The Orchid Quest IV

Damien sat cross-legged on the ground, the dense silence of the forest surrounding him. The Bloody Green Orchids he and Luton had painstakingly collected were piled before him, their vibrant green petals shimmering faintly with magic essence.

He reached for the first orchid, his fingers brushing against its soft surface. Without hesitation, he shoved it into his mouth, chewing quickly despite its writhing resistance.

The familiar sweetness filled his mouth again, followed by the rush of essence coursing through his body. It settled in his core, and a notification panel appeared before him.

Ding!

«You have consumed a Bloody Green Orchid. +0.1% increase to essence core.»

Damien grinned. "Just as expected," he muttered, reaching for the next one.  

This time, he chewed with less caution, devouring the orchid in seconds. Another notification followed the first, marking another small but significant improvement to his essence core.