Chapter 46: The Branch
Chapter 46: The Branch
Linsey listened to Red Moon's instructions and headed towards the greenhouse at the back.
This was where Finn had poured his heart and soul.
Since Linsey came to the wooden house every three days for lessons, he had also spent a significant amount of time here.
It could be said that he was the most familiar person with this place in the entire town, aside from Finn.
Now, he was the only one familiar with this place.
As for the item Finn left behind...
Without anyone's guidance, Linsey immediately recognized it at a glance. Near the side of the greenhouse, a brown branch, which had not appeared here two days ago, lay horizontally on the cultivation soil.
"Finn..."
Linsey walked over and picked up the branch.
As his fingers touched the rough bark, a weak yet constant flow of life essence, like a trickling stream, began to pour from the branch into his body.
This was the result of Finn infusing all his life essence into it.
It did not possess any magical powers to transform the ordinary.
The fact was, Finn was merely a botanist who had elevated his skills four times, and he hadn't even attained the title of a Fifth Stage Life Scholar.
Even if he had given his all, and even if it meant hastening his death.
The item infused with all his life essence did not gain the mysterious functions described in legends.
Linsey held the branch in his hand.
The weak life essence, minuscule and doing its best to protect his health.
This power might only be able to ward off the winter flu, but it was Finn's final blessing to Linsey. The meaning behind it gave rise to a powerful feeling in Linsey's heart.
"..."
Linsey stood there.
At this moment, he heard the front hall's door being opened again, and only then did he go to check on the situation.
Lord An Rui and Anna had come together.
Upon seeing Finn's body, Anna rushed over and burst into loud sobs.
During Anna's growth, Finn had been like a close grandfather figure, so how could she remain unmoved at this moment?
An Rui nodded slightly towards Linsey.
Then, he let out a long sigh and sat down beside Red Moon.
"How was Finn when he passed away?"
"He was at peace."
"Did he leave any last words for me?"
"He said you should pay more attention to the people's welfare. In recent years, the weather in Hidden Frontier has been getting colder, and the crops we plant might not survive in the future."
"Am I an unqualified lord?"
"The expedition team members have left, and the others have dispersed. You've managed to persevere, and that's an achievement."
"Thank you, I understand."
"..."
Gradually, people in the town received the news and came to pay their respects.
The number of people in the house increased.
Among them were the town's other Awakened, as well as ordinary farmers with sorrowful expressions. Their age, knowledge, and their work had earned Finn a good reputation in the town.
When most of the people had arrived...
Red Moon took a piece of paper from her side and handed it to An Rui: "This is Finn's will, you can read it aloud to everyone."
An Rui nodded slightly.
The lord took the paper and stepped before the crowd, his voice solemn and steady as he began to read Finn's will:
"When I left, I had few regrets, for I had already explored this endlessly captivating world filled with all sorts of wondrous plants.
The people of the town have always given me warmth and support.
Even in my departure, my gratitude remains unchanged.
I also hope that my passing will make everyone understand and love our lives even more..."
Surrounded by the crowd, An Rui recited the botanist's will.
The scene quickly came to a close, and the other townsfolk finished their condolences.
Unexpectedly, when only the Awakened remained in the room, Lady Red Moon produced another new sheet of stationery.
She handed the paper to Linsey:
"Linsey, this is for you from him."
Linsey took the paper with a dazed expression and read it aloud to the group:
"Linsey, my dear child.
By the time you receive this letter, I will have likely departed from this world, ascending to the source of life that I've dedicated my studies to.
I want to encourage you in my final moments.
Continue exploring botany, a field worthy of your struggle.
But I also understand that you have your own goals, and I sincerely wish you success.
For this, I leave my collection of books to you.
I firmly believe they will be better utilized in your hands.
Every book, every page, contains an infinite treasure of knowledge, and you can delve into it with all your might.
My greenhouse was my sanctuary in life, and it was also the source of my knowledge and inspiration.
I leave it to you as well.
I hope you will continue to work and study here, allowing the plants to thrive and the unanswered questions to be revealed. These plants are also a precious treasure.
As for the other items in the house, I wish for you to give them to the town's residents.
They have always shown kindness and respect for my work.
With death upon me, I can only hope to repay them in this way.
My wishes again.
May you maintain your love for knowledge, your reverence for nature, and your curiosity for the unknown.
Although I cannot accompany you any longer.
I believe that in every leaf, every petal, you will find my love for plants and my expectations for you.
May your future be filled with discoveries, and may your journey through life be filled with joy.
Your eternal botany mentor, Finn."
This letter was specifically left for Linsey.
By the time she finished reading, tears had already fallen, and her hands tightly gripped the thin paper.
At this moment, the other Awakened nodded in respect to Linsey.
But he was unaware of their gestures.
A surge of emotions, like a tsunami, swept through Linsey's heart, stirring up a whirlwind of feelings.
This emotional upheaval brought about many changes, such as on the attribute panel.
After three years of silence, the Will Essence, which had remained unchanged, finally altered quietly amidst the tide of emotions.
A new string of text replaced the original narrative.
【Will Essence Advancement】
【Celestial Ladder - (Narrating Pain/Joy)】
Following this, the increase in Essence also led to changes in skills.
Although the 【Game Player】 ability merged with Life Essence, both powers were at work within Linsey, and his skills improved as well.
【Game Player Upgrade】
【Novice (Stage 1) → Gamer (Stage 2)】
【Module Slot: 1→2】
The Will Essence, silent for so long, received a boost at this moment, and with the elevation of skills, two modules could now be activated simultaneously.
If this had happened a few days ago, Linsey would have been thrilled.
But at this moment, he had no spare thoughts to focus on the changes in his attributes.
Holding the thin paper, Linsey couldn't bring herself to feel happy.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
