Horizon was surprised by Silphie's stats despite her lower HP and Constitution, her MP and INT as well as her LCK was high. Her list of spells was impressive too.
It seemed like they had finally found a solid member in the 100-200 range. Now, all that remained was locating their last remaining member within the elusive 400-500 stat range.
As they continued their journey back to Sky Talon, the sun dipped below the horizon, and the night blanketed the land.
When they arrived, they saw Druger and his crew already hard at work, setting up tents and hammering in posts for the new house. Even more surprising, the harpies were helping them build.
"Everyone, you're back!" Druger called out when he spotted them.
At the sight of their Priestess, the harpies flew over in a rush, celebrating and showering Horizon and the others with gratitude. The joy was contagious, and soon the whole camp was buzzing with energy.
That night, the harpies threw a small celebration in honor of Horizon and his team. The feast was humble but heartfelt, with roasted meats and plenty of booze.
The harpies' hunting skills were quick and efficient—thanks to their aerial advantage—while Druger and his crew supplied the alcohol. In fact, they carried more booze in their packs than clothes, a fact they took pride in.
As the fire crackled and laughter echoed through the camp, the once wary harpies had grown closer to Horizon and his group.
Their initial fear had faded, especially after seeing their Priestess returned unharmed. Horizon and Nyx, once viewed with caution and awe, were now seen in a warmer light.
Horizon didn't push them away. Instead, he extended an offer for co-ownership of the land, which seemed to solidify the harpies' trust.
Horizon, on the other hand, wanted the Harpies to stay in Sky Talon for additional defense in their home. With the Harpies, beasts and other creatures or even players would think twice in entering their territory.
Currently, Horizon was deep in conversation with Druger. "I want to build a forge—a crafting studio with all the essential tools for forging and Alchemy. And I'll need a treasure room near my lair, something only I can access."
Everyone else had succumbed to sleep too—Nyx was sprawled somewhere, likely pilfering a harpy's nest, and Von was blissfully snoring in the arms of a group of builders, giggling in his sleep like an idiot.
As Horizon prepared to carry Lydia to her tent, a sudden shift in the air caught his attention. The pleasant scent of fruits filled the night breeze, and a soft rustling of leaves echoed through the surroundings. Flowers began to bloom around him, their delicate petals swaying in a breeze that seemed alive with energy. Warmth swept over him, calming yet invigorating.
Then came the voice—soft, soothing, and emanating from the very forest itself, with no clear source. "Welcome to the Singing Grove, traveler. I'm sorry I haven't greeted you earlier."
Horizon's eyes scanned the area, alert but curious. The voice didn't belong to any physical being—it was the forest itself speaking, and it was directed at him.
"You are within my lands now, and I hope you feel welcome."
"Who are you?" Horizon asked, his voice steady.
"Oh, pardon me," the voice replied, sounding amused. "I haven't introduced myself. My name is Atalanta, the Guardian Spirit of the Singing Grove."
Horizon raised a brow, intrigued. Spirits like this rarely conversed with mortals unless there was something significant at stake.
Stay tuned for updates on empire
"I'm Horizon. I take it you've revealed yourself because you need something?"
Atalanta chuckled, her tone shifting to something more serious. "Yes, you are correct. I've been waiting for someone like you—a player with your strength, but more importantly, your respect for nature."
"I cut down some trees to build my home," Horizon pointed out, a slight smile on his face.
"That's true," Atalanta acknowledged, "but unlike others who recklessly burn and destroy, you've taken only what you needed, allowing the forest to thrive. That says a lot about your character."