Chapter 157
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 157
Chapter Title: The Heavenly Field
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The World Tree could now be called, without exaggeration, another symbol of the apiary farm, right alongside the bees.
Befitting its title as the Mother of Life, it boasted a magnificent presence.
And for the bees, the World Tree was undoubtedly the ultimate plant.
Bzzz~
The bees were normally a cooperative bunch, usually yielding to one another or helping each other as a group.
But had they thrown all that cooperation to the dogs in the face of delicious food?
BZZZZZZ!
Bzz-bzz-bzz-!
With a rough whir of wings, a swarm of bees charged madly toward the World Tree’s flowers.
It was a fierce clash, so intense that an unknowing observer might believe they were fighting each other.
Of course, no one was actually getting hurt.
Bzzzzzz~♪
Bzzz…
All that remained were the victors who claimed a flower and the losers who did not.
A stark contrast between the bees that sulked off to find another spot and those that buried their heads in the blossoms, their bodies trembling with delight.
However, the bees no longer needed to fight so fiercely over the ‘tasty flowers.’
Bzzz~♪ Bzzzz~♬
The World Tree, having undergone its second growth, now bloomed with even more flowers, supplying a vast amount of nectar.
And was that all?
There was also the addition of high-quality honey from the Flower Elves’ blossoms and the Solar Flowers, which directly impacted the honey’s quality.
And now, something new had been added.
[Heavenly Peach of Abundant Fortune Tree (★★★★★)] - Treasure
[Heavenly Peach of Abundant Fortune Tree (★★★★★)] - Treasure
[Heavenly Peach of Abundant Fortune Tree (★★★★★)] - Treasure
…
These were the Heavenly Peach of Abundant Fortune Trees that Yeon Su-hee had sprouted.
※ Heavenly Shield (Permanent): Creates a shield equal to 5% of maximum health. If this shield is destroyed, it will automatically regenerate over time. (Cooldown: 3 hours)
Consuming their fruit granted the Heavenly Shield.
Essentially, it was a cheat item that increased one’s health by 5%.
But perhaps because the effect was so overpowered…
“What exactly is the problem?”
Despite the constant help from the bees’ natural pollination, the Heavenly Peaches were growing far too slowly.
Of course, it was better than not having them at all, but for Yeon Su-hee, who had boasted to Seong-hyeok, it was hardly a satisfactory result.
Considering the ten thousand residents currently on the farm, the high probability of more arriving, and the potential to sell them on the exchange, faster growth would be much better.
[Using Goddess's Rapid Growth.]
[Using Praepion's Growth Stimulant.]
[The effect of Hymn of Abundance is applied.]
…
She had mobilized every skill and item she possessed, but all she got in return was a brief speed-up.
“Alright, let’s see who wins this.”
Just as she smacked her lips in disappointment and was about to sing the Hymn of Abundance once more…
Yeon Su-hee turned her head at the sense of an approaching presence.
“Who are you?”
“Ah, forgive my intrusion. I was drawn by the sound of your beautiful song, O caretaker of the Mother of Life.”
Similar to a Flower Elf, yet different.
It was Serian, a Wood High Elf made of wood.
Perhaps because he was both an elf and a plant-like being?
[The effect of Hymn of Abundance is applied.]
[All stats of allies within the song's reach increase by 35, and movement speed increases by 290%.]
[The growth rate of crops and livestock within the song's reach increases by 1,100%.]
The increase in stats was a given, but he also received the benefit of accelerated crop growth.
It wasn't Yeon Su-hee's intention, but the Hymn of Abundance had ended up benefiting Serian.
It was in an elf’s nature to repay a kindness received.
As a Wood High Elf who governed trees, Serian instantly understood what was troubling Yeon Su-hee.
“If you wish to increase this tree’s growth rate, you must move it.”
“Huh? What do you mean?”
“It is not right for it to be so close to the Mother of Life. At times, an overflowing energy can be a poison.”
For ordinary crops, the closer they were to the World Tree, the better.
The overflowing energy would have accelerated the growth of most.
But the Heavenly Peach of Abundant Fortune was no ‘ordinary’ crop.
It was a tree worthy of being a Treasure item.
- My apologies. I wanted to tell you everything, but these damn restrictions are the problem. Still, it’s a relief that there seems to be someone who knows what they’re doing.
‘…!’
The words from Praepion, the Goddess of Fertility, essentially proved that Serian was correct.
Securing a large quantity of Heavenly Peaches would undoubtedly be a great boon to the apiary farm, both in terms of military strength and finances.
There was no reason for Yeon Su-hee to hesitate.
“Then what should I do? I’ll be sure to reward you.”
“No, a reward is not necessary. Simply move the trees as far from the World Tree as possible. And plant them one kilometer apart.”
It was a simple method, hardly a secret technique.
But just because the method was simple, did that mean the results would be as well?
[A proper environment has been established for the Heavenly Peach of Abundant Fortune Tree (★★★★★). Its growth rate increases.]
An alert that only appeared when a crop's conditions were perfectly met.
But that wasn't the end of the notifications.
[A proper environment has been established for the Heavenly Peach of Abundant Fortune Tree (★★★★★). Its growth rate increases.]
[A proper environment has been established for the Heavenly Peach of Abundant Fortune Tree (★★★★★). Its growth rate increases.]
[A proper environment has been established for the Heavenly Peach of Abundant…
The alerts popped up one by one as she moved the trees.
Just as the tenth one appeared…
[Special Condition, Heavenly Field requirements have been met. -> Field of trees imbued with protective power has been formed.]
“Oh, my?”
The same kind of ‘alert,’ but the discovery of a Hidden Piece had an entirely different level of impact.
In this win-win situation, Yeon Su-hee’s expression swiftly changed from bewilderment to a smile.
* * * * *
Having acquired many Hidden Pieces so far, he had become an expert at recognizing them at a glance.
Even to Seong-hyeok's eyes, the Hidden Piece Yeon Su-hee had obtained…
The Heavenly Field, without a doubt, possessed a top-tier effect.
______________________________
[Heavenly Field]
* Classification: Special Condition
* Area of Effect: Vicinity of the Heavenly Peach of Abundant Fortune Trees
* Effect: Grants a Heavenly Shield to all allies within the area of effect.
* Effect - Heavenly Shield (Passive): Creates a shield equal to 10% of maximum health. However, if destroyed by an external attack, it requires 24 hours to regenerate.
* Effect - Heavenly Power (Passive): While the Heavenly Shield is active, attack power and defensive ability increase by 30%.
* Description: A field has been established by the overlapping layers of Heavenly Shields. A more powerful shield is formed, and as long as it is maintained, it grants Heavenly Power to the target.
______________________________
The Heavenly Shield applied to everyone, bees and residents alike, without discrimination.
This effect alone, which was like gaining an additional 10% of maximum health, would have been satisfying enough, but the Hidden Piece didn't stop there.
[The effect of Heavenly Power is applied.]
[Attack power and defensive ability increase by 30% due to Heavenly Power.]
A significant boost to attack power and defensive ability, both essential in combat.
Moreover, the most crucial aspect of this effect was that there was no limit to how many times it could stack.
[The effect of Heavenly Power is applied.]
…
“I think it’s being applied again.”
“It seems to be structured that way.”
Another instance of Heavenly Power appeared for Seong-hyeok and Yeon Su-hee, who had already consumed Heavenly Peaches before.
In other words, it was a double stack, increasing their attack and defense by 60%.
It was certainly a powerful effect, but it wasn't without its drawbacks.
[Heavenly Power has been deactivated.]
The condition for Heavenly Power was that the shield had to be active.
And it only applied in the vicinity of the Heavenly Peach of Abundant Fortune Trees.
Meaning, if one left the area of effect or the shield was destroyed in battle, it would become useless.
Still, there was no denying that it was an exceptionally outstanding effect.
Bzzz~
Bzzzz~
“Oh my, I’m glad you like it.”
A percentage-based increase in attack power and other stats.
The fact that this could be applied to the vast swarms of bees was undeniably game-breaking.
Furthermore, there wasn't much need to worry about the area of effect.
[Garnet Gem Worker Bee (★★★-) has come into contact with the natural vegetation, Heavenly Peach of Abundant Fortune Tree Flower (★★★★★). Growth is stimulated, and nutrients are slightly increased.]
[Ruby Gem Honey Pot Bee (★★★+) has come into contact with the natural vegetation, Heavenly Peach of Abundant Fortune Tree Flower (★★★★★). Growth is stimulated, and nutrients are slightly increased.]
[Peridot Worker Bee (★★★-) has come into contact with the natural vegetation, Heavenly Peach of Abundant Fortune Tree Flower (★★★★★). Growth is stimulated, and nutrients are slightly increased.]
…
The bees’ repayment was never just a simple exchange; they always gave back several times over.
Thanks to the sweet-tasting natural pollination, the only path left for the Heavenly Peaches was one of infinite and rapid growth.
* * * * *
High-grade evolution materials had been acquired in large quantities through methods like the expedition to China and monster gates.
In addition to this, he had purchased Luck Catalysts from the auction house and confirmed the penalties through an information trade with Riggle.
The evolution of the five queens was guided along the best possible path, eliminating all potential problems.
The evolution of a Queen Bee meant an acceleration of their laying speed, which was a major strength of the bees.
But there was much more to look forward to.
Bzzz~
Bzzzz~
[Peridot Twin-fanged Legion Commander Bee (★★★★★)] - Elite Bee
[Ruby Gem Dark Lich Bee (★★★★-)]
[Imperial Topaz Nurse Bee (★★★★-)]
[Poison Amethyst Crystal Bee (★★★★-)]
[Garnet Gem Honey Grape Bee (★★★★-)]
Five new types of bees were added to the apiary farm.
As high-tier species, each possessing special powers, their influence on the farm was diverse.
[Ruby Gem Dark Lich Bee (★★★★-) uses the skill, Dark Spear (Lv.2).]
The power of the Ruby Gem Dark Lich Bee, capable of powerful ranged attacks and controlling a small number of undead.
And was that all?
Bzzz~ Bzzzzz~
The Imperial Topaz Nurse Bee.
In terms of appearance, it boasted a plump size similar to a Honey Pot Bee, but its destination was entirely different from the bees that journeyed to flowers to collect honey.
The hives located in the center of the apiary farm.
The bee larvae within.
Indeed, the larvae were the Nurse Bee’s target.
[Bee Larva (★★) absorbs abundant nutrients.]
[Having secured the necessary nutrients, it transforms into a pupa. The time required for the pupation process is drastically reduced.]
Under the care of the Nurse Bees, the larvae quickly transformed into pupae.
What was strange was that the Nurse Bees didn't just visit the hives of their own Imperial Topaz kind.
Bzzzz~
Ruby Gem and Peridot.
The Nurse Bees also visited the hives of other bees, supplying nutrients to larvae of different types.
Even more surprising was the sight of the other bees accepting this silently, without showing any signs of complaint.