As the heavy doors of the grand hall closed behind the elders, Leon stood in the silence of his new home. Though the house was grand and well-kept, it felt unfamiliar, and the solitude pressed on him more than he liked. His gaze drifted toward the library, where the knowledge of the tribe's ancestors was said to be preserved.
If I'm going to stay here, I might as well learn something, he thought, pushing open the slightly ajar door.
The library was just as magnificent as Leon remembered. Wooden shelves stretched from floor to ceiling, crammed with books, scrolls, and manuscripts of varying sizes and conditions. The sunlight filtering through the arched windows bathed the room in a warm glow, illuminating the titles etched into the spines of the texts.
Leon wandered through the aisles, running his fingers lightly over the books. Many were written in scripts he didn't recognize, their meanings a mystery. Others, however, were in languages he understood, their titles hinting at knowledge of magic, history, and natural sciences.
One book, bound in dark green leather with faded gold lettering, caught his attention. Its spine read "Introductory Magic Fruits."
Curious, Leon pulled the book from the shelf and carried it to the central desk. Dust flew into the air as he opened it, the aged pages crackling softly beneath his fingers.
The first chapter was titled Magic Fruits in the Natural World.
The text read:
"Magic fruits are rare phenomena found in mana-rich environments. These fruits draw their unique properties from the ambient mana surrounding their growth and are prized for their wide-ranging effects, from physical rejuvenation to mana enhancement. Cultivation of magic fruits requires specific conditions, including fertile soil imbued with natural mana, consistent care, and precise environmental management."
Leon frowned. So they're cultivated naturally?
Turning the page, he came across an illustration that made him stop cold. It was the golden-streaked apple he had fused the day before, rendered in remarkable detail.
The description beside it read:
"Golden Stripe Apple: A fruit that restores physical vitality without replenishing mana. Considered a lesser-tier magic fruit, its natural growth requires decades in a mana-rich environment to achieve full potency."
Leon sat back in his chair, his mind racing.
Decades to grow naturally? But I made one in seconds.
Flipping through the rest of the book, Leon found no mention of any ability that could create or manipulate magic fruits artificially. The more he read, the clearer it became: what he had done wasn't just unusual—it was impossible by the standards of the natural world.
So no one else can do this. It's just me.
Leon leaned back, staring at the fused apple's illustration. His ability to create it wasn't part of any known magic or recorded phenomenon. He wasn't just rare—he was completely unique.
The next morning, Leon returned to the shrine. The villagers, as usual, were already gathered with their offerings. The air buzzed with anticipation, and the mound of fruits, flowers, and gifts piled high before the altar spoke of their reverence.
Leon accepted their tributes with silent nods, his expression calm but distant. He had begun to notice the patterns of their devotion—the way they lingered in his presence as if waiting for a sign or a word. Though their faith was unshakable, Leon's presence seemed to inspire both awe and a quiet yearning.
By the time the villagers finished, Leon found himself alone with the offerings. He glanced down at the fresh apples stacked neatly in one of the baskets. The sight sparked a familiar compulsion, and he briefly considered testing his fusion ability again.
Not now, he thought, setting the idea aside. Later, when there's no one around to see.
Leon's solitude didn't last long. The sound of hurried footsteps echoed up the shrine steps, growing louder with each passing second.
Leon sighed softly, already suspecting who it was.
Moments later, Marion appeared, dressed in his patched robes and wearing his usual exaggerated expression of reverence. He practically threw himself onto the platform, landing in an overly dramatic bow.
"Oh, great Relethis!" Marion exclaimed, his voice loud enough to startle a few nearby birds. "Your most humble servant has returned to offer his devotion once more!"
Leon raised an eyebrow, his face impassive. Here we go again.
Marion crawled forward on his knees, carrying an ornate basket filled with fruits. "I have prayed tirelessly for your awakening, great one! Day and night, without rest or complaint, I sang your praises and spread the word of your inevitable return!"
Leon stared at him, unmoving.
Encouraged by the lack of response, Marion continued, his voice growing louder and more theatrical. "Truly, my faith has never wavered! Even in the darkest of times, I remained steadfast, knowing that you would rise again to bless us with your divine presence!"
Leon's lips twitched. Never wavered? I've heard you whining for ten years straight.
Marion, oblivious to Leon's internal thoughts, pressed on. "And now that you have awakened, great Relethis, my faith has been vindicated! Surely, this humble servant has proven himself worthy of your grace!"
Leon tilted his head slightly, his tone dry. "Worthy, you say?"
Marion froze for a moment, his eyes darting upward, but he quickly recovered, nodding fervently. "Yes! Unquestionably worthy! My devotion knows no bounds!"
As if sensing the shift in Leon's mood, Marion adjusted his tone, clasping his hands together in mock humility. "Great one, your servant dares not ask for much… but if you see fit to bestow a token of your divine favor, it would serve as a reminder of your infinite generosity!"
Leon's eyebrow twitched. "A token?"
Marion lowered his head dramatically. "Just a small blessing! Something to inspire my continued faith and devotion!"
Leon stared at him for a long moment, his patience waning. Finally, he reached for the fused apple he had prepared earlier, holding it out to Marion.
The man's eyes lit up as he took the apple, his hands trembling slightly. For a moment, his mask of reverence slipped, revealing a gleam of satisfaction that he quickly concealed.
"This… this is more than I deserve!" Marion exclaimed, holding the apple aloft like a sacred relic. "Your kindness knows no bounds, great Relethis! Truly, your divine grace is unmatched!"
Leon's lips pressed into a thin line as he suppressed the urge to sigh.
Marion bowed deeply, clutching the fused apple like a priceless treasure. "Thank you, great one! I shall treasure this gift and use it to spread your glory far and wide!"
As he backed away, still bowing, he nearly tripped over the edge of the platform. Leon watched him go, his expression unreadable but his thoughts exasperated.
When Marion was finally out of sight, Leon leaned back slightly, allowing himself a moment to relax.
How does one man manage to be this shameless?
Despite his irritation, a faint smirk tugged at the corners of Leon's lips.