The sun hadn't fully risen over the horizon yet, but Han couldn't stay in bed any longer. His heart was pounding against his ribs like a trapped bird. Ever since he planted the Heavenly Dew Vine, his dreams had been filled with the scent of fresh rain and the sound of growing leaves.
He rushed out of his small hut and ran toward the back of the field. The air was cool and misty, but as he approached the specific spot, he saw something that made him stop dead in his tracks.
It's glowing... it's actually glowing, he whispered, his breath hitching.
A soft, ethereal blue light was pulsing from the dark soil. It wasn't just one spot anymore; small, vibrant green sprouts were pushing through the earth in a perfect circle. They didn't look like ordinary potato or jute sprouts. They looked like they were carved from pure emeralds, shimmering with a life of theirown.
Suddenly, a strange sensation washed over him. It felt like a warm wave of electricity passing through his skin.
[System Notification: Spiritual Connection Established]
[New Skill Unlocked: Plant Whisperer (Level 1)]
As soon as the blue screen faded, a chorus of faint, fragile voices echoed directly inside Han's mind.
"Master... so hungry..."
"Master... the earth is dry... we need the life-water..."
Han spun around, his eyes wide with shock. Is someone there? he thought, looking toward the nearby trees. But the field was empty. Then, he looked down at the tiny emerald sprouts. They were swaying slightly, even though there was no wind.
Are the plants... talking to me? He knelt down, his fingers trembling. He reached out to touch the closest sprout. The moment his skin made contact, a surge of information flooded his brain. He could feel their thirst, their tiny roots searching for nutrients, and their absolute loyalty to him.
[Quest Update: First Irrigation]
[Task: Feed the Heavenly Sprouts with Mana-Infused Water]
[Reward: 50 Experience Points & Faster Growth Rate]
Han realized he couldn't just use regular pond water. He needed to focus his intent. He closed his eyes, imagining the energy from his core flowing down to his palms. He cupped some water from his bucket and let his energy seep into it before pouring it gently over the sprouts.
As the water touched the soil, the sprouts let out a collective sigh of relief that Han felt in his very soul.
Thank you, Master..." the voices whispered in unison.
Han smiled, a sense of pride swelling in his chest. He wasn't just a farmer anymore; he was a Beast Master of the Soil. But as he stood up, he noticed a shadow moving at the edge of his field. Someone—or something—was watching his glowing crops from the darkness of the forest.
**Stay tuned for Chapter 5!**