[B1] Chapter 29: Rise of the Zombie Tomatoes
Pushing aside the spoon that lay forgotten on the tray, Lilith scooped up a handful of the creamy mashed potatoes. With a mischievous grin spreading from ear to ear, she brought it close to his lips, "Say ah..." she urged.
Caught off guard by her playful demeanor and sudden intrusion, he found himself momentarily at a loss for words.
"Wait, I– Mmph!," Before he could voice his refusal, a generous portion found its way into his mouth, her fingers brushing sensually against his lips in the process, leaving a trail of tingling warmth in their wake.
His eyes met hers, widening a bit in surprise at her boldness. Lilith’s gaze held a playful glint, yet there was a possessive intensity lurking there. It was as if she was daring him to play along and join in her affectionate but slightly over-the-top show of emotion.
The food in his mouth demanded his attention. The spicy potato soup had a thickness that made him think of an old Earth stew, but Elena's recipe had an added layer of rich taste. The mashed potatoes were smooth and homey, a little kick of spice turning each mouthful into an delightful experience. As for the fries, they were crispy on the outside but soft within, getting the texture just right. The spiciness, just as Lilith had warned, tickled his taste buds, bringing back memories of his favorite spicy dishes from his Earth days.
Lilith leaned in closer, her eyes filled with curiosity. "How is it, my precious mountain man?" Her endearing words made Theo feel a bit embarrassed.
Swallowing, he cleared his throat, "It's good," he admitted. Determined to retain some level of autonomy, he added icily, "But I can feed myself."
Swallowing a mouthful of fries, Theo cleared his throat. "It's good," he admitted, then added with an icy tone, "But I can feed myself,"
Allowing him space, Lilith nodded and backed off with a playful pout. They both sat on the bed, maintaining a comfortable distance but close enough to share a plate. As they ate, Theo found himself relishing the crispy fries and the spicy potato soup, which warmed his insides like a cozy fire. The cart held bowls brimming with enough food for the both of them.
The dinner progressed with teasing quips, flirt remarks and genuine enjoyment of the food. Their shared satisfaction for food was apparent in the joyful gleam that reflected in both of their eyes.
After enjoying the meal, Lilith vanished through the portal, leaving Theo to find Elena. He noticed her absence from the grand hall and found himself in front of her room, where he knocked gently.
"You can come in, Master," Elena's soft voice beckoned from inside.
As Theo entered, a feeling of déjà vu swept over both of them, memories of their last awkward encounter still fresh in their mind. Elena was just rising from her bed, and Theo’s gaze unintentionally drifted to a framed picture on the wall, a photograph of a young boy. This time, he allowed himself a longer, more contemplative look before Elena’s gentle voice pulled him back to the present.
"Do you need anything, Master?" she asked, her face glowing a shy shade of red, indicating her slight embarrassment. Theo could see she was nearly done with her dinner.
“No... I just came to tell you the food was really good. I didn’t expect such perfection on your first try with those potatoes,” Theo commented sincerely with a calm voice.
Remembering old days, she replied in her innocent tone, “They were similar to the enchanted potatoes I used to cook for her highness, so it wasn't too difficult. However, the ones Master provided seemed to be of a higher grade...” Her voice trailed off, filled with wonderment and questions about the mysterious transformation of the ordinary potatoes into something far more magical.
Theo offered her a warm smile, choosing to leave the mystery intact for now, not wanting to delve into explanations and deciding to keep the details to himself for now.
Just then, a series of notifications chimed in Theo’s mind, alerting him that the shadowshade potatoes were ripe for harvest.
<<<<
[Shadowshade Potatoes is ready for harvest!]
[Shadowshade Potatoes is ready for harvest!]
[Shadowshade Potatoes is ready for harvest!]
[Alert: Delay in harvesting may induce demonic properties!]
[Warning: Prolonged delay might cause the Shadowshade Potatoes to develop unpredictable characteristics. Harvest now!]
>>>>
Acknowledging the timely update, he wished Elena a heartfelt goodnight before heading back to his room.
Elena, with a thoughtful sigh, wrapped up her meal and started clearing up.
Back in his room, Theo locked the door securely before opening a portal that led to his demonic farm. As he stepped through, a tranquil scene greeted him; Lilith was curled up peacefully near the Dreamweaver pond, embraced by the gentle sounds of the night.
Opting not to disturb her, he turned his attention to the plot where the shadowshade potatoes stood tall and mature, ready to be harvested. Nearby, tomato plants stretched towards the sky but their fruits were yet to show their full bloom.
With a simple command, Theo initiated the harvesting process for the Shadowshade potatoes. The reliable demonic tool, Darkreaper’s Scythe, sprung into action, operating with a mechanical grace as it went about harvesting the matured crops efficiently.
As Theo observed the process, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of surprise and fear gripping at his heart, this time, there were no ring essences accompanying the harvest.
His brow furrowed in confusion, disappointed by this concerning issue. The ring essences had been part of the last harvest. Theo couldn’t shake off the uneasy question that disturbed his mind; how would he acquire the precious ring essences now?
However, as other notifications rang incessantly, pulling him back to the reality of his abundant harvest, he chose to shelf that pressing thought, deciding to deal with it at a later time. For now, the bountiful yield of Shadowshade potatoes required his attention.
<<<<
[You've successfully harvested 7 Shadowshade Potatoes!]
[You've successfully harvested 4 Shadowshade Potato Eyes!]
[You've successfully harvested Shadowshade Potato Leaves!]
[You've successfully harvested the Entire Shadowshade Potato Plant!]
[Shadowshade Potatoes successfully stored in the Golden Vault!]
[Shadowshade Potato Eyes successfully stored in the Golden Vault!]
[Shadowshade Potato Leaves successfully stored in the Golden Vault!]
[Entire Shadowshade Potato Plant successfully stored in the Golden Vault!]
>>>>
Having planted roughly 1,000 Shadowshade potato eyes previously, Theo reaped a rich harvest of approximately 7,133 Shadowshade potatoes this round. Once the harvesting was completed, he directed his tools to sow the newly harvested Shadowshade potato eyes.
This time, the yield had blessed him with approximately 4,000 seeds. Remarkably, he needed just about a quarter-acre of land to accommodate them all.
With the seeds perfectly planted and the tomatoes still biding their time to full maturity, Theo decided to retire for the night. He left Lilith to her peaceful slumber in the farm, while he sought the comfort of his own bed.
The next day, Theo was rudely jolted awake, not by any physical disturbance, but by a series of frantic telepathic messages bombarding his mind. It was a girl's voice, tinged with desperation and erratic breaths.
"Oh great Master!, for the love of all things holy, please wake up!" came Lilith's comically desperate plea. "I swear, I didn't think it would come to this! Theo, you HAVE to save me from THIS madness!!!"
The cries continued with a blend of funny bargaining and frantic pleas, "My dear, I swear I will never call you Mountain man again, FOR GOD's SAKE... please wake up!!!"
Due to their blood pact, Lilith had the ability to communicate with him directly through thoughts. This, however, was the first time she'd used it with such... intensity.
Rubbing the sleep from his eyes, Theo felt concerned. "What on Earth could have made Demoness this rattled?" he whispered. Without further hesitation, he cast a portal and stepped through as he prepared himself to determine the cause of Lilith's distress.
As he emerged, a roar akin to a turbulent sea filled his ears as an entire swarm of lively tomatoes bounced vigorously. Their movements were accompanied by a deafening sound that was a cross between a squelch and a rhythmic thud, creating an eerie yet somewhat comical chorus.
The scene that met his eyes was as puzzling as it was amusing. In the middle of his farm, there was Lilith wielding the Darkreaper's Scythe like her life depended on it, which it probably did at the moment.
She was running desperately and swinging it at chasing tomatoes. An entire swarm of lively tomatoes, to be exact, numbering well over a hundred thousand. The once stationary fruits had apparently uprooted themselves and were now chasing the terrified poor girl.
Meanwhile, She was bravely trying to fend them off her enemies, swinging the Darkreaper's scythe in broad arcs to deter the annoying foe. Yet, for every tomato she knocked aside, another seemed to take its place. Her once cheerful demeanor was now replaced by one of utter exhaustion and panic.
Noticing Theo's sudden appearance, some of the cheeky, yet seemingly demonic, tomatoes diverted their attention towards him. The sound of the swarm grew even louder, their collective movement like a raging sea of red rushing toward him.
As they rolled menacingly in his direction, Theo quickly decided that retreat was the best option. Without missing a beat, he stepped backward into the portal, vanishing from the farm. He hurriedly discarded the portal before the mischievous tomatoes could follow him through.
[B1] Chapter 29: Rise of the Zombie Tomatoes
Pushing aside the spoon that lay forgotten on the tray, Lilith scooped up a handful of the creamy mashed potatoes. With a mischievous grin spreading from ear to ear, she brought it close to his lips, "Say ah..." she urged.
Caught off guard by her playful demeanor and sudden intrusion, he found himself momentarily at a loss for words.
"Wait, I– Mmph!," Before he could voice his refusal, a generous portion found its way into his mouth, her fingers brushing sensually against his lips in the process, leaving a trail of tingling warmth in their wake.
His eyes met hers, widening a bit in surprise at her boldness. Lilith’s gaze held a playful glint, yet there was a possessive intensity lurking there. It was as if she was daring him to play along and join in her affectionate but slightly over-the-top show of emotion.
The food in his mouth demanded his attention. The spicy potato soup had a thickness that made him think of an old Earth stew, but Elena's recipe had an added layer of rich taste. The mashed potatoes were smooth and homey, a little kick of spice turning each mouthful into an delightful experience. As for the fries, they were crispy on the outside but soft within, getting the texture just right. The spiciness, just as Lilith had warned, tickled his taste buds, bringing back memories of his favorite spicy dishes from his Earth days.
Lilith leaned in closer, her eyes filled with curiosity. "How is it, my precious mountain man?" Her endearing words made Theo feel a bit embarrassed.
Swallowing, he cleared his throat, "It's good," he admitted. Determined to retain some level of autonomy, he added icily, "But I can feed myself."
Swallowing a mouthful of fries, Theo cleared his throat. "It's good," he admitted, then added with an icy tone, "But I can feed myself,"
Allowing him space, Lilith nodded and backed off with a playful pout. They both sat on the bed, maintaining a comfortable distance but close enough to share a plate. As they ate, Theo found himself relishing the crispy fries and the spicy potato soup, which warmed his insides like a cozy fire. The cart held bowls brimming with enough food for the both of them.
The dinner progressed with teasing quips, flirt remarks and genuine enjoyment of the food. Their shared satisfaction for food was apparent in the joyful gleam that reflected in both of their eyes.
After enjoying the meal, Lilith vanished through the portal, leaving Theo to find Elena. He noticed her absence from the grand hall and found himself in front of her room, where he knocked gently.
"You can come in, Master," Elena's soft voice beckoned from inside.
As Theo entered, a feeling of déjà vu swept over both of them, memories of their last awkward encounter still fresh in their mind. Elena was just rising from her bed, and Theo’s gaze unintentionally drifted to a framed picture on the wall, a photograph of a young boy. This time, he allowed himself a longer, more contemplative look before Elena’s gentle voice pulled him back to the present.
"Do you need anything, Master?" she asked, her face glowing a shy shade of red, indicating her slight embarrassment. Theo could see she was nearly done with her dinner.
“No... I just came to tell you the food was really good. I didn’t expect such perfection on your first try with those potatoes,” Theo commented sincerely with a calm voice.
Remembering old days, she replied in her innocent tone, “They were similar to the enchanted potatoes I used to cook for her highness, so it wasn't too difficult. However, the ones Master provided seemed to be of a higher grade...” Her voice trailed off, filled with wonderment and questions about the mysterious transformation of the ordinary potatoes into something far more magical.
Theo offered her a warm smile, choosing to leave the mystery intact for now, not wanting to delve into explanations and deciding to keep the details to himself for now.
Just then, a series of notifications chimed in Theo’s mind, alerting him that the shadowshade potatoes were ripe for harvest.
<<<<
[Shadowshade Potatoes is ready for harvest!]
[Shadowshade Potatoes is ready for harvest!]
[Shadowshade Potatoes is ready for harvest!]
[Alert: Delay in harvesting may induce demonic properties!]
[Warning: Prolonged delay might cause the Shadowshade Potatoes to develop unpredictable characteristics. Harvest now!]
>>>>
Acknowledging the timely update, he wished Elena a heartfelt goodnight before heading back to his room.
Elena, with a thoughtful sigh, wrapped up her meal and started clearing up.
Back in his room, Theo locked the door securely before opening a portal that led to his demonic farm. As he stepped through, a tranquil scene greeted him; Lilith was curled up peacefully near the Dreamweaver pond, embraced by the gentle sounds of the night.
Opting not to disturb her, he turned his attention to the plot where the shadowshade potatoes stood tall and mature, ready to be harvested. Nearby, tomato plants stretched towards the sky but their fruits were yet to show their full bloom.
With a simple command, Theo initiated the harvesting process for the Shadowshade potatoes. The reliable demonic tool, Darkreaper’s Scythe, sprung into action, operating with a mechanical grace as it went about harvesting the matured crops efficiently.
As Theo observed the process, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of surprise and fear gripping at his heart, this time, there were no ring essences accompanying the harvest.
His brow furrowed in confusion, disappointed by this concerning issue. The ring essences had been part of the last harvest. Theo couldn’t shake off the uneasy question that disturbed his mind; how would he acquire the precious ring essences now?
However, as other notifications rang incessantly, pulling him back to the reality of his abundant harvest, he chose to shelf that pressing thought, deciding to deal with it at a later time. For now, the bountiful yield of Shadowshade potatoes required his attention.
<<<<
[You've successfully harvested 7 Shadowshade Potatoes!]
[You've successfully harvested 4 Shadowshade Potato Eyes!]
[You've successfully harvested Shadowshade Potato Leaves!]
[You've successfully harvested the Entire Shadowshade Potato Plant!]
[Shadowshade Potatoes successfully stored in the Golden Vault!]
[Shadowshade Potato Eyes successfully stored in the Golden Vault!]
[Shadowshade Potato Leaves successfully stored in the Golden Vault!]
[Entire Shadowshade Potato Plant successfully stored in the Golden Vault!]
>>>>
Having planted roughly 1,000 Shadowshade potato eyes previously, Theo reaped a rich harvest of approximately 7,133 Shadowshade potatoes this round. Once the harvesting was completed, he directed his tools to sow the newly harvested Shadowshade potato eyes.
This time, the yield had blessed him with approximately 4,000 seeds. Remarkably, he needed just about a quarter-acre of land to accommodate them all.
With the seeds perfectly planted and the tomatoes still biding their time to full maturity, Theo decided to retire for the night. He left Lilith to her peaceful slumber in the farm, while he sought the comfort of his own bed.
The next day, Theo was rudely jolted awake, not by any physical disturbance, but by a series of frantic telepathic messages bombarding his mind. It was a girl's voice, tinged with desperation and erratic breaths.
"Oh great Master!, for the love of all things holy, please wake up!" came Lilith's comically desperate plea. "I swear, I didn't think it would come to this! Theo, you HAVE to save me from THIS madness!!!"
The cries continued with a blend of funny bargaining and frantic pleas, "My dear, I swear I will never call you Mountain man again, FOR GOD's SAKE... please wake up!!!"
Due to their blood pact, Lilith had the ability to communicate with him directly through thoughts. This, however, was the first time she'd used it with such... intensity.
Rubbing the sleep from his eyes, Theo felt concerned. "What on Earth could have made Demoness this rattled?" he whispered. Without further hesitation, he cast a portal and stepped through as he prepared himself to determine the cause of Lilith's distress.
As he emerged, a roar akin to a turbulent sea filled his ears as an entire swarm of lively tomatoes bounced vigorously. Their movements were accompanied by a deafening sound that was a cross between a squelch and a rhythmic thud, creating an eerie yet somewhat comical chorus.
The scene that met his eyes was as puzzling as it was amusing. In the middle of his farm, there was Lilith wielding the Darkreaper's Scythe like her life depended on it, which it probably did at the moment.
She was running desperately and swinging it at chasing tomatoes. An entire swarm of lively tomatoes, to be exact, numbering well over a hundred thousand. The once stationary fruits had apparently uprooted themselves and were now chasing the terrified poor girl.
Meanwhile, She was bravely trying to fend them off her enemies, swinging the Darkreaper's scythe in broad arcs to deter the annoying foe. Yet, for every tomato she knocked aside, another seemed to take its place. Her once cheerful demeanor was now replaced by one of utter exhaustion and panic.
Noticing Theo's sudden appearance, some of the cheeky, yet seemingly demonic, tomatoes diverted their attention towards him. The sound of the swarm grew even louder, their collective movement like a raging sea of red rushing toward him.
As they rolled menacingly in his direction, Theo quickly decided that retreat was the best option. Without missing a beat, he stepped backward into the portal, vanishing from the farm. He hurriedly discarded the portal before the mischievous tomatoes could follow him through.
