World Seedling {Book One}

He stood there, watching as the pulsing current of mana gradually faded from view, its soft blue glow dimming until it disappeared entirely. The new skill he had gained from the book had either switched off or drained the last of his mana—likely the reason for the sudden, pounding headache that now throbbed in his temples. The lingering effects of the spell made his head feel heavy, like a weight pressing down on his thoughts.

Rubbing his temples in an attempt to ease the discomfort, he was suddenly interrupted by a soft, melodic chime. The sound was almost soothing, a stark contrast to the throbbing in his skull. Looking up, he noticed a new window blinking in the corner of his vision, its light pulsing gently as if waiting for his attention.

Bonus Rewards Generated: Teleportation Sigil Stone, Ancient Seed Packet, Upgrade Token

Noah felt a subtle rumble beneath his feet, a faint tremor that sent a shiver up his spine, as if the earth itself was holding its breath. He turned slowly, and his breath caught in his throat. The dungeon core was hovering just a foot and a half off the ground, its surface pulsing with a soft, ethereal glow that seemed to illuminate the air around it with a surreal, otherworldly light.

Drawn to it, Noah approached cautiously, each step measured, as if moving too quickly might break the delicate balance of energy surrounding the core. The air around him felt thick, charged with a sense of latent power that made the hairs on his arms stand on end. Kneeling down, he hesitated for a moment before reaching out, his hand trembling slightly as he gently grasped the core. The instant his fingers made contact, he felt its energy thrumming beneath his fingertips, a steady pulse that resonated deep within him, as if the core itself was alive, aware of his presence.

Dungeon Trial {Level Two}

- Level Required: 5 -

Rewards: Unknown

Noah noticed several pouches of seeds scattered around him, their contents spilling slightly onto the ground. Puzzled as to why they hadn't automatically gone into his inventory, he quickly opened it up. The reason became clear: all 15 slots were already occupied—filled with various seed pouches, the new waterskin, and the two upgrade tokens he had just acquired.

"That explains the mess around me," he muttered to himself, a hint of amusement in his voice. Reaching into his inventory, he carefully grabbed one of the shimmering upgrade tokens, its smooth surface cool against his skin.

As he held it, a familiar chime echoed in his mind, and a new window materialized before him, hovering in the air with a soft glow.

“Welcome to the World Seed Upgrade Window, User Noah,” a cheerful female voice chimed, her tone so sweet it almost seemed too perfect, as if rehearsed to put him at ease.

Noah blinked, momentarily taken aback by the unexpected friendliness. Before he could collect his thoughts, the voice continued with a note of excitement. “I see you have two Upgrade Tokens currently—congratulations on earning them!” She paused briefly, as though letting the praise linger in the air, before resuming with a buoyant tone. “Here you go! These are all the upgrades you can purchase so far.”

Noah barely had time to brace himself before a dazzling array of options exploded across his vision. Hundreds of thousands of items, each glowing with a different vibrant hue, cascaded down in an overwhelming torrent. Icons floated past in a blur, some spinning gently, while others pulsed with light. Some were represented by elegant text, shimmering with potential. The sheer volume was dizzying, a relentless stream of choices that seemed to stretch into infinity. The page counter at the bottom of the display spiraled upward, ticking past 1, then ballooning into the billions.

“Stop!” Noah’s voice cracked with urgency, his temples throbbing as the pounding in his head intensified, each beat driving like an ice pick through his skull.

The list halted abruptly, freezing mid-scroll. The once blinding cascade of options now hung suspended in the air, each item shimmering like a forgotten star in the night sky. “What’s wrong, Noah?” Nova’s voice, once bright and cheerful, softened to a gentle murmur. Concern laced her words as if she could feel the strain that had settled into Noah’s mind.

Noah winced, the pressure in his skull pulsing like a second heartbeat. “I don’t need a list this long,” he muttered, his fingers massaging his temples in slow, deliberate circles. The throb of his headache was relentless, a reminder of his depleted mana. “Just show me what you recommend I need right now, please... Miss System?”

For a moment, the world around him seemed to hold its breath. The silence was thick, heavy, yet not uncomfortable—more like the pause before the first notes of a melody. When Nova’s voice returned, it was laced with playful warmth, a subtle hint of amusement that made the corners of Noah’s mouth twitch in response. “Oh, sorry about that, Noah! And please, call me Nova.”

The tension that had been coiling in Noah’s chest began to unwind, the sharp edges of his headache blurring into a dull ache. The sprawling, overwhelming list of items dissolved like mist in the morning sun, replaced by a single page. Ten neatly arranged options materialized before him, each icon glowing with a soft, inviting light that seemed to pulse in time with his heartbeat.

The items floated in the air, their forms sharp and clear. Each one was meticulously detailed: some appeared as small, glowing crystals; others were represented by intricately designed symbols, each radiating a specific aura. Beneath each icon, brief descriptions shimmered into existence, written in elegant script that was both easy to read and oddly comforting.

“I’ve shortened the list to ten items you may need right now,” Nova explained, her tone slipping into a more professional cadence, though still retaining that undercurrent of warmth. “The first five are essential, while the last five are useful but can wait.”

Noah’s eyes scanned the list, his gaze drawn to each item as if by instinct. The icons seemed to beckon to him, their light subtle but persuasive. There was a sense of order to the list, a deliberate design that suggested Nova had carefully curated these options with his immediate needs in mind. He could almost feel her presence, not just as a voice in his head, but as a guiding hand, steady and reassuring.

He couldn’t help but marvel at the thoughtfulness behind the selection. Each choice resonated with him on a level that went beyond mere utility—there was an emotional weight to them, as if Nova had somehow understood the complexities of his situation, his worries, and his hopes.

As he studied the items

Mana Pool Expansion I

Description: Increases Noah’s mana capacity by 20%.

Benefit: Allows The User to use more powerful abilities and sustain them longer.

Fertile Soil Enhancement

Description: Enriches the soil in the surrounding area, increasing the growth rate and yield of all plants by 30%.

Benefit: Boosts the productivity of the land, ensuring more resources from crops and plants.

Elemental Harmony

Description: Balances the elemental energies in the region, reducing the occurrence of natural disasters and making the environment more stable.

Benefit: Creates a safer and more predictable environment for exploration and development.

Seed Identification

Description: Instantly identify any seed's properties without using the Analyse skill.

Benefit: Speeds up the process of managing and utilizing seeds effectively.

Mana Regeneration Boost I

Description: Increases mana regeneration by 15%.

Benefit: Faster recovery after using abilities or spells.

Mystic Waterfall

Description: Creates a waterfall imbued with healing properties, capable of restoring health and mana to those who bathe in its waters.

Benefit: Provides a natural source of healing and regeneration for Noah and any allies.

Storage Expansion

Description: Adds five additional slots to Noah’s inventory.

Benefit: Allows Noah to carry more items and seeds.

Elemental Affinity: Earth

Description: Boosts the effectiveness of earth-based plants and spells.

Benefit: Enhances the growth and power of earth-element seeds and plants.

Ley Line Connection

Description: Taps into the natural ley lines of the world, increasing the flow of magical energy in the area. This enhances all magical activities and boosts the power of any nearby magical structures.

Benefit: Amplifies the effectiveness of magical abilities and structures, making the area a hub of magical power.

Teleportation Anchor

Description: Allows Noah to set a teleportation anchor point to return to instantly.

Benefit: Provides a quick escape or return option in dangerous situations.

“I will purchase the Inventory Expansion, please,” Noah said, folding his arms as he made his decision. His voice carried a note of finality, a resolve that seemed to resonate with the interface itself.

“Good choice, Noah!” Nova’s voice chimed back, brimming with enthusiasm. “Let me pull up all the available upgrade options for your current level of inventory.” She began to hum a merry tune, the melody light and cheerful, almost as if she was sharing in his excitement.

Within moments, a new window materialized before Noah, the display flickering softly before settling into clarity. A neatly arranged list of inventory upgrades filled the screen, each option accompanied by a succinct yet informative description. The items ranged from basic expansions—simple additions of a few extra slots—to more sophisticated enhancements that boasted features like item categorization, automatic sorting, and even quick-access hotkeys.

Noah’s eyes traced the list, taking in the details of each upgrade. The descriptions were clear and precise, the icons intuitive and easy to understand. One of the upgrades even offered a visual map of his inventory, allowing for drag-and-drop organization, while another suggested a smart search function, enabling him to locate any item with a simple thought.

As the list continued to load, Nova’s humming grew louder, her tune becoming more playful. Her enthusiasm was almost contagious, making Noah’s earlier weariness seem like a distant memory. He couldn’t help but smile at her energy.

“Take your time, Noah,” Nova encouraged, her tone gentle yet infused with a lively spirit. “There’s no rush! Each option has its own benefits, so choose the one that best suits your needs right now.”

Noah felt a slight pulse in his hand—the token. He glanced down, noticing a faint glow emanating from his palm, as if the token was eager to fulfill its purpose. With a determined nod, he focused on the screen, weighing the options carefully.

Basic Inventory Slot Expansion

Description: Adds 10 additional inventory slots.

Benefits: A straightforward increase in space, ideal for holding more items.

Cost: 1 Upgrade Token

Advanced Slot Expansion

Description: Adds 25 additional inventory slots.

Benefits: A larger increase in inventory capacity, perfect for those who need more space for various items

Cost: 2 Upgrade Tokens

Stack Size Increase

Description: Increases the stack size of similar items by 100%.

Benefits: Maximizes space efficiency by allowing more items of the same type to occupy a single slot.

Cost: 1 Upgrade Token

Seed Inventory

Description: Unlock a dedicated Seed Inventory section within your inventory system, optimized for managing and organizing your seed collection. This upgrade is perfect for a gardener like Noah, providing enhanced features to ensure your seeds are always in prime condition and easy to access.

Cost: 1 Upgrade Token

Inventory Recall

Allows you to instantly recall your inventory to its state from 5 minutes ago, useful if you accidentally discard or use an item.

Cost: 1 Upgrade Token

Noah examined his current options, his eyes lingering on one that seemed almost too good to be true: the Seed Inventory. It was the only upgrade that truly stood out, promising something more than just a simple enhancement.

“Nova,” he called out, pausing for a moment before continuing, “what can you tell me about the Seed Inventory?”

Nova's voice chimed in cheerfully. “Certainly, Noah! The Seed Inventory is designed to enhance your efficiency and management of all the seeds you acquire. Here’s what you need to know: it will automatically categorize and store any seeds you collect, freeing up your main inventory space and allowing you to manage your resources more effectively. Additionally, it provides detailed information about each seed, including growth conditions, potential yields, and even magical properties.”

Noah considered this for a moment, weighing the benefits. The upgrade seemed tailored to his current needs, offering both convenience and a deeper understanding of his resources. The promise of greater efficiency and ease resonated with him, appealing to his growing ambitions.

After a moment of deliberation, Noah made his decision. His thumb hovered over the icon, and with a deliberate motion, he confirmed the purchase.

As soon as the transaction was complete, the token in his hand crumbled to dust, the particles dissipating into the air like whispers of magic. The screen flickered briefly before stabilizing, a soft chime signaling the successful upgrade.

“There you go!” Nova’s voice was almost giddy with excitement. “Your inventory has been upgraded! You should notice the new features immediately.”

Noah nodded, already feeling a subtle shift in the interface. The inventory screen appeared more refined, with additional slots seamlessly integrated. A new tab labeled "Seed Inventory" caught his attention, promising organized and detailed management. The system's efficiency was palpable, responding to his thoughts with a newfound fluidity that made navigation effortless.

“Thanks, Nova,” Noah said, a sense of satisfaction settling in his chest.

“Anytime, Noah! I’m here whenever you need me.” Nova’s voice was warm, almost comforting. “Enjoy your upgraded inventory!”

Feeling accomplished, Noah navigated through the new features, his curiosity piqued by the possibilities the Seed Inventory held. With a single thought, he activated the tab, eager to explore the enhancements and see how they would streamline his efforts. The new Seed Inventory tab was neatly integrated, allowing him to view and organize his seeds with ease. His general inventory remained unchanged, but now he had a dedicated section for seeds, providing a clearer and more organized system.

“Is there anything else I can assist you with today?” Nova asked, her voice warm and inviting.

“No, I’ll ask for some help later, but how do I talk to you again?” Noah inquired.

“Whenever you need assistance, simply say ‘Nova’ in the ‘System’ upgrade menu,” Nova responded. “I’ll be here to help you with any queries or tasks you have. Have a great day, Noah!”

With that, the interface closed, leaving Noah with his newly upgraded inventory and the Seed Inventory tab.

Clicking the new tab, Noah saw that all his seeds from the original inventory were now neatly organized inside the Seed Inventory. Each seed was displayed with its name, rarity, and a brief description. The layout was intuitive, making it easy to navigate and manage his collection.

Noah marveled at the efficiency of the new system. Gone were the days of sifting through his general inventory to find specific seeds. Everything was now accessible at a glance, with options to sort and categorize further if needed. He noticed additional features such as filtering by seed type or rarity and a search function to quickly locate any seed. The enhanced organization brought a sense of satisfaction and relief, knowing that his inventory management had just become significantly easier.

Satisfied with his upgrade, Noah carefully placed the remaining seeds on the ground into his Seed Inventory. The seeds were swiftly and seamlessly absorbed into their designated slots.

Turning his attention to the dungeon core still floating a foot and a half above the ground, Noah approached it with a sense of curiosity and anticipation. The core’s faint, pulsating glow seemed to resonate with the surrounding mana, casting subtle reflections on the walls and floor.

He reached out and carefully picked up the dungeon core, placing it gently inside his Inventory for safekeeping. With a determined stride, Noah began walking back towards his car.

After some time, Noah finally reached his vehicle. Wiping the sweat from his brow, he unlocked the car and was immediately hit by a blast of hot air. He quickly inserted the key into the ignition and turned the car on, cranking the air conditioning to its maximum setting.

As the icy air began to circulate through the cabin, he left the door open for a few minutes to help the interior cool down faster. Once the car felt comfortable, he got in, closed the door, and let the cool air soothe his overheated skin.

Checking his phone, Noah saw that it was 10:45 AM. As he scrolled through his notifications, a reminder flashed on the screen: [Visit Mum]. He sighed, realizing he needed to head home, take a shower, and check on the world seed—though he wasn’t quite sure in which order to tackle these tasks.

With a determined nod, Noah turned his car around and merged onto the main road, heading toward home. When he pulled into the driveway, he turned off the car, locked the door, and then unlocked the front door to his house. As he stepped inside, he was met with the warm, muggy air that had settled in, contrasting sharply with the cool relief of the car's interior.

Walking over to the sliding door, Noah glanced out at the backyard. There, standing proudly in the sunshine, was the seedling, its tiny leaves fluttering merrily in the breeze. The sight brought a smile to his face.

"I hope you didn’t miss me too much," Noah said with a grin, watching as the seedling swayed gently, as if acknowledging his presence.

“I’m going up to the water source to see if I can upgrade it. I’ll be back soon,” he added, turning away from the seedling and heading towards the water puddle. The puddle had been set up to support the world seed and his Earth Shaker seedlings.

After a few minutes of walking around the hill, Noah reached the area where he had dug the hand-dug channel a day ago. The small stream of water trickling through the channel was a comforting sight. He opened his interface screen, revealing a new tab labeled “Upgrade.”

With a thoughtful expression, he called out, “Nova,” and was immediately greeted by a beep, followed by a woman’s giggle.

“Got to say, Noah, you didn’t mess around!” Nova’s voice chimed, warm and amused. “Are you here for an upgrade, orrr…” Her tone trailed off suddenly, and she gasped. “WHERE DID YOU GET A WORLD SEED FROM?”

“WHERE DID YOU GET A WORLD SEED FROM?” she screamed out.

Noah flinched at Nova’s sudden outburst, nearly closing the interface screen in surprise. “Whoa, whoa, calm down!” he said, trying to soothe her.

“Noah, you have a World Seed!” Nova’s voice was filled with both excitement and concern. “How can I not be calm? Do you have any idea how incredibly rare and powerful a World Seed can be?” She paused for a moment, her tone growing more serious. “It’s not just something that appears—it's the foundation of entire ecosystems, capable of shaping and transforming the environment around it. You could practically create a new world with this, or even restore a world that’s been ravaged by darkness or devastation.”

Noah looked down at the seedling in his yard, his eyes widening as he absorbed the gravity of Nova’s words. “I had no idea,” he whispered, the enormity of his discovery beginning to sink in. “So… what should I do with it?”

Nova took a moment to compose herself before responding, her voice was steady with a hint of seriousness in it. “You’ll need to nurture it carefully. The World Seed has the potential to influence not just the land, but the very magic in the air. I’ll assist you in unlocking its potential, but be aware—every choice you make will have a lasting impact.”

Noah took a deep breath, the reality of the situation settling in. “Alright, Nova. Let’s make sure I don’t mess this up. Tell me where to start,” he said, waiting as she paused.

“I can’t assist you from here,” Nova continued with a sigh, “and since you have a World Seed growing, there are things you’re able to claim for free.” A new window appeared beside the text with Nova.

One Time Claimed Gift Of 50 Tokens

From System Adaim

“Now, I need you to listen very carefully to what’s going to happen next. This is a one-time opportunity that rarely occurs. For someone to guide the growth of a World Tree is almost unheard of.” Her voice grew more serious. “I’m going to make a suggestion that will allow me to help you in person. You’ll had received a system window asking if you’d like me to come to your world. If you accept, not only will I be able to guide you more effectively, but I will also become a permanent resident of your world.”

Noah’s eyes widened as he absorbed Nova’s words. The gravity of the situation became clearer with every sentence she spoke. “You mean… you could actually come here? Like, physically?” he asked, a mixture of curiosity and caution in his voice.

“Yes,” Nova replied, her tone soft but firm. “In essence, I would manifest in your world. My presence would be tied to the World Seed and your world for at least two centuries, and I will guide you directly, rather than just through the interface. But remember, this is a one-time offer. If you decline, I won’t be able to offer this again.”

Noah felt the weight of the decision settling heavily on his shoulders. Having Nova physically present could be a significant advantage, especially with something as unpredictable as a World Seed. It would mean having a knowledgeable guide by his side, someone who could offer real-time assistance and insights. However, it also meant introducing a new and unknown element into his life—someone who, until now, had only existed as a voice in his head.

As he mulled over the implications, a system window materialized before him, displaying the prompt Nova had mentioned:

System Prompt:

Would you like to allow Nova to manifest in your world and become a permanent resident? This will grant you direct guidance and support in managing the World Seed, but remember, this is a one-time opportunity.

Yes?/No?

Noah's fingers hovered over the options, his mind racing through the potential outcomes.

He could feel the anticipation in the air, and there was a certain tension in Nova’s voice as she awaited his response. Noah took a deep breath, his finger hovering over the options.

“You said this is rare—almost unheard of,” Noah murmured, thinking aloud. “And it could help the World Seed grow properly?”

“Yes,” Nova confirmed. “I would be able to help you guide the growth, manage the magical energies, and ensure the World Seed reaches its full potential. But the choice is yours, Noah. I won’t pressure you. Just know that whatever you decide, I’ll support you in the best way I can.”

Noah hesitated for just a moment longer, the weight of the decision pressing on him. The promise of having Nova's expertise and guidance was too significant to ignore, especially with the potential impact of the World Seed.

With a determined look, he tapped the screen.

“Yes.”