Dawn broke over the village, painting the sky in hues of pink and gold. Minerva was already awake, her mind racing with plans for the day ahead. She had five days left to master her insect control before the battle in the Valley of Whispers.
As she made her way to the outskirts of the village, Minerva reflected on her progress. The past two days had been grueling, filled with intense practice sessions and secretive experiments. Her Insect Control skill had improved, but not as quickly as she'd hoped.
[Minerva's Status]
Level: 7
XP: 4,500 / 5,000
Race: Human (Fairy heritage undiscovered)
HP: 130 / 130
Mana: 85 / 85
Stamina: 95 / 95
[Skills]
Combat Mastery: Novice (55%)
Herbalism: Adept (65%)
Entomology: Adept (75%)
Insect Control: Novice (40%)
Plant Manipulation: Novice (12%)
Healing: Novice (35%)
Strategic Planning: Novice (30%)
In a secluded clearing, Minerva began her morning routine. She started with basic exercises, focusing on her breathing and posture. Then, she moved on to more complex movements, incorporating the combat techniques she'd learned from the tribe warriors.
As she practiced, Minerva noticed a small spider building its web between two branches. An idea struck her. She paused her physical training and sat cross-legged on the ground, focusing her attention on the spider.
Closing her eyes, Minerva reached out with her senses, trying to connect with the arachnid. At first, nothing happened. She took a deep breath, calming her mind, and tried again. This time, she felt a faint tingle at the edge of her consciousness.
[Skill: Insect Control - Novice (41%)]
Slowly, carefully, Minerva attempted to guide the spider's movements. The creature hesitated, then began to weave its web in a slightly different pattern. Sweat beaded on Minerva's brow as she maintained her concentration.
Just as she felt her control solidifying, a twig snapped nearby. Minerva's eyes flew open, her concentration shattered. The spider scurried away, leaving its half-finished web behind.
"Minerva? Are you out here?" Hana's voice called out.
Minerva quickly stood up, brushing leaves from her clothes. "Over here, Hana," she replied, trying to keep her voice casual.
Hana emerged from the trees, a basket of herbs in her arms. "I thought I might find you here," she said with a smile. "Jiro asked me to gather some herbs for the healers. I was hoping you might help identify some of these."
As they walked back to the village, Minerva couldn't shake the feeling that Hana's appearance wasn't entirely coincidental. This wasn't the first time Hana had shown up during her private training sessions.
Throughout the day, Minerva found moments to continue her practice. She focused on smaller insects - ants, beetles, and flies - guiding them in simple patterns when no one was looking. Each time, she felt her control growing stronger, more precise.
[Skill: Insect Control - Novice (45%)]
That evening, Minerva slipped away to the river. The sound of flowing water masked any noise she might make, providing the perfect cover for her training. She began with the fireflies again, guiding them into complex patterns above the water's surface.
As she worked, Minerva felt that strange resonance again, as if the fireflies' light was awakening something within her. She pushed further, attempting to control multiple species at once. A swarm of moths joined the fireflies, creating a dazzling display of light and shadow.
[Skill: Insect Control - Novice (50%)]
Suddenly, Minerva heard a rustle in the bushes behind her. She quickly dispersed the insects, her heart pounding. Had someone seen her?
"Who's there?" she called out, trying to keep her voice steady.
After a moment of tense silence, a rabbit hopped out of the undergrowth. Minerva let out a relieved sigh, chuckling at her own paranoia.
As she turned to leave, she caught a glimpse of movement at the edge of the treeline. For a split second, she thought she saw a familiar silhouette - was that Hana? - but when she looked again, there was nothing there.
Minerva returned to the village, her mind whirling with questions. Was she imagining things, or was Hana watching her? And if so, why?
That night, as Minerva lay in her bed, she reflected on her progress. Her Insect Control was improving, but she needed to be more careful. The risk of discovery was growing with each passing day.
As she drifted off to sleep, Minerva's dreams were filled with swirling insects and shadowy figures watching from the darkness. In the background, barely noticeable, was the faint sound of Hana's laughter.