The Brightwood residence stood apart from the clustered cottages of Greendale proper. Built of sturdy timber with a slate roof—a rarity in the village—it boasted an attached workshop with glass windows, another sign of the family's relative prosperity.
Leon approached the door, his heart beating rapidly with anticipation. In his hand, carefully wrapped in a clean cloth, was the enhanced Golden Silverroot. He had rehearsed his explanation—that he had found it in a particularly sunlit spot, accounting for its unusual golden coloration. It was a simple explanation, and he hoped the apothecary's interest in the rare specimen would outweigh any questions.
Before he could knock, the door swung open. Apothecary Joren Brightwood stood before him—a tall, lean man with the same copper hair as his daughter, though streaked with gray at the temples. His penetrating green eyes seemed to look through Leon rather than at him.
"You're early," the man stated. It wasn't quite an accusation, but neither was it approving. "Sera mentioned you would be coming."
"Yes, sir," Leon replied, straightening his posture. "I'm eager to begin learning."
Joren's expression remained neutral as he stepped aside to allow Leon entry. "Eagerness without discipline accomplishes little. We shall see if you have both."
The interior of the Brightwood home was unlike any dwelling Leon had visited in Greendale. Shelves lined the walls, filled with books—actual books, not just the single record ledger most prosperous families might own. Dried herbs hung from the ceiling beams, filling the air with a complex mixture of aromas. Glass jars containing liquids of various colors and consistencies occupied an entire wall, each meticulously labeled.
In the center of the main room, Sera stood grinding something in a mortar, her movements precise and rhythmic. She glanced up briefly, nodding at Leon before returning to her work.
"Before we begin," Joren said, crossing his arms, "I must ask why a farmer's son suddenly develops an interest in herbalism and medicine. Sera tells me you already possess some knowledge. Who taught you?"
Leon had prepared for this question. "My grandmother knew some herb lore before she passed. She showed me a few plants when I was younger. Recently, I've been trying to remember what she taught me and expand on it. I've always been interested in how plants can heal."
It wasn't entirely a lie. His grandmother had indeed known remedies, though she had died when Leon was only four—too young to have learned much from her directly. But in his previous life, Leon had been an avid hiker with knowledge of edible and medicinal plants, knowledge that transferred well to this world's similar flora.
Joren studied him with those piercing eyes, saying nothing for a long moment. Finally, he nodded slightly.
"Very well. Sera will test your current knowledge while I finish a tincture for Elder Morin's arthritis. After that, we'll determine if you're worth teaching."
As Joren moved to a workbench near the back of the room, Leon approached Sera, who had finished her grinding.
"Ready to see if you've actually learned anything?" she asked, a hint of challenge in her voice.
"Actually," Leon said quietly, "I brought something for your father. A gift, to show my commitment." He unwrapped the Golden Silverroot and presented it to her.
Sera's eyes widened. "Is that... golden Silverroot? It's even more vibrant than the illustrations in Father's books. Where did you find this?"
Before Leon could answer, Joren was suddenly beside them, moving with surprising speed for his age. He took the root from Leon's hand, examining it with keen interest.
"Indeed," he murmured, turning the root over carefully. "A truly magnificent specimen of Golden Silverroot. The hue is exceptional. I've read that such vibrant coloration can sometimes occur in areas with rich soil and ample sunlight. A lucky find, no doubt." He looked at Leon with a thoughtful expression. "Where did you happen upon this rare treasure?"
Leon met Joren's gaze, a flicker of suspicion in his eyes. This man was a stranger, and the herb was valuable. Why should he reveal his secret so easily? "Why should I tell you?" Leon replied, his voice low and guarded.
Joren's eyebrows rose slightly, but his expression remained largely neutral. He seemed to consider Leon's response for a moment. "A fair point," he conceded, turning his attention back to the Golden Silverroot. "Regardless, this gift is certainly... impactful. It shows a remarkable dedication. Let's see if your knowledge of herbs matches your ability to find rare ones. Sera, if you would?"
Sera nodded and gestured for Leon to follow her to another part of the room, where a collection of dried herbs lay on a table. The focus remained on testing Leon's knowledge, with the Golden Silverroot being admired as a rare natural find, and no further pressure on Leon to reveal the exact location.
Name: Leon FarrowAge: 12Level: 2System Points: 42SKILLS:Sword Proficiency [F-978/1000]Archery [F-782/1000]Herbalism [F-876/1000]Physical Endurance [F-891/1000]Magical Control [F-215/1000]
Two months into his apprenticeship, Leon's Sword Proficiency skill reached a milestone:
Sword Proficiency has reached maximum proficiency! [F-1000/1000]Evolving to E-Rank...Skill Evolution: Basic Sword Proficiency [F] has evolved to Competent Swordplay [E-0/2000]
The notification filled Leon with satisfaction. His first skill evolution! According to the system, he had progressed from a rank absolute beginner to someone with competent abilities—all through diligent practice enhanced by his hundredfold talent.
That evening, as he trained with his wooden sword in his forest clearing, Leon felt the difference. His movements were more fluid, his balance more natural. Techniques that had once required conscious thought now came automatically.
"Not bad for a village boy," came a voice from the edge of the clearing.
Leon spun around to find Sera watching him, arms crossed, an impressed expression on her face.
"How long have you been there?" he asked, lowering his practice sword.
"Long enough," she replied, stepping into the clearing. "You've been holding out on me, Leon. Father and I thought you were just interested in herbs, but you're training to be a warrior."
Leon shrugged, seeing no point in denying it. "Not just a warrior. An adventurer. When I'm fifteen, I plan to leave Greendale and explore the world."
Sera's expression turned serious. "The world isn't kind to lone travelers, especially young ones. There are monsters out there far deadlier than anything lurking in these woods."
"I know," Leon said simply. "That's why I'm training now, while I'm safe."
She studied him for a long moment before sighing. "At least let me show you something more effective than that stick you're swinging around."
From beneath her cloak, Sera produced a small dagger with a greenish blade. "Greenheart steel," she explained, offering it to him. "My father bought it from a traveling merchant last year. It's infused with herbal essences that prevent wounds from festering."
Leon accepted the blade reverently. It was light but perfectly balanced, the edge visibly sharp even in the fading daylight.
"This is... too valuable," he protested. "I can't take this."
"Consider it a loan," Sera said with a small smile. "Until you can afford a proper weapon of your own. A future adventurer should train with something better than a stick."
Leon tested the dagger's weight and balance, making a few experimental cuts through the air. Even this simple blade was far superior to his wooden practice sword.
"Thank you," he said sincerely. "I'll take good care of it."
Sera nodded, then hesitated before speaking again. "Leon... there's another reason I sought you out today. My father received news from the capital. The king's mage-seekers are conducting another sweep of the outer provinces, searching for magically gifted children."
Leon's blood ran cold. "Mage-seekers? Here?"
"They're expected to reach Greendale within the month," Sera confirmed grimly. "Father thinks we should be extra cautious during our lessons. If they were to find out about the unique properties of the Silverroot, or your connection to finding it..."
She didn't need to finish the sentence. Leon understood the implications. Anything unusual could draw unwanted attention.
"I'll come by tomorrow morning instead of the afternoon," Leon promised. "We'll have more time then."
Sera nodded, relief visible in her expression. "Good. And Leon... be careful when you're out in the woods. You have a knack for finding rare things, and sometimes that can be risky."
After she left, Leon practiced with the greenheart dagger until the last light faded from the sky. The news of the mage-seekers reinforced the need for him to grow stronger and more knowledgeable.
That night, as he lay in bed reviewing his progress, Leon made a decision. He would continue to train diligently and learn as much as he could from the Brightwoods.
Tomorrow, after his additional training with the Brightwoods, he would venture deeper into the forest than ever before—to the areas Master Rolfe had explicitly warned the village children to avoid, where stronger monsters lurked.
It was risky, but with his improved skills and the greenheart dagger, Leon believed he could handle the danger. And with the mage-seekers potentially coming, he needed to be prepared for anything.