World Seedling {Book One} #Chapter Eleven: Race for the Crystals - Read World Seedling {Book One} Chapter Eleven: Race for the Crystals Online - All Page

Chapter Eleven: Race for the Crystals

Noah and Nova wandered through the picturesque streets of Coolabah Springs, where the warm glow of the afternoon sun filtered through the canopy of eucalyptus trees, casting dappled patterns of light and shadow on the cobblestone pathways. The town exuded a serene charm, with old-fashioned lampposts and flower-lined sidewalks that stood in stark contrast to the turmoil simmering inside Noah. He walked with his hands shoved deep into his pockets, his gaze distant and unfocused, while Nova's eyes darted around with curiosity, soaking in every detail of this new world.

Every now and then, Nova would ask a question, her voice light and inquisitive, eager to learn more about the place she found herself in. But Noah’s responses were clipped and cautious, revealing little. The weight of his past clung to him like a shadow, and he wasn’t ready to share that burden. Still, he found comfort in her presence; it was a quiet solace he hadn’t realized he needed, a balm for his unsettled thoughts.

As they walked past quaint shops and charming bakeries, the mingling scent of fresh bread and blooming jasmine in the air, Noah finally spoke. His voice was low, almost swallowed by the ambient noise of the street. "I don’t remember much about my father. The fire… that's what stands out most." His tone was hollow, heavy with words he hadn’t spoken in years. "It was late at night. My mother’s screams woke me up. I remember the sound so vividly—it cut through the air like a knife. My sister… she was just three, still asleep in her bed."

His hand moved instinctively to his right arm, tracing the edges of an old burn scar that seemed to pulse with a dull throb, as if reminding him of the past. "I got to her, somehow, and we tried to make our way downstairs," he continued, his voice tight and strained. "But the flames were… everywhere. It was like the whole world was on fire. I tried to shield her as best I could, but I ended up taking the worst of it."

Noah’s eyes grew distant, the vibrant blue dimming with the memories that crowded his mind. “And then… I saw him. Something that looked like my father but twisted, distorted. One side of his face… it was all flames, like he was burning from the inside out. He screamed at me, a sound that wasn’t human. I… I don’t know how, but I was thrown clear, out into the backyard, covered in blood and ash.”

He paused, his breath hitching slightly, a thin sheen of sweat forming on his forehead. His arm ached, the old wound flaring up as if the pain was fresh again, clawing its way back to the surface. His haunted expression betrayed the struggle within, the anguish of reliving the nightmare that had marked him forever.

Nova remained silent, her gaze steady and filled with empathy. She didn’t press him for more, sensing the raw edge of his pain. Instead, she reached out and placed a gentle hand on his shoulder, grounding him in the present. Noah blinked, swallowing hard, and tried to steady his breathing, grateful for her quiet presence.

"I’m sorry," he finally muttered, his voice barely more than a whisper. "I didn’t mean to dump all that on you…"

Nova shook her head softly. "You don’t have to apologize," she replied, her voice calm and sincere. "Sometimes, just sharing it, even a little, can help lighten the burden."

Noah nodded, feeling the tension in his chest ease just a fraction. Maybe, he thought, maybe it did.

They found a small bench by the side of the cobblestone street, surrounded by the town’s quiet, almost surreal beauty. It felt strange to sit in such a calm place while his thoughts were in such turmoil.

Noah sank onto the bench, the sounds of the town—a distant conversation, the rustling of leaves—seeming faint and far away, unable to drown out the chaos inside his head.

Nova didn’t say anything for a while, just sat beside him, offering a supportive silence. It was a strange kind of comfort, one he wasn’t used to. People usually kept their distance during times like these, not wanting to be burdened by someone else’s pain. Only Dorian, his best friend, had been there in a way that truly comforted him. But Dorian had gone missing a few months ago, leaving a void that Noah still felt deeply. Today, though, he found it oddly soothing to have Nova there, someone who seemed to calm the storm within him.

Finally, Nova spoke, her voice gentle yet firm. “Noah, I can’t even begin to imagine what you’ve been through at such a young age. But you’re not alone in this. Sometimes, sharing what happened can help make a difference, even if it’s just a little.” She smiled at him, lightly gripping his hand.

He looked up at her, his face flushing slightly, feeling a flicker of gratitude. His throat felt tight and dry, and he ran a hand through his long, unkempt hair, trying to steady his breathing. Nova’s words were like a balm to his raw emotions, though he wasn’t sure he was ready to fully let his guard down.

“I’ve never talked about this before, not really—only to a psychologist and my friend,” he admitted, his voice rough and uneven. “I’ve always tried to push it down, to keep it from coming back. But it feels like… it’s always lurking, ready to surface.” His throat tightened again as he spoke.

Nova sat beside him, her presence unwavering and steady. “It’s okay to feel that way. And it’s okay to let those feelings out.”

Her sincerity brought him a small sense of relief. He took a deep breath, letting it wash over him. Maybe she was right. Maybe confronting these memories was the only way to start healing. He looked at Nova, her earnest gaze giving him a glimmer of hope.

“I guess I’ve been so focused on moving forward that I didn’t realize how much I was holding onto,” Noah said, managing a small, appreciative smile. “Maybe I need to face these memories, not just keep pushing them away.”

Nova nodded, her expression encouraging. “Facing them doesn’t mean you have to do it all at once. It’s a process. And you don’t have to do it alone.”

"Look at that," Nova said, her finger tapping lightly against a paper tacked to a wooden post. The flyer was faded, the edges curling, but the bold black letters were still clear: "Town Meeting Today - All Welcome!"

Noah’s stomach tightened at the sight. “Town meeting today,” he muttered, glancing at the watch strapped to his wrist. “It’s about to start. Maybe we shouldn’t—”

Before he could finish, Nova grabbed his hand and pulled him up with a grin. “Oh, let’s go! I’m interested to see what they’ll say.”

He allowed himself a small smile at her enthusiasm, despite the unease gnawing at him. He followed her, feeling her energy almost pulling him along as they made their way toward the town hall—the only building that seemed untouched by the wear and tear that had claimed the rest of the town.

As they approached, Noah noticed how out of place the town hall appeared amid the dilapidated structures surrounding it. Its facade gleamed in the fading sunlight; the windows were clear and polished, and the old brick walls seemed freshly reinforced. The closer they got, the more obvious it became that this building had been maintained, possibly even restored, while the rest of the town languished in neglect and decay.

A small crowd had gathered outside, their voices merging into a low murmur that filled the air with a nervous energy. Noah exchanged wary glances with a few townsfolk he vaguely recognized, their expressions a mix of worry and hope. The tension was palpable, like a taut string ready to snap, and it sent a shiver down his spine.

Noah and Nova slipped inside just as the heavy wooden doors creaked open, their hinges groaning with effort. The interior was dimly lit, the light from a few sparse lamps flickering against the walls, casting shadows that danced like ghosts in the corners. Rows of wooden benches lined the room, all facing a raised platform at the far end, where a solitary podium stood beneath the glow of a single hanging bulb.

They found seats near the back, blending into the shadows. Noah’s eyes scanned the room, taking in the faces around him. Some looked anxious, others resolute, but all were clearly here for something important, something that carried weight.

An older man, with silver hair neatly combed and a face etched with lines of authority and wear, stepped up to the podium. He tapped the microphone, causing a sharp screech that made everyone wince. Then, he began to speak, his voice carrying a note of gravity that silenced the remaining murmurs.

“Thank you all for coming,” he said, his tone somber, the lines on his face deepening with each word. “As many of you know, our town has faced its share of difficulties lately.” He paused, letting his words settle over the crowd like a heavy fog.

“The water pump is nearly beyond repair,” he continued, and immediately, a wave of frustrated whispers rippled through the room. He raised a hand, calling for silence. “We need new parts or, more likely, a new pump altogether. And that’s going to require funding or donations.”

Noah felt a familiar frustration rising within him. This wasn’t new. The town had been grappling with its water supply for months, maybe years. He’d heard it all before—the pleas for help, the barely concealed desperation.

The man’s voice grew sharper, almost defiant, as if sensing the crowd's impatience. “We will search for water beneath the land,” he announced, his voice suddenly tinged with enthusiasm. A murmur of approval swept through the crowd, but all Noah could hear was the thundering of his heartbeat in his ears.

His fists clenched, nails biting into his palms. Something felt off about this whole situation, like they were being led somewhere they didn’t want to go. The hopeful chatter around him grew louder, merging with the rush of blood in his ears. He sensed there was more to this, something that wasn’t being said.

But I have my own solution, he thought, a reckless idea taking shape in the back of his mind. A huge risk, but maybe… just maybe, it could work.

He glanced at Nova, who was watching him with a mixture of concern and curiosity. Her eyes were sharp, searching his face for a sign of what he was thinking.

“What are you planning?” she whispered, sensing the tension in his posture.

Noah hesitated for a moment, then leaned in closer. “We have a magical puddle of water,” he whispered, watching her eyes widen in surprise.

Nova’s brows shot up, and she leaned in even closer. “You’re planning to upgrade it enough to provide the town with water?” she murmured, realization dawning in her gaze.

He nodded, determination flickering in his eyes. “Yeah, but I don’t know how many upgrade tokens I need.”

“That’s easy,” Nova said, her voice tinged with excitement. “I can look into how many tokens you’ll need.”

“While we’re on the subject,” Noah asked, shifting slightly, “how do I earn upgrade tokens?”

Before Nova could respond, a gruff voice interrupted them. “Ahem,” the older man said, his tone carrying a hint of irritation. “If you both are done talking, we should focus on the matter at hand.”

Noah and Nova exchanged a quick glance, the tension of the moment hanging between them. Noah sighed and straightened up, turning his attention back to the meeting.

The older man’s gaze lingered on them for a moment longer before he cleared his throat and continued. “As I was saying, we’re looking for solutions to our water crisis. If anyone has any suggestions or resources to offer, now is the time to speak up.”

Noah’s mind raced, torn between the urgency of the situation and the potential risks of using the magical puddle. A growing sense of responsibility settled heavily on his shoulders—not just for himself, but for the entire town.

Nova squeezed his hand reassuringly. “We’ll figure it out,” she whispered, her voice firm and supportive. “But for now, let’s see what other ideas come up.”

The room filled with murmurs as people began to share their thoughts and suggestions. The older man listened attentively, nodding occasionally and taking notes.

Noah’s thoughts drifted back to the man’s earlier words. Something about his tone, the almost eager edge, made Noah uneasy. It felt like there was an agenda beneath the surface, something more than just finding a water source.

The meeting continued, with various proposals being discussed, but Noah’s mind kept circling back to the magical puddle. If he could indeed upgrade it to provide water for the town, it would be a significant step forward. But the risks involved were not insignificant. He needed to be cautious and make sure he was making the right choice.

As the meeting drew to a close, the older man addressed the crowd one final time. “Thank you all for your input. We’ll be in touch about the next steps. For now, please consider contributing whatever you can—whether it’s parts, money, or ideas.”

The crowd began to disperse, and Noah and Nova made their way out of the town hall. The cool evening air brushed against Noah’s face like a splash of cold water, and he took a deep breath, trying to clear his thoughts.

Nova looked at him, her expression thoughtful. “So, what’s the plan?” she asked, her tone calm but eager.

Noah rubbed his temples, feeling the weight of the decision pressing on him. “I need to figure out how to upgrade the puddle. If it’s the best solution, then I have to make it work. But I also need to be careful. There’s something about this whole situation that doesn’t sit right with me.”

As they walked away from the town hall, the cool evening air provided a refreshing contrast to the intensity of the meeting. Nova turned to Noah with a determined look. “Alright, let’s talk about those upgrade tokens. They’re essential for enhancing your magical puddle and ensuring it can provide enough water for the town.”

Noah glanced at her, curiosity piqued. “How do we get them?”

Nova took a deep breath, preparing to explain. “Upgrade tokens are usually earned through various means related to magic and the world around us. Here’s a breakdown of how you might be able to acquire them:

Completing Quests or Tasks: Many systems like these have specific tasks or quests that reward you with tokens upon completion. These could be related to helping others, solving problems, or exploring new areas.

Collecting Rare Resources: Sometimes, tokens can be found by gathering rare resources or materials that are valuable in magical processes. These might be found through exploration, trading, or even from certain creatures.

Trade or Purchase: In some cases, tokens can be acquired through trade or purchase. This might involve trading items or resources with others who have them or buying them from a magical shop or vendor.

Achievements and Milestones: Reaching certain achievements or milestones can also grant you tokens. This could be tied to your progress in the story or specific goals you set for yourself.

Special Events or Rewards: Occasionally, special events or rewards are offered for specific actions or during certain times. Keeping an eye out for these opportunities can help you earn tokens.

“Wait, would the point store have some?” Noah asked, his eyes lighting up with sudden realization.

Nova’s expression shifted, and she gave a small nod. “Good thinking, Noah. Yes, the point store often has various items, including upgrade tokens, available for purchase. It depends on what’s currently in stock and how many points you’ve earned so far.”

Noah felt a flicker of hope. “I’ve saved up some points, but I haven’t checked the store in a while. I guess I could see what’s available.”

“Definitely,” Nova agreed. “It’s worth a shot. The point store is unpredictable; sometimes, it offers rare items or resources that can make all the difference. And if upgrade tokens are available, it could save us a lot of time and effort.”

Noah nodded, a sense of urgency propelling him forward. He quickly pulled up the interface in his mind. With a mental command, the familiar screen appeared before him, a faint glow hovering in the air. He navigated to the point store, his heart racing with anticipation. As the store screen loaded, a list of items flickered into view.

Nova leaned over, her gaze fixed on the options. “Let’s see what they’ve got,” she said softly.

Noah’s eyes scanned the items listed, starting from the low-cost options and working his way up. He was about to scroll past a group of intriguing, high-cost items when he paused, spotting something that made him stop in his tracks: upgrade tokens.

Besides the tokens, there were a few other items that made him raise an eyebrow. There were rare artifacts, a few bundles of magical herbs, and even some pieces of enchanted equipment. Noah hesitated, torn between the immediate need for the tokens and the potential value of the other items.

Nova noticed his hesitation and asked, “What’s caught your eye?”

Upgrade Tokens (Tier One) x10 – 10,000 Points

Description: Basic upgrade tokens used for enhancing simple structures, magical features, or abilities. These tokens are suitable for minor upgrades and improvements, such as increasing the efficiency of a water source or reinforcing a small building.

World Seed Enhancement Kit – 15,000 Points

Description: A specialized kit designed to enhance the properties of a World Seed, allowing it to grow faster, yield more resources, or unlock hidden potential.

Growth Points x50 – 5,000 Points

Description: It can be applied directly to World Seed to accelerate its growth and development. Each point adds a small but cumulative boost to the seed's progress.

Basic Survival Pack – 500 Points

Description: A bundle of essential tools and supplies, including food, water, a first aid kit, and basic survival gear. Useful for ensuring safety in harsh environments.

Resource Locator – 2,000 Points

Description: A device that can scan the surrounding area and pinpoint valuable resources, including minerals, water sources, and magical deposits.

Minor Healing Elixir – 1,200 Points

Description: A potion that can heal minor wounds and ailments. Useful for personal use or to help others in need.

Blueprint: Small Shelter – 750 Points

Description: A detailed plan for constructing a small, durable shelter. Includes instructions and a list of required materials.

Mystery Box – 3,000 Points

Description: Contains a random assortment of items, ranging from common tools to rare magical artifacts. The contents are unknown until purchased.

Advanced Irrigation System – 8,500 Points

Description: A highly efficient system designed to maximize water usage and support large-scale farming or garden areas. Ideal for transforming dry land into fertile soil.

Upgrade Tokens (Tier Two) x5 – 20,000 Points

Description: Advanced upgrade tokens capable of significantly enhancing or transforming more complex structures, magical features, or abilities. These tokens are required for major upgrades, such as turning a simple water source into a self-sustaining magical fountain or significantly boosting a magical barrier’s strength.

Noah’s eyes widened as he scrolled through the Point Store. His gaze stopped on a listing: Upgrade Tokens x10 – 10,000 Points. A wave of urgency washed over him as he quickly checked his point balance. His face fell as he realized he was far from reaching that goal.

“I don’t have anywhere near that many points,” he muttered, frustration creeping into his voice. He had only a fraction of what was needed—enough for maybe a single token, but not the bulk he’d hoped for.

Nova leaned in closer, her brow furrowed as she studied the screen. “That’s a steep price,” she acknowledged, her voice softening. “But it’s not impossible. There are ways to earn more points quickly, depending on what tasks or challenges are available. It might take some time, but if we focus on it, we could gather enough points.”

Noah’s eyes shifted to another listing further down the screen. This one was even more shocking: Tier Two Upgrade Tokens x5 – 50,000 Points. His brow furrowed. He had never noticed these before.

“Nova,” he began, still staring at the display, “I never knew there was another type of upgrade token. These Tier Two ones… how many types of upgrade tokens are there?”

Nova smiled knowingly. “Ah, you’ve found the Tier Two tokens. There are actually multiple types, each designed for different levels of enhancement,” she explained, pausing for a moment. “There are three main types of upgrade tokens that I know of. Each type represents a different tier of power and complexity.”

Noah listened intently. “Okay, so what are they?”

Nova held up a finger, beginning with the basics. “First, there are the Tier One Upgrade Tokens. These are the most common—the ones you’ve seen before. They’re good for minor upgrades, like basic improvements to structures or small magical enhancements. They’re relatively cheap in terms of points, but their effects are limited.”

Noah nodded, understanding. “Right, I know those. But what about the Tier Two tokens?”

“The Tier Two Upgrade Tokens,” Nova continued, “are the next level up. They’re designed for more significant enhancements—like turning a small water source into something more substantial or strengthening a protective barrier to withstand much greater force. They’re much rarer and, as you’ve noticed, a lot more expensive. Their impact can be game-changing.”

Noah’s eyes widened slightly. “So, these are meant for bigger projects… That makes sense. And what about the third type?”

Nova’s smile faded slightly, her tone becoming more serious. “The Tier Three Upgrade Tokens are the most powerful of the standard types and the hardest to come by. They are used for major transformations—things that can reshape landscapes, create powerful magical structures, or provide significant boosts to abilities. They’re incredibly rare, and not just anyone can earn them. Often, they require special quests, major accomplishments, or unique events to obtain. Sometimes, they’re not even listed in the Point Store; they have to be unlocked first.”

Noah absorbed this information, his mind racing with possibilities and strategies. “It sounds like we need to focus on earning as many points as we can for now, starting with the Tier One tokens. But it’s good to know there are higher tiers for future reference.”

Nova nodded, her eyes bright with determination. “Exactly. We’ll start with what we can get and work our way up. And who knows? As we tackle challenges and complete quests, we might come across opportunities to earn those higher-tier tokens or discover other valuable resources.”

With their plan of action taking shape, Noah and Nova prepared to dive into the tasks and challenges ahead. The weight of their goal remained heavy, but now they had a clearer path forward and a renewed sense of purpose.

Noah took a deep breath, feeling the weight of Nova's words. “So, the Tier Three tokens are like… endgame items?”

Nova nodded. “Exactly. But there’s more,” she added, a hint of mystery in her voice. “There’s a fourth type—almost mythical. It’s called the God Token, or System Token. It’s beyond rare and is used for upgrades so powerful that they can alter reality itself.”

Noah’s mind raced. “So, these God Tokens—how do you even get one?”

Nova smiled softly. “They’re not something you just find. They usually involve divine intervention, extraordinary feats, or situations that defy the normal rules of the system. They’re so rare that most people go their entire lives without ever seeing one.”

Noah nodded slowly, processing the information. The idea of such powerful upgrades was both daunting and thrilling. With a deep breath, he closed the screen. “Let’s head home, and we’ll see what upgrades I can use on the puddle,” he said, leading the way to his car.

The drive back felt quicker than before, perhaps because his mind was racing with possibilities. Once they arrived, Noah quickly grabbed the bags he had bought and carried them inside. He and Nova then walked up the hill, continuing their lively conversation about various uses of magic.

“It’s too bad you don’t know ice magic,” Noah remarked, watching as Nova used a small orb of wind to keep them cool under the midday sun.

“I can only use wind and a little bit of earth,” Nova replied with a shrug as they reached the rocky hill where the puddle awaited. She seemed unfazed by the climb, her steps light and agile.

Noah chuckled and gestured to the small pool of water. “So, this is the puddle,” he said with a hint of amusement, knowing how modest it looked.

Nova peered at the puddle, her eyes narrowing slightly. “You weren’t kidding about it being a puddle,” she said, sounding mildly surprised. “I was expecting something a bit… bigger.”

Noah grinned and pulled up the upgrade interface on his device, his fingers moving quickly over the controls. “Should I try calling your name and see if it will let you do your thing?” he asked, glancing over at her.

Nova nodded, her expression thoughtful. “Go ahead,” she replied, her tone encouraging.

Noah spoke Nova’s name into the system, his voice steady and clear. They waited a moment, but nothing happened—the system remained unresponsive, as if it hadn’t even registered the command.

Nova frowned slightly, thinking. “Try calling for Alice,” she suggested, her eyes focused intently on the device.

Noah called out Alice’s name, and a soft, melodic voice that only he could hear responded faintly.

“Welcome, Noah. How can I assist you today?” The voice was gentle and reassuring.

“Hi, Alice,” Noah replied, feeling a small sense of relief wash over him. “I’m trying to upgrade a small water puddle. Can you help with that?”

“Of course,” Alice responded. “Please provide me with the details of the upgrade you wish to perform.”

Noah glanced over at Nova, who was watching intently, waiting for him to continue. “We’re thinking of using an upgrade token on this puddle. We need to know how many tokens we might need and what options are available,” he explained.

“Understood,” Alice replied. “I will analyze the current state of the puddle and provide you with the necessary information.”

As they waited for Alice to complete her analysis, Noah and Nova exchanged hopeful glances. The idea of transforming the puddle into a more substantial water source was exciting, though they both knew this was just the start of a much larger challenge.

Alice’s voice interrupted their thoughts with a curious query. “By the way, Noah, how is Nova faring? I’ve noted her presence and just wanted to check in.”

Noah turned to Nova with a slight smile. “She’s doing well. She’s been helping me figure out these upgrades and has been great company.”

Alice’s voice softened with a note of warmth. “I’m glad to hear that. It’s always important to have supportive friends around, especially when dealing with significant tasks like this.”

Nova’s eyebrows lifted in surprise, clearly intrigued by Alice’s sudden interest. “Did Alice just ask about me?”

Noah chuckled and nodded. “Yeah, she did. Seems like she’s interested in how you’re doing.”

Alice continued, “It’s important to understand the dynamics of those assisting with the upgrades. Positive interactions can sometimes influence outcomes in ways that are beneficial.”

Nova laughed lightly. “That’s good to know. I guess even digital assistants have a human touch these days.”

They shared an amused look before turning their focus back to the task at hand. Moments later, Alice’s voice resumed its professional tone. “I have completed the initial analysis of the puddle. To proceed with the upgrade, I will provide a list of tier one upgrade options for you to choose from.”

Increase Water Capacity

Description: Slightly expand the amount of water the puddle can hold.