Chapter 194: The spirit plant Hunt

Cap Forest Mushroom

Description:

A common forest mushroom that has absorbed a small amount of Aether from its surroundings. The absorbed energy has altered its nutritional value and improved its taste, making it more nourishing than an ordinary mushroom. It is safe for ordinary humans to consume after proper cooking.

Leo read the text. The mushroom wasn’t a powerful, evolved plant, just a normal food source given a minor boost from the Aether. Still, in their current world, any extra nutrition was a welcome find.

Atlas leaned over his shoulder and pointed at the cap.

"Big Brother..." he said. "Can we eat it?"

Leo looked at him with a faint smile. "Yes. But not now." He handed the encyclopedia to the boy. "Hold this for me."

Atlas took the book, studying the words on the page with great curiosity. While he was distracted, Leo opened his Void Pocket and pulled out the Beginner’s Guide to Growing Spirit Plants. He flipped to the harvesting section. Since he had entered the forest to find additions for his Spirit Garden, he had no intention of leaving the mushroom behind.

Method memorized, Leo drew a small kunai-shaped knife from his vest pocket and crouched. He loosened the soil around the roots, taking his time to avoid damaging the plant. Once the dirt was cleared, he coaxed the mushroom free. The roots came out intact. Satisfied, he dropped his prize into the Herb Gatherer’s Basket.

Atlas remained absorbed in the encyclopedia until Leo stood up.

"Let’s go."

The boy snapped out of his trance. "Big Brother..." He looked at the heavy book in his hands. "Will the magic happen if I use this book?"

Leo smiled. "Yes."

Atlas’s eyes widened with excitement. "Then can I try?"

"Sure."

Atlas darted toward the nearest patch of vegetation and hovered the encyclopedia over a leafy stem. Nothing happened. He moved to another, then another, dragging the book over grass, weeds, and random shrubs. The pages stayed still. His initial excitement began to fade.

Leo hurried after him. "Hey, don’t run around. Slow down."

Atlas came to a halt, looking downcast. "Big Brother... Why doesn’t the magic happen?"

Leo shook his head. "It doesn’t work that way."

Setting the Herb Gatherer’s Basket on the ground, Leo pulled out the mushroom and dangled it in front of the boy. "It only works when you find a plant like this."

Atlas stared at the mushroom, inspecting it closely. A second later, his nose twitched. He leaned in, took a sniff, and his expression shifted.

"Ah..." Atlas turned around.

Leo raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"

Without answering, Atlas started walking forward. He sniffed the air again, seemingly tracking a scent Leo couldn’t catch.

Leo tossed the mushroom back into the basket and jogged after him. "Hey, wait for me!"

Atlas picked up his pace, letting the scent guide him. He paused, his eyes brightening, and stopped in front of a small white flower hidden in the grass. It looked so ordinary that Leo would have passed right by it.

Crouching, Atlas held the encyclopedia over the delicate petals.

This time, the book reacted.

The pages flipped on their own—a rapid blur of paper—before snapping to a halt. An illustration of the white flower appeared on the page, followed by several lines of text.

Moon Dew Flower

Description:

A small forest flower that absorbs moisture and traces of Aether from the surrounding soil and air.

Its petals contain a mild cleansing property. When properly prepared, they can be used to make a simple herbal tea that helps reduce fatigue and soothe minor stomach discomfort.

The flower is not particularly valuable, but it can be cultivated in Aether-rich soil and is useful as a basic medicinal plant.

Leo stepped up behind him and read the description. A spark of interest flashed in his eyes. It wasn’t extraordinary, but unlike the mushroom, this plant held actual medicinal value. More importantly, it could grow in his Spirit Garden.

He glanced down. Atlas was staring at the flower, practically vibrating with excitement.

"Big Brother... Big Brother , see i can do magic"

Leo smiled. "Yeah. You did. Well done , Good job"

He gave the boy a reassuring pat on the shoulder.

Atlas’s grin widened. "Magic!"

Atlas practically vibrated with excitement, ready to bolt off again. Leo caught his shoulder, holding him in place.

"Wait here for a little bit while I harvest the herbs."

"Ohh."

Atlas let out a soft sound of understanding. He stayed by Leo’s side, watching his older brother gather the Moon Dew Flowers. Leo took his small knife and sliced the stems neat and close, preserving the delicate plants before tucking them into his woven basket.

"Done."

A spark returned to Atlas’s eyes.

"More!"

Before Leo could get a word in, the young man was already back on the hunt. Shaking his head, Leo trailed behind him.

They pushed deeper into the woods. Atlas darted between patches of grass, nose to the air, chasing any faint trace of Aether. He dug up three more herbs in rapid succession. While none held much value—possessing just enough energy to offer minor nutritional or medicinal boosts—Atlas didn’t care. He thrust each meager prize into the air like a grand treasure.

"Big Brother! Look!"

"I found another one!"

Leo examined each plant with a smile, tossing the useful ones into his basket. To Atlas, every weed was a fresh toy, and the thrill of the hunt kept a wide grin on his face. At this rate, the young man would care more about botany than fighting.

As they walked, the towering trees grew thicker, their sprawling branches blocking out most of the afternoon sun. Shadows stretched across the forest floor.

Without warning, Atlas halted. His nose scrunched.

"Hmm..."

He drew in a long breath, and his eyes widened.

"Smells so delicious."

Leo tensed, his hand dropping to rest on his knife.

"What did you find?"

Atlas gave no answer. He drifted forward, tracing the invisible aroma through the thicket. Leo matched his pace.

The trail ended at the base of a massive tree. Its sprawling trunk was wide enough that half a dozen men linking hands couldn’t wrap around it. Atlas stared at the rough bark, then glanced at the surrounding bushes, his brow furrowing.

Leo stepped up behind him and scanned the clearing. Nothing seemed out of place. The tree held no strange fruits, no glowing moss, and no lingering hum of Aether.

Atlas scratched his head.

"The scent disappeared." He inhaled deep. "I’m sure it was coming from here."

Leo narrowed his eyes. A cold prickle of unease washed over him. He swept his gaze across the thick canopy overhead, catching a blur of motion.

"Atlas, watch out!"

Atlas spun around.

"What?"

A massive shadow plummeted from the branches.

WHOOSH!