9 Ch. 9 – Blueberry Blood Shrub
Yves pondered over the skills, focusing on Shadow Fang Barrage. "A rapid series of shadow-infused bites. Imagine if Taro pairs this with Shadow Claw Slash for a powerful combo. If an opponent manages to dodge the claw slashes, they'll face a relentless barrage of shadow bites."
"Now, onto the last skill, Shadow Veil." Yves muttered. This skill is a game-changer, especially against monsters that rely solely on physical attacks. If used with precision, Taro can be invincible for a brief period, presenting both defensive and offensive opportunities. It's not just about protection, it's a strategic move that can turn the tide in battles."
Yves smiled, genuinely impressed by the evolution of Taro's skills. He reached out and gave Taro a pat on the head. "Feel your new form, Taro. We'll put these skills to the test in real action later. It's time to see what you're truly capable of."
Taro, now fully aware of his transformed self, responded to Yves' words with a series of joyful hops and energetic spins.
Yves, pleased with Taro's impressive evolution, turned his gaze toward the glass enclosure housing the Blueberry Blood Shrub. A smile played on his lips as he observed the familiar plant monster, appreciating the vivid colors of its leaves.
To ensure that everything was in order, Yves leaned in to check the information panel displayed in front of the Blueberry Blood Shrub.
⋖ ⸻ +++:-:+:-:+:-:+:-:+++ ⸻ ⋗
⊂ Blueberry Blood Shrub ⊃
Grade: Black Iron-order
Realm: ★★
Species: Vaccinium Sanguinium/Shrubus
Special Trait: Tasty Berry
Affinity: Plant
Abilities: Enchanted Harvest, Petal Shield
Evolution Route: Blueberry Thorn Sentinel
⋖ ⸻ +++:-:+:-:+:-:+:-:+++ ⸻ ⋗
"Good." Yves remarked with a nod. "It's the same as before. The delivery is correct."
Yves couldn't help but be intrigued by the sweet aroma that enveloped the air as he leaned closer to the glass enclosure housing the Blueberry Blood Shrub. The scent was unexpected, a delightful surprise that contrasted with the plant's ominous name.
"Is this smell coming from the Blueberry Blood Shrub?" Yves thought, his eyes widening in pleasant surprise. "Nice, I thought it would smell like blood, but it seems I was wrong about that."
Excited to explore further, Yves carefully opened the enclosure, allowing the sweet fragrance to intensify. As he lifted the Blueberry Blood Shrub from its cage, the aroma became even more pronounced. The shrub, already in a pot, surprised Yves with its size—about three feet in diameter. Amazed, Yves placed the pot on the floor, admiring the Blueberry Blood Shrub's lush green leaves.
Today is turning out to be a really lucky day for Yves. While he looked at the Blueberry Blood Shrub, he noticed something amazing – it had produced three juicy fruits! Yves couldn't believe his luck.
Grinning from ear to ear, Yves picked one of the blueberries from the shrub. It looked so tempting, gleaming with a deep, rich blue color. Holding it in his hand, Yves marveled at the plumpness of the berry.
Yves popped the blueberry into his mouth. The moment he bit into it, a burst of sweetness filled his taste buds. The flavor was like a mix of sunshine and sweetness, making Yves feel like he just took a bite out of a perfect summer day.
As Yves chewed the blueberry, the richness of its flavor continued to unfold in his mouth. It wasn't just sweet. it was an explosion of sweetness, as if he had discovered a treasure trove of sugary goodness. The taste lingered on his tongue, leaving behind a trail of joy.
Yves couldn't help but compare it to the ordinary fruits he had tasted before. The Blueberry Blood Shrub had elevated the experience to a whole new level, like having a front-row seat to the grand finale of a spectacular flavor show.
"Alright, let's store these berries for now." Yves said to himself. Carefully plucking the remaining two blueberries, he cradled them in his hands as he made his way to the kitchen. Spotting a clean empty glass container, Yves carefully placed the berries inside. With precision, he sealed the container and put it in the fridge, preserving the fruits.
Returning to the Blueberry Blood Shrub, Yves opened one of the bags of fertilizer, revealing the dark, nutrient-rich granules. Kneeling beside the plant, he carefully sprinkled the fertilizer onto the soil, making sure each part got the nutrients it needed.
Next, Yves opened one of the containers holding the Black Iron-order Monster's Blood. He poured it carefully onto the soil, making sure the Blueberry Blood Shrub got a good drink. It was easy to see that the plant was quickly soaking up the blood, as if the soil was thirsty and drying out.
Yves watched as the plant seemed to perk up, leaves becoming more vibrant. He smiled, knowing he was helping the Blueberry Blood Shrub grow strong and healthy.
With the plant care routine complete, Yves found the perfect spot for his new pet monster. Placing the Blueberry Blood Shrub in a corner of his room, right in front of the window, he opened the curtains. Sunlight streamed in, bathing the plant in its golden glow.
Looking at his plant monster, Yves gave it a friendly bop and declared. "Starting today, your name will be Blue."
The Blueberry Blood Shrub responded with a little movement, swaying its leaves as if acknowledging its new name. It was a simple yet meaningful exchange, creating a bond between Yves and Blue.
"Oh, you like it?" Yves chuckled. "Well, Blue, focus on soaking in all your needs for now. Rest assured, I'll ensure you're well-fed every day. And when you reach the pinnacle of your current grade. I promise that I'll help you evolve to your second form."
Leaving Blue to bask in the golden sunlight, Yves returned to the open space in his room. He meticulously stored the remaining bag of fertilizers and containers of the monster's blood in a designated cabinet, reserving them for Blue's daily nourishment. The empty box was tossed into the trash, and the glass enclosure was carefully placed in the corner.
Feeling all determined, Yves thought it was the perfect time to see what Taro could do. He wanted to see how strong Taro had become and, if possible, get back some of the money he spent on those expensive materials.
Reaching for his exploring bag in his room, Yves grabbed the essentials for their trip – a sharp obsidian dagger and two handy lesser healing elixirs. Each item was neatly arranged, making it easy to grab whenever they needed.
Knowing they were headed into a forest to battle monsters, Yves chose his clothes wisely. The dark gray technical jacket wasn't just cool-looking, it was tough, water-resistant, and could keep him warm in the woods. With plenty of pockets, it allowed Yves to carry useful items conveniently, ensuring he was well-prepared for any surprises in the forest.
His deep blue track pants were more than just a stylish choice. They were flexible, allowing him to move easily through the forest, whether he needed to climb or dodge monsters. The pants provided the comfort and freedom of movement necessary for an adventurous journey.
Wrapping up the outfit, the sleek black boots weren't just for show. They offered stability and a strong grip, crucial for moving on uneven and tough surfaces. These boots would keep Yves steady on his feet, especially during encounters with forest terrain and any unexpected challenges that might arise.
"All set and ready to roll. Can't be too careful in that forest; dangers lurking around every tree." Yves muttered, his gaze fixed on the mirror as he checked his reflection. With a nod of assurance, he took a deep breath, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of the wild.
Yves shifted his attention to Taro. With a simple gesture and a whispered command, the Shadow Step Tanuki vanished into the patterns on Yves' hands, ready to emerge when needed.
After securing the backpack, He sent a quick message to his little brother Yuto, informing him of his plans and the possibility of returning the next day or later in the night. With his preparations complete, Yves exited the apartment, making his way to his road bike.
As he hopped on the bike, a mischievous grin crossed Yves' face. "Time to make some money, Taro. Off to the Great Lushwood Forest, we go!" With that, he pedaled towards the direction where the monsters were roaming, excited for the adventure and the possibility to earn.
