It had already been a week since Baekdo took down the Tree People.
A lot happened in that time.
Firstly, an article was published about my joining Spring Peach Blossom and contributing to resolving the rampage incident. Naturally, there was an uproar around me, and my inbox was flooded with messages, including welfare checks from Lee Seoyeong and Jin Dallae, and guild entry recommendations.
However, would any other guild even consider me now that I had decided to join Spring Peach Blossom? I rejected all the guild entry recommendations, regardless of the reasons they gave, like wanting to hone my skills. I spent the rest of the trial time training moderately with Baekdo.
-Whoom!
A direct attack was heading straight for me. I blocked it with my elbow. After successfully blocking a series of consecutive moves, a satisfied look appeared on Baekdo's face once the series ended.
"You're still far off."
Would it be typical of Baekdo to not give a word of praise even when it was apparent on her face? I untied the bandage wrapped around my arm and bowed my head.
"Thank you."
"Why, it's my duty as your teacher."
Our unpredictable relationship became somewhat harmonious during training. At least, that's how I felt, and it probably was the same for Baekdo.
However-
"I still prefer soft peaches."
"Quit your nonsense."
Our relationship remained sour.
Anyway, after training, I'd go down the mountain to take a shower and return to the cabin. By then, the sun had set, and there was nothing to do. Chatting with Sansuyu was short-lived, and once she fell asleep, I'd kill time with my phone.
-Beep, chirp.
Petting Shiba, I lay down.
Tomorrow, I will be returning to the Academy. As I groomed the budding chin of the sprout, I reminisced about my first arrival here.
The accidental mentor-mentee relationship. My first encounter with Baekdo was, well… outrageous.
We argued over a peach and fought fiercely like we wanted to kill each other. It was childish and ridiculous. But even today, not much has changed. Just the other day, our debate about peaches became heated, and I had to listen to Cheondo lecturing for two hours.
'It was funny, though.'
Weren't those memories in their own right? I grinned, thinking that.
Arguing over trivial reasons, laughing over silly topics.
Had I not come to this world, maybe I'd be locked in my room, gloomily playing games.
Was it fortunate, then, to have come to this world?
I hugged Shiba with a bitter smile.
-Chirp?
I looked at my daughter, who was adorably tilting her head, and closed my eyes, reflecting deeply. I started to value these moments of introspection.
"Ugh!"
-Chirp!
The next morning, I boarded a plane early and returned to the Academy.
The air of the dormitory felt so sweet after so long. My mood was uplifted from the long flight. Shiba seemed happy, too, chirping away.
I stretched, placed Shiba on the desk next to my bed, and flopped onto the bed. I then did a return commemorative gacha spin five times.
▶ Mineral Water(F) x 4
Omitted below
▶ Tree Circle Pill (B) x 1
A precious elixir for growing sprouts. It contains a mystical energy that greatly helps the growth of young plants. However, it can cause serious harm if consumed by humans.
I got the Tree Circle Pill. It was worth it.
Last time, I couldn't test it as I had handed over all the remaining ones to Seoyoung. This time, I had the chance. Getting up from the bed, I hugged the pot where the sprout had been planted and presented it with the Tree Circle Pill.
"My dear daughter! Come here."
-Beep?
"Do you know what this is?"
The bead radiated a peculiar energy. The sprout tilted its head in curiosity.
-Beep beep.
The well-made bead, which looked a bit like a rice cake ball, melted like freshly made cotton candy upon contact with the sprout and was absorbed into the sprout and the soil.
Swoosh.
-Beep~
The sprout tilted its head from side to side, letting out a pleasant cry.
Did it take some time to absorb? There were no noticeable changes besides the soil and sprout shining a bit. I wondered if I should give it a few more. Just as I was about to try again, my phone, which I had put in my pocket, rang.
[Hello, is that Shiheon?]
A familiar male voice. It was Jung Siwoo.
"Why are you calling?"
[I heard you did something great last time.]
"How did you find out already?"
As I took the call, I continuously pressed the draw button. Random items like mineral water and fertilizers spilled onto the bed.
"You're also up to all sorts of things, huh?"
[Ha-ha, compared to you, it's nothing.]
"It's certainly not 'nothing'."
I laughed off Siwoo's modesty.
While Sansuyu and I were stopping a rampage incident in downtown Seoul, Siwoo was raiding dungeons with his mentor. I had noticed Siwoo's name continually being updated on the portal site every evening. Just like him, always being the best.
"So, why'd you call?"
[Have you arrived at the Academy?]
"Yeah, just got here."
[Some students from our grade are having drinks. Come join us.]
The beginning and end of college life. Drinking sessions. I kept pressing the draw button.
'I have no quests right now.'
Until now, I hadn't had much of a social life, often citing reasons like dieting. At most, I had a drink with Seoyoung a few times. I felt intrigued.
Thinking about my past college life it brought tears to my eyes.
Eating alone, assignments, novels, games. Those four words were enough to describe my mundane routine. I wasted time believing that was the happy way to live.
What was a college-like experience that I remember?
I once dated a female classmate with a shared hobby. However, that ended abruptly during the early days of my military service. In short, I didn't have much of a college life.
'Should I go?'
Could I become one of the 'in-crowd' now?
Flash!
While pondering and tapping the draw button, a bright light flashed.
"Whoa!"
[What happened? All of a sudden?]
"… It's nothing."
Quickly making an excuse, I carefully read the window that appeared before my eyes.
▶ Trait Fusion Ticket (S)
[Category: Consumable]
Fuses two traits, transforming them into a higher-level trait.
Sometimes, when you draw without thinking much, you get better items. Unexpected, but the feeling was excellent. With that, my decision was firm. I put on the mask that was on the desk and told Siwoo that I'd join him.
[So, are you coming?]
"Hey."
[Yeah?]
Of course, I had to ask this first.
"Do you have any girls there?"
[Of course.]
"Wait for me."
Let's go for a drink.
But first, I had to use the Trait Fusion Ticket in advance. I immediately tore up the ticket in front of me and chose two traits.
Patience in Adversity and the Shade Tree's Blessing. I didn't bother with the other traits as their ranks were lower, and they ruined my personality.
[ Patience in Adversity (EX) and Shade Tree's Blessing (S) are being fused. ]
['World Tree of Purity' is surprised. ]
[ Forced manifestation is canceled. ]
Golden light filled the room. The startled sprout made a chirping noise. I stroked the sprout's head as I checked the newly formed trait.
▶Wood Spirit King (木令王) (-)
[Category: Trait]
You possess a natural ability to instinctively subdue any tree being in front of you. You can be the ideal mate, or even more, for all tree beings.
Absorbs the abilities of Patience in Adversity.
[Effect 1] Exceptional Growth: Potential is greatly increased. (Current Potential 20)
[Effect 2] Flourishing: You stand out significantly in various fields.
[Effect 3] Never Give Up: Mental strength increases significantly.
NEW! [Effect 4] King of Plants: Massive additional bonuses for Plant Identification. Abilities and stats gained from fusing with plants increase.
The effective changes weren't very significant. While the new abilities were virtually non-existent, there was overall growth in capabilities. The descriptors' significant' and 'very' were added to 'Flourishing' and 'Never Give Up,' and a new ability, King of Plants, emerged.
'King of Plants?'
Plant Identification. I had briefly seen it with Seyeong; other than that, it was a unique trait with no particular use. Perhaps it slightly increased wind magic talent.
'I was planning to collect the identification entries after properly nurturing the power.'
Growth was the priority. I manipulated the status window to open the Plant Manual.
[Accessing the Plant Manual.]
Current entries: 2
□Oak Tree(011)
□World Tree of Healing(993)
Current adjustments: [Healing Power, Regeneration] [Increased wind magic aptitude]
"What's this World Tree of Healing?"
When did it creep in and find a place in my abilities? Seeing abilities taken by Shade Tree's Blessing recorded in Plant Identification, it seemed evident that the two abilities I had were intricately connected.
But to gain abilities and stats by fusing with plants?
'At this rate, can I just… go around fusing with them?'
For a moment, a nefarious thought crossed my mind. It synergized with my Lustful Demon trait. The head of a group that was discontented with society also added to my impulses.
Ultimately, all the traits engraved in me seemed to be clamoring for a dopamine rush.
[A sub-quest arrives.]
The system responded in sync with my inner turmoil. Reading the challenge that was sent this time, I put my hand on my forehead, exhaling a hot breath.
"...Lustful Demon."
One of my traits.
"That's one messed-up trait."
This was the quest I received:
▶[Sub Quest. Satisfy Desires]
A quest in response to your desires! Enjoy a pleasant, intimate life.
Engage intimately with 3 Tree People within 30 days.
Quest reward: Vitality Booster x 1
If the quest fails: Death.
Remaining time: 29 days, 23 hours, and 59 minutes.
Another death penalty if I failed.
"Dying if I can't have sex? This is such nonsense."
So, I shouldn't even entertain lustful thoughts to avoid getting such sub-quests? Due to my carelessness, it seems I had landed myself in this situation.
I took off the mask, splashed my face with water, and bit my lower lip.
Only three. Just three people.
While there were places in this world where one could pay for such services, the Tree People, who played the role of aristocrats in this world, wouldn't resort to such vulgar actions. Frankly, why would they ever be short on money? Selling their bodies, or things of that sort, was usually a job for the lower-class humans, not tree beings.
Of course… I did know some tree beings. I scrolled through the contacts on my phone.
-[Yellow and Cute Dummy] 010-6xx..
-[Azalea] 010-2xx…
-[Teacher Lee Seoyoung] 010-51x…
-[Seompi (Broadcasting Senior)] 010-125x…
-[Koroshi] 010-42xx…
-[Hard-shell Lady] 010-24xx…..
Six of them.
However, they weren't people I could just casually approach for such matters.
I only had 30 days. Only 30 days.
"Damn it."
Swearing under my breath, I put on my shoes.
For now, let's go out for a drink.