I fastened the Darksteel Chestplate, its familiar weight settling across my shoulders like a steadfast companion. My new Windstrider Boots hummed softly against the floorboards as I stepped out into the dawn-lit field behind Ashblade Cottage. Tall grass whispered beneath my silent steps, the cold dew soaking into the fine leather as I moved like a shadow through the golden stalks, my senses stretched taut, waiting for the first sign of movement.
The morning's hunt passed in a blur of violence and precision. Two Molediles and the thick, green serpent fell to my blade, their components harvested and stored. The serpent's venom sac throbbed with particular promise in my inventory, its emerald light seeming to pulse with potential, and the warm jade-green core felt alive in my palm.
When I returned to the cottage at dusk, I found Elowen in her garden, her hands moving in graceful patterns over a patch of silverleaf vines. The plants responded to her touch, their leaves turning toward her as if seeking approval. She wasn't tending them in any ordinary way—the vines actually shifted their growth patterns under her guidance, weaving themselves into more intricate patterns.
She turned as I approached, her eyes immediately noting the fresh acid scar on my chestplate. "The earth has tested you today," she observed, her gaze dropping to the serpent components I carried. "You've been to the rocky fields beyond the creek."
"The Molediles were predictable," I said, producing the packet of frost-berries. "But the serpent was something new."
Her expression softened into that familiar dawn-like smile as she accepted the berries. "You remembered these are my favorite." She bit into one, and the silverleaf vines around her seemed to shiver in response to her pleasure. "Winter's first frost captured in sugar." She offered me one, and as I took it, I noticed the plants nearest me seemed to lean slightly toward the berry's icy presence.
"Tell me about the serpent," she said, her attention fully on me now.
I described the encounter—how it had uncoiled from the grass with shocking speed, how its venom had smoked when it hit the ground, how I'd noticed the weak point beneath its jaw. Elowen listened intently, her green eyes missing nothing.
"Greenscale marsh serpent," she identified when I finished. "They're territorial this time of year because they're preparing nesting sites. If you see one, there are usually more nearby."
"Useful to know," I said, storing that information away.
She nodded toward the venom sac I carried. "Their poison is potent but short-lived once extracted. You'll want to use it before midnight or it'll lose its potency." Her eyes twinkled. "Unless you know how to preserve it properly."
"Do you?" I asked.
She smiled mysteriously. "I might. But some knowledge must be earned, not given." She gestured toward the cottage. "Come, you must be hungry. I've made stew."
Inside, at the hearth, she ladled out rich venison stew thickened with root vegetables from her garden. As we ate, I found myself telling her more about the hunt—how the second Moledile had tried to flank me, how the serpent had struck faster than I'd expected.
"Their strike is faster when they're coiled tight," she offered between spoonfuls. "If you see one coiled, expect it to strike at eye level. They aim for the face."
Another practical tip filed away. "How do you know so much about them?"
She looked toward the window, where her garden was now silvered by moonlight. "This valley teaches those who listen. I've spent my life listening." She turned back to me. "The serpent's weakness is its pride. It always strikes the same way twice. If you dodge the first strike, position yourself for the second."
I nodded, already visualizing how I would use this knowledge next time. Our conversation continued, shifting from hunting to the valley's patterns—how the weather was turning, how the game trails were changing with the season. She spoke with the deep, intuitive knowledge of someone who was truly connected to this land.
Later, in my attic room, I laid out my components on the moon-silvered worktable: my simple iron dagger, the pulsating venom sac, the warm serpent core that seemed to beat with a faint rhythm, and the needle-like fangs. The crushed frost-berries glinted like crystal dust in the pale light.
Remembering Elowen's warning about the venom's potency, I knew I had to act quickly. I contemplated how to combine these materials, my mind turning over possibilities. As I focused on the components, the air before me shimmered, and for the first time, the colossal alchemy tree materialized in my vision. Its trunk was woven from swirling starlight, branches heavy with glowing fruits of knowledge that stretched into eternity.
Understanding flooded my mind—this was the source of that instinctive knowledge I'd been experiencing.
Among the lowest branches, one fruit pulsed with particular intensity. I reached for it with my mind, and knowledge flowed into me:
[New Skill Unlocked: Fusion]
[Combine compatible materials to create enhanced equipment]
[Requirements: Base item + Core + Supplementary materials + Catalyst]
The process became clear. I placed the dagger on the table, setting the warm serpent core at its hilt. I arranged the venom sac at the blade's tip and placed the fangs along its edge. Finally, I sprinkled the frost-berry dust over everything as the catalyst.
Focusing on the Fusion skill, I willed the components to merge. The core glowed intensely, its green light enveloping the dagger. The metal softened, becoming malleable, taking on the properties of the materials. The fangs dissolved into the structure, reshaping the blade itself into a cruel, beautiful curve like a serpent's fang, with fine serrations along its edge.
The venom sac melted into the steel, its emerald essence weaving through the metal in intricate patterns that pulsed with soft light. The frost-berry dust crackled, freezing the transformation in place, stabilizing the powerful energies.
When the light faded, the transformation was complete. Where my simple iron dagger had been now lay a completely new weapon—a cruel, beautiful blade shaped like a serpent's fang, with venomous patterns visible beneath its surface. The hilt had wrapped itself in what looked like serpent skin, providing a perfect grip.
I picked it up, and information flowed into my mind:
[Viper's Kiss]
[Materials: Iron Dagger, Greenscale Serpent Core, Venom Sac, Fangs, Frost-Berry Catalyst]
[Property: Paralyzing Venom (12 seconds)]
[Durability: 50/50]
The blade felt alive in my hand, humming with potential. I placed it carefully in the dresser drawer, knowing this was only the beginning. The alchemy tree's roots coiled through my thoughts, its branches heavy with possibilities. Tomorrow, I would explore this new Fusion skill further. Tonight, I marveled at how a conversation over stew had led to this—a weapon born of both battle and shared knowledge.