Stardew Valley’s Farming Master

Chapter 78: The Secret of Forest Magic

“Five Void Essence and five Solar Essence.”

Leon stated his request. Upon hearing his shopping list, Krobus began to wander among the surrounding statues.

It was unclear where Krobus kept his goods, but after making a full loop, he returned carrying two cloth bags.

“Five Void Essence for five hundred, five Solar Essence for four hundred. That’s nine hundred in total—no bargaining.”

Friends were friends, business was business. Unlike Sandy, Krobus didn’t offer Leon a friendly discount. He quoted the exact market price.

Still, nine hundred G was a pleasant surprise. In the game, upgrading the backpack from 12 slots to 24 slots cost 2,000 G. Now, he could complete the first upgrade for less than half that amount.

Leon paid on the spot. Krobus counted the money, then handed over the two bags.

Leon opened them to take a look.

Void Essence was a pitch-black, spherical crystal with swirling patterns. Inside, a viscous, unknown liquid moved slowly. Just looking at it made Leon’s skin prickle with instinctive fear.

Solar Essence was different. These golden crystals resembled sun-shaped totems, radiating a warm and peaceful feeling. In the darkness, they emitted a soft orange glow. If the light had been stronger, Leon might have considered using them instead of a lamp—perhaps even saving on electricity.“The power in these essences is strong. Don’t hand them to ordinary people, or they may be corrupted by the energy and fall ill.”

Krobus offered a friendly warning when he saw Leon studying the contents.

“What if I hold them in my hands?” Leon paused, his hand hovering above the bag.

“You’ll be fine. You have strong physical constitution, and you’re under the protection of Forest Magic. The corruption won’t affect you.” Krobus then tilted his head in curiosity.

“When the Guardian taught you Forest Magic, didn’t he explain this to you?”

“No. Could you explain it for me?” Leon shook his head. Not only had Wizard Rasmodius failed to explain it, even the System’s description of Forest Magic had been useless. So far, Leon only knew it allowed him to use plant-sensing to locate wild-foraged items.

“Forest Magic isn’t part of the Shadow People’s magic, but I do know a few things. As one of the core elements among the seven elements, it’s also called Life Magic or the Language of Nature. Those who practice it are Children of Nature. Creatures of the wild usually treat them kindly. Oh, and users of Forest Magic can communicate with animals—but only with intelligent ones.”

Leon nodded. That made sense, but one thing still puzzled him.

“Why is it also called Life Magic?”

“It’s simple. The life energy emitted by a Forest Magic user feeds back into nature, benefiting both sides. Plants and animals near you will grow healthier and faster, and by living among them, you’ll receive life energy in return, growing stronger yourself.”

Krobus went on, “Most importantly, if a user of Forest Magic suffers a fatal injury, nature will protect them. The earth will send roots to carry them to a safer place, preventing immediate death. The injury will still remain, though—without timely treatment, they’ll still die.”

“I see. So, if I get treatment before the end, I won’t die?” Leon asked.

“Nature’s rescue comes at a cost. Every time you’re at death’s door, Forest Magic forces your body to draw on its potential. You’ll survive the moment, but you’ll lose some of your lifespan. I hope you never have to rely on it.”

“To avoid instant death at the cost of a little lifespan? Sounds like a bargain,” Leon thought. Death meant nothingness; trading the future to ensure the present was a rare gift.

“Yes, but it’s not without remedies. If you’re surrounded by vigorous life, the energy they feed back can replenish your lost lifespan. Your farm is special. If you master farming and use its fertile soil to grow high-quality crops, eating them will restore what you’ve lost.”

Krobus added, “In theory, if you trigger the protection only once per month, then spend the following month avoiding danger and staying at least an hour a day near twenty or more individual plants, you can restore your lost life energy.”

“Then if I avoid danger and use high-quality crops along with Forest Magic… could I live forever?” Leon asked curiously.

“Live forever? No. Birth, aging, and death are part of nature’s rules. Not even nature’s children can escape them. But if you live healthily and eat well, living to three or four hundred years is possible. I’ve met several Forest Magic users, and the record I’ve seen was three hundred sixty years—still healthy, still youthful.”