Chapter Nineteen

So I forgot to write the details of [Plant Eater] so here it is.

Primary Skills.

Nature's Wrath. Channel essence into the ground to summon entire fields of razor-sharp thorns, colossal vines, and predatory blossoms surge from the ground to consume everything in their path.

Carnivorous Chomp. The user grows massive, plant-like jaws to bite and devour an enemy.

Has a chance to consume a portion of the enemy's power, temporarily boosting attack and defense.

Secondary Skills.

1. Energy Absorption:

Allows the user to absorb energy directly from the earth, or plant like fauna, replenishing health, stamina, or mana.

Enhanced effects when consuming magical or rare plants.

2. Immunity to Poison and Toxins:

Grants resistance or full immunity to plant-based poisons, spores, and toxins.

Neutralizes effects of harmful substances from consumed plants.

3. Plant Communication:

Gain the ability to understand and influence plant life, such as asking vines to move or flowers to bloom.

Detect nearby plant-based monsters or resources like medicinal herbs.

4. Growth Manipulation:

Easily control or accelerate the growth of nearby plants.

5. Photosynthesis:

When standing in sunlight, regenerate health or mana at an accelerated rate.

6. Creation: Recreate any kind of plant as long as user as seen it once.

---

Kaede held the tiny plant monster up to eye level, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. "I think I'll call you... Acer."

The moment the name escaped her lips, a wave of energy exploded outward. It struck Kaede like a hammer, nearly driving her to her knees. Her vision blurred as her stamina drained rapidly, leaving her lightheaded and gasping for air. The sap clinging to her body shimmered, glowing faintly before disintegrating into the air.

"W-what the hell was that?!" Kirara yelled, stumbling back as the energy pulsed through the forest. Trees nearby trembled, their leaves fluttering as if caught in a storm. Even as unadept as she was, she could sense this.

Kaede gritted her teeth, steadying herself with the help of her shield. "I'm... Not sure." She inhaled deeply, forcing herself upright despite the wave of exhaustion threatening to pull her down. "I just gave it a name."

Acer, meanwhile, began to glow with an intense green light, its tiny form radiating a pulsing aura. The ground beneath it cracked, roots and vines writhing outward as if drawn to its transformation. Its body expanded rapidly, the once-small plant now resembling a sapling as vines stretched and twisted into new shapes.

"Oh no," Kaede muttered, taking a wary step back. "Here we go."

Kirara's voice rose in alarm. "You've really done it this time! What's it turning into?!"

Acer's glow intensified, shifting from green to gold as its form grew taller, its once amorphous body solidifying. The vines coiled together, taking on the shape of limbs—a feminine humanoid frame slowly emerging from the chaotic tangle. Its leafy appendages merged and hardened, forming distinct features: arms, legs, and a torso covered in bark-like plating with faintly glowing veins running through it.

Finally, the light dimmed, revealing Acer's new form. It stood roughly Kaede's height, its body a blend of plant and human-like characteristics. Its "skin" was smooth and bark-like, with glowing emerald lines tracing intricate patterns across its surface. Its head retained a slight resemblance to a flower bud, with sharp, crystalline teeth peeking out when it opened its mouth. Two glowing, pupil-less green eyes gazed at Kaede with childlike curiosity.

Kirara gawked, her mouth opening and closing as she struggled for words. "You... you turned it into a walking plant person?!"

Kaede leaned on her shield, her exhaustion making it difficult to focus. "Hah... Looks like Acer leveled up."

Acer tilted its head, mimicking Kaede's stance as it crouched slightly to meet her eyes. It reached out a bark-like hand, its fingers extending into fine, vine-like tendrils that brushed against her arm. Its touch was light, almost inquisitive, and a low, melodic hum resonated from its chest.

"Artificia," Kaede managed, her voice weak. "What... what just happened?"

<Signal Detected. Creating Connection. Connection Complete. Analyzing.>

<Analysis complete. Entity Acer has evolved into a [Verdant Sentinel]. Its humanoid form is result of the host's naming ritual and transferred energy. New traits include [Sapient Awareness], [Photosynthetic Regeneration], Warrior's Adaptation]. Bond strength with host: 95%.>

Kaede's eyebrows rose. "Sapient Awareness? Acer... can think?"

Acer straightened, its glowing eyes locking onto Kaede. It nodded once, the motion slow and deliberate.

Kirara backed up further, her face pale. "Nope. Nope, nope, nope. It's looking at us like it understands everything. Kaede, what have you done?"

Kaede chuckled weakly, brushing her sweat-soaked hair out of her face. "The hell are you asking me for? You're watching the same thing I am."

Acer stepped closer, its vines retracting as it held out its hand to Kaede. There was a sense of calm in its posture, almost protective, as if it was pledging its loyalty.

Kaede hesitated for a moment before gripping its bark-covered hand. A faint warmth pulsed through her fingers, and she felt a strange connection solidify between them—a bond deeper than words. "Welcome to the team, Acer."

Kirara groaned, throwing her hands up in frustration. "You just keep making things more complicated. What happens if it turns on us?"

Kaede glanced at Acer, who tilted its head again, emitting a soft hum that sounded almost... hurt.

"Don't be mean," Kaede chided, smirking. "Look at her. She's harmless."

Kirara pointed a trembling finger at the towering plant-humanoid. "That thing's got claws and teeth that could shred us in seconds!"

"And it won't use them on us," Kaede replied confidently. She looked back at Acer. "Right, buddy?"

Acer nodded solemnly, lowering itself onto one knee in a knight-like pose. The motion startled both women, and Kaede had to suppress a laugh. "See? Harmless."

Kirara groaned again. "This is going to come back to bite us. I just know it."

Kaede grinned, slumping against her shield. "Maybe. But for now, I need a nap. Acer, keep watch, will you?"

The humanoid plant stood, crossing its arms as it positioned itself beside Kaede like a sentinel. Its glowing eyes scanned the forest, the faint hum from its body blending with the ambient sounds of the night.

Kirara sighed, shaking her head. "I don't wanna be alone with this thing, but you need to rest."

Kaede yawned, closing her eyes. "You'll get used to it."

---

Kaede opened her eyes with a yawn, feeling slightly refreshed from yesterday's ordeals. Sunlight filtered through her eye lids, forcing her to turn in her sides. Apparently she had laid on the forest floor. "Well that's a first. Good morning Artificia."

<Good morning master.>

Kaede froze. "You sound different. Way different. Why?>

<Integration of all available skills completed.>

"Hey don't ignore my question." Kaede's eyebrow twitched.

<It's just your imagination.>

"Imagination my ass." Kaede whispered in a hiss.

<Notice. Master, you are suffering from severe magicule depletion. Until the problem is resolved, I advise against using any skill unless in emergencies.>

"Don't... What, magicule depletion? But I rested like you said I should. What are my current reserves?" Kaede asked.

<Master's current status is that of critical exhaustion, magicules reserves are at 3%, physical stamina 60%. Master will have to enter low power mode for an indefinite period time restore full functionality.>

"Low power mode? How does that work?" Kaede sat upright on the forest floor. A few feet away, she could see Acer's back as she watched the perimeter.

<Master would have to enter a comatose state for an indefinite amount of time.>

"A coma?! What, why... How did this even happen? I don't remember doing anything that would have used up all of my magicules since I even got summoned." Kaede laid back down on the forest floor, turning to her other side, she was faced with the sleeping face of Kirara.

<It appears that, due to the forceful evolution of your unique skills into ultimate skills, and lack surrounding magicules. You've been in a constant state magicule deprivation.>

"So all I've got to do is hibernate and I'll get all my magicules back?" Kaede asked.

<Negative. You would also have to find a place entirely rich in magicules. The forest of Jura is satisfiable place, due the entity, Veldora storm dragon's magicules dispersing around it.>

"So I have to hibernate here?" Kaede turned, facing the sky. "What happens when I run out of magicules?"

Kaede's gaze stayed fixed on the sky, her mind racing. The gentle rustle of leaves and Acer's quiet hum blended into the background as she mulled over her predicament.

"What happens when I run out of magicules?" she asked again, her voice quieter this time.

Artificia's response was immediate. <If master's magicule reserves reach zero, your body will enter a state of complete shutdown. Vital functions cease. The current situation is critical. Immediate action required.>

Kaede's stomach sank. "Cease? You mean I'll die?"

<Correct. Without sufficient magicules to maintain life force in this world, master's existence will be terminated.>

Kaede groaned, covering her face with her hands. "Great. Just great. Dragged into a fantasy world to die of magic exhaustion. How fitting. Can't one thing just go right for me?"

Kirara stirred beside her, mumbling in her sleep. Kaede glanced at her, then over at Acer, who turned slightly, the glow of its eyes catching her attention. It tilted its head, almost as if sensing her distress.

"Alright, Artificia," Kaede muttered. "Options. I'm not about to keel over just because this world hates me."

<There are three options available:< p>

1. Locate a dense source of magicules and establish a connection to absorb energy passively.

2. Secure an external supply of magicules through a compatible entity willing to transfer their energy.

3. Consume a high-tier magicule-rich item or being.>

Kaede sat up, her exhaustion momentarily forgotten. "Those don't sound like easy solutions. Let me guess—option three means I'd have to fight something, doesn't it?"

<Correct. High-tier beings or objects containing abundant magicules are typically well-guarded dangerous.>

Kaede pinched the bridge of her nose. "Figures. Okay, option one. What about this forest? Jura has plenty of magicules, right?"

<Affirmative. The forest is saturated with residual magicules from the entity Veldora. However, current dispersal rate insufficient to sustain rapid recovery. Master would require weeks, possibly months, in low-power mode fully restore reserves.>

"Months?" Kaede grumbled. Her eyes flicked to Acer, who had shifted closer, its gaze steady and unwavering.

"What about option two?" she asked, narrowing her eyes at her newly evolved companion. "You said Acer bonded with me. Can I—"

<Yes, master may utilize Acer as a source of external magicules. However, the process could weaken its functionality temporarily. Entity is still developing and has limited reserves.>

Kaede frowned. "I'm not about to drain Acer just to keep myself alive. That's a last resort."

Kirara let out a soft groan and opened one eye. "What are you whispering about over there?" she mumbled, rubbing her face.

Kaede hesitated before responding. "Just... brainstorming ways to not die."

Kirara blinked, her grogginess fading instantly. "What do you mean, not die? What's going on?"

Kaede waved a hand dismissively. "It's nothing big—just running low on magicules and apparently I'll drop dead if I don't find a way to recharge."

"What?!" Kirara shot upright, her voice shrill. "You're joking, right?"

Kaede sighed. "Do I look like I'm joking?"

Kirara stared at her, then at Acer, who stood silently nearby, its protective stance not reassuring in the slightest. "I tried to warn you. Always pushing yourself, what are you going to do?"

"I'm working on it," Kaede replied, her voice sharp. "But unless you know where I can find a pile of magicules just lying around, I'm open to suggestions."

Kirara bit her lip, her gaze darting around the forest. "What about... I don't know, one of those magic beasts Veeno mentioned? Don't they have magicules? Can't you, like, drain one of them?"

Kaede gave her a flat look. "You mean go hunting while I'm practically a walking corpse? Brilliant plan."

Kirara huffed. "Hey, it's better than just sitting here waiting for you to kick the bucket!"

Acer stepped forward, its glowing eyes meeting Kaede's. The soft hum from its body grew louder, more resolute. Slowly, it extended its hand toward her, its vine-like tendrils unfurling.

Kaede frowned. "What are you doing?"

Artificia chimed in. <Entity Acer appears to be offering its magicules willingly. Transfer is possible without damaging the bond. However, sustained usage may hinder Acer's future growth.>

Kaede stared at the plant-like humanoid, her chest tightening. "Acer... you don't have to do this."

Acer tilted its head, its glowing eyes unwavering. It let out a melodic hum, a sound that felt oddly soothing.

Kirara crossed her arms. "It's a plant. It doesn't need to grow. If it can save you, let it help!"

Kaede clenched her fists, torn between accepting and refusing. She could feel the bond between herself and Acer, its loyalty unwavering. Finally, she exhaled, reaching out to place her hand on its outstretched tendrils.

"Alright," she said quietly. "Just enough to keep me stable. No more than that."

Acer's vines coiled gently around her hand, and a warm, tingling sensation spread through her arm. Kaede's exhaustion began to fade, replaced by a faint, buzzing energy that filled her body.

Artificia's voice echoed in her mind. <Transfer complete. Magicule reserves increased to 3.002%. Stabilization not achieved. Any further would have various consequences on entity Acer.>

Kaede let out a shaky breath, forcing herself to sit upright fully. "Thanks, Acer." She said, pretending to feel better.

The humanoid plant hummed softly, retracting its vines and stepping back.

Kirara sighed in relief, her shoulders relaxing. "Okay, crisis averted—for now. But we need a long-term plan."

Kaede nodded, her mind already working. "We'll head deeper into Jura. If Veldora's magicules are as dense as Artificia says, we'll find a place where I can recover without leeching off anyone."

Kirara grimaced. "You mean closer to that giant dragon? Are you sure that's a good idea?"

Kaede smirked faintly. "Do you have a better one?"

Kirara groaned. "No, but I reserve the right to say 'I told you so' if we get eaten."

Kaede chuckled weakly, pushing herself to her feet. "Deal. Let's move."

"By the way, who's Artificia?"

"No one important."