Quest Complete: Keep the cavern safe tonight.
You have gained +300 new points.
Congratulations! You have passed the Trial Stages of Eden's Core System. You get bonus points +1000.
Current total points: 1500 points.
New quest unlocked: Get to know Chengxin by today.
New quest unlocked: Pound the herbaceous stem of the magical main tree.
New quest unlocked: Plant 15 turnips.
New quest unlocked: Create separate rooms within the cavern to make it a more comfortable place to live.
"What the hell?! Why are you spamming me with quests like this? Stupid system!" Jianyu grumbled at the mechanical voice echoing in his head, signaling the break of dawn and the completion of his mission to guard the cavern through the night.
"Wow, complaining even after earning that many points? Just work properly and be grateful. More quests mean more points. You can buy more things," the Eden's Core system replied coldly, its tone carrying a faint mockery.
Jianyu snorted, choosing to ignore the system's sarcasm. With a swift motion, he opened the Eden's Core interface and purchased a Guardian Planting Seed without hesitation.
Purchase successful! Current total points: 1300.
He scattered the small seed onto the soil quickly, then stepped back, watching intently. For a moment, nothing happened—just a heavy silence. But a few seconds later, the ground beneath the seed began to tremble softly, as if taking its first breath.
Small cracks appeared on the surface, gradually widening. From within the crevices, a tiny golden sprout emerged, shimmering under the morning sun. It grew rapidly, shooting upward with a confident, almost graceful motion.
Within moments, the stem thickened, twisting into a near-artistic pattern. Thin, glass-like leaves emerged, glistening as if made from molten gold.
Strong branches extended outward, bending with elegance yet radiating an unyielding strength, like a warrior standing guard. The tips of its branches sprouted sharp, thorn-like projections, both menacing and oddly beautiful. From between the leaves, small white-golden flowers bloomed, releasing a fresh, calming fragrance that filled the air.
Zhenfeng, who had just woken up, stretched and observed the scene with curiosity. "What kind of tree is that?" he asked, his voice groggy from sleep.
"A living plant to guard this cavern," Jianyu replied flatly, not bothering to look back. His voice carried a quiet determination. "It'll fend off the Black Bloom and protect everyone here. You won't have to keep watch all night anymore, and the others can not take turns guarding the entrance."
Zhenfeng chuckled, crossing his arms. "The things you do just because you don't trust anyone else," he remarked, his tone casual but with a sharp edge.
Jianyu shot him a brief glare, his eyes narrowing. "It's about efficiency, not trust. We need everyone in their best condition if we want to survive here."
"Whatever you say, boss," Zhenfeng replied with a shrug, his expression turning slightly more serious. "Just remember, you can't always rely on your brain alone to save us. Sometimes, you'll need those people you think you can't rely on. And sometimes, you'll realize you can't do everything by yourself."
Jianyu exhaled deeply, his gaze fixed on the golden tree standing tall at the mouth of the cave. "Think what you want. I'm just trying to do what's best for all of us."
As Jianyu and Zhenfeng returned to where the other survivors were resting, Jianyu's steps were steady, but his mind was already racing through the newly unlocked quests. Behind him, Zhenfeng yawned widely but silently joined the others, helping distribute fruits from the magical tree.
Zhenfeng grabbed a few fruits without hesitation and began handing them out. "Here, eat these. I tried them yesterday. You won't die, I promise," he said with a smirk, tossing one to a hesitant young man.
Meanwhile, Jianyu headed straight to the corner of the cave where Chengxin sat next to Qi Qi, who lay pale and unmoving. Jianyu crouched beside them, his sharp gaze scanning Qi Qi's condition. "How is she?" he asked bluntly.
Chengxin sighed, exhaustion etched across his face. "Not much has changed. She's still burning up with a high fever, and now she's starting to cough too."
Jianyu bit his lip, frustration simmering beneath the surface. His thoughts immediately jumped to the quest he'd just received. "There's a quest to pound the herbaceous stem of the magical main tree," he thought. "Quests usually relate to survival. Considering Qi Qi's worsening condition... could it be for her?"
He stood abruptly, locking eyes with Chengxin for a brief moment. "I'll be back," he said quickly before dashing toward the magical tree where Zhenfeng and the others were gathered.
Reaching the tree, Jianyu approached Zhenfeng without warning. "Lend me your sword."
Zhenfeng scowled. "What for?"
"Just trust me!" Jianyu insisted.
With a long-suffering sigh, Zhenfeng glanced at the survivors, who were now watching them curiously. Reluctantly, he handed over his sword, muttering, "Fine, take it. But don't break it, or you're paying me back with your life."
Jianyu nodded curtly. "Thanks, I'll return it intact."
Gripping the sword, Jianyu approached the golden tree, targeting one of its softer herbal stems. His first swing was shaky, and the blade nearly slipped from his hands.
"HEY! Be careful, you idiot!" Zhenfeng yelled, his eyes widening in alarm as Jianyu narrowly avoided cutting his own leg.
"I'm fine! Just handle the others!" Jianyu snapped, his voice a mix of embarrassment and determination.
After a few clumsy attempts, Jianyu finally managed to sever the herbal stem. He hurried back to Chengxin and Qi Qi, holding both the stem and Zhenfeng's sword.
Chengxin stared at him, confused. "Why are you carrying Zhenfeng's sword?"
"Do you have a bowl or any kind of container? A mortar and pestle would be ideal," Jianyu said urgently, ignoring his question.
"Who the hell carries a mortar and pestle in this situation? But I do have a small cup," Chengxin replied, still bewildered.
"That'll do." Jianyu grabbed the cup and began pounding the herbal stem with the hilt of Zhenfeng's sword. His movements were rough but resolute, each strike echoing through the cavern.
When the task was complete, Jianyu stared at the thick green liquid he had produced. Quest completed. +50 points earned! flashed before his eyes.
"Is this for Qi Qi? Should she drink it or have it applied to her wounds?" he asked the system.
Trial session has expired. Now accessing information now requires -50 points. Proceed?
Jianyu groaned but selected "yes."
Current total points: 1300.
The mixture must be ingested by the target.
Jianyu turned to Chengxin. "Help me prop her up."
Together, they carefully lifted Qi Qi. Jianyu gently poured the liquid into her mouth. For a few moments, nothing happened. Then, color began returning to Qi Qi's cheeks, and her eyes fluttered open.
"Ge…" Qi Qi whispered weakly, her voice faint but unmistakable.
Chengxin stared at Jianyu, equal parts amazed and confused.
Jianyu let out a long breath, relief washing over him. Instinctively, his hand brushed over Qi Qi's head in a soft, comforting gesture. "Gege is here."