“Let me see its attributes,” Gideon said, fixing a pair of rumin glasses on the bridge of his crooked nose. “Yes… yes…” He poked Viney here and there with a crystalline wand and also did some measurements with a sketchy-looking compass. “I was worried when it had issues taking root in your flesh, but it is growing very nicely now. Very nicely, indeed.”

  “It’s hard to explain, but I can also feel it getting healthier,” Elian said. “Might be some sort of mind-body connection between us. When will Viney—er, I mean, when will my plant symbiote do that Barkskin thing of making a shell? Would be helpful if I could use the Armor it takes from me.”

  Guardian Exactor Vine | Plant Symbiote | Level: 8

  Health: 460/460

  Energy: 205/205

  ATTRIBUTES:

  Attack Power: 46

  Magic Power: 46

  Armor: 226

  Magic Resilience: 46

  TRAITS:

  Host Attribute Absorption – Absorb (540) Attribute points from the host and gain a third of it.

  Rejuvenating Roots – Restore (1.8) Health Point of the host every second.

  -“Given my very small sample size of three,” Gideon said as flipped through a tiny notebook, “I expect your Guardian Exactor Vine to gain its Barkskin properties when it reaches around level ten to fifteen at the latest. It started with a stunted growth, so a slight delay is normal.”

  “Just nonstop drinking these, I guess.” Elian sighed as he tapped another bottle of growth solution that Gideon gave him. “I’m getting used to its side effects anyway.”

  “Do keep in mind that whenever the Guardian Exactor Vine produces the Barkskin covering, it can’t endlessly do so. It will be fueled by its Health and Energy as well as yours. It can’t create something out of nothing, after all.”

  “Health and Energy. I got plenty of those. The limitation would be more on Vine—my plant symbiote. Mental note not to push it too hard.”

  Gideon leaned closer, peering at Viney again with his special glasses. “I must say that you are quite fortunate to have these synergetic Bestowals that allow you to only have Armor. Remarkably suitable for Tribulations.”

  “Fortunate? If trying to see the bright side, one can always think something is fortunate.” Elian had told Gideon a vague explanation about why Viney only absorbed Armor. He didn’t elaborate on the actual effects of his Curses or the story of how he got them. He wasn’t sure how to open up the topic of the Giant invasion.

  Or when he should talk about it with Gideon. Were they close enough already?

  “Your Guardian Exactor Vine would be quite specialized in Barkskin against physical damage,” Gideon said. “How I dearly wish to observe its state at level fifty. What would it look like at level one hundred? Thrilling prospects make my heart palpitate.”

  “Hey, don’t have a heart attack on me now,” Elian said with a laugh. He too was excited to see a fully matured Viney. Would an Altruistic Tether work on it? He could think of some tricks if it did.

  “If I may ask, dear customer. Until when are you staying here, at the Temples of Tribulation?”

  “A month from now at the most,” Elian replied, still not settled on a definite answer. “Maybe a bit earlier.” He had to travel and search for Boons, skills, and equipment. As for Immaterial School, he had learned the basics of Aether Magic—that was about what he wanted, though more instruction was always welcome and helpful.

  Preventing him from leaving early was his research at the temple library. Too much knowledge he couldn’t simply leave behind. Another factor was Gideon’s help in raising Viney.

  A stone falling from a tree on Wendell’s farm—this was what taught Elian he wasn’t so helpless with his Curses. Now, he had a plant that could throw a stone. Envisioning how useful Viney could be, he even thought of going to the Sabyn Mountains as he previously intended. Viney’s Rejuvenating Roots filled the role of herbalism. However, the Sabyn herbalists might give him ideas on how to make Viney stronger.

  “Two months is not enough time.” Gideon frowned as he stroked his beard. He muttered to himself about timelines and experiments he had to do. Something about valuable data and a lack of test subjects.

  Should I invite him along? Elian regarded the floramage furiously scribbling on his notebook.

  Learning about Tethers and seeing Tharguras help Faridar, Elian felt the universe telling him to start gathering allies. If he had gone to the War Monastery, he intended to gain followers through a display of strength, capitalizing on the Abyssal Eye’s Curse. Should be easy enough, he had thought. Now, he didn’t have much to offer or display for people to follow him. He couldn’t even prove his claim of a Giant invasion.

  “I have a hypothetical question for you,” Elian said. He’d try a different line of conversation for Gideon. It was like puzzling over dialogue options in a computer game. Memories of Earth again. Dammit.

  “I have no interest in such things,” Gideon dismissively replied.

  “Humor me a bit, will you? I’m your customer and most promising test subject.” Elian raised a hand as Gideon was about to speak. “Nah, don’t deny it now. I’m not angry about it. Just answer this question—if monsters intent on wiping humanity are attacking, what will you do?”

  “What?” Gideon wrinkled his nose at Elian. “Monsters? Is this a trick question?”

  “No. That’s the question. Are you going to fight if that happens? Run away maybe? Or something else?”

  “Alright, I’ll humor you,” Gideon replied, closing his notebook with a tired sigh. “Fleeing seems to be the best option. Let the soldiers do their job while I do my job of creating more plant symbiote. What monsters are you referring to in this juvenile hypothetical?”

  “Giants that want to destroy all humans.”

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

  “But Giants are ex—”

  “Extinct as far as we know,” Elian said, tapping his temple. “That’s why I asked you to humor me. I’ll expand my hypothetical scenario. Thousands… tens of thousands of Giants came over the sea to stomp every human they could find. Armies fall before them, cities and kingdoms trampled beneath their feet. Will you continue running? Or will you fight?”

  “I don’t—where is this headed? If everyone is dying to the Giants, why would I fare any differently?”

  “You’ll just continue to run and wait for your end?” Elian kept Gideon off-balance to glimpse his true personality. “If that’s the case, why not just fight from the beginning? What use is your research if there’s no one left alive to appreciate it? Also, wouldn’t it be awesome if your creations can take down a Giant?”

  Gideon leaned back on his chair as he removed his glasses. “I’ve talked to many people in my life. And my life has been very long, far longer than you’d think—the result of my experimentations. In this long life of mine, I’ve learned how to discern the truth in a man’s words.” Gideon stared Elian in the eye “Are you telling me that Giants are coming to destroy us all?”

  “It’s a hypothetical scenario,” Elian said, keeping the glee out of his voice. He had managed to interest the eccentric Gideon—this man was someone with knowledge who shouldn’t be lost to the Giants. “In this scenario, the Giants will come seven months from now, landing their massive ship at Sarnival Port. That’s a month after the annual tournament there.”

  Gideon narrowed his eyes. “If the Giants do arrive at Sarnival Port as you said…”

  “Then, all of this will no longer be hypothetical.”

  “Storm God’s deliverance,” the floramage whispered. “Either you’re telling the truth or you’re numbingly deluded that you believe what you say is true. Where did you learn about this? Is this related to why you only have Armor as an attribute?”

  Elian shrugged, keeping up his nonchalance. He shouldn’t take it upon himself to prove his words because that was impossible. “A vision, a prophecy, maybe reading it off bird droppings. Whatever it is, you’ll only believe me in seven months. Too long to wait. And I can’t return here from Sarnival Port to bring along a Giant toe or something as proof. Or maybe I am crazy. I can’t tell if I really am, right? Again, seven months to see which is which.”

  “Wha-what do you want from me?” Gideon looked left and right as if wanting to escape. Maybe he did think he was trapped in his carriage with a crazy person.

  “Accompany me to Sarnival Port,” Elian said. “I’m not sure where I’ll go after leaving the Temples of Tribulation, so it’ll be an adventure, I suppose. In the meantime, you get to study and experiment on my plant symbiote. Tell you what, I’ll even use it during the Sarnival Port Tournament.”

  “Why are you join—? Ah, I understand. You can convince more people after displaying your prowess as a winner. People listen to strength.”

  “My victory’s benefit to you is that your creation will be exhibited for all to see. This might be your big break, your chance to make your name known. No need for the floramage union. A good deal for accompanying a crazy person, isn’t it?”

  A glint in Gideon’s eyes. He was enticed by the possibility. But he was also visibly troubled. “What if… you’re not crazy?”

  Elian smiled. “That’s for you to decide. Fight or flee. Decide when you see the Giants with your own eyes. Until then, let’s make it our project to win the Sarnival Port Tournament. It’s all benefit to you whether Giants are coming or not.” He offered his hand.

  Gideon shook Elian’s hand.

  The next day, Elian didn’t do his early morning Tribulation. He wanted to save it for hunting. Since Viney was becoming stronger and could use Aether blades, Elian would no longer have issues processing his kill without any help. Not all beasts, though. He had to choose those that weren’t too bony or muscly, but not too soft that the Tribulation would splat them into mush.

  He’d skip class for the day. He went there yesterday anyway after he met with Gideon. At this point, the class was mostly practicing various commands seals while inside the study hall. No Creation Trees. No Aether-enhancing vat. No reason for him to go there unless he needed guidance on specific aspects of the lessons. As for books, those from the restricted area of the library were more comprehensive and helpful.

  Basically, it was college all over again. Elian had a few subjects that he attended only during exams. And there were no exams here.

  “I keep thinking about Earth,” Elian said, as he walked past the temple, heading to the bridge to Forge Hill.

  As always, the temple had dozens of pilgrims sleeping outside its gate, waiting for its opening. But there were more people than usual because yesterday, the temple was practically shut down for Faridar’s meeting with the Hundred-Armed Magistrate. Elian had tried to go to the library after his class, found the huge crowd partying there, and decided to meditate in the woods until Borlen’s group returned from the festivities.

  “I’ll research about the Altruistic Tether Boon later,” Elian reminded himself.

  He hoped to find a suitable Melding partner for it. A Boon not too far away that he could easily obtain and spend his Favor Points on. Preferably, it was useful for the tournament. Tellerin was too far away, so getting the Altruistic Tether wouldn’t be anytime soon.

  He could go to the library after his hunt because it wouldn’t take the whole day. Just one valuable beast and he was done—he only had a single use of his Tribulation anyway. The goal was to gather funds for travel and equipment.

  Traversing through Forge Hill, he passed through its southern gate and headed to the Dark Forest. He wasn’t stupid enough to go back there, especially with no backup. He’d veer east before hitting the Dark Forest’s border. Gideon had tipped him off about possible targets in that area.

  “Do you know if there really is a monster inside?” Elian asked Gideon yesterday as they were talking about the Forbidden Temple.

  “I have no firsthand knowledge,” said Gideon. “All I’ve heard is hearsay as well. The least vague accounts I’ve encountered say it had always been a dangerous area, with the strongest beasts taking up residence there. Yet, hunters had ventured there until this supposed monster came.”

  “So, there is a monster?”

  “Rumors. There might be some truth to them, however, because the priests barred exploration of the Forbidden Temple starting a decade or so ago.”

  Elian snapped his finger. “They wouldn’t do that if there’s nothing there, right? The priests brought something in they’re trying to hide.”

  “That is my thought as well,” said Gideon. “A real monster isn’t needed for this tale. The priests are more monsters than men. Let them hide their business.”

  I don’t have any plans of finding out, Elian thought as he surveyed the edge of the Dark Forest in the distance.

  The trees crowded each other as if to tell visitors they weren’t welcome. Given their size, they couldn’t have grown in just a decade, or even two. Something magical made them grow unnaturally long ago, and that something was why the priests decided to move in.

  Elian headed to the right, following a barely imperceptible trail covered by tall grass. It had been freshly hacked in places, cleared by hunters recently.

  And he’d get to meet them as he heard a cry for help barely fifteen minutes down this path.

  Without any hesitation, Elian ran in the direction of the shouts. There were also a couple of crashes. He found a couple of hunters wearing through the trees. Energy balls and flying rocks took chunks out of tree trunks. They were Marlowe and Frederick, the hunters who taught Elian about the shortcuts in the Dark Forest.

  Chasing them was a psyowog, a giant toad with psychic powers.

  “Run away!” Marlowe shouted, spotting Elian. “It’s danger—argh!” A rock smashed into his lower leg, sending him spinning mid-air before crashing into a tree. He wasn’t moving.

  Frederick, seeing his companion down, turned back to help him. But an energy ball was already heading Marlowe’s way. Elian concentrated on gathering Aether.