The Cornflower Witch

Book 2: Chapter 28: Pumpkin Steamed Cake

Vol 2 Chapter 28: Pumpkin Steamed Cake

After a brief conversation, Sylutia had a general understanding of the other team's situation.

Just like her, this small team had also come from another outpost to explore the 'Fir Black Forest' area. They had already completed two expeditions, gaining some harvests, but still felt slightly unsatisfied.

"The information form shows you come from a gardener background, but looking at your attire, you also have a bit of a ranger's look," inquired the short captain leading the group.

"That's correct. I am primarily a gardener, but before coming to the Hidden Grove, I also learned some archery skills that can be used in combat."

"I see." The other party nodded.

"Our current team composition includes a frontline warrior for holding the line, a wizard for handling complex situations, a rogue for ambushes and scouting decisions, and a cook responsible for logistics," he briefly introduced the team's situation.

"Although bringing a cook might seem strange, Pona brings significant benefits to the entire team and is a trustworthy member."

"If you're willing to join us for the next expedition, come outside the tavern and give a simple demonstration of your abilities." He didn't waste words, getting straight to the point.

"No problem."Since she hadn't ordered food yet, she walked out of the tavern with the group and came to the grassy area beside it.

"Currently, I know 'Vine Overgrowth' and 'Vegetation Frenzy.' I can also demonstrate my archery skills," the young woman briefly introduced.

"Good. See that big tree in the woods? There's a broken scar on it. Just hit that spot." He simply pointed out the location;

the target was about 120 meters away from them, which was quite challenging. (A standard soccer field is 105 meters long.)

If it were an archer who only practiced casually, hitting such a spot would be very difficult. But for a Transcendent dedicated to archery skills, 120 meters was basic competency.

Taking the compound bow from her back, Sylutia drew it back with some extra strength to spare, nocked an arrow, and placed a grass seed into the groove at the arrowhead. Then, with a slight twang of the bowstring, the arrow instantly shot through the forest shade, hitting the scar on the big tree. Afterward, the green grass seed sprouted, entwining the entire trunk.

"Beautiful~"

The other party whistled. An expert's move immediately reveals their skill.

He saw that Sylutia's entire process was smooth and relaxed, knowing this was far from the limit of her strength. The part she had demonstrated already met the team's requirements.

"Welcome, Sylutia. You are now a member of our team. If you don't mind, we'll have dinner together tonight, and I'll give you a detailed introduction to the situation."

"Okay." The young woman put away her bow, her black hair swaying lightly with her movements as she nodded slightly.

Returning to the tavern, Pona, the cook, went to the front counter to order food and also went to the kitchen to help. The remaining four sat at the table to chat.

"First, let me introduce myself. I'm Rodriguez, nickname 'Bad Apple.' The name is quite long, so you can just call me 'Bad Apple' normally." He played with a dagger in his hand, the sharp silver short blade flipping between his fingers with incredible dexterity.

This captain likely had some halfling or dwarf bloodline, as his physique was smaller than a normal person's, but he was exceptionally agile. His main Aspect was 'Mist Shadow.'

"This big oaf, I mean, this reliable warrior, is the strongest fortress of our team. His name is Yan." He turned and patted the heavy armor of his companion beside him.

The tall, blond young man nodded. He had ordered a beer and was drinking heartily.

"Hello, I'm Yan. Nice to meet you." Compared to the other team members, this blond young man seemed incredibly normal, with neither strange little quirks and personality flaws nor the usual arrogance of nobles.

His set of armor probably weighed around 100 jin, with thick shoulder guards as high as his neck. Even simple movements produced slight sounds of armor plates rubbing together. Just looking at him, he felt like a humanoid rhinoceros.

"Hello." The young woman nodded slightly.

"This handsome guy here, the wizard in the team, is named Karlinsen. Or you can call him the handsome guy with black hair. He'd probably like that~"

"Rodriguez." The wizard with a rather cold expression finally spoke, interrupting the captain's joke, then turned to the black-haired young woman.

"I'm Karlinsen. You can just call me Karl normally." After speaking, he opened his palm, and a writhing pale mist appeared.

"I am a wizard of the 'Dead Embers' Aspect, skilled at commanding wraiths."

The pale mist rapidly swirled, finally condensing into a cat with an ethereal form. It lightly sat on the table, its gaze sizing up the young woman before it, occasionally licking its paw, just like a living creature.

After the introductions, they chatted a bit more about each other's situations.

Unlike Sylutia, these individuals had been at the Hidden Grove for over six years and were quite experienced with various matters and tasks.

"So it seems, I'm actually the oldest. Why don't you try calling me 'Apple Brother'~ Haha." Although he looked short, this captain indeed had rich experience and was humorous. He had also built this entire team.

"Actually, I used to work solo before, which was more carefree." He poured himself some low-alcohol wine, taking small sips to savor it.

"But then I met this guy Yan and collaborated with him a few times."

"At the time, I thought, such a useful teammate would be a real pity to let go to others, so I pulled him out to form a team."

"Afterward, we also recruited other members, but most felt average, and we gradually parted ways."

"Until later, when we met this little girl Pona."

"Actually, at first, I didn't want her to join the team because bringing someone with little combat power is really troublesome, but her cooking is just too delicious."

"Both Yan and I were very satisfied. Besides, having her along on the road always made the team atmosphere good. She could occasionally help us with other miscellaneous tasks, increasing our income, so we accepted and got used to her."

"Karl was the last to join us. The reason was simple: as we went to more places, many monsters became really difficult to deal with, forcing us to find a helper who could handle various bizarre situations. Although he seems quiet, his knowledge and abilities are solid, bringing us many pleasant surprises." Bad Apple introduced each person's background one by one.

"This time, coming to the Fir Black Forest is mainly to search for several resources. Karl needs 'Ash Evil Fruit' to enhance the strength of his contracted wraiths. Some fruits in the forest, and monsters of the 'Bloodline' Aspect—harvests after defeating them can also strengthen Yan's physique."

"As for me, I want to obtain the 'Stone-Mist Spring Water' behind the 'Distant Mountain Gate.' If I have that, I can commission a skilled Apothecary to refine the special Spiritual Medicine 'Mist Breath,' allowing me to impact 'Third Tier · Mist Shadow.'"

"However, the 'Distant Mountain Gate' is very hard to find. We're also planning to try more in the surrounding areas first, to see the situation. Only if there's a possibility of finding it will we set out."

As they chatted, time unknowingly passed, and now the sumptuous dinner was ready. Pona walked over alone carrying a wide wooden platter with crispy roasted meat, potato pancakes, mushroom vegetable soup, and butter-fried fish.

"Make way, the food is here."

The aroma of the delicacies on the platter reached her nose. Even Sylutia felt a tempting appetite.

No wonder they let Pona become a teammate too. With such a companion on the journey of travel and adventure, it would indeed be much more comfortable and enjoyable.

After setting the things down, Pona specially took out a small portion of cake and handed it to Sylutia.

"This is a pumpkin steamed cake I made myself. Welcome, Sylutia, to joining us~"

The small cake, steaming with heat and fragrance, was placed in the young woman's palm. Waves of warmth transmitted through, making Sylutia's heart surge with comfort and warmth.

"Thank you."