Morning sunlight poured into the library, illuminating the rows of bookshelves and casting a golden hue on the scattered plants and roots spread across Leon's desk. Among the various specimens he had gathered from the forest, two nearly identical roots stood out.
The roots were dark brown, their gnarled surfaces tangled with fibrous tendrils that glowed faintly with a soft green light. Vibrant green shoots sprouted from the tops, adding a touch of vitality to their otherwise earthy appearance.
Leon had found them growing at the base of a large tree near a clearing. They had caught his attention due to their faint magical aura, which pulsed in a steady rhythm as though alive.
With his mana reserves replenished, Leon decided they would be his next experiment.
Leon cleared his desk, brushing aside the other plants and giving himself room to work. He placed the two roots side by side, their fibrous tendrils touching lightly.
Sitting down, he placed his hands over the roots, his fingers hovering just above their surfaces. Closing his eyes, he drew on his mana, guiding the energy through his body and into his hands.
The familiar warmth of his magic began to flow, spreading from his fingertips into the roots. They glowed softly at first, their green shoots becoming more vibrant as the fusion process started.
The light pulsed steadily, growing brighter with each wave of mana Leon directed into the roots. Their edges began to blur and shift as the fibrous tendrils intertwined, their forms merging seamlessly.
The glow intensified, casting dancing patterns of light across the desk and walls. After a few moments, the light flared brightly before fading, leaving behind a single, transformed root.
Leon opened his eyes, blinking to adjust to the sudden dimness. The fused root lay on the desk, its appearance strikingly different from the originals.
The new root was larger, its surface smoother and marked by intricate, vein-like patterns that shimmered faintly in the light. The green shoots at the top had grown longer and brighter, exuding a soft magical aura that filled the air around it.
The fused root seemed to hum faintly, the energy within it stronger and more concentrated than before. Leon picked it up, turning it over in his hands to examine every detail.
Curious about the root's properties, Leon walked to the nearest shelf and pulled out a thick book titled Magical Flora and Their Applications. Placing the book on the desk, he flipped through the pages, scanning each entry for a description that matched the fused root.
After several minutes of searching, his eyes landed on a detailed illustration of a root that looked nearly identical to the one he held.
"Earthspine Root," the heading read.
Leon's gaze shifted to the accompanying text:
"The Earthspine Root is a rare magical plant known for its ability to enhance soil fertility. When planted, it releases potent nutrients and mana into the surrounding land, enriching the soil and promoting rapid plant growth. It is especially prized for its ability to rejuvenate barren fields, making it invaluable to farmers and gardeners."
Beneath the description was a note about the rarity of the root:
"The Earthspine Root is seldom found in the wild due to its specific environmental requirements. Attempts to cultivate it artificially have been largely unsuccessful, further increasing its value."
Leon placed the root beside the illustration, comparing the two. The resemblance was undeniable, down to the glowing green shoots and vein-like patterns on its surface.
Flipping to the next page, Leon found more information about the Earthspine Root's applications.
The root, when planted, not only enriched the soil but also accelerated the growth of nearby plants. Crops grown in soil affected by the Earthspine Root were said to yield larger harvests, with fruits and vegetables becoming more vibrant and nutritious.
The text also described its magical properties, noting that it could enhance the potency of herbs and other flora grown in its vicinity. This made it a favorite among alchemists and herbalists, who used it to create more effective potions and remedies.
Though the root was invaluable for agriculture, its rarity made it nearly impossible to obtain.
Leon set the book aside and picked up the Earthspine Root again. Holding it close, he noticed the subtle hum of energy emanating from it—a steady pulse that seemed to resonate with the environment.
He placed the root on the desk and watched as its green shoots swayed slightly, as though responding to an unseen force.
Reaching for a small pot of soil, Leon gently pressed the root into the dirt, ensuring the shoots were upright. Almost immediately, the soil around the root began to darken, taking on a richer, more fertile appearance.
Curious about the root's effects, Leon retrieved a small, withered plant from the corner of the room—a specimen he had discarded earlier due to its poor condition. He placed the plant in the same pot as the Earthspine Root, arranging it carefully so that its roots touched the fertile soil.
Within moments, the plant's leaves began to brighten, their dull green hue replaced by a vibrant sheen. The once-drooping stem straightened, and new buds appeared along its length.
Leon watched the transformation in silence, the results speaking for themselves. The Earthspine Root's ability to rejuvenate and enhance plant life was undeniable.
The implications of the Earthspine Root's properties were immense. It could transform barren land into fertile ground, ensuring abundant harvests and vibrant plant life. For a tribe like his, nestled in the heart of a dense forest, the root could revolutionize their way of life.
Leon carefully removed the root from the pot, wiping off the soil before placing it back on the desk.