A Week Later

During this week, nothing particularly eventful occurred. The Gray Wolf seemed to have disappeared into the Savannah Mountain Range. Aaron even tried tracking them but eventually had to give up.

In the past few days, however, several changes took place. The northern area was now guarded by wooden walls, and many useful herbs had been uprooted and replanted there. The herbal garden, for the time being, covered an area of 100 square meters. In addition to Yellow Herbs, Aaron discovered the Bloody Flower, which contained ingredients for a Tier 1 potion, namely Blood Root and Worm Flower.

Both Blood Root and Worm Flower were accidentally discovered by Aaron. They were parts of a single plant with a blood-red appearance. If he hadn't noticed the worm-shaped stigma, he might have missed it entirely. This made him realize that although the map had been updated, he still needed to study books to gain deeper knowledge about plants.

He later identified the plant as Bloody Flower. It grew by absorbing monster blood and would die within four days after feeding. However, it left behind tiny seeds, which Aaron collected. Using Tier 1 monster blood, he cultivated more Bloody Flowers. He discovered that the ideal harvest time was three days after full maturity. After harvesting, the plants could be uprooted, dried, and stored in wooden boxes. For now, he wasn't sure how long they would remain viable.

Another development was Aaron's successful replacement of the Lion Breathing Method with the Plant Breathing Method. After the switch, the Lion Breathing Method disappeared. For several days, his body showed no changes. Even the seed-like energy core in his stomach remained the same.

Curious, Aaron invested experience points into the new breathing method and was surprised by the results:

- Level 1: +2 Strength, Dexterity, Constitution (1000 XP)

- Level 2: +3 to each stat (2000 XP)

- Level 3: +5 to each stat (3000 XP)

- Level 4: +10 to each stat (4000 XP)

A total of +20 points across all three attributes, but at a hefty cost.

Since the Plant Breathing Technique had no drawbacks, Aaron distributed it to Kelly, Rumba, the Old Chief, and the guards, tailoring each version to match their strength levels.

He also maxed out his spells Light and Rapid Growth:

- Light (Lv. 5, Tier 0, Max)- Consumes 3 mana points to cast a hovering light orb above the head. Illuminates a 10-meter radius for 5 minutes. Can extend duration by 1 minute per additional mana point.

- Rapid Growth (Lv. 5, Tier 0, Max)- Consumes 15 mana points to accelerate growth within a 3-square-meter radius. Growth speed increases by 15x for 2 minutes.

Aaron tested both spells thoroughly. The Light Spell was excellent for illumination, though not suitable for combat. It could be used for sneak attacks, but the orb was fragile and easily destroyed.

The Rapid Growth Spell, however, was a game-changer.

Using it, Aaron cultivated a secret garden with chilly, garlic, turmeric, ginger, and onions. He planned to harvest their seeds soon and replant them.

He also ordered expansion eastward, where danger was minimal compared to the north (wild animals) and west (Green River and Savannah Mountain Range).

In the last seven days, Aaron hunted several Tier 2 monsters, earning experience points. He brought their bodies back, and their bones were repurposed into tools.

Using a bone axe, he tested tree-cutting and was amazed he could finally fell tall trees. He even led Rumba and the guard team to cut down three trees and transport them back. However, the process was slow. Aaron realized they needed a wooden carriage to ease transportation.

Meanwhile, Torvald had completed a new Ballista capable of firing seven arrows before reloading. This significantly boosted the village's defenses.

At this moment, Aaron stood at the shore, contemplating the use of monster meat as bait. 

He hadn't had time to fish in the past week—too busy with other tasks.

Pinching his nose against the stench, he threw the rotten Tier 2 monster meat into the water. 

Then he opened the map.

To his surprise, the Level 1 fish had cleared the area, 

and red dots began flashing across the map. 

They were all heading toward the bait.

Since it was Tier 2 monster meat, 

most of the sea creatures attracted were Tier 1.

Aaron stared at the chaos he had unleashed. He reached for his bow and arrows. Using the fishing rod, crafted from Tier 2 monster bones and tendons, he could only catch one fish at a time.

This was a better opportunity to see how many he could shoot.

Without hesitation, he aimed and waited for the creatures to enter range.

Standing in shallow water, he could already see crabs over a meter long approaching. Alongside them came lobsters and octopuses, drawn by the scent of the rotting meat.

He looked at the map and saw that the approaching sea creatures were all Level 6 and 7. This was far better than ordinary fishing.

Without hesitation, Aaron channeled knight energy into his arrow and fired at the octopus.

A huge splash erupted as the arrow struck the water but it shattered into pieces with a loud bang. The explosion startled the nearby monsters, and a particularly large crab began swimming toward Aaron, mistaking him for prey.

Aaron quickly realized the problem, when the arrow entered the water, the knight energy destabilized, lasting only a few milliseconds before detonating.

He jumped back to the shore and fired another arrow this time without knight energy.

But the crab's shell was incredibly hard. The arrow struck with a metallic ring, then bounced off and fell into the water.

Aaron landed back on the beach, but the crab was still charging at him in fury.

Seeing this, he smiled. Now that the crab was out of the water, he had a clear shot.

He nocked another arrow, channeled knight energy, and aimed directly at its eyes.

The crab, unaware of the danger, was struck and immediately fell unconscious from the pain.

Aaron turned to look at the lobster and octopus, already retreating into the sea, a speechless expression on his face.

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