The morning sun filtered softly through the trees, casting a golden glow across Roland's farm. The fields shimmered with vibrant greens, the vegetables grown richer and larger than ever after the blessing of the covenant and the unexpected mana rain. Roland moved among the crops with a bright smile, carefully harvesting the best produce—carrots, potatoes, and leafy greens brimming with vitality.
He set up a grand feast outside, arranging the fire and stirring pots that released savory aromas of roasting vegetables, fresh herbs, and hearty stews. The farm animals gathered eagerly: Sol bounced in excitement, Aeris padded closer with shy curiosity, Brontus' deep rumbles shook the ground softly, and Maphala's glowing horns reflected the magic pulsing through the air. Even Verdalis, the young sapling, quivered with delight, her leaves glowing softly in harmony with the energy of the feast.
Claribel, standing beside the wagon, watched Roland's careful movements with admiration. "You've outdone yourself," she said, her eyes shining. "The vegetables… they look incredible."
Roland chuckled, tossing a potato into the stew with a flick of his wrist. "Not just look, Claribel. Taste will tell the story. These aren't ordinary vegetables—they're blessed by the land, the mana, and a little bit of covenant magic."
Keith and Sarah approached, their steps light and fluid, fur shimmering faintly in the morning sun. The blessed vegetables coursed through them, and with a ripple of light, both donkeys transformed. Their coats brightened, softening into silken perfection; muscles subtly realigned into graceful, powerful frames; eyes glimmered with new intelligence; and their posture suggested strength and confidence. The pair had ascended to Tier 3—the first mortal donkeys to ever achieve such a transformation.
The farm responded in kind. Verdalis pulsed brighter, leaves waving in an almost musical rhythm. Aeris bleated with delight, dancing lightly on the soft earth. Brontus' rumble of approval vibrated through the ground, Maphala's horns glimmered warmly, and Sol barked with ecstatic joy, tail wagging so hard it nearly lifted him from the ground. Harmony and magic wove through the farm like sunlight through the leaves.
Claribel knelt beside Keith and Sarah, stroking their now-lustrous coats. "I remember when you two were small," she said softly. "I brought you home, watched you grow. You've always been part of my family, and now… look at you. Perfect."
Roland crouched beside Sol, rubbing the young dog's belly. "I know exactly what you mean," he said warmly. "These creatures… they're family to me too. Verdalis, Brontus, Maphala, Aeris, Sol—they all matter. Every one of them."
They settled into the warmth of the sun, sharing the feast. Every bite carried the essence of the farm: the life in the soil, the mana in the air, and the careful nurturing they had poured into each crop. Laughter, stories, and memories mingled with the aroma of herbs and vegetables. Keith and Sarah stood proudly nearby, tails flicking with joy, aware of the extraordinary moment of their ascension.
Verdalis pulsed a soft, approving glow. Aeris nestled close to Roland, peeking at the meal. Brontus and Maphala exchanged a contented glance, proud of the peace and harmony surrounding them. Even the firelight seemed warmer, the air vibrating faintly with the satisfaction of work well done.
Claribel reached out, squeezing Roland's hand gently. "It's amazing… seeing everything grow like this, and seeing them so strong. I feel proud."
Roland's eyes swept over the flourishing farm, shining animals, and glowing sapling. "I know exactly how you feel. This… this is what it means to care, to nurture. And the best part? We get to share it with those who need it most."
As the sun climbed higher, laughter, gentle bleats, deep rumbles, and joyful barks filled the air. A sense of peace and accomplishment settled over the farm, the bond between Roland, Claribel, and their extraordinary companions stronger than ever.
Before retiring for the day, Roland carefully prepared pots of carrots and potatoes, each with special farm dirt and watered-down Farmer's Rain. He wrote detailed scrolls with instructions on planting, nurturing, and even learning the Farmer's Rain spell, ready to send to the first village. Claribel helped him place the pots into the wagon, smiling as she handed him a poem she had written, capturing the warmth, friendship, and sustenance of the farm:
"Through soil and rain, the gift is grown,
In hearts and bellies, hope is sown.
From humble hands and giving heart,
We share, we thrive, we do our part."
Roland smiled, placing the poem carefully inside his home. He didn't have a frame yet, but he knew it would act as a daily reminder of why he worked tirelessly, nurturing life and sharing it with others. Leaning against the fence, he listened to Sarah and Keith's affectionate nuzzles, faintly chuckling at the sounds of their playful lovey-dovey antics. The day had been a triumph, a quiet celebration of growth, magic, and family.