Leon listened intently, trying to grasp the complex dynamics described by the skull. "Everything you wish to achieve here starts with an action in the mortal world. The initial step in our gardening here is similar to your world—it begins with planting seeds."
The skull continued, detailing the unique process within the Graveyard Garden. "Periodically, this plane produces wisps, which you might think of as semi-living entities in a gaseous form. They follow certain magical laws and have instincts but aren't truly sentient. When you, the gardener, end the life of a living being with a soul in the mortal plane, you can capture that soul and infuse it into a wisp here."
Leon's eyes widened as he absorbed the gravity of this task. "By a mysterious process, the wisp then transforms into a seed-like, semi-solid form. This 'seed' can then be planted in the soil of the Graveyard Garden, where it will grow, nourished by death qi and the rich nutrients found here. It eventually matures into various forms of death plant life, or even trees, which are manifestations of death qi."
The skull paused to ensure Leon was following along, then elaborated on the benefits these plants bring to the gardener. "Most interestingly, as these death-type plants and trees grow, they attract specific types of insects. These insects, which also thrive on death qi, live around the plants and, over time, produce a substance composed of pure qi. This substance is highly valuable—it can be used by you, the gardener, to cultivate your abilities and for other purposes."
Leon's curiosity peaked as he considered the possibilities, but the skull issued a caution. "However, be aware that the insects here are not naturally under your control. To harvest the qi they produce, or simply to ensure your safety in this garden, you must learn to either tame them, find ways to sneak or distract them, or devise other strategies to obtain their byproducts."
The idea of managing this mysterious garden with its unique rules and creatures filled Leon with both excitement and a sense of responsibility. He understood that mastering this garden would require patience, cunning, and bravery. It wasn't just about growing plants but about interacting with an ecosystem that was fundamentally alien yet deeply connected to him.
Leon nodded, signaling his readiness to start. "I understand, or at least I think I do," he said with a determined smile. "Let's begin the first steps. I'm ready to learn and to grow along with my garden."
The skull, satisfied with Leon's response, seemed to glow slightly brighter, its form shimmering with ethereal light as it prepared to guide Leon through his first true act as the Graveyard Gardener. Together, they would embark on a journey of discovery, not just about the garden and its inhabitants, but also about the very nature of life and death.
The skull, floating slightly ahead of Leon in the ethereal landscape of the Graveyard Garden, turned to him and asked, "Are you ready to make your first seed?"
Leon paused, a bit confused. "But I haven't killed anything yet," he replied, his voice tinged with uncertainty.
The skull responded, its voice echoing softly in the vast, empty space. "I sense souls within you, Leon. They came from the insects you killed and consumed earlier today."
Leon took a moment to process this information. He realized that every creature, no matter how small, carried a soul. The significance of life and death settled on his young shoulders, but his childlike simplicity and lack of deeper world knowledge allowed him to accept this reality without much horror. Instead, he shrugged it off, ready to learn more about the powers he was beginning to uncover.
"Are we there yet?" Leon asked after following the skull for what seemed like an eternity along a winding path through the garden. His voice carried a mild complaint as the journey felt increasingly long.
"Not quite yet," the skull replied, its tone adopting a humorous lilt to lighten the mood. "But just think of it as a good walk for your soul."
Finally, they reached a small, glowing point in the air, a tiny wisp that flickered like a firefly. Leon squinted, barely able to spot it until the skull pointed it out.
The skull then posed a crucial question to Leon, "Would you like to use all the souls you've collected for one wisp, or would you prefer to use less or maybe just one soul?"
Curious, Leon asked, "Why are there so many options?"
The skull explained patiently, "Using more souls in one wisp can make it stronger, which in turn might produce a stronger or even rarer plant or tree. However, stronger or rarer plants can attract more formidable insects, which could pose a risk to you, especially since you are still very young and not very strong."
Leon listened intently, the weight of the decision dawning on him. He needed to balance his desire to grow powerful plants with the practical need to ensure his safety within this mystical garden. The choice was significant: cultivate something potentially great but risky, or proceed more cautiously and grow at a pace he could manage without undue danger.
He pondered his options, realizing that each choice in the Graveyard Garden carried weight and consequences, mirroring the lessons of life and responsibility he was just beginning to understand.
Facing the immense possibilities and risks of the Graveyard Garden, Leon felt a stir of fear, but it was quickly overshadowed by his resolve. He knew he needed to grow stronger, not just for his own sake, but to protect his sister Mei and to ensure their survival in their dangerous world. The urgency of his situation weighed heavily on him, reminding him of the pressing need to advance quickly, yet wisely.
Leon turned to the skull, his young mind grappling with the complexity of the decisions before him. He needed to understand the risks and rewards associated with each choice. "What will happen if I use just one soul of the insects I've killed? And what kind of danger might that bring?" he asked, seeking clarity to make an informed decision.
The skull responded in its calm, echoing voice. "Using one soul of the insect you've consumed will most likely produce the most common and lowest level plant available in the Graveyard Garden. As for the insects it might attract, that is less predictable. However, commonly, it draws the weakest insects that you could likely defeat using your full strength."
The skull then elaborated on the option of using all the collected souls. "If you choose to use all the souls, it would potentially elevate the plant to a level 3—a stronger version of the common plant with greater nutritional value. This might attract more of the same common insects or possibly even stronger ones that you might not be able to handle at your current strength."