Chapter 20: The Scarecrow
After saying his piece, the Wizard turned and went back inside the Wizard’s Tower, firmly closing the door behind him.
Leon slowly got up from the ground. One glance at the tower told him there was no way he’d be knocking that door open again. So, letting the rain wash over him, he left the area.
Retracing his steps along the forest path, Leon felt something new this time. Surrounded by lush greenery, he experienced an unprecedented sense of peace and comfort.
It was as if all the plants here were welcoming him. He also keenly noticed the little creatures hidden among the pine branches, peeking at him with curiosity.
These timid fellows showed no intention of coming out, and Leon didn’t disturb them. Following the way back, just before leaving the forest’s edge, he suddenly squatted down.
He pulled out his hoe, eyeing a small green plant. With one firm dig, he unearthed a root vegetable with a thick stem, much like lettuce.
“Wild Horseradish (Forage Item): A spring root spice.”
“So that’s where you’ve been hiding,” Leon murmured, slipping the Wild Horseradish into his backpack. “If I didn’t have this new power, I’d never have found you.”
Indeed, ever since choking down that foul-tasting potion and awakening his bond with nature, Leon discovered some curious changes. For instance, this Wild Horseradish buried underground appeared to him as a vivid, faintly glowing presence among the other plants.