Chapter 23 - C:23

The next morning, as the sun began to rise, casting a golden glow over the Nightfall family farm, I made my way through the fields. The rain from the previous day had left a cool freshness in the air, and everything seemed to shimmer with life. My family was already scattered around the farm, tending to the crops. Each of them moved with the elegance of the Lumera, their tall forms—each over seven feet—flowing effortlessly between the rows of fruits and vegetables.

I, approached a section of the farm that had been transformed by the *Celestial Wellspring Orb*I had discovered weeks ago. Since then, I had noticed a significant change in the plants in this area and even the trees surrounding our land. They grew faster, stronger, and were now radiating a powerful energy.

I reached into my pocket and pulled out my Spectral Sight Lenses, an enchanted pair of glasses I had created long ago. These lenses allowed me to perceive the hidden properties of things around me, revealing their true nature in ways no ordinary eyes could detect. I had used them in the past to check the status of our crops, particularly the potatoes, and they had proven invaluable. The Spectral Sight Lensesglimmered slightly in the light as I put them on, activating their magic with a simple thought.

As the lenses activated, the world around me sharpened, and I could see a faint glow surrounding the crops affected by the Celestial Wellspring Orb. It wasn't just an ordinary aura—this was something far more potent, pulsing with the essence of life and magic. The information I sought appeared in translucent text before my eyes, detailing the properties of these new, enhanced plants.

The first plant that caught my eye was a tall, twisting vine with dark green leaves and vibrant, deep purple flowers. The plant seemed to hum with energy, its vines almost moving subtly in response to my presence.

[Ethereal Vinemelon]

- **Category:** Enhanced Fruit

- **Quality:** Celestial Grade

- **Energy Yield:** 150,000 Lumina Units (LUs) per fruit

- **Growth Speed:** Three times the normal rate

- **Special Properties:**

- **Essence Purification:** This fruit has the ability to cleanse the essence of the consumer, removing negative influences and rejuvenating their life force.

- **Vitality Surge:** When consumed, grants a burst of vitality, increasing physical strength and stamina by 200% for a short period.

- **Elemental Resistance:** Provides temporary resistance to elemental damage, including fire, ice, and lightning.

- **Side Effects:**

- Overconsumption may cause temporary disorientation due to the overwhelming influx of purified energy.

"Celestial grade…" I muttered to myself, running my hand over one of the glowing fruits. The Celestial Wellspring Orb had supercharged these plants, elevating them to levels that were once thought impossible. The Ethereal Vinemelon was not only packed with energy but could also purify and enhance the body. Its potential was extraordinary.

I moved to the next plant, a low shrub covered in dark red fruits, each glowing faintly like embers. Their heat was palpable even from a distance, and I could feel the power radiating off them as I approached. I adjusted the Spectral Sight Lenses and focused on the plant.

[Infernal Emberberry]

- **Category:** Enhanced Berry

- **Quality:** Legendary Grade

- **Energy Yield:** 80,000 Lumina Units (LUs) per berry

- **Growth Speed:** Twice the normal rate

- **Special Properties:**

- **Fire Affinity Boost:** Temporarily increases the consumer's affinity with fire-based magic, amplifying the power of their spells by 150%.

- **Heat Aura:** Eating the berry allows the consumer to generate an aura of intense heat, repelling cold and freezing conditions for up to 12 hours.

Side Effects:

- Can cause mild burns if eaten carelessly, and excessive consumption may result in fever-like symptoms.

The Infernal Emberberry was another remarkable creation of the Celestial Wellspring Orb, packed with fire-enhancing properties. It seemed this section of the farm had been completely transformed into a hub of otherworldly vegetation, each plant offering its own unique benefits.

I made my way to the last crop in this section—a cluster of trees with silver bark and glowing, translucent fruits hanging from their branches like orbs of light. They were mesmerizing to look at, and the air around them seemed to shimmer with an ethereal glow.

**[Astral Moonfruit]**

- **Category:** Enhanced Fruit

- **Quality:** Divine Grade

- **Energy Yield:** 200,000 Lumina Units (LUs) per fruit

- **Growth Speed:** Four times the normal rate

- **Special Properties:**

- **Lunar Blessing:** Increases the consumer's connection to the moon and stars, granting enhanced intuition and insight during the night.

- **Celestial Harmony:** Eating this fruit temporarily aligns the consumer's energy with the celestial forces of the world, allowing for heightened spiritual and magical abilities.

- **Essence Stabilizer:** Stabilizes the essence of the consumer, making it harder for them to be affected by external influences or curses.

- **Side Effects:**

- May cause vivid dreams or visions of the celestial planes during sleep.

---

The Astral Moonfruit was the most impressive of all. It not only offered raw power but also connected the consumer to the celestial forces of the world, enhancing their spiritual and magical capabilities. I could feel the power radiating off the fruit just by standing near it.

As I surveyed the crops, I couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. The Celestial Wellspring Orb had not only enhanced the farm but had also opened up new possibilities for our family and the village. With crops like these, we could ensure the continued prosperity and strength of the Lumeras for generations to come.

I removed the Spectral Sight Lenses and tucked them back into my pocket, content with the knowledge I had gained. These new crops would need careful management, but their potential was undeniable.

As I moved through the fields, the soft hum of power still resonated in the air. Each plant, fruit, and vegetable shimmered with the distinct glow of the Celestial Wellspring Orb's influence. The crops had been utterly transformed, imbued with new energy that could now be measured by Lumina Units—the essence that fueled the very life force of the Lumeras.

Curious, I activated my **Spectral Sight Lenses**, focusing on the crops to assess their new status.

**Grades of the Fruits and Vegetables:**

1. **Ethereal Vinemelon** – **Celestial Grade**

- **Energy Yield:** 150,000 Lumina Units

- **Special Properties:** Increases physical and spiritual energy dramatically.

2. **Infernal Emberberry** – **Legendary Grade**

- **Energy Yield:** 120,000 Lumina Units

- **Special Properties:** Heightens fire-based abilities, temporarily increasing elemental power.

3. **Astral Moonfruit** – **Divine Grade**

- **Energy Yield:** 200,000 Lumina Units

- **Special Properties:** Enhances astral and celestial abilities, boosting the user's connection to cosmic forces.

4. **Spiritroot Carrot** – **Mystic Grade**

- **Energy Yield:** 75,000 Lumina Units

- **Special Properties:** Reinforces vitality and strengthens the soul's core.

5. **Silverleaf Lettuce** – **Mythic Grade**

- **Energy Yield:** 60,000 Lumina Units

- **Special Properties:** Improves agility and sharpens reflexes.

6. **Starblossom Turnip** – **Epic Grade**

- **Energy Yield:** 40,000 Lumina Units

- **Special Properties:** Enhances mental clarity and concentration.

The crops had taken on characteristics far beyond what they once held. The Lumina Unit readings showed not only their immense power but how they could directly affect the abilities of anyone who consumed them. The Lumina Unit (LU) system, a natural measure for the Lumeras, gauged the potency of energy that could be absorbed by a Lumera, influencing everything from physical strength to spiritual potential.

As I examined the newly enriched crops, my mother, Rosalia, approached with a thoughtful gaze. Behind her, my grandmothers Hestia and Eldara followed, their expressions full of silent understanding. Though they didn't know about the artifact I had used, they seemed to sense my involvement in the prosperity that now surrounded us. But they remained quiet, trusting me with my secrets.

Just then, Mira arrived, her eyes wide as she looked over the radiant plants. She moved quickly, touching one of the vines with her fingers, activating her innate ability, **Nature's Blessing**. A soft green light flowed from her hands as she communicated with the plants, her connection with nature allowing her to extract information directly from the crops.

"They're... changed," Mira whispered, her voice filled with awe. "I've never felt energy like this before."

Elara stepped forward, curiosity gleaming in her eyes. "What's different?"

Mira's expression was one of pure wonder as she responded. "These crops aren't like anything we've ever grown. The plants are alive in a way I've never seen—they resonate with the land. Their connection to the earth and sky is deeper, as if they've absorbed the essence of the world itself."

Eldara, her ancient eyes full of wisdom, nodded thoughtfully. "Perhaps this is the land's way of rewarding us for our care."

Rosalia glanced at me, her gaze lingering for a moment before she smiled softly, saying nothing. She knew, as did Hestia and Eldara, that I had something to do with this—though none of them pressed me for details. They understood that some things were better left unsaid.

Mira, however, was too caught up in her amazement to notice any unspoken exchanges. She moved from crop to crop, touching each one and reading their energies. "The Lumina Units in these plants are off the charts. They could fuel our abilities for generations. Just eating one of these could raise a person's strength."

Rosalia raised an eyebrow. "What kind of strength are we talking about?"

Mira chuckled softly. "Let's just say… anyone consuming these would find themselves evolving much faster than normal."

**Lumera Ranks and Evolutions:**

Among the Lumeras, ranks were tied directly to their mastery of energy, abilities, and the Lumina Units they accumulated over time. These ranks had always existed within Lumera society, though rarely spoken of openly. Lumeras evolved slowly through their connection to nature, but this new surge of Lumina energy from the crops could accelerate that process dramatically.

1. **Initiate (100,000 Lumina Units):** The starting level for young Lumeras as they begin to connect with the world around them.

2. **Adept (500,000 Lumina Units):** At this stage, a Lumera can manipulate basic elements and energy.

3. **Master (1,000,000 Lumina Units):** Masters of elemental and natural forces, capable of wielding significant power.

4. **Elder (5,000,000 Lumina Units):** A higher level of understanding, where a Lumera can influence the flow of life itself and bend nature to their will.

5. **Archon (10,000,000 Lumina Units):** Few Lumeras reach this level; those who do are capable of manipulating both life and death, controlling vast forces of energy.

6. **Ascendant (50,000,000 Lumina Units):** Lumeras at this rank are nearly god-like, able to influence cosmic forces and the natural laws of the world.

7. **Celestial (100,000,000 Lumina Units and beyond):** The highest rank known to Lumera-kind. These beings are so attuned to the balance of the universe that they are said to have the power to influence entire worlds.

These were the ranks passed down to them through their ancestors but no one had ever seen anyone reach above the Master Rank

The crops we had now, with their massive Lumina Unit yields, could push someone from the **Initiate** rank to **Master** in a short period if consumed regularly. For the family, this was an opportunity to strengthen ourselves and the village.

Mira's eyes sparkled as she continued to touch the crops. "This could change everything," she said softly, almost to herself. "With this kind of energy, even the youngest Lumeras could ascend to a level of mastery in a fraction of the time it used to take."

Rosalia smirked, her tone playful. "Well, it seems we're going to be eating quite well for the foreseeable future."

Selene, always the competitive one, grabbed a **Spiritroot Carrot** and took a bite, grinning as she felt its energy surge through her. "I feel stronger already," she joked, flexing her arms exaggeratedly.

Elara rolled her eyes but couldn't resist taking a bite of an **Astral Moonfruit** herself. The moment she did, her body seemed to shimmer, as if she was glowing from the inside. "I could get used to this," she admitted, her voice filled with awe.

Hestia, who had been quiet, finally spoke. "We should be cautious. This kind of power doesn't come without responsibility. These plants are a gift, yes, but we must ensure that we use them wisely."

Eldara nodded in agreement. "True. With great power comes great responsibility. We must nurture this gift and not take it for granted."

Rosalia glanced at me again, her gaze soft but knowing. "We'll take care of the crops, of course. But it seems to me that there's more to this than just good fortune."

I met her eyes but said nothing, offering a small smile in response.

The conversation moved back to playful banter as everyone continued to marvel at the new crops. Mira, though still in awe, eventually joined in the laughter and excitement, though there was a lingering sense of responsibility in the air.

As the sun dipped lower on the horizon, we made plans to carefully manage the new crops, ensuring that they would serve to strengthen not just our family, but the entire village. The Lumina energy coursing through the plants was a gift, but it was one we had to respect.

As we walked back to the house, Mira stayed behind for a moment, still connecting with the crops. "I've never felt nature sing like this," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.