“Wow, that was incredible! I've never seen anything like that!”


Adam turned his head and saw the source of this statement - a male elf of some sort with tan skin that, based on Earth standards, couldn't have been older than twenty or so - and thanked him.


“How long have you been a Druid for?” the stranger asked. “Uh, I'm Drake, by the way.”


“Adam Phillips, of Second Chance, nice to meet you,” the red-eyed man responded, shaking Drake's hand, “and just a while now, no big deal really.” The deflection for the sake of humility was something the man was grateful for in hindsight, because of what the elf said next.


“That's good. I just got this yesterday.” Drake held up his source crystal, then went on. “If, uh, you have time, could you maybe teach me how to do that? I can barely grow a shrub.” The embarrassment in his voice was palpable, despite it being something completely understandable for the American.


Adam pretended not to notice, smiling while he spoke. “Of course. I barely have any magic left though, so you'll have to visualize what I'm saying at times. Now, don't worry about growing a bunch of trees at once…”


-----


In an hour or so, the elf was creating singular oak trees with ease. Adam was happy for his impromptu student, but he couldn't help but sense that something else was bothering him, so the more experienced Druid asked Drake if he was okay.


After a moment's reluctance, the novice caster answered. “It's, well, it's all so much. Before yesterday I was working in a bakery, and now I'm expected to fight an army? I just don't know if I can do it.”


“I understand,” Adam replied empathetically. “I had my powers given to me in an unfortunate and unexpected time also.” That it was after his own death might have been far-fetched to the elf, so the man did not include that detail. “Still, with the help of my friends, I was able to help a town hold off a skeleton and ogre invasion. Nobody expects you to do this alone. Just do the best you can and we'll all make sure the Witch Queen doesn't win here.”


The little speech seemed to help Drake somewhat, who looked and felt more reassured. “Thank you for everything, Adam” the elf responded. “If you ever need anything, please let me know.


“No problem.” This time it was the fisherman who was a little nervous. “Actually, I do have a question for you…”