Zapdos

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

After getting the answer to his question and making sure that Drake had a handle on basic magic, Adam left the younger Druid so the older one could contribute more to Valheim's defense. Sure, he was basically unable to cast, but that didn't mean there was nothing to do. Instead, the 18-year old approached a group of lumbermen. He saw one drinking water, presumably on break; the worker was a human male, probably in his early 20's, with a muscular build and a big black beard on his face. The man glanced at the Druid, then spoke to him.

“Yes?”

It was brief and to the point, but not rude. Adam could understand that sort of thing, and felt he should respond in kind.

“I was wondering if you guys needed any help. I'm out of magic, but I can still swing an axe.”

“Well alright, take this and we'll see how you do.” Handing a hatchet to the Druid and pointing to a pile of logs, Josh's tone seemed slightly skeptical, but curious as to what this strangely-dressed fellow could do. The fishing pole was impressive, though the rest of the young man confused him.

A minute later, that skepticism had been put to rest, with the Michigander slicing wood as effectively as anyone else there, skills honed by doing similar work countless times in the woods Up North.

In Mytheria these skills would help defend Valheim. Back home, they just helped the family roast marshmallows for s'mores. The thought of nights by the fire made Adam smile, but he kept working, knowing all the same what was at stake.

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

@xenon I was looking for

this

Gildor: welcome to my store! What brings you here?
James Barracker MacKensie: my friend Zell recommended you.
Gildor: oh God damn it.
MacKensie: and I need a massive loan.
Gildor: God damn it again.

@Zapdos

and found something that seems relevant:

<Snipped quote by Zool>

Almost every dice roll has been kind to you since this RP began. You are due a Nat 1!

Your choices, clever and creative posts make it impossible with all the 'Roll with Advantage' and Lowered DC's you rack up. Sometimes I wish misfortune on you lol. Never happens though. So many planned segments just completely skipped over

@xenon

Who knew you were predicting the future lol

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

“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…”

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

Yesterday had been exhausting. Among the tons of Mytherian plants to pick from, it turned out Adam picked one of the more difficult ones to create. Sure, there had been a few interesting ones that might have been easier, such as the hauntingly nicknamed “sailor's scourge,” but the one he had chosen was more concerning for the enemy…if learning about it didn't kill him first, that is.

This morning, when he had learned from James that all Druids were to go to Golden Tree Park, the fisherman had wondered why. Listening to Michael Fern explain what was to be done, and seeing all the people there, led to an understanding: this would be another tiring day, only somewhat differently so. The effort looked like a sort of medieval and magical assembly line, ranging from people moving acorns in to people moving lumber out. It was impressive, really.

Sure, Adam could have just grown a few trees and left. It wasn't like he didn't have a reason. This new plant was tough to learn, and the red-eyed man knew he needed more practice. But that was not how he did things. The effort to defend Valheim needed all the help it could get, so Adam found an unoccupied spot and began casting.

After creating a dozen or so oak trees, the Druid felt something surprising: boredom. “How is creating living matter from nothing dull?” and “am I starting to take my powers for granted?” were two questions that ran through his mind. Perhaps the challenge from yesterday gave him a desire to expand his Druid abilities and try new things - certainly a better take than “this is simply repetitive,” which made him feel lousy about himself. 

In the spirit of the former, Adam decided to try growing multiple trees at once. He had made four roots in an earlier battle, so he started there. It became simple after a time, so he branched out to six. And eventually eight. Each one was tougher than the last, but still doable.

Ten was his limit, for now. One for each finger. Perhaps it was being in a situation where he didn't have to focus on anything else besides casting that let the red-eyed man do that much, he thought. Whatever it was, he allowed himself to simply focus on the magic. It was a feeling almost reminiscent of his time on Kragstone Peak, and the meditative nature of the casting made the Druid feel like he was casting more proficiently than usual.

This state of mind kept Adam from realizing something fairly obvious until he was done casting; towards the end, someone had been watching him.

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

I need to start writing a little earlier in the week xD

@Zool

I can relate to this today lol.

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

That was probably the shortest post I've written in ages. The foreshadowing was planned of course, but everything only really came together like half a day ago, so I'm still brainstorming to an extent.

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

The only thing Adam had thought to do with his day was send the letter, really. It wasn't even a long process like he suspected it could be. So what else to do? He didn't think he needed any supplies. There was something he wanted to ask a certain someone, but he didn't think he had the nerve yet. Absent-mindedly, the Druid sat down against a tree, taking in the view of the people walking down an ordinary Valheim street. At least he had managed to thank his friend who had taught him things and recommended some-

Some books!

Adam took out one of them and went to the index. He knew what sort of plant he wanted to learn about, and would search his little library until he found it. Then, well…then it'd be time to start casting.

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

Lucy was very helpful to the new source mail user. Immediately taking the time to help and explaining the interface - similar to email, really - made the process incredibly simple, and Adam was sure to show his appreciation. One statement the Guild master said left the Druid slightly confused though.

"Here is where you enter the name of the Adventurer Party.  Ooo... True Grade," she realised.  "I see you've become familiar with one of the more famous Party Names of this era." She raised her eyebrows as she nosily inquired.  "Friends in high places?  Or just a fan?"

Lucy Bottrill

“A friend,” the man simply responded, “is he really that famous?” Glee certainly didn't come off that way, though maybe that explained the crush Fiona had on him. 

After listening to Lucy's answer and thanking her again before she left, Adam wrote his letter to his apparently famous friend.

-----

Hello Glee!

First, if this message is garbled or incomplete, it's the Witch Queen. It's far too much to explain here, though I'd be glad to do so the next time we meet. Suffice it to say, it happened once, so I'm writing all this in case it happens again. Hopefully not though!

That being said, I hope all is well with you. I wanted to thank you for your help with improving my casting, and for introducing me to Gilligan. He did teach me Shapeshifting like you said, which was useful during my last battle against a powerful water ninja. Druid magic is much more versatile than I could have imagined, and I feel my proficiency in it has grown (pun not intended) since our last meeting.

Adam thought for a second, then continued writing. It wasn't the purpose of the letter, but this could end up making a difference in something very important.

In much more unfortunate news, Valheim is currently under siege. I have been told by a reliable source that in nine days, the Witch Queen's forces will start their attack when the city's shields are worn out. If you happen to be nearby or know anyone who is, any help with the defense is appreciated. If not, I understand completely. In either case, I will do my best to defend this place and the people in it.

Come to think of it, are you from Valheim? One of my friends and teammates, our Paladin, is. He's a good guy. Everyone in Second Chance is, really. 

Anyway, I'll stop here. Thanks again for the help, and I wish you all the best.

Sincerely,

Adam Phillips

After he finished typing, the fisherman sent his letter. Glad to have done so, the fisherman left the Guildhouse, ready for whatever happened next.

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

Zell's answer was completely unhelpful to Adam and made him wonder if the swordsman cared about his friend at all. So confusing. Then James responded and it suddenly all made sense. Well, enough of it, at least. The two of them had done something dumb and MacKensie was mad at them for it. Considering the Fighter was involved, it might have something to do with that “unbanning” business. Finishing his meal, thanking Frederick and giving him the dishes, the Druid responded to the Cleric's information, taking a measured approach.

“I see. Well, I won’t bug you two about it.” Whether or not he would ask the Ranger about this was an open question. She could more than handle herself, so Adam figured he would just be there to be supportive if needed. Whatever that meant would depend on how things proceed. “Considering everything…”

The red-eyed man trailed off. He was going to add “you may have done more harm than you realize” but he reconsidered. If these two did in fact cause MacKensie to be unfairly maligned somehow, Adam knew in her eyes it would be a stain on her honor, and that of her family. The Druid could relate, despite living on a different continent and social class than the Ranger. In his small town, people still talked about things that happened decades before he was born. Reputations were built on honorable behavior and crushed by the opposite.

That all would be very wordy though, and risked creating unnecessary tensions at a time when there were bigger things to worry about. Like an invading army, for instance. So instead, Adam skipped that part and finished his sentence with “if you both make things right, that's good.” Zell's approach to the situation seemed dumb to the fisherman, but he trusted James to get things patched up.

Now, what was he going to ask their group leader? Whatever idea it was, it was gone now. Maybe it would reappear sometime. Oh well, better to be honest. “I forgot what I was going to ask, sorry. I should probably get that letter sent though.”

Leaving the money for the meal on the table, Adam said his goodbyes to both teammates and proceeded to the Guildhouse. Trying to remember what he was going to ask, the Druid completely missed a certain French woman walking in the opposite direction. He did, however, see Lucy Bottrill talking to a bartender he did not know.

The fisherman walked up to them and when there was a pause in the conversation, he proceeded to ask the question he didn't forget. 

“Excuse me Lucy, could you please show me how to send a message using the Source Mail? I'd like to send something to my friend Glee and I've only used it to view the one from yesterday. Of course, if you're busy now, I can come back later.”

Adam mentally cringed as he remembered what he was going to ask. Of course it would pop back up in his mind when he was talking about the Emperor's message. This was something for the team leader to decide, though. 

The Druid was just contacting someone he cared about.

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

"So Adam, how did your last Ascension go? Got anything fancy? since my last one I got some new spells"

James Sirius

The food and conversation was pleasant. James asking about the Ascension made sense, though Adam hadn't really thought about it. Searching his mind, he was able to respond completely. 

“No new spells, though I feel like my Druid “senses” are heightened, if that makes any sense. Like, take that painting,” he said, pointing to a cityscape of Valheim nearby reminiscent of Vincent Van Gogh's The Starry Night. “The frame is made of maple and the paint itself is derived from at least ten different types of seeds. Dunno how practical that'll be in combat though. I did get something else useful, at least.”

After searching through his bag, the Druid pulled out a certain wand and showed it to the Cleric. “The mustached guy - George, not the gnome - gave it to me. It has a wind blast spell, but only a limited amount before it has to be ‘recharged.’ If we ever see Lillianna again, I plan on giving it to her. How about you, what are your new spells?”

Listening to James as Zell joined them, Adam was grateful for the peace in the days before conflict would erupt. It felt like it was inevitable that he would be fighting once more, so the fisherman appreciated these moments more as a result. When Zell asked James about teaching him stuff, the Druid nodded. After the Cleric agreed, the non-weapon user indicated his agreement. “Good idea. I learned stuff from a few people and I'm not sure we would have made it this far without them.” An idea occurred to him, just now. “Actually, I should go to the Guildhouse and try that ‘source mail’ thing to send a message to one of them.” And another one. “James, do you think-”

Speaking of things he was grateful for, MacKensie Trydant was very high on that list, and she briefly appeared to say hi and bye to everyone (and he responded similarly, of course). It was strange, though. The Ranger was her usual radiant and cheery self around him, but harsh to the other two members of Second Chance.

“Huh, MacKensie seems upset. Would either of you know why?”