Chapter 52: Stage 52: Conversation Pt 2

In a matter of seconds, Peter returned to the living room, a glimmer of excitement in his eyes. In his hands, he held a single leaf. Lixin's eyes widened when he saw it because it was unlike anything he had ever seen before. Even the Whooselit flowers paled in comparison to it.

It shimmered with a vivid array of colors as if it held within it a fragment of a rainbow. Its surface seemed composed of delicate filaments, each pulsating with subtle luminescence that danced and shifted with ethereal grace. Even though he had said it before regarding other things, it had to be repeated. Beautiful.

He only snapped out of his trance when he heard the NPC's voice, bringing him back to the present. "Fortuitous Fish, look at this. This is the souvenir your father brought me from the town he visited."

Lixin blinked, his attention refocusing on Peter. He extended his hand, and Peter carefully placed the leaf in Lixin's palm. As the leaf made contact, a soft, tingling sensation coursed through Lixin's fingertips, as if it held some kind of latent energy.

"It's... breathtaking," Lixin stammered, struggling to find the right words to describe the leaf's magnificence. "I've never seen anything like it. It's truly remarkable."

Peter smiled warmly, clearly pleased by the fish boy's reaction. "Indeed, it is."

"Do you remember the town it came from?" Lixin asked.

"It's from Sordro. Although I have never been there, everyone knows the place because of its Sigil tree. Every five years, a vivid symbol appears on its bark causing the leaves to change into the one you are holding. People from far and wide make the pilgrimage to witness the spectacle," Peter explained, his voice filled with wonder.

Lixin's eyes widened with intrigue. "That sounds extraordinary. What significance does the symbol hold and why do the leaves change?"

Peter could only shrug. "Nobody knows but legend has it that Sordro was once a desolate wasteland, devoid of life. But one fateful day, the sigil tree emerged, transforming the barren land into a lush and bountiful paradise. The tree's origins are shrouded in mystery. Some believe that it was the collective prayers and faith of the people that transformed it into a higher being while others claim that a benevolent deity, moved by the plight of the land, bestowed the tree upon Sordro. Regardless of the truth, one thing remains certain: those who visit the tree during its blooming season have the extraordinary opportunity to receive one of its precious leaves."

"What makes these leaves so special?" Lixin asked with growing curiosity, "And why do people seek them out?"

Peter smiled, his eyes glinting with wisdom. "Each leaf holds a unique blessing bestowed upon the fortunate ones who receive them. These blessings are said to bring good fortune, healing, protection, and even enlightenment. It is believed that the leaves carry the essence of the sigil tree's divine power, making them highly coveted by those who seek its benevolence."

Lixin examined the leaf, now seeing it in a completely different light. He couldn't help but wonder if what NPCs considered blessings might actually be special buffs for players. However, he wasn't sure what kind of buffs it held.

"Have you used the blessing yet?" Lixin asked, curious.

"No," the older man replied. "My life is already filled with blessings, and I didn't want to be greedy, but your father insisted I keep it. It's a good thing I did, or else I would have forgotten the town's name."

Lixin nodded, smiling at the man. However, he understood the true reason why the NPC hadn't used the blessing. It was a prop to progress his storyline. Thinking logically he knew he would need to journey to Sordro sometime soon.

There was no doubt in his mind that the tree must have some connection to the Diis Aliis. If his guess is correct it must be Verdura, the Harvest/Prosperity God that visited the town in the past. Who knows she might still be there somewhere.

As soon as he thought it he dismissed the thought. Lixin knew that the game wouldn't make it that easy to find them. But he might get a hint of her location.

"Peter," Lixin began, eager to continue the conversation and progress with his quest. "Do you think there could be a link between the sigil tree and the Diis Aliis? Is it possible that my father discovered something significant in Sordro?"

Peter nodded thoughtfully. "It's definitely possible, Fortuitous Fish. Your father was excited when he returned with the leaf, so he might have uncovered vital information about the Diis Aliis during his time in Sordro."

"I believe that if I want to rescue my father from the Kakodaimōns in the Huánghé realm, I'll need to find the Diis Aliis," Lixin stated.

"Based on what you told me you learned, they might have the answer on how to get to the Huánghé realm," Peter replied, thoughtfully. "I guess Sordro is the best place to start looking for them."

[Cora:] [Quest completed!]

[Cora:] [You have gained: 100 EXP]

[Cora:] [You have gained: 100 Bronze Coins]

[Cora:] [You Have Leveled up!]

[Cora:] [You are now level 10!]

[Cora:] [You have gained 5 skill points!]

Although he already knew it wasn't possible, Lixin wasn't quite sure so he couldn't help but ask, "You're not coming with me?"

Peter must have misinterpreted the question as his wishful desire not to leave him since the man's face softened with a mix of regret and sadness. "I want to, Fortuitous Fish, but I cannot abandon the people here," he said with a heavy sigh. "They rely on me, and I have a duty to help them. However, I can accompany you as far as Silverport."

"Silverport?" Lixin repeated, his brows furrowed in curiosity.

"Yes, Silverport is the closest station connected to this town," Peter explained. "It's the starting point for many children who leave this town. From there, you'll have to find your own way, but I have faith in you, Fortuitous Fish. Look at how strong you have become."

Lixin couldn't help but feel a sense of pride at Peter's words. He worked hard to reach this level. It also surprised him that the NPC could perceive his progress and growth in the game. A smile formed on his lips, and he replied, "Thank you, Peter. Your belief in me means a lot."

The fish boy then remembered the leaf he had been entrusted with. "By the way, Peter, do you want the leaf back? I can return it to you."

Peter shook his head gently. "No, Fortuitous Fish, you can keep it. The leaf's blessing might come in handy one day so keep it close. It belongs to you now."

Lixin's grip tightened around the leaf, before smiling knowingly. "Thank you, Peter. I will use it wisely."

As they concluded their conversation, Cora, the game system, chimed in again:

[Cora:] [You have gained: Sigil's tree leaf!]

"Why don't you get some rest? I know you had a long day. We can talk more in the morning. I need to prepare some things."

Nodding, Lixin got up from the couch. Since he knew another storyline quest didn't pop up he knew whatever Peter was preparing would trigger it. He smiled at the NPC and said, "I think I will."

Author Says: I bet the leaf is prettier in my imagination than in real life.