Chapter 33: The Free Druid Crash Course
After the pouch-laden Druid finished his demonstration, the others showered him with praise. Druids didn’t prioritize combat magic. They valued its potential benefits for the environment.
And his spell was perfectly aligned with their philosophy. Combat was secondary. Its primary purpose was to transport nutrients from fertile lands to barren ones, a far more efficient and eco-friendly method than using shovels or fire.
He had earned their approval.
“Masters, I’ve brought you some refreshments,” Flora said, returning with a large leaf filled with flower-shaped cups, each containing clear water.
She looked radiant, her beauty enhanced by the delicate flower cups, like a goddess descending from the heavens. These elderly Druids, who had lived lives of ascetic simplicity, were momentarily mesmerized, their hearts warmed by her kindness.
“Ah… thank you…” one of them said, taking a cup and sipping the water.
He savored the flavor, his eyes widening in surprise. “This water… it’s so sweet and fragrant… Is this the legendary Sacred Tree nectar? But the tree hasn’t bloomed yet…”
“Really?” the others asked, eagerly taking cups and tasting the water. It was incredibly refreshing, its subtle fragrance intoxicating, a gentle warmth spreading through their bodies, invigorating them.
Abyss, Rebecca, and Leona also received cups. Abyss took a sip, then asked, “This does taste like nectar. If it’s truly from the sacred tree… how did you acquire it?”
Flora smiled sweetly. “I spoke with the person in charge of supplies and requested some. They keep it frozen in a tree hollow. It wasn’t difficult. Don’t worry. Try it. I had the privilege of tasting it once before, during my time at the Church.” She added the last part through their telepathic link.
“It’s said to be one of the most exquisite beverages on the continent, its sweetness lingering for weeks, its effects beneficial to the body. It seems the rumors are true,” Rebecca said, after taking a sip, raising an eyebrow. “Flora, your charm is truly remarkable. How did you acquire such a rare and valuable treat so easily?”
“It’s nothing, really,” Flora said, blushing at her praise. “Communicating with people is a skill required of Saints. It’s nothing special…”
“Flora, thank you for this delicious drink. And it seems your thoughtfulness has had a positive effect,” Abyss said, smiling, gesturing towards the other Druids.
Their expressions had softened, their initial hostility replaced by a grudging respect. They were still envious of Abyss, who had such a beautiful and kind companion, but their desire to see him fail had diminished.
The demonstration continued. The Druid who had created the monstrous morning glory dismissed it, the creature burrowing into the ground and dissolving into nutrients.
These high-ranking Druids all possessed unique abilities. Although they weren’t warriors, they had some combat skills for self-defense. Their true expertise, however, was in protecting the environment. Abyss, using Leona’s enhanced hearing, memorized their incantations, every word, every inflection.
They showcased their various skills: transforming into bears, digesting their food into potent fertilizer; solidifying sand dunes, preventing erosion; creating nutrient-rich rain that strengthened animals’ fur and prevented skin diseases. Their magic, although seemingly trivial, had practical applications.
Abyss had no doubt that together, these Druids could transform a barren wasteland into a thriving ecosystem. The Druid council, by bringing them together, had inadvertently created a powerful force for good.
Abyss watched their demonstrations, occasionally applauding, his mind absorbing their spells, both the grand displays and the subtle cantrips, quickly mastering them.
And not just mastering them, but also analyzing and deconstructing them, combining and modifying them. He had become a Druid, in all but name.
He had once tried to learn from a deceased Druid, who had refused his offer of resurrection, but now, these high-ranking Druids were willingly sharing their knowledge. It was a free crash course in Druidic magic.
“Well, our penultimate participant has finished his demonstration. Now it’s your turn,” the old elf who had organized the gathering said, turning to Abyss.
Abyss pointed at himself. “Me?”
“Yes, you. Show us your most impressive skill,” the elf said, his gaze fixed on Abyss, curious about his supposed “genius.”
“My skill…? I’ve already demonstrated it. Did you notice?” Abyss asked, smiling. “It’s quite obvious, if you pay attention.”
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