A System That Beats Death

On the week before, an individual clad in suspicious clothing trudged through the deep snow until he reached the estate of one of the major households. He was the head merchant, a man well connected with many figureheads in many hard to reach places and capable of ending the livelihoods of many at a whim. This family was the third most affluent and had been attempting to acquire his backing for years.

Having been intrigued by the abrupt and explosive prosperity experienced by the village, the head merchant had been preparing to investigate but was contacted by this family in the nick of time. Listening to them, the head merchant learned of the Master Botanist and his mystical powers over nature.

"Then it is necessary for him to die", the head merchant decided without a single twitch in his cold expression.

The head of the family flinched at this statement. After all, his plan was completely different. He had been planning on using the head merchant's influence to pressure Wei as through Wei's enterprising alone, he could probably establish a kingdom's treasury.

"But-!", the head of the family was about to say.

The chilling stare from the head merchant immediately shut him up. He could only give up. The fulfillment of potential required time and it seemed that Wei did not have any more left, the head thought.

___

As the procession of eye-catching caravans advanced closer to the village, people began to gather to see the spectacle. The prestigious caravan was filled to the brim with merchandise ranging from the antiques of a buried dynasty to fabric directly grown from trees. A man of lean stature and with a stern expression then disembarked.

"Greetings townsfolk, I would like to meet with your Master Botanist", the head merchant requested.

Figures, some of them thought. After all, Wei would probably be the only one able to afford such luxuries.

Immediately, some of the people went to inform Wei. Upon hearing the news, he knew that it was the caravan that signified the end of this life. After all, it was odd that a caravan would go all the way to a previously back water town just because of some rumors. Even if the town was successful, it would have still taken a considerable amount of time before its newfound wealth would be accepted. Although suspicious, he was not concerned as his objective would still be to get the artifact.

Given permission by Wei, the villagers then led the head merchant to Wei's estate. The entrance was still covered with vines, but they had been adjusted to allow people passage.

Staring at the exquisitely layered thorns, the merchant felt a bit of apprehension in his heart. This person could even make abominable vines into art. He realized that this time, his life was at risk and he felt relieved that he had brought the poison.

To prevent questioning about his efficient irrigation, Wei continuously filled the well. He had actually been considering creating an artificial lake but that would be far too peculiar as the original property wouldn't have been dirt cheap otherwise and people would wonder where the lake had come from.

Arriving at Wei's house, the merchant noticed that it was different from the other houses in this region. Wei had not fully abandoned the miniature dwelling, but he did build more rooms to supplement the lacking space. The exterior was not only inspired by modern architectural designs but the building itself had been accented with beams that referenced medieval European homes. The kind that had a wider second floor and a narrower first floor as the base.

Entering the dwelling, the merchant noticed that there was a pleasant scent that had permeated the building. He was not sure if it was a malicious incense, but he was definitely sure to stay wary.

The head merchant then sat down at the designated and exotic table and began to discuss trade.

"So, what brings a wealthy caravan to this backwater village?", Atlas asked in jesting manner as he didn't want to reveal his suspicions too early.

"Backwater? Surely you jest, this village is in an even better condition than most towns. At this time, most people would be gathering as much food as possible but in this town, everybody is quite relaxed"

"Even the cities?"

"Especially, the cities. That is why trade for everything, but food has been halted"

Upon hearing this, Wei thought of expanding his business but that would likely ruin the current market with his ability to monopolize the demand. Not that the market mattered to him as he was going to depart soon.

"I assume the reason you came to me specifically must be more than just for mere trade", Atlas probed with the intent to expose.

The merchant responded with, "That is correct. I would like you to revive this plant".

Unwrapping the bundle, he had been carrying, he revealed a withering blossom tree that was still in its infancy. Despite being faded, the leaves still carried an ethereal beauty, but the barely saturated pink leaves indicated that it was near death.

As Atlas had not yet experimented with reviving dead plants, he was ambivalent regarding this suggestion.

The merchant then continued, "My sponsor cherishes this tree more than his children and would be willing to pay any price"

"I might be good with plants but I'm not sure as to whether or not I can revive a dying one", Atlas admitted honestly.

He was about to continue but stopped. He then began to inspect the wilting tree with great concentration. To his shock, it gradually began to regain color. What kind of tree could come back to life?

Atlas was about to ask what was going on but then saw the malicious glint in his eyes.

"As expected of the Master Botanist, even plants refuse to die in your presence!", the head merchant shouted. He then revealed a heart-shaped relic that began to glow. It emitted a powerful radiance which blinded both people. It then flew towards Wei's heart and he spewed a stream of blood.

[C-Rank Quest Completed:

Spacial Ring Acquired

500 Points Added]

[Artifact Analyzed:

Heart Barrier Acquired]