, he turned his attention to the claw looking tool.
<<<<
[Soulplanter's Obsidian Claw - Novice Tool (Level 1)]:
[~ A dark, claw-shaped instrument, forged from the obsidian of hellfire mountains. Upon the user's thought, it beckons the dark aura of the farm to trans-locate seedlings, young plants, or fledgling trees within a 1x1 area, ensuring they root firmly in the shadowy soil. As the bond between the user and the Soulplanter’s Obsidian Claw strengthens, it can transport plants across even larger area with just a thought. If lost or destroyed, returns to the farm within 24 hours.]
>>>>
A gleam sparkled in his eyes as he read the description.
'With this, I can rearrange the terrain with just a thought. It's not a mighty staff or a powerful wand, but controlling the land and its plants... that's power in its own right. I wonder, can I just yank out a massive tree outside this farm and hurl it at my foes?' he mused humorously.
Shrugging, he figured he'd only find out with a test run. For now, he turned his attention to the next item on the list.
<<<<
[Darkreaper's Scythe - Novice Tool (Level 1)]:
[~ Molded from the eternal darkness at the depths of the abyss, this scythe allows the user, through a simple thought, to harvest anything matured within a 1x1 plot. Crops and fruits are gathered with their peak condition, ensuring no manual labor is involved. As mastery over the tool grows, it can be used to reap larger areas of the farm. After each harvest, the scythe automatically channels the bounty directly into the Golden Vault. If lost or destroyed, returns to the farm within 24 hours.]
>>>>
'Now here's something deadly-weapon-like,' he mused at the sight of the scythe. It bore the closest resemblance to a weapon he was familiar with.
'This... feels a bit more like it. It may be meant for crops, but it’s still a scythe. Perhaps it can cut down more than just plants?'
After examining the four tools, he wore a soft smile and then turned his attention to the pièce de résistance in the center. The golden vault's magnificence captured his attention, and almost instantly, its description began to appear before his eyes.
<<<<
[Voidkeeper's Golden Vault - Novice Storage (Level 1)]:
Forged from the infernal gold of the Ninth Circle and sealed with the heart of the Abyssal Dragon, this vault stands as an anomaly among mortal possessions.
Possessing the essence of the Abyss, it offers huge storage, irrespective of type or quantity. The items stored within remain unchanged, preserved in their exact state, unaffected by time or external conditions. Furthermore, its connection with the user allows them to access and utilize its contents even from outside its space.
>>>>
After reading the description, a joyous gleam appeared in Theo's eyes. "So this vault... it might just make having this farming class worth it. This storage feature sounds almost too good to be true. But Can it store anything alive or huge? It's only at Level 1, so perhaps there's more to it as it levels up."
His eyes darted around, searching for the mischievous demoness. Spotting her by the abyssal pond, he shook his head with a wry smile. "Should I... try storing her in it?"
He chuckled at the thought, turning to leave the shed. 'Ah... If I actually tried, she'd probably suck me dry of every last drop of my blood,’ he mused, shaking his head in amusement. ‘Guess I'll test the golden vault elsewhere. Preferably without any blood-drinking involved.'
Exiting the shed, he curiously inspected the soil beneath him.
<<<<
[Bone and Ash Soil (Level 1)]
A unique mixture of ash and crushed bone dust, this particular soil yields crops that carry a touch of the underworld's essence. Additionally, it accelerates the maturation of crops by ten times.
>>>>
"Bone dust and ash, just as Lilith mentioned. And crops that grow at super speed? This might just solve my financial issues. Although, what exactly can I grow in this farm? Hope it's something valuable, but not so creepy it'd scare off potential customers. I mean, I don't want the villagers marching here with pitchforks like some medieval witch hunt. Last thing I need is to end up on a 'Farmers to Avoid' list." Theo mused aloud.
A soft smile lighting up his face as he thought of the prospect of fast-growing crops.
Shaking off his daydream, he proceeded to take a closer look at the other peculiar structures scattered around him.
<<<<
[Bone Fences]
~ Crafted from the bones of vanquished enemies, these fences not only protect the farm but also add to its macabre aesthetic.
[Obsidian Shed]
~ Almost indestructible, this shed is used for storing farming tools.
[Abyssal Well]
~ Sourced from the serene Abyssal Nexus of Eldritch Springs, this water source is a blend of midnight dew and abyssal springs. With a shimmer that hints at moonlit dances and the mischievous play of impish creatures, this pond's waters have a touch of otherworldly enchantment. Besides its captivating allure, it holds the power to speed up crop maturity by ten times.
When consumed, the energy of this water courses through one's body, cleansing impurities and refining the meridians. Every layer, from the skin to the very bones, undergoes a transformation, leading to enhanced strength, agility, and endurance.
>>>>
Upon inspecting his surroundings, Theo's attention was captured by the abyssal well. "It not only speeds up the maturity rate but also has this body refinement effect.." he murmured in surprise, feeling a swell of happiness. Noticing that Lilith had scampered off to another area, he approached the well more closely and spotted a watering can resting beside it.
Curious, he reached out to inspect the can, and immediately, a description appeared before him.
<<<<
[Abyssal Bloodstone Watering Can - Novice Tool (Level 1)]
[~ Crafted from a rare and dark, porous bloodstone, this can channels the chilling waters from the Abyssal Pond. When commanded, it can precisely irrigate a 1x1 plot, ensuring that each drop provides nourishment to the crops. As the user's experience in demonic farming deepens, the can's reach might extend over even greater expanses. Additionally, it can automate the watering process upon command, allowing for hands-free cultivation. If lost or destroyed, it returns to the farm within 24 hours.]
>>>>
After reading the description, Theo thought, 'Just another useful tool for the farming. Not as flashy as some of the other items, but it does its job.'
Turning around, he took a moment to survey the expansive farm. The vast land seemed to stretch for about 10 acres, at least by his best estimate. 'I've got the land, the tools, the magical abyssal well and even a fancy watering can… but not a single seed to plant. How am I supposed to grow anything without seeds?,' he thought with mild exasperation. 'Where in the nine hells am I supposed to get seeds suitable for this demonic farm? Maybe there's a demonic farmer's market hidden somewhere?'
Scanning the area, Theo found no signs of a shop or anything resembling a demonic farmer's market. 'Of course, I've got a whole demonic farm and not a single seed to my name,' he thought, a bittersweet smile tugging at his lips, finding the whole situation rather absurd.
Taking a moment to reflect on his situation, he mused aloud, ‘According to the 'Secrets of the Awakened' book, when one awakens, their class aligns with their innate talents. I did train in swordsmanship and martial arts for six long years to the point of getting tortured by that old man, but who'd have thought? All those days helping him on his farm would lead me to become... a farmer in a world filled with demons and beasts.’
The boy had never expected that his skill in swordsmanship and martial arts would take a back seat, only to be replaced by his unexpected talent for farming, which became the star of the show when his class awakened. It was a peculiar twist of fate that left him both puzzled and slightly frustrated.
A farmer class was the last thing he expected but he remembered the days during vacation on the farm with his grandpa. ‘Am I being cursed for that simple reason?’
Drawing a deep breath, he tried to stay positive. ‘Well, this isn't as bad as I first imagined. Maybe, with time, perhaps this farm can offer more than meets the eye. Just because I don't have a combative class doesn't mean I'm entirely powerless. After all, every class has its strengths and not all battles are won with brute strength alone.’ He scratched his chin, pondering his options.
His gaze swept over the vast land, ‘But first, what can this farm produce? Is any of it even something I can use as food? And about that well's water... Sure, it's said to refine the body, but it doesn't look all that appetizing. Maybe I could dare Lilith to take the first sip?’ A soft smile appeared on his face momentarily before he shrugged ‘However, first things first, I need to figure out a way to get seeds for this demonic farm. One step at a time.’
In a world where magic and powerful classes held paramount importance, where the law of the jungle seemed to reign supreme, a true survival-of-the-fittest scenario, the notion of retreating to a farm didn't sit right with him. He wasn't the type to cower behind crops. He had been groomed to be a leader, bearing the weight of responsibility for the safety of those he cherished, such as Elena and Liliana.
Hiding in the confines of a farm wasn't an option for him. The idea of monsters attacking and putting his loved ones in danger was something he couldn't bear. While he would prioritize his own safety, he knew he couldn't simply turn a blind eye when it came to ensuring the safety of Elena, Liliana, and perhaps even Lilith.
Even if he was stuck to be a farmer, he was determined to find a way to safeguard his people. In a world of magic and swords, he intended to rely on his intelligence, adaptability, and the tricks up his sleeves to ensure the safety of those he held dear.
As Theo was deep in thought, Lilith's voice abruptly pulled him back to reality. "I can't go any further! There's something here that's stopping me." He glanced up to see her halted near the distant fences, turning to face him with a puzzled expression.
