Noah stood motionless, watching as the pulsing current of mana gradually dimmed, its soft blue glow fading into nothingness. The skill he had recently gained from the book had either deactivated or completely drained his mana—most likely the cause of the sudden, pounding headache now throbbing in his temples. The lingering effects of the spell left his thoughts sluggish, weighed down as though his mind were pushing through thick fog.
He rubbed his temples, trying to ease the discomfort, when a soft, melodic chime broke through his haze. The sound, gentle and soothing, felt oddly at odds with the sharp ache in his skull. His gaze shifted upward, catching sight of a new window blinking in the corner of his vision. Its pulsing light seemed to beckon for his attention, subtle yet insistent.
Noah felt a faint rumble beneath his feet, a subtle tremor that sent a shiver climbing up his spine. It was as if the very earth was holding its breath, waiting. Slowly, he turned toward the source of the disturbance, and his breath caught in his throat.
There it was—the dungeon core—hovering a foot and a half above the ground. Its surface pulsed with a soft, ethereal glow, casting shifting patterns of light onto the walls and floor. The glow seemed alive, its movements too deliberate to be random. The air around the core shimmered faintly, as if charged with latent power, and the atmosphere felt almost tangible—thick and electric.
Drawn to it, Noah took cautious steps forward, each movement deliberate, as though the slightest misstep might shatter the fragile balance of energy radiating from the core. The closer he came, the more his senses sharpened. The air felt cooler, yet the core’s glow was warm and inviting, a paradox that sent an ache of wonder through his chest. The hairs on his arms stood on end, and he could feel the weight of its presence pressing against his skin.
Finally, he knelt before the core, his knees pressing into the cool, stone floor. He hesitated, his breath shallow as he extended a trembling hand. His fingers brushed the surface, and a ripple of energy surged through him. The core’s pulse met his own, steady and deliberate, resonating deep within his chest. It was as though the core was alive—aware—and it acknowledged his presence.
Noah’s gaze shifted to the scattered pouches of seeds around him, some spilling their contents onto the ground. His brow furrowed. Why hadn’t they been automatically stored in his inventory? He quickly opened the interface and saw the problem—his inventory was maxed out. Every one of the 15 slots was occupied, filled with seed pouches, the newly acquired waterskin, and the two upgrade tokens glowing faintly in their respective slots.
“That explains the mess,” Noah muttered, shaking his head. A faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips. Carefully, he bent down to collect the pouches, placing them in a neat pile.
Reaching into his inventory, he retrieved one of the shimmering upgrade tokens. It felt cool against his skin, its smooth surface radiating a faint pulse of energy as if it were waiting to be used.
As soon as the token left his inventory, a familiar chime echoed in his mind, and a glowing window materialized before him. The light from the interface bathed the room in a soft, golden hue.
“Welcome to the World Seed Upgrade Window, User Noah,” came a cheerful, melodic voice. It was sweet and precise, almost unnervingly so, as though designed to put him at ease.
Noah blinked in surprise, momentarily caught off guard. “Uh, hi?” he said, his voice tinged with curiosity and wariness.
The voice continued, its tone bubbling with excitement. “I see you’ve earned two Upgrade Tokens—congratulations!” The words hung in the air, the voice pausing briefly, almost theatrically, before continuing. “Here you go! These are all the upgrades you can purchase so far.”
Before Noah could respond, the interface screen burst into life. Rows of glowing icons, shimmering with vibrant hues, cascaded down the display. Each option pulsed softly, exuding an air of potential and possibility.
Noah barely had time to brace himself before a dazzling array of options exploded across his vision. Hundreds of thousands of items, each glowing with vibrant hues, cascaded down in a relentless torrent. Icons floated past in a mesmerizing blur—some spinning gently, others pulsing with a soft, rhythmic light. Text descriptions shimmered beneath the icons, elegant and full of promise, yet utterly overwhelming. The sheer scale was dizzying, as if the entire cosmos of possibilities had been condensed into this one screen.
The page counter at the bottom spiraled upward with an alarming speed, ticking past single digits, then hundreds, and finally ballooning into the billions.
“Stop!” Noah’s voice cracked with urgency, his temples pounding as if the weight of the endless options were physically pressing on his skull. The pain intensified, sharp and rhythmic, like the relentless beat of a drum.
Instantly, the list froze mid-scroll, the glowing cascade suspended in place. The once-blinding array of choices now hung in midair, each icon shimmering like a star in the still night.
“What’s wrong, Noah?” Nova’s voice, cheerful and lively moments ago, softened to a gentle murmur. Concern laced her words, as though she could sense the strain creeping into his thoughts.
Noah winced, massaging his temples in slow, deliberate circles. His headache throbbed with a dull intensity, a reminder of his depleted mana reserves. “I don’t need a list this long,” he muttered, his voice tinged with irritation and exhaustion. “Just show me what you recommend I need right now, please… Miss System?”
A pause lingered, thick yet calm, as though the world around him had taken a collective breath. The silence wasn’t unsettling but rather pregnant with anticipation, like the moment before a song’s first note.
When Nova’s voice returned, it carried a playful warmth, her tone a balm to his fraying nerves. “Oh, sorry about that, Noah! And please, call me Nova.”
A small, reluctant smile tugged at the corner of Noah’s lips as the tension in his chest began to dissipate. The overwhelming list of options dissolved like morning fog under the sun, replaced by a single page.
Ten neatly arranged options materialized before him, their icons glowing with a soft, inviting light that seemed to pulse in time with his heartbeat.
The items floated in perfect symmetry, each one a masterpiece of design. Some appeared as luminous crystals, others as intricately designed symbols emanating distinct auras of magic. Beneath each icon, a brief description shimmered into view, its elegant script easy to read and oddly comforting.
“I’ve shortened the list to ten items you may need right now,” Nova explained, her voice taking on a more professional cadence while maintaining its underlying warmth. “The first five are essential, while the last five are useful but can wait.”
Noah exhaled slowly, his gaze scanning the newly curated options. Each one seemed purposeful, as though crafted specifically for him, their presence reassuring in the wake of the overwhelming flood he’d just endured.
Noah’s eyes scanned the list, each item catching his gaze as though it were calling to him. The icons seemed alive with their subtle glow, their soft light persuasive yet calming. There was an undeniable sense of purpose in the list’s arrangement, as if each option had been meticulously curated with his current needs in mind. It felt deliberate, almost personal, as if Nova had reached into the heart of his situation and laid out the exact tools he required.
He marveled at the thoughtfulness of the selection, a mix of utility and emotional resonance. These weren’t just upgrades; they were answers to unspoken concerns, whispers of reassurance that someone understood his struggles and his goals.
As he studied the list, his attention sharpened on the details of each item:
Noah paused, his gaze lingering on the Storage Expansion option. The practicality of additional inventory slots was undeniable, especially given his recent struggles with space.
“I will purchase the Inventory Expansion, please,” he said, folding his arms as he made his decision. His voice carried a note of finality, a resolve that seemed to echo within the interface itself.
“Good choice, Noah!” Nova’s voice chimed back, brimming with enthusiasm. “Let me pull up all the available upgrade options for your current level of inventory.”
Her voice grew livelier, humming a merry tune that seemed to dance through the air, light and cheerful, as if she were sharing in his excitement. The interface flickered in response, preparing to reveal the specifics of his selection.
Within moments, a new window materialized before Noah, the display flickering softly before settling into clarity. A neatly arranged list of inventory upgrades filled the screen, each option accompanied by a succinct yet informative description. The items ranged from basic expansions—simple additions of a few extra slots—to more sophisticated enhancements that boasted features like item categorization, automatic sorting, and even quick-access hotkeys.
Noah’s eyes traced the list, taking in the details of each upgrade. The descriptions were clear and precise, the icons intuitive and easy to understand. One of the upgrades even offered a visual map of his inventory, allowing for drag-and-drop organization, while another suggested a smart search function, enabling him to locate any item with a simple thought.
As the list continued to load, Nova’s humming grew louder, her tune becoming more playful. Her enthusiasm was almost contagious, making Noah’s earlier weariness seem like a distant memory. He couldn’t help but smile at her energy.
“Take your time, Noah,” Nova encouraged, her tone gentle yet infused with a lively spirit. “There’s no rush! Each option has its own benefits, so choose the one that best suits your needs right now.”
Noah felt a slight pulse in his hand—the token. He glanced down, noticing a faint glow emanating from his palm, as if the token was eager to fulfill its purpose. With a determined nod, he focused on the screen, weighing the options carefully.
Noah examined his current options, his eyes lingering on one that seemed almost too good to be true: the Seed Inventory. It was the only upgrade that truly stood out, promising something more than just a simple enhancement.
“Nova,” he called out, pausing for a moment before continuing, “what can you tell me about the Seed Inventory?”
Nova's voice chimed in cheerfully. “Certainly, Noah! The Seed Inventory is designed to enhance your efficiency and management of all the seeds you acquire. Here’s what you need to know: it will automatically categorize and store any seeds you collect, freeing up your main inventory space and allowing you to manage your resources more effectively. Additionally, it provides detailed information about each seed, including growth conditions, potential yields, and even magical properties.”
Noah considered this for a moment, weighing the benefits. The upgrade seemed tailored to his current needs, offering both convenience and a deeper understanding of his resources. The promise of greater efficiency and ease resonated with him, appealing to his growing ambitions.
After a moment of deliberation, Noah made his decision. His thumb hovered over the icon, and with a deliberate motion, he confirmed the purchase.
As soon as the transaction was complete, the token in his hand crumbled to dust, the particles dissipating into the air like whispers of magic. The screen flickered briefly before stabilizing, a soft chime signaling the successful upgrade.
“There you go!” Nova’s voice was almost giddy with excitement. “Your inventory has been upgraded! You should notice the new features immediately.”
Noah nodded, already feeling a subtle shift in the interface. The inventory screen appeared more refined, with additional slots seamlessly integrated. A new tab labeled "Seed Inventory" caught his attention, promising organized and detailed management. The system's efficiency was palpable, responding to his thoughts with a newfound fluidity that made navigation effortless.
“Thanks, Nova,” Noah said, a sense of satisfaction settling in his chest.
“Anytime, Noah! I’m here whenever you need me.” Nova’s voice was warm, almost comforting. “Enjoy your upgraded inventory!”
Feeling accomplished, Noah navigated through the new features, his curiosity piqued by the possibilities the Seed Inventory held. With a single thought, he activated the tab, eager to explore the enhancements and see how they would streamline his efforts. The new Seed Inventory tab was neatly integrated, allowing him to view and organize his seeds with ease. His general inventory remained unchanged, but now he had a dedicated section for seeds, providing a clearer and more organized system.
“Is there anything else I can assist you with today?” Nova asked, her voice warm and inviting.
“No, I’ll ask for some help later, but how do I talk to you again?” Noah inquired.
“Whenever you need assistance, simply say ‘Nova’ in the ‘System’ upgrade menu,” Nova responded. “I’ll be here to help you with any queries or tasks you have. Have a great day, Noah!”
With that, the interface closed, leaving Noah with his newly upgraded inventory and the Seed Inventory tab.
Clicking the new tab, Noah saw that all his seeds from the original inventory were now neatly organized inside the Seed Inventory. Each seed was displayed with its name, rarity, and a brief description. The layout was intuitive, making it easy to navigate and manage his collection.
Noah marveled at the efficiency of the new system. Gone were the days of sifting through his general inventory to find specific seeds. Everything was now accessible at a glance, with options to sort and categorize further if needed. He noticed additional features such as filtering by seed type or rarity and a search function to quickly locate any seed. The enhanced organization brought a sense of satisfaction and relief, knowing that his inventory management had just become significantly easier.
Satisfied with his upgrade, Noah carefully placed the remaining seeds on the ground into his Seed Inventory. The seeds were swiftly and seamlessly absorbed into their designated slots.
Turning his attention to the dungeon core still floating a foot and a half above the ground, Noah approached it with a sense of curiosity and anticipation. The core’s faint, pulsating glow seemed to resonate with the surrounding mana, casting subtle reflections on the walls and floor.
He reached out and carefully picked up the dungeon core, placing it gently inside his Inventory for safekeeping. With a determined stride, Noah began walking back towards his car.
After some time, Noah finally reached his vehicle. Wiping the sweat from his brow, he unlocked the car and was immediately hit by a blast of hot air. He quickly inserted the key into the ignition and turned the car on, cranking the air conditioning to its maximum setting.
As the icy air began to circulate through the cabin, he left the door open for a few minutes to help the interior cool down faster. Once the car felt comfortable, he got in, closed the door, and let the cool air soothe his overheated skin.
Checking his phone, Noah saw that it was 10:45 AM. As he scrolled through his notifications, a reminder flashed on the screen: [Visit Mum]. He sighed, realizing he needed to head home, take a shower, and check on the world seed—though he wasn’t quite sure in which order to tackle these tasks.
With a determined nod, Noah turned his car around and merged onto the main road, heading toward home. When he pulled into the driveway, he turned off the car, locked the door, and then unlocked the front door to his house. As he stepped inside, he was met with the warm, muggy air that had settled in, contrasting sharply with the cool relief of the car's interior.
Walking over to the sliding door, Noah glanced out at the backyard. There, standing proudly in the sunshine, was the seedling, its tiny leaves fluttering merrily in the breeze. The sight brought a smile to his face.
"I hope you didn’t miss me too much," Noah said with a grin, watching as the seedling swayed gently as if acknowledging his presence.
“I’m going up to the water source to see if I can upgrade it. I’ll be back soon,” he added, turning away from the seedling and heading towards the water puddle. The puddle had been set up to support the world seed and his Earth Shaker seedlings.
After a few minutes of walking around the hill, Noah reached the area where he had dug the hand-dug channel a day ago. The small stream of water trickling through the channel was a comforting sight. He opened his interface screen, revealing a new tab labelled “Upgrade.”
With a thoughtful expression, he called out, “Nova,” and was immediately greeted by a beep, followed by a woman’s giggle.
Nova’s voice chimed in cheerfully. “Got to say, Noah, you didn’t mess around! Are you here for an upgrade, orrr…” Her tone trailed off suddenly, and she gasped. “WHERE DID YOU GET A WORLD SEED FROM?”
“WHERE DID YOU GET A WORLD SEED FROM?” she screamed again, her voice filled with a mix of shock and excitement.
Noah flinched at Nova’s sudden outburst, nearly closing the interface screen in surprise. “Whoa, whoa, calm down!” he said, trying to soothe her.
“Noah, you have a World Seed!” Nova’s voice brimmed with both wonder and concern. “How can I not react? Do you have any idea how incredibly rare and powerful a World Seed can be?” She paused, her tone growing more serious. “This isn’t just some random artifact—it’s the foundation of entire ecosystems, capable of shaping and transforming the environment. You could create a new world with this or even restore one ravaged by darkness or devastation.”
Noah looked down at the seedling in his yard, his eyes widening as he absorbed the gravity of Nova’s words. “I had no idea,” he whispered, the enormity of his discovery starting to sink in. “So… what should I do with it?”
Nova took a moment to compose herself before responding, her tone steady and measured. “You’ll need to nurture it carefully. The World Seed has the potential to influence not just the land, but the magic in the air itself. I’ll assist you in unlocking its potential, but remember—every choice you make will have a lasting impact.”
Noah took a deep breath, the reality of the situation settling in. “Alright, Nova. Let’s make sure I don’t mess this up. Tell me where to start,” he said, waiting as she paused.
“I can’t assist you from here,” Nova continued with a sigh. “However, since you have a World Seed growing, there are things you’re eligible to claim for free.” A new window appeared beside her interface avatar:
“Now, I need you to listen very carefully to what’s going to happen next,” Nova added, her tone growing even more serious. “This is a one-time opportunity that almost never happens. Guiding the growth of a World Tree is something few have ever attempted. And to do it properly, I’ll need to help you in person.”
Noah’s brow furrowed in confusion. “Help me in person? What do you mean?”
“You’ll soon receive a system prompt asking if you’d like me to manifest in your world,” Nova explained. “If you accept, I’ll become a permanent resident, tied to the World Seed and your world for at least two centuries. This would allow me to guide you directly rather than through the interface.”
Noah’s eyes widened as he absorbed Nova’s words. “You mean… you could actually come here? Like, physically?” he asked, a mixture of curiosity and caution in his voice.
“Yes,” Nova confirmed, her tone soft but firm. “My presence would be tied to the World Seed, and I could provide real-time guidance. But this is a one-time offer. If you decline, I won’t be able to offer this again.”
The weight of the decision settled heavily on Noah’s shoulders. Having Nova physically present could be a significant advantage, especially with something as unpredictable as a World Seed. It would mean having a knowledgeable guide by his side, someone to offer insights and real-time assistance. However, it also introduced an unknown element—someone who had only existed as a voice in his head until now.
As he mulled over the implications, a system window materialized before him:
He could feel the anticipation in the air, and a subtle tension in Nova’s voice as she awaited his response. Noah took a deep breath, his finger hovering over the options.
“You said this is rare—almost unheard of,” Noah murmured, thinking aloud. “And it could help the World Seed grow properly?”
“Yes,” Nova confirmed. “I would help guide its growth, manage the magical energies, and ensure the World Seed reaches its full potential. But the choice is yours, Noah. I won’t pressure you. Whatever you decide, I’ll support you in the best way I can.”
Noah hesitated for just a moment longer, the weight of the decision pressing on him. The promise of Nova’s expertise and direct guidance was too significant to ignore, especially given the potential impact of the World Seed.
With a determined look, he tapped the screen.
“Yes.”
