"There you go, little guy," Carter said with a chuckle, tilting the can to drench the soil of a small fern. "Grow up to be big and healthy, okay?"
Talking to plants might seem strange to some, but to Carter, it was second nature. His love for flora wasn't just a job—it was his life. Whether watering, clipping, or arranging bouquets, he poured his heart into every detail. As customers wandered in, he greeted them warmly, offering advice on the best flowers for their gardens or how to keep their houseplants thriving.
"You've been working here too long, Carter," his boss, a stocky man named Mr. Patel, teased as he approached.
Carter looked up from trimming a potted lily. "What's up, boss?"
Mr. Patel held up a small bag containing a delicate arrangement of plants. "We've got a delivery. I need you to take this to a customer's house. Here's the address."
Carter smiled, wiping his hands on his apron. "Sure thing, boss. I'll handle it."
"Good man," Mr. Patel said, handing over the bag. "Hurry back."
With the bag in hand, Carter stepped outside, taking a deep breath of fresh air. The city bustled around him, but he loved every part of it—the honking cars, the laughter of passersby, even the chatter of high school kids hanging out on the corner. Life was vibrant and alive, just like the plants he cared for.
As he walked down the street, Carter passed a group of teenagers—two guys and four girls—who were talking and laughing loudly. He caught bits of their conversation, something about an upcoming test, when suddenly everything changed.
Out of nowhere, a blinding blue light erupted beneath their feet. Carter stopped in his tracks, shielding his eyes. The teenagers began to float, their laughter turning into panicked screams.
"What's happening?" one of the girls cried.
"T.J., do something!" another shouted.
Carter's mind raced. What is this?! Before he could react, the light engulfed him as well, lifting him off the ground. A strange sensation washed over him—weightlessness, then a sudden pull. And just like that, the world disappeared.
When the light faded, Carter found himself standing in an unfamiliar place. The air was crisp and cool, and the sky overhead was a shade of green he'd never seen before. Towering trees with glowing leaves surrounded him, and in the distance, a grand cathedral rose against the horizon, its spires shimmering with an ethereal glow.
"Where are we?!" one of the teenagers shouted, her voice trembling.
Carter turned toward the sound and saw the group of teens huddled together, their faces pale with fear. Before anyone could answer, a calm yet commanding voice rang out.
"Welcome, Otherworlders."
Everyone turned to see an old man with long white hair and piercing green eyes. He wore ornate robes adorned with symbols that seemed to shift and shimmer like living things.
"Who are you?" one of the girls demanded.
The old man smiled gently. "I am Priest James. Welcome to my heavenly church in the kingdom of Greton, the Green City. You have been summoned to save our world from the Demon Lord."
The teens erupted into chaos, their voices overlapping in a cacophony of fear and disbelief.
"Why us?"
"We're not heroes! We're just kids!"
Priest James raised a hand, and the group fell silent. "Do not fear. You will be trained, and you will gain magical abilities to aid you in your quest. For now, focus on understanding your own potential. Say the words, 'Status Screen,' and you will see your abilities."
Carter blinked, trying to process everything. He wasn't supposed to be here. He wasn't part of this. But curiosity got the better of him.
"Status Screen," he said softly.
A glowing panel appeared in front of him, filled with information:
Name: Carter Brooks
Age: 21
Species: Human
Gender: Male
Occupation: Plant Store Worker
Level: 1
Health Points: 100
Magic Points: 50
Strength: 10
Agility: 12
Intelligence: 15
Skills:
Plant and Earth Swordsmanship: Proficiency with weapons and techniques that draw upon plant and earth magic.
Herbalism: Knowledge of plants to create potions, salves, and poisons.
Nature's Whisper: Ability to communicate with plants to gather information or request assistance.
Verdant Shield: Summon a protective barrier of vines and leaves to absorb damage.
Root Bind: Command roots to ensnare enemies, immobilizing them temporarily.
Abilities:
Plant Growth: Accelerate the growth of plants to maturity within seconds, useful for combat, food, or crafting.
Earth Manipulation: Control soil and rocks to create barriers, traps, or rudimentary structures.
Verdant Bond: The presence of plants amplifies Carter's abilities; the larger and healthier the plants, the stronger he becomes.
Photosynthetic Healing: Slowly regenerate health when in sunlight or surrounded by plants.
Seed Scatter: Throw enchanted seeds that rapidly grow into defensive structures or offensive projectiles.
Floral Rejuvenation: Channel energy into nearby plants, making them bloom into powerful restorative or defensive entities.
Magic Spells:
Earth Spike: Summon a spike of rock to emerge from the ground as an attack.
Bloom Burst: Cause plants to rapidly grow and release bursts of energy, damaging nearby foes.
Healing Petals: Release a flurry of glowing petals that heal allies within their radius.
Soil Shift: Temporarily soften or harden the ground to control enemy movement or create defensive structures.
Fertile Touch: Enhance the properties of nearby plants, making them stronger, more durable, or more fruitful.
Verdant Shelter: Use earth and plant magic to grow a sturdy, vine-covered house that serves as a temporary safe haven. The house is durable, self-repairing, and camouflaged.
Thorn Barrage: Launch a flurry of hardened thorns toward enemies.
Green Surge: Temporarily enhance Carter's speed and strength by channeling the life force of surrounding plants.
Entangling Forest: Summon a small forest that grows rapidly, with roots and vines attacking enemies automatically.
Carter stared at the screen, his jaw slack. This was impossible. How could this be real?
Priest James's gaze settled on Carter, his brow furrowed. "Who are you, young man?"
Carter looked up, startled. "I'm Carter Brooks. I was… I don't know. I was just walking down the street when that light appeared."
The priest's expression darkened. "You should not be here. Your magic ability is minimal. You were caught in the summoning by mistake."
"Then send me back!" Carter said, his voice rising with desperation.
Priest James's face softened, but there was sadness in his eyes. "I'm sorry, young man. I do not have the power to send you back. No one does."
Carter's heart sank. "So… I'm stuck here? What am I supposed to do? Where will I go?"
The priest placed a comforting hand on Carter's shoulder. "We will provide you with enough to begin your journey. But after that, you must forge your own path."
With a wave of his hand, the priest materialized a bag of gold coins and handed it to Carter. "Take this. It will help you get started."
Carter took the bag reluctantly, feeling the weight of his new reality. "Thank you," he said quietly.
"Someone will escort you outside," the priest said. A beautiful woman stepped forward from behind him, her movements graceful and poised. She bowed slightly. "My name is Leira. Please follow me, Sir Carter."
Carter nodded and followed her out of the cathedral. The city of Greton stretched out before him, a breathtaking mix of greenery and shimmering buildings. Leira gave him a gentle smile before departing, leaving him alone on the cobblestone street.
He looked back at the cathedral, then at the bag of coins in his hand. The weight of it felt heavier than it should have.
"I guess my future starts now,"