Chapter 195: Fruit Haul [Bonus] Chapter 195: Fruit Haul Fluxsoil Heart – Low Purple-Tier Treasure A twisted sapling that continuously draws in and releases mana in uneven pulses, often throwing the surrounding area into mild chaos. Though the mana density around it is extremely high, without proper stabilisation it causes more harm than benefit. Its leaves, bark, and sap are prized alchemical materials. A Low Purple–rank plant has an effective range of 300 meters, greatly increasing mana density and soil fertility—making it exceptionally suitable for cultivating magic plants. Consuming its core massively increases innate mana capacity for those under Peak 3-star rank. - Proper stabilisation achieves 500% more mana density than the natural environment within its effective range, and 800%–1500% in extremely close proximity at the current treasure level. - Potions brewed from its leaves increase mana absorption rate by 300% for one hour. - Contracted Guardian Beast – Forest Druid: A beast that guards the plant and helps regulate the surrounding chaotic mana in exchange for advancement materials. - Has a minor chance to generate new magic fruit plants at its major rank advancement [Host is suggested to keep the Druid alive. Otherwise, the treasure loses its living value and can only be used as alchemy material.] The plant possessed an ethereal presence. Its leaves glowed faintly, heavy with suppressed mana, while its twisted bark pulsed with rich vitality. Leo could feel the subtle thrum in the air—a rhythmic heartbeat—as waves of mana spread outward with each pulse. "Wow... the effects are insane," Leo muttered in amazement as he read the system’s information. "A 300% mana absorption boost? That’s nearly 2000 mana per minute for me!" His excitement quickly shifted into contemplation. "As expected, keeping the beast alive was the right choice," he said thoughtfully. "But how am I supposed to convince it to be tamed by me? Shouldn’t it have offspring that I can take hostage? It looks old enough..." He scanned the surroundings again, but instead of another druid, he only found clusters of fruit-bearing magic plants scattered throughout the grove. "Lily," Leo called out decisively. "Let’s pack up. Pluck all the fruits from the surrounding plants—I’ll take the magic plants themselves." Sweeping his gaze across the grove, he took in the lush scenery. Thick foliage, glowing fruits, and fertile soil saturated with mana filled the area. As he focused, the system issued several prompts. Stoneleaf Plum – White Stoneleaf Plums possess thick, mineral-hardened skin and dense flesh. Eating one slightly strengthens muscles and toughens the body, offering a mild defensive boost favoured by labourers and frontline combatants. The fruits had tough, ash-grey skin, cool and heavy in the hand. Swiftroot Apple – Mid Green Swiftroot Apples have thin skins threaded with root-like veins. Their crisp flesh grants a brief increase in agility and reaction speed, making them popular before sparring sessions or short, high-intensity encounters. Fine, root-like veins spread across the apple’s green surface, faintly pulsing with life. Bloodwarm Cherry – White Bloodwarm Cherries are dark crimson and slightly warm to the touch. They promote healthier blood circulation and vitality, easing physical strain and helping the body recover faster in cold or harsh environments. Each cherry carried a deep crimson hue, faint warmth lingering against the skin. "Ohh, these are some solid magic fruits," Leo remarked as he reached for a Swiftroot Apple. "This one’s green quality—and the most abundant here," he added with a grin. "Agility boost, huh? No wonder that brute was darting through the bushes so fast." Just as he finished speaking, his eyes caught sight of something else—an emerald-green fruit that emitted a soft, steady glow. Verdant Ascension Fruit – Peak Blue Verdant Ascension Fruit radiates stable life mana and is an essential component for advancing nature-aligned beasts. It stabilises evolution, prevents violent mana rejection, and strengthens the bond between beast and tamer during critical breakthroughs. On consumption, it greatly increases vitality. Leo’s breath got caught. "Essential for advancing nature-aligned beasts?" he said excitedly. "Could Niri use this?" He turned—and found Niri already inching closer to the fruit, her movements slow and careful, eyes locked onto it as if entranced, almost drooling. "Wait, wait," Leo said quickly. "Pay attention to the elevated pressure from Miho’s body first. I’ll give it to you later." Niri let out a cheerful, protesting sound but obediently stopped. Leo’s gaze then shifted to the unconscious druid lying nearby. "Andrew said it was Pseudo 3-star," he muttered. "Maybe it used this fruit to advance." Once again, Leo attempted to tame it. But he received the same rejection. 𝑓𝓇𝘦ℯ𝘸𝘦𝑏𝓃𝑜𝘷ℯ𝑙.𝑐𝑜𝓂 "...No worries," he said with a shrug. "I’ll just keep beating it until it submits." He reached out and carefully harvested the emerald-green fruits. To his pleasant surprise, there were four fully grown fruits, with many more buds beginning to form along the branches. "Hehe... I wonder how much these will sell for." He plucked several Bloodwarm Cherries and handed them to Miho. "Eat these. Let’s see if it eases the pressure a bit." "T-thank you, Master Leo," Miho said softly, accepting them. She ate the cherries one by one. Both Leo and Lily watched closely as color slowly returned to her face, her complexion visibly improving. "You look much better now," Lily said brightly, smiling. "You should start eating these regularly. You’re even more beautiful already." "T-thank you, big sister," Miho replied shyly. Leo observed the surrounding plants once more. With such abundance, maintaining a steady supply wouldn’t be an issue. Satisfied, he handed some fruits to Lily and consumed a few himself. Vitality: 758 → 780 [948 → 970] Strength: 758 → 780 [948 → 970] Agility: 623 → 640 [793 → 810] Stamina: 759 → 765 [949 → 955] Intelligence: 1086 [1279] Mana: 108600 [127900] He ate only enough to keep his stats balanced. Finally—something that boosted agility. He also noted the slight stamina increase, likely from the Stoneleaf Plum. Moving efficiently, he touched each plant in turn. One by one, they vanished into his spiritual space. Now, only one treasure remained—the Fluxsoil Heart. Leo hesitated. Taking it into his spiritual space would sever its connection to the druid. To move the plant, he would need to tame the beast as well. Just then— "Good. You do have some sense," a deep voice echoed from above. "For a moment I was scared you’d waste such a valuable treasure beacon like that." Leo’s head snapped up. A man stood atop a tall tree branch, arms folded as he leaned casually against the bark. His dull golden eyes gazed down at Leo, filled with interest.