The days following the first battle were a whirlwind of activity. As the village prepared for future attacks, Minerva found herself thrust into a new role – not just as a warrior, but as a strategist and innovator.
Early morning found Minerva in a small clearing just outside the village, surrounded by an array of plants and insects. She closed her eyes, focusing on the gentle hum of a nearby beehive. Slowly, carefully, she extended her consciousness towards the bees.
[Skill: Insect Control - Novice (15%)]
A single worker bee detached from the hive, hovering before her. Minerva's brow furrowed in concentration as she guided the bee to land on a nearby flower. As it did, she felt a surge of satisfaction.
[Skill Leveled Up: Insect Control - Novice (16%)]
[Achievement Unlocked: First Command - Successfully control an insect]
[Bonus: Max Mana +10]
Minerva opened her eyes, a small smile playing on her lips. It wasn't much, but it was progress. She glanced at the status panel floating in her vision:
[Minerva's Status]
Level: 6
XP: 3,200 / 4,000
Race: Human (Fairy heritage undiscovered)
HP: 120 / 120
Mana: 70 / 70 (+10 from achievements)
Stamina: 90 / 90
[Core Stats]
Strength: 16
Agility: 19
Vitality: 17
Intelligence: 23
Wisdom: 21
Charisma: 18
[Skills]
Combat Mastery: Novice (50%)
Herbalism: Adept (62%)
Entomology: Adept (71%)
Insect Control: Novice (16%)
Plant Manipulation: Novice (8%)
Healing: Novice (32%)
Strategic Planning: Novice (28%)
As she studied her status, Minerva heard footsteps approaching. She turned to see Takeshi, his arm no longer in a sling but still moving stiffly.
"Enjoying the view?" he asked, glancing at the bee that was still dutifully pollinating the flower.
Minerva shrugged, trying to hide her pride. "Yes, it's peaceful out here. Helps me think."
Takeshi chuckled. "We could all use a bit of peace these days. Jiro wants to see us. The scouts have returned with news."
As they walked back to the village, Minerva's mind raced with possibilities. She had been working on combining her budding Insect Control with her more developed Herbalism skills. If she could somehow use insects to distribute healing pollen…
[New Skill Conceived: Healing Swarm (Insect Control + Healing) - Locked]
[Requirements: Insect Control (Adept), Healing (Adept)]
Minerva blinked in surprise at the notification. It seemed her system was evolving along with her skills, suggesting new combinations she hadn't even considered.
In Jiro's hut, the atmosphere was tense. Maps were spread across a low table, marked with various symbols. Hana and several other warriors were already gathered.
"The enemy is on the move," Jiro said without preamble as Minerva and Takeshi entered. "They're gathering forces here," he pointed to a spot on the map, "in the Valley of Whispers."
Minerva studied the map, her mind already working on strategies. "That valley is known for its dense fog, isn't it?" she asked, recalling information from her Herbalism studies.
Hana nodded. "Yes, caused by a unique type of moss that grows there. It makes visibility nearly zero."
An idea began to form in Minerva's mind. "What if... what if we could use that to our advantage? If I could control insects that are native to that area, we could use them as our eyes in the fog."
The others looked at her with a mixture of surprise and intrigue. Jiro stroked his beard thoughtfully. "It's an interesting idea. But can you control insects over such a distance?"
Minerva hesitated, then quickly thought of an explanation. "I've been experimenting with various herbs and plants that seem to influence insect behavior. If I can find the right combination, I believe I can extend my control over a greater distance."
Jiro raised an eyebrow. "Using herbs to control insects? That's quite innovative. But do you think you can perfect this method in time?"
Minerva nodded, her heart pounding. "Give me a week, and I'll have it ready."
Jiro studied her for a long moment before nodding. "Very well. You have one week to prepare. In the meantime, we'll work on other strategies as well."
As the meeting continued, Minerva's mind was already racing with plans for training. She would need to push her Insect Control to its limits, perhaps even start working on that Healing Swarm skill…
[New Quest: Master of the Swarm]
[Objective: Reach Adept level in Insect Control within one week]
[Reward: Unique Skill Book]
Minerva's heart raced with excitement and determination. The path ahead would be challenging, but she was ready to face it head-on. As she left the hut, purpose burning in her eyes, she knew that the next week would change everything.
Little did she know just how true that would prove to be. That evening, Minerva found herself alone by the river, the day's events replaying in her mind. She had told the others she was going to relax and enjoy the view, but in truth, she was here to practice her skills in secret. She couldn't afford to let anyone see her using magic – not yet.
Sitting cross-legged on the riverbank, Minerva closed her eyes and focused on the insects around her. The fireflies began to respond to her call, their bioluminescent bodies lighting up the darkening sky. She guided them into intricate patterns, testing her control and endurance.
[Skill Leveled Up: Insect Control - Novice (20%)]
A pang of guilt tugged at her heart. She was hiding a part of herself from the people who had taken her in, who trusted her. But she couldn't risk revealing her abilities until she fully understood them and their implications.
As the fireflies danced in the air, Minerva's thoughts turned to the upcoming battle. She needed to be stronger, to protect her new family. She would use every resource at her disposal, even if it meant keeping secrets.
The Mil-Milkie .0 System chimed softly:
[New Skill Conceived: Nature's Camouflage (Plant Manipulation + Stealth) - Locked]
[Requirements: Plant Manipulation (Adept), Stealth (Adept)]
Minerva smiled to herself. She was on the right path. With determination, she continued her practice, pushing her limits and honing her abilities.
The week ahead would be crucial, and Minerva was ready to face it with all the strength and resilience she could muster. She would protect her new home, no matter the cost to herself.