I finally decided on a name for my technique that turns weeds into medicinal herbs: Green Thumb—a simple, yet fitting title. I probably wouldn't need to chant it often, but when I eventually compile my secret techniques into a manual, it'll go by that name.
Here's what I theorize about how medicinal herbs come into existence: the weeds that eventually transform into these magical plants don't contain mana initially. It's only when they're bathed in dense streams of mana, either by accident or by nature's whim, that they undergo the change into medicinal herbs.
At least, that's my best guess.
"Karina, thank you for inviting me," I said as I entered her estate.
"Please, you don't need to be so formal. We are engaged, after all. You're welcome to visit my home anytime," she replied with a soft smile.
"I really enjoyed that entry you wrote in our exchange diary. It helped me unlock something incredible. I'm no longer dependent on magical tools—I can cast magic freely now."
"I'm so happy to hear that I could help," Karina said, her voice filled with warmth.
"Today, I'm here to return the favor. I heard you've been researching medicinal herbs."
"Yes, since healing magic is my specialty, I've been studying potions that have the same effects."
Karina led me to her family's herb garden.
"Keep an eye on the flow of mana using your Mana Sensor," I told her.
She nodded. "Mana Sensor."
"Now, watch closely. Green Thumb."
Karina's eyes widened as she observed the transformation. "I saw it! The weed just turned into a medicinal herb. But… how?"
"You know how to release mana, right? While you do that, imagine the mana embedding itself into the herb, and recite the incantation."
"Green Thumb," she tried, but nothing happened.
"Hm, it might not be that simple. Here, give me your hand."
Karina blushed as I gently took her hand in mine.
"Now, place your other hand over the weed," I instructed.
She did as I asked, and I squeezed her hand gently, channeling a bit of mana into her.
"Now, try again."
"Green Thumb."
Her mana flowed naturally, and we watched as the weed transformed into a medicinal herb.
"I did it! The mana flowed through me, and it worked," she said excitedly.
"Did you get the feel for it?"
"Yes, I think I understand now. The flow of mana, the rhythm of it... Green Thumb! Yes, it worked again! Now I truly understand how important imagery is when casting magic," Karina said with a triumphant smile.
I couldn't help but think that this method of training would also work for Mana Transfer, but I decided to keep that one to myself. The last thing I wanted was for Karina to be hailed as some saint, drawing even more attention to her.
"Well, well, what's this? The young lady and Lord Ride holding hands and blushing?" came a teasing voice.
"Jessie, please don't tease us. He was just teaching me a secret technique," Karina replied, flustered.
"Oh, of course, let's call it that," Jessie giggled. "Tea is ready."
As we sat down for tea, I couldn't help but feel like everything was finally falling into place. I had Karina back, and life seemed peaceful again.
"I made a potion earlier, but I couldn't get it right. Please take it as a good-luck charm," Karina said, handing me a bottle.
"Thanks, I'll gladly take it," I said, accepting the small pink vial.
Was pink a fashionable potion color now? I had no idea.
"So, what do you think?" she asked, watching me intently.
Truth be told, I didn't have a clue. I hadn't yet mastered the Mana Sensor enough to discern potions on the fly.
Grrr, this is frustrating. I felt compelled to do something about it.
"Green Thumb," I muttered.
"Mana Sensor activated… incredible! It's gone from an F-rank potion to C-rank!" Karina exclaimed, astonished.
"Huh, so the potion's strength increased with the amount of mana. That's interesting."
"If I buy up a bunch of C-rank potions and boost them to A-rank, I'll never run out of pocket money!" Karina giggled mischievously.
"Just make sure not to disrupt the market too much," I advised with a grin.
That reminded me—I hadn't brought a gift for Karina today. I reached into my pocket and pulled out a mana stone.
What could I give her in return? I thought as I idly rolled the mana stone in my hand.
Mana stones are designed to store mana. What would happen if I pushed it to its absolute limit?
"Barrier," I cast, enclosing the mana stone within a magical barrier.
"Alright, let's see how much you can take," I muttered, forcing mana into the stone. As expected, it reached its capacity, but I didn't stop. I pressed on, pouring even more mana into it.
Suddenly, a brilliant light erupted from the stone.
"It's so bright!" Karina said, shielding her eyes.
The Mana Sensor showed the stone glowing with an overwhelming concentration of mana.
"Sorry about that, I didn't mean to scare you," I said, lowering the barrier.
What remained was a black mana stone, shimmering with rainbow light.
"Wow… what is that?" Karina asked, wide-eyed.
"Consider it a gift, to make up for startling you earlier. And as thanks for the potion. I'm not sure what it can be used for, but it's yours."
"If it glows like this, I could have it made into an accessory," she mused.
"Do whatever you like with it. If you need more, I can make another."
"In that case, could I trouble you for one more?"
I handed Karina another rainbow-glowing mana stone, then returned to the dorm. As I settled into my room, ready to relax, there was a sudden, frantic knock on my door.
What now? I groaned inwardly.
I opened the door to find Karina's maid, Jessie, out of breath, clearly having run all the way here.
"What's wrong? Is Karina okay?!" I asked, fearing the worst.
"She's fine! Well… not fine, but not hurt. It's a bit of a situation," Jessie replied, still catching her breath.
"What happened?" I demanded.
"That mana stone… when she used it to make a potion, it turned into an elixir."
My eyes widened. "An elixir?!"
"Yes. She's already delivered it to the King, asking for his protection. It's to shield her from the rival noble houses that might try to interfere."
Great. I thought, sighing heavily. I'd finally gotten Karina back, and now I had somehow complicated things all over again.
Of course, with the amount of mana I had crammed into that stone, it wasn't surprising that using it as an ingredient would produce an elixir. But this also meant trouble—serious trouble.
"If the King knows she made an elixir…"
"There's already talk of a brewing struggle for her hand. Other noble families are moving behind the scenes," Jessie explained.
Perfect. I had finally reunited with Karina, only to stir up a hornet's nest with one stupid mana stone. Worse yet, if anyone found out that I was the one who created it, I'd become a target as well. No doubt assassins would come knocking at Karina's door first.
I had to be careful about making more of those stones. This one would have to remain a hidden trump card for emergencies.
I trusted Karina wouldn't abandon me over this—she wasn't that kind of person. But it looked like I'd be thrust into a power struggle whether I liked it or not.
Well, I've come this far. I might as well embrace it.
With my newfound strength, I could handle whatever came my way. After all, I was no longer dependent on magic tools—I was the strongest I had ever been.