Chapter 91: The Revived Youth
“Making these carefree little cuties so busy makes you even more devilish than the devil himself!” Clark, a migrant worker always on the move, empathized deeply.
“No wonder we didn't find these little fellows when we came to the Black Forest. Turns out, they were hiding here,” Clark mused. “In that case, the alignment of these pseudo-flower spirits could change to lawful neutral…”
Hua Mi recalled categorizing the pseudo-flower spirits as absolutely neutral in his adventure guide, much like tree spirits.
“Ha, lawful neutral pseudo-flower spirits. They're a unique bunch in the Black Forest... By the way, what kind of flowers are grown here?”
“Just ordinary flowers found all over the Black Forest.”
“What about the other side?”
“Not built yet.”
Hua Mi casually replied, not intending to elaborate further.
Clark was understanding and didn’t continue probing.
Exiting the greenhouse, Clark rode his flying carpet to investigate elsewhere, saying he’d return early the next day.
Hua Mi learned from the pseudo-flower spirits that observers didn’t need sleep and had strong night vision, so day or night made little difference to them.
That was quite a practical feature, essentially doubling their available time. However, he wondered if there was a cost to it.
The next day, Hua Mi was all set, awaiting the arrival of the Stardust Scholar to set out and find the tree spirit.
However, after waiting for a while, the fellow hadn’t shown up. Though their interaction had been brief, Hua Mi felt he wasn’t someone who didn’t keep his word.
Perhaps something delayed him on the way. Regardless, even without him, Hua Mi could venture out on his own. It might take a little longer, but there was no need to rush.
Unable to leave immediately, Hua Mi, as usual, sat by the window reading.
Yesterday, he had bought some books and materials in Blackstone Town. Reading them in his free time not only passed the time but also helped him understand and assimilate into this world.
Just as he finished the first chapter of "Romantic History of Minstrels," he heard footsteps outside.
Looking up, he saw Hillar and the others – Hillar had finally reverted to her previous attire, a simple ponytail and neat clothes, looking much more ordinary.
After Hillar greeted him, her gaze inadvertently landed on the shelves, her eyes immediately lighting up, hands clutching the windowsill like a hungry beast eyeing its prey.
"New products?!" Hua Mi was genuinely worried she might pounce at any moment.
Seems like she was normal on the outside but still the same inside.
"Remember to stay relaxed," Carter reminded, "Also, check the price. Have you cooled down?"
Hillar glanced down at the price of 20 gold coins. The fervor in her eyes instantly dimmed.
But she couldn’t resist asking, "What does it do? Electrocaps... what does that mean?"
After Hua Mi's explanation, all three were amazed.
Suddenly, Col spoke up, "This is a perfect match for mages proficient in lightning spells. Too bad, Carter, you're just a third-circle mage specializing in wind spells, clueless about lightning."
Carter remained expressionless. "Is it necessary to emphasize 'third circle' and 'small' in that sentence?"
"Hehe."
While they casually chatted, Hua Mi had a sudden realization.
The beastkin guy was right.
The thunder blossom honey had this use.
"If given to a unicorn, paired with its own lightning power, could it help repair its broken horn?"
It was worth a try.
If successful, it would likely greatly improve relations with the unicorn.
Being neighbors in the Black Forest, maintaining good relationships was essential.
The three then got down to business.
"We've taken on a missing person case," Carter displayed a portrait. "A young boy disappeared last night, and his family believes he entered the Black Forest. Do you have any clues?"
The portrait depicted a rather handsome young man, but Hua Mi had no recollection.
"Why do they think he's in the Black Forest?"
"This story is a bit long," Col interjected, explaining, "This kid died not long ago, then came back to life, but in an odd state. He kept shouting about coming to the Black Forest. His family locked him in the basement, but last night, he broke out, taking the mayor's daughter."
"...That's succinct enough but conveniently avoids all the key points."
A lonely explanation.
"Let me explain," Hillar sighed, casting a glance at her companions.
Hua Mi gestured for them to come inside the cottage.
Inside, there was enough furniture despite the small space. Chairs were sufficient at least.
Using his mental power, Hua Mi fetched three bottled fruit teas made from featherflower honey, suitable for guests.
Featherflower honey was currently the most suitable honey for hosting guests.
Sleepflower honey would make people drowsy.
Thunderblossom honey would make them want to touch electric switches.
Neither were conducive to hospitality. Only featherflower honey was suitable for such occasions.
After taking a sip, their expressions relaxed.
Hillar held her teacup, narrating the story.
...
The revived youth was named Little Ford, and for some unknown reason, he had come to the Black Forest alone previously.
It seemed he encountered some danger in the Black Forest, sustaining injuries. His family claimed they were minor, but after returning, he developed a high fever and passed away that night.
On the day of his burial, he suddenly crawled out of his coffin.
Post-resurrection, Little Ford seemed like a different person, expressionless, almost like a zombie.
While his family publicly declared he had been examined by a doctor and was fine, they also locked him in the basement, preventing him from interacting with outsiders.
However, passersby could see Little Ford clinging to the basement window, murmuring phrases like "Black Forest" and "out of time."
The townsfolk believed he had been cursed in the forest that day.
Last night, Little Ford escaped from the basement, and concurrently, the mayor's daughter, Theresa, went missing.
Some claimed to have seen someone carrying a girl in a white nightgown and red shoes, sprinting towards the Black Forest, running incredibly fast.
"We went to Ford's house to investigate. The heavy door was smashed from the inside, with deep claw marks," Carter pondered. "I think Little Ford might have undergone some... change."
If that were the case, it made sense that Little Ford brought the mayor's daughter into the Black Forest.
Hua Mi paused, pondering a question, "Is there any relationship between Little Ford and the mayor's daughter?"
According to Hillar, "According to Little Ford's family, the two kids grew up together, and they seemed to have recently developed romantic feelings. However, the mayor disagreed, and just before Little Ford's trouble, the mayor had forbidden them from meeting."
Hmm, there was a hint of drama.
But in this case, the focus wasn't on their relationship, but rather on Little Ford's resurrection – that's where the key lay.
Why did he come to the Black Forest?
What did he encounter here?
What was the reason behind his unusual behavior after returning from the dead?
As the tale concluded, a brief silence enveloped the cabin.
Everyone was deep in thought, even the seven little
sprites pretended to contemplate.
Unable to tolerate the tense atmosphere, Col, restless, suddenly broke the silence, "Could it be a revenant?"
Hearing that familiar term, Hua Mi couldn’t help but feel a jolt.
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