With newfound confidence, Eric controlled three trees and went back to the swamp, determined to retrieve the Darkbloom from the crocodiles. The trees proved to be formidable allies, effortlessly defeating the crocodiles and collecting the Darkbloom. Eric's eyes widened in amusement as he surveyed the spoils. "Wow, I can control trees and make them fight for me," he exclaimed, stunned by his newfound ability. After collecting the Darkbloom, Eric returned to the shopkeeper's store. He handed over the required ten flowers, and the man gave Eric the map as promised. Eric asked the man for a potential buyer for the remaining Darkbloom he had. The man directed him to another store. Arriving at the store, Eric met a man who was astonished to see the Darkbloom. "Wow, you killed five crocodiles!" he exclaimed. Eric simply asked for the price. The man offered ten gold coins for the flower. Eric was surprised, having traded ten Darkbloom for a single map that cost three gold coins, but he chose not to dwell on it. After selling the Darkbloom, Eric checked into a hotel in the village, booking a room for a day to rest before embarking on his journey. He spent some time examining the map in the hotel room before heading to the hotel dining area to eat. As Eric was eating, a waiter approached him with a cup of beer. "I didn't order this," Eric said, surprised. The waiter told him that someone else had bought it for him. Eric's curiosity was piqued, and he asked who had bought the drink. The waiter pointed to a group of five people sitting nearby, four men and one lady, who caught his gaze, but he did not react. Assuming it was just a kind gesture, Eric brushed it off and continued eating. The lady walked over to Eric, her robe and hat suggesting she might be a witch. Eric remained unfazed as the lady approached him. He continued to eat as she came closer. The lady sat down beside Eric, with her staff in hand. She introduced herself with a smile. "Hi, my name is Layla, what's yours?" Eric glanced at her before replying, "I'm Eric, what do you want?" Layla's expression turned surprised at Eric's rudeness. "Don't be angry," she said, her voice soothing. "I heard about someone who was able to kill five crocodiles with the Darkbloom on their head, and I wondered if it was you." Eric gazed at her before he replied, "What if it is, and what if it's not me?" Layla smiled and leaned forward. "My group is gearing up to take down a powerful beast, and we are short-handed. I thought you might be interested in joining us." Eric raised an eyebrow. "You want someone you don't know to join you in taking down a beast?" "Yes," Layla said, her eyes locked on Eric's. "You demonstrated impressive strength by taking down those crocodiles. I believe you would be a valuable asset to our team." Eric said to her, "I walk alone." Undisturbed by Eric's words, Layla pressed on, saying, "We can share the reward, 20 gold coins, based on our contribution to the fight." The promise of 20 gold coins caught Eric's attention, and he reconsidered his decision. With his current financial status, the prospect of earning some gold was too enticing to ignore. "All right, I will join you." Layla's face lit up with a smile. "Great, I will meet you here tomorrow morning." Eric agreed, "No problem, I will be here waiting for you." After parting ways with Layla, Eric returned to his room and studied the map, assessing the vast difference between his current location and his home in the city of Elijah. According to his calculations, the journey would take approximately half a year. Determined to reach his destination as quickly as possible, Eric decided he would embark on his journey after he was done with Layla the next day. The next day, Eric headed to the meeting point to join Layla and her team. Upon arrival, he saw Layla accompanied by four men. With a smile, Layla introduced the members of her group to Eric, starting with Michael, Who wore a massive sword on his back and had a lot of beard? Vaudeen carried a spear, while Jake and Victor were unarmed. The group looked at Eric skeptically, despite his handsome appearance. As they struggled to see how he could have defeated the crocodiles, it was a shopkeeper who confirmed Eric's bravery. They welcomed him to their team. As they journeyed on, they arrived at a cave. Layla briefly briefed Eric on their mission: to slay a bear-like beast. Eric, aware of his lack of conventional armor, relied on his tree-control ability. Eric walked towards some trees. With a mere touch, the trees sprang to life, their roots transforming into legs and their vines into arms with sharp wooden teeth and glowing grey eyes, leaving the others amazed as they witnessed Eric's power. The group ventured into the cave, and Eric commanded his four minions to guard the front and the rear. Soon, they encountered a sleeping bear-like beast with a scorpion tail and a horn on its head. Vaudeen attempted a surprise attack, but the beast woke up and deflected the spear with its tail. Enraged, the beast charged towards the team. Eric, seeing the beast, commanded two of his trees to attack, but the bear proved formidable. Eric told the remaining two of his trees to attack the beast. The four trees overpowered the beast, pinning it down to the ground. Michael, seizing the opportunity, charged towards it with his massive sword. With a swift and precise strike, he plunged his blade into the beast's chest, piercing its heart. The group's success was due to Eric's unique ability to control trees, which had held the bear in place for Michael to deliver the final blow. Layla was surprised that the fight ended quickly. None of them had suffered any injuries or scratches. Layla reflected on their recent battle and realized that Eric's tree-controlling ability would be a valuable asset, especially in dense forests where they might face monsters or beasts. After wrapping up the bear-like creature, they took it with them to sell. The buyer, who was impressed by the creature's intact state, offered a higher price, and they sold the bear for 25 gold coins, with an additional 5 coins added to the deal. When the group was finished, Layla approached Eric, saying that due to his contribution, they had suffered no casualties. As a token of appreciation, they decided to give Eric 10 coins, keeping 15 for themselves. Eric accepted the coins, knowing it was a fair deal, and prepared to leave. Layla, however, wasn't ready for Eric to go. She called out to him, 'Wait, Eric,' and ran toward him.
