Chapter 70: Dragons

Ethan followed Pearl’s gaze, the Mana Grass had taken root in the sandy soil and sprouted tender green leaves.

He crouched down and examined it.

"Meow-meow, the book says it takes at least a week to grow this big, meow, the greenhouse’s effect is truly amazing, meow~" Pearl said.

’Once my Green Thumb level increases, it should grow even faster...’

He looked around, then picked up his hammer. "Let’s build another greenhouse today."

With his previous experience, the second greenhouse went up faster, and once again, the Hammer of Gaia granted the Growth effect.

"Meow, why build two greenhouses, meow?" Pearl asked.

"If we’re going to plant Mana Grass, one greenhouse won’t be enough." Ethan pointed at the first greenhouse.

Zharok tilted his head, only Wind Bananas and Frost Fruits were planted in there, he was curious what else Ethan had in mind.

Ethan took out the remaining seeds and held them up. "I also want to plant Black Dragon Fruits, Red Mangoes, and Spiked Pineapples, by the way, what kind of fruits are these?"

"Meow-meow, Black Dragon Fruits are said to contain the power of dragons, meow, after eating them, your strength will increase, meow, Red Mangoes can increase stamina, meow! Spiked Pineapples can increase attack power, meow~" Pearl rattled off.

Just like the Wind Bananas and Frost Fruits, every one of the southern crops carried special effects.

"Contains the power of dragons? That’s amazing," Zharok said.

"That’s just a legend, meow, it doesn’t actually grant a dragon’s power, meow, an Ape Beastman once ate a bunch of Black Dragon Fruits and went to challenge a giant dragon, one-shot, meow," Pearl added.

"I see, anyway, I want to grow them all." Ethan was full of anticipation for these crops.

"Then plant them in this greenhouse, meow, Black Dragon Fruits, Red Mangoes, and Spiked Pineapples share the same growing environment as the Wind Bananas and Frost Fruits, meow," Pearl suggested.

"That’s great." Ethan breathed a sigh of relief, no need to adjust the environment again, the new greenhouse would be exclusively for Mana Grass.

The three of them organized the greenhouse and got to work, half a day later, they finished planting the Black Dragon Fruits, Red Mangoes, and Spiked Pineapples.

As Ethan transplanted the Mana Grass into the new greenhouse, he asked, "What is Mana Grass used for?"

"Mainly for mana recovery potions," Zharok answered.

"It can also be used to craft magical items and serve as a magic catalyst, meow!" Pearl added.

"Hmm. I heard that since humanity disappeared, no one’s been able to grow it. So what do they do now?"

"They can make potions without Mana Grass, meow, but the recovery speed and the amount of mana recovered both decrease, meow," Pearl explained.

"When crafting magical items or using it as a catalyst, the results are unstable too," Zharok said.

"Mana Grass plays a huge role, but the elves still haven’t found a substitute."

’So that’s why Leon was so happy.’

Excellent. Another bargaining chip for the Elven Kingdom.

Ethan looked at the Mana Grass with satisfaction. "I hope they grow well."

"They definitely will, meow, don’t worry, meow," Pearl said.

"Thanks, shall we go eat?" Ethan asked.

"Okay, meow~!" Pearl agreed.

The day’s work was done, they left the greenhouse and began preparing dinner.

Cooking was still Ethan’s job, but Zharok and Pearl helped clear the table and set out wooden spoons and forks.

Dinner was ready, and they enjoyed a simple meal.

While drinking Frost Fruit juice, Zharok asked, "When do you plan to go to the Northern Region?"

"Yeah, we really should make a trip there..." Ethan said.

"Sorry, but I might not be able to go with you." Zharok set down his cup.

That wasn’t like him, Ethan and Pearl looked at Zharok, who wore a troubled expression.

"Why?"

"When I was investigating ruins in the Northern Region, I had a conflict with the Fox Beastmen, if I go, it might hurt the negotiations." Zharok looked apologetic.

’Can’t be helped.’ They would just have to figure out another way.

’We could ask Vargan...’ Ethan calculated.

"I can accompany you." A gentle voice rang out.

Ethan turned, Walter was standing at the door with his arms crossed.

"Mr. Walter." Ethan stared.

"I have been to the Northern Region before, I can take you there," Walter repeated.

"Really?" Ethan could hardly believe it, weren’t vampires bound to the cursed lands? How could he have traveled to the north?

Zharok looked equally confused.

Walter smiled and walked to the dining table, Ethan poured him a cup of Moonlight Tomato juice.

Walter took a sip and explained. "A long time ago, a war broke out between humans and the Fox Beastmen, I helped the Fox Beastmen and participated in that war."

"Wow... that was a very long time ago, will it still be fine now?" Pearl asked.

"I have maintained contact with them, it should be fine," Walter said.

Ethan smiled and bowed. "Then I’ll leave it to you."

"In exchange, three meals a day during the journey are on you," Walter said.

"No problem." Ethan agreed without hesitation, he would need to bring a lot of Moonlight Tomatoes.

He pointed out the window. "Once the Mana Grass is dried, we’ll head out."

...

Planting Mana Grass wasn’t difficult, he had the cultivation guide from Leon, the Green Thumb skill, the greenhouse’s effects, and his own abilities.

"Is it ready?" Pearl asked.

Three days had passed since he started planting, Ethan walked into the greenhouse and stroked a stalk of Mana Grass, it emitted a faint blue glow, he pulled it out gently.

He dug out the root — only about the length of an index finger — and shook off the dirt.

A stalk of blue Mana Grass, radiating a soft glow, appeared before his eyes.

[Blessed Mana Grass]

[Mana Grass cultivated using the Green Thumb. It possesses stronger mana than ordinary Mana Grass.]

[When crafting potions or serving as a magic catalyst, the mana fusion effect is enhanced.]

[You have successfully cultivated Mana Grass.]

[Your Agility attribute has increased.]

[Your Green Thumb skill level has increased.]

’Oh?’ A surge of joy hit him, as expected of a special crop — just growing it successfully yielded this many rewards.

The Green Thumb level-up was the real prize.

"Meow-woo! The quality is even better than what’s recorded in the book, meow~" Pearl said.