Chereads / Avalon: Verdant Awakening / Chapter 2 - Seedling

Chapter 2 - Seedling

Kallen woke up in the middle of a barren land, surrounded by small mountains, big rocks, cliffs, and flat, dry ground. The harsh sunlight pierced through his eyelids, pulling him from the depths of unconsciousness. As he blinked against the blinding light, he tried to piece together the fragments of his memory. The last thing he remembered was the blinding light and Krishna's cryptic words about new abilities.

Groaning, Kallen sat up, wincing as he felt the dry, cracked earth beneath his hands. His clothes were tattered, and his body ached from the impact of the explosion that had ended his previous life. Looking around, he realized he was alone in an unfamiliar and unforgiving landscape. The air was hot and dry, devoid of any moisture.

"This place... it's like another world," he muttered to himself, trying to suppress the rising panic. He needed to stay calm and figure out his next move.

As he scanned the desolate landscape, Kallen couldn't help but feel a thrill of excitement mixed with apprehension. This place was unlike anything he had ever seen, and he was determined to make the most of his second chance. With a deep breath, he decided to explore the powers Krishna had mentioned, though he only knew their ranks and not their specifics.

Kallen began experimenting, trying various ways to activate his abilities. He focused his mind, clenched his fists, and even tried shouting commands. "Water cannon!" he yelled, but nothing happened. He tried again, "Fire blast!" Still, there was no response. Frustration welled up inside him, but he refused to give up. He had been given a second chance, and he wasn't going to squander it.

Hours passed as he attempted everything he could think of. He visualized spells, mimicked gestures from fantasy movies he had watched, and even tried meditating. The sun began its descent, casting long shadows across the barren land. Kallen's throat was dry, and his stomach growled, reminding him of his physical needs.

"This feels just like my old life," he thought bitterly. "Struggling without any results." Exhausted and disheartened, he lay down on the dry ground, staring up at the emerging stars. As he closed his eyes, he murmured, "I wish I had at least water to survive in this barren land."

He reached his arms above him, imagining the feel of water. Suddenly, he felt a wet sensation in his hands. At first, he thought it was sweat, but the moisture continued to build, dripping down onto his face. Startled, he tasted the liquid. It wasn't salty. It was fresh water.

Shocked and confused, Kallen sat up, the reality of his situation sinking in. He had somehow produced water. Eager to test his theory, he stood up, stretched out his right arm, and shouted, "Water cannon!" Nothing happened. His excitement faltered, but he refused to give up.

Kallen closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and imagined water flowing from his arm like a hose. He focused intensely on the image, feeling a strange sensation build up within him. When he opened his eyes, a stream of water shot out from his hand, arcing through the air before splashing onto the ground.

A triumphant smile spread across his face. He had discovered one of his abilities. Though he didn't fully understand it yet, he felt a renewed sense of hope. This new world might be just as harsh as his old one, but at least he had something he could work with.

As the sun set completely and darkness enveloped the land, Kallen lay back down, feeling the cool night air against his skin. For the first time in a long while, he felt a spark of optimism. This was the beginning of his new life, and he was determined to make the most of it.

The night was long and filled with uncertainty. Kallen couldn't sleep much, his mind racing with thoughts and theories about his powers. He recalled the words Krishna had said: two rank S abilities and one rank A ability. Water manipulation seemed to be one of them, but what were the others? He had to find out.

Morning came, and Kallen woke up feeling slightly more refreshed. The harsh sunlight of the previous day had given way to a more gentle dawn. He stepped out of his makeshift shelter and was stunned by what he saw. A small patch of grass had sprung up in the barren land, a stark contrast to the surrounding desolation. He realized it was the exact spot where he had shot his water cannon the day before.

"Is this my doing?" he wondered, excitement bubbling within him. He knelt down to examine the grass, the soft blades tickling his fingers. The sight filled him with a renewed sense of purpose.

"Alright," he said, standing up with determination. "Today is the day. Let's see what else I can do."

Kallen continued to experiment with his powers, discovering more about their scope and limitations. He found that he could manipulate the elements of fire, water, earth, and air. However, using multiple elements simultaneously caused severe fatigue, so he resolved to use only one element at a time to manage his energy levels. He also sensed there were more elements he could control, but he hadn't yet figured out how to access them.

Kallen realized he could influence plant life as well. Initially, he thought the grass had grown due to the water he had summoned, but when he concentrated on the idea of the grass growing, it responded to his thoughts and flourished before his eyes. This led him to understand that one of his other powers was Chlorokinesis, the ability to control and accelerate the growth of plants.

As he explored the extents of his magic, Kallen lost track of time, absorbed in the thrill of discovery. It wasn't until his stomach growled loudly that he realized he hadn't eaten anything since his arrival in this new world.

"Hungry already," he muttered to himself. He looked around the barren land, knowing he needed to find sustenance soon. The small patch of grass was a hopeful sign, but he needed more than that to survive.

"Guess it's time to see if I can make something edible grow," he said, focusing his mind on the idea of cultivating plants that could provide food.

With determination, Kallen set to work, using his Chlorokinesis to coax the barren land into producing something he could eat. He visualized various fruits and vegetables, hoping his power would respond. At first, nothing happened, but he persisted, adjusting his focus and energy.

After several attempts, he managed to grow a small bush of berries. He cautiously picked one and tasted it. The sweet, juicy flavor was a welcome relief, and he eagerly harvested more. As he ate, he marveled at the possibilities his powers held. He could not only survive in this new world but potentially thrive.

Kallen's mind raced with ideas and theories about his powers. He hypothesized that his abilities were linked to his imagination and concentration. The clearer and more detailed his mental image, the more effective the spell. This realization drove him to practice visualization techniques, honing his focus and creativity.

He also speculated that his powers were not limited to the basic elements and plant manipulation. There could be other, more advanced abilities waiting to be unlocked. This thought excited him, and he resolved to continue pushing his boundaries, exploring every possibility.

Kallen knew that mastering his powers was only the first step. He needed to prepare for the future, to ensure his survival in this harsh and unpredictable world. He decided to build a more permanent shelter, using his earth manipulation to construct a sturdy hut. He also planned to create a garden, using his Chlorokinesis to grow a variety of plants for food and medicinal purposes.

As he worked, Kallen felt a sense of purpose and fulfillment. This new life, though challenging, offered him a fresh start and the opportunity to become something more than he had ever been. He was determined to seize that opportunity, to rise above his past and create a future filled with hope and possibility.

With each passing day, Kallen grew stronger and more confident in his abilities. He faced numerous challenges, but each one only served to sharpen his skills and deepen his understanding of his powers. The barren land, once a symbol of desolation and despair, was slowly transforming into a thriving oasis under his care.

As he stood atop a hill, looking out over the landscape he had begun to shape, Kallen felt a surge of pride and determination. This was his new beginning, a chance to forge a destiny of his own making.

"Alright," he said, his voice filled with resolve. "Let's see what tomorrow brings."

With the sun setting behind him and the promise of a new day ahead, Kallen embraced his future, ready to face whatever adventures lay in store.