225 Tier 2 Vitality Grain harvested.
45 droplets of Basic Life Energy (Peak Tier 1) harvested.
Mana +1,125. Constitution +1,125.
You have obtained 1,125 Tier 2 Vitality Grain Seeds.
You have obtained 225 droplets of Basic Life Energy (Peak Tier 1).
The field shimmered for a moment.
The golden grains popped off their stalks, gently landing beside him in perfect rows.
Each hectare had ten stalks, and each stalk bore five plump, radiant vitality grains. But it wasn’t just the grains this time.
From every stalk, a single shimmering droplet emerged.
It was clear, luminous, and denser than anything he’d harvested before.
The droplets floated upward, slowly gathering together and forming a gentle, glowing sphere above his palm.
He blinked, surprised at the weightless pressure. He couldn’t hold this shape for long.
“Professor,” he called out, glancing over his shoulder. “I need a container—now.”
Without hesitation, Professor Catherine pulled a small cylindrical container from her second spatial ring and tossed it toward him.
Isaac caught it midair and quickly funneled the glowing orb into it.
The sphere broke into individual droplets, and each one swirled into the container like liquid crystal.
He sealed the lid and stared through the glass.
The water shimmered faintly.
It wasn’t just rich in mana. Instead, it felt alive. He couldn’t look away from it.
’Tier 2 crops have abundant life force, and vitality grains have richer life force than normal crops so maybe that’s why these ’life energy’ droplets appeared.’
Professor Catherine stepped closer, peering into the container. Her eyes narrowed slightly as her gaze sharpened.
“This feels similar to the Life Force Emily feeds on,” she said softly. “But also… different. It’s purer, and of higher quality.”
Isaac nodded. “Yeah. It’s not something I understand either. But it’s clearly not normal.”
Without a word, Professor Catherine dipped a finger into the flask and brought it to her mouth.
Her tongue flicked out, licking her fingertip. She swirled the droplet in her mouth and then sucked her finger clean with a grin, clearly about to tease him.
But she stopped, completely frozen in place.
Isaac raised an eyebrow. “What happened?”
“…My EXP just went up by one percent.”
Isaac wondered if he had heard wrong.
“You’re kidding.”
’The only way you can gain experience if by hunting, or by training skills. Even the carry method only works if you’re nearby during danger. How can this…’
She slowly shook her head, knowing what he must be thinking.
“I’m not. It actually increased. As a Level 42 Champion, the EXP I need for even one per percent is substantial. Besides, I need ten times the EXP of normal Champions since I—”
She cut herself off quickly and clamped her mouth shut.
He narrowed his eyes. “Since you what?”
She cleared her throat and moved on before he could press further. “This is huge, Isaac. If this is consistent… this could change everything. You could sell this to anyone who wants to level up. But…”
“But?”
“I don’t think you should sell all of it.”
“Why not?” Isaac asked. “We can— Oh, you are right.”
A thoughtful expression appeared on his face along with a grin.
Professor Catherine smiled, seeing he understood her point.
“You can sell this for money. People would do anything for free, and safe exp. But I would advise you keep most of it for yourself and only release small amounts. If you use it smartly, it will help you to build your own faction, which you need if you want to buy a city without being bothered by the politicians.”
Her tone was serious, surprisingly so.
Isaac rubbed his chin. A glint appeared in his eyes.
“I have a better idea. How about we dilute it by mixing a tiny amount into water and sell it for cheap in the lower districts?
“That way, I gain public support and trust. As for the high-ranking awakeners, I’ll offer undiluted versions privately. It’ll keep both sides in my pocket.
“Having public with me will do wonders for my faction, and my image.”
Professor Catherine gave a pleased smile. “As expected of my Isaac. You really do think ahead.”
He gave her a mock bow. “Not at all, Professor. It’s all thanks to your expert teaching.”
They both laughed.
Anyone looking at them would think they were scheming villains plotting the takeover of a city.
And they would be absolutely correct.
After the laughter faded, Professor Catherine straightened and tapped the container lightly.
“I’ll take a small sample for testing. I want to see how it reacts with different species and body types. We need to test the effects of your new crops too. Don’t worry I will keep the information hidden from others.”
“Alright,” Isaac said. “I trust you.”
She looked surprised for a split second, then smiled. “Good.”
She collected a vial of the Life Energy and five of the Tier 2 Vitality Grains before departing.
Isaac remained for a while longer, harvesting the rest of the Tier 1 and Tier 0 crops, and the vegetables and wheat.
He packed the Vitality grains neatly into crates and loaded them into the back of a jeep, then drove into the city.
Freya was at the shop, along with Tyr. They were waiting for him to bring new batch after the previous one sold out.
The small treant was happily organizing the storage room, carefully placing bundles into labeled baskets. Freya glanced up and waved.
“Busy day?”
“You could say that,” Isaac replied, unloading the goods.
After they were done, Tyr scribbled a quick message on the floor using a wooden stick:
I’ll stay here and help until nine. You can go home without worry. I will return by myself. I know the way home now.
Isaac smiled. “Got it, Tyr. Just make sure to not overwork yourself. You too Freya.”
He gave them both a quick wave and left the shop, walking back through the bustling streets of Stronghold.
As he moved past the rows of shops, taverns, and outposts, he couldn’t help noticing how crowded things had become.
Mercenaries, explorers, wandering craftsmen. The stronghold was swelling with new arrivals.
Many were pitching tents or building quick shelters using whatever materials they could find.
A few guilds had even brought their own construction teams, erecting crude wooden buildings along the side roads.
Isaac looked at them.
The influx was great for the economy, but the infrastructure was falling behind. The city couldn’t support this kind of growth without a plan.
Then a thought struck him.
Tyr could help with this.
The treant’s ability to create and manipulate wood could be used for construction work.
It would bring extra income, but more than that, it’d be a way to build connections, gain favors, and insert himself into the social fabric of the Stronghold. The thought made him nod to himself.
It was an idea worth exploring later.
By the time he returned to the home, the sun had dipped low in the sky.
Professor Catherine was already sitting in the living room when he entered, sipping tea like she hadn’t moved at all. She looked up with a small smile.
“Alice and Emily are on their way back,” she said. “Should be here soon.”
Isaac set his coat aside and sat across from her. “How’d the test go?”
“Still running,” she replied. “But early signs are promising. Very promising.”
Isaac gave a small nod and made his way to the kitchen.
The silence in the house made him recall the times he had spent along before he received the system, and everything changed.
He sighed, already missing Emily and Alice.
Without their chatter, footsteps, and occasional arguments echoing off the walls, the place felt larger, and emptier.
He washed his hands and got to work.
The fridge was stocked. He decided on something simple: pan-seared vegetables, soft rice, and a basic meat stir-fry.
It wasn’t restaurant-level, but it was warm, filling, and better than instant meals.
He was halfway through stirring when he noticed a presence behind him. Without turning, he already knew who it was.
Professor Catherine leaned beside him, arms folded, and peered over his shoulder into the pan.
Her nose wrinkled.
“Mmm,” she hummed, then paused. “Maybe we should just order from outside.”
Isaac gave her a flat look. “It’s not that bad.”
She raised her hands with a teasing smile. “I was just saying it. Besides, I’d prefer not to get food poisoning tonight.”
He turned back to the food, muttering under his breath. It wasn’t that bad.
The door creaked open a few minutes later. He heard the familiar sound of boots, followed by a softer whoosh, the subtle hum of levitation magic.
Emily floated in, wobbling slightly in midair.
Her posture was loose, hair a mess, cheeks puffed out from exhaustion.
She drifted toward him like a tired balloon, and without warning, latched onto him with a low groan.
“Isaaaaaac,” she whined, face burying into his shoulder. “I’m tired.”
Alice followed behind, more composed but equally drained.
Her uniform was wrinkled, and her eyes looked heavier than usual. Despite the fatigue, she remained upright, walking with the same grace she always did.
Isaac let Emily cling to him a little longer before gently peeling her off and guiding both girls toward the dining table.
They sat quietly.
Professor Catherine had disappeared somewhere upstairs, likely retreating to her room, or maybe just avoiding the dinner she had little faith in.
Alice sat down first and stared at the plate for a full five seconds before quietly picking up her spoon and starting to eat.
She didn’t say a word.
Emily sat beside her, glanced at the food, then at Isaac. Then back at the food. Then at him again.