Artificial Fantasy

Chapter 48: Mana Flow

My eyes widened when Bai Hu asked me that question. I knew he is just an NPC, but even here, I really don't want to tell him that "I learned how to grill back in the real world" or something.

"I... uh... um... it... just popped into my head one day when I wanted to do something different with my meals. To be honest, that cooking method has some kinks to it and this was my first time trying it, so I didn't know how it will taste like. But still, I think it looks alright for my first try." Considering that it has a near-perfect quality of 8, it's saying something.

[I see. I wonder how it will pair up with the fruits of the [Tested Wilds] that I gave you.]

With that, Bai Hu bit down on one of the grilled eagles and started chewing it down. Once he did though, I noticed that his eyes widened as he stopped chewing. His expression made me a bit worried. As I said, this was my first try and I didn't know if the ingredients I chose would blend very well with the dish. But before I could ask him about it, after a few seconds, he started munching down on the rest of his meal like a hungry dog. I tried to ask him about it, but he suddenly raised his head and roars in a gleeful tone.

[This is completely delicious! I've hunted and cooked several animals before, but I never enjoyed this kind of cooked eagle before! I still can't believe this is your first time cooking this kind of meal.]

I couldn't believe what I was seeing and hearing right now. A large ferocious tiger was enjoying a barbecue meal that I had made for the first time. Not to mention complimenting me on how delicious my grilled eagle was. Was my cooking really that good?

I was a bit curious as I tried out the grilled eagle for myself. Once I chewed a piece of it into my mouth, a spicy and sour taste started to overwhelm my taste buds immediately, which allows me to taste the citrus juice inside the meat and bite down it's chewy cooked flesh. What's even more shocking is that it tasted like a real roasted chicken. Man, I don't know how the developers were able to replicate the taste of certain foods from back in the real world, but they did a great job on using virtual reality to do so.

"Y-Yeah, I can't believe I just made this in one go. But I'm glad that everything went well," I said as my mouth curled into a small smile. "I guess I know what I'll be making for Kazu once he returns from his personal matters."

[I concur. I hope he will come back very soon. I really miss him.]

And of course, he had to admit it very bluntly. Just how much did he really like my brother? Anyways, I quickly cleared my throat and frowned as I turned my attention towards Bai Hu.

"Anyways... I've been thinking about the events that happened here a few days ago. I know how precious your home really is because of your past relationship with Kazu's race and the treasures they left here. But I feel like that reason alone isn't enough to warrant to the point that someone would resort to releasing a flora-destroying plague. Is there some major importance with the [Tested Wilds] itself?"

As soon as I asked this, Bai Hu closed his eyes as he sat down on the ground and purred in a low tone.

[As you said, this forest is more than just a secret treasury in the memory of our [Insignis] allies. It's because this forest is one of the <Mana Landmarks> of <Volo>.]

I raised my eyebrows when I heard those unfamiliar terms.

"<Mana>... <Landmarks>? Is it also related to the [Insignis] race, too?"

[Somewhat. Have you ever wondered about the concept of <Mana> itself?]

"U-Um... Yeah. They are special energy that let us use magic, right?"

[That is true. But to every flora and land to all <Volo>, it serves as our life force. It creates the waters of the ocean, brings the plants and trees to life through the enriched soils of the forest, and most importantly, it keeps the planet and every living being alive in this world. But in order for the mana to flow through the air, water, and ground, the <Mana Landmarks> are established as places to replenish, absorb, and most importantly, store any reserved [Mana] the world will need. If one falls, the mana flow will be disturbed and there is no telling how it will affect both the living beings and the lands around <Volo>. That's why it is imperative that <Guardians> are stationed in these landmarks to ensure its safety against any intruders or any ill-willed beings.]

This was a lot of game world-building info dumped right in front of me, but I saw why those culprits tried to destroy the [Tested Wilds] in the first place.

"Okay, I understand what you're trying to say. But do you have any idea why they would even try to destroy the forest in the first place?"

Bai Hu sighed as he shook his head.

[I don't know. But all I know is this. If the forest is destroyed, all of the reserved mana will be released and it will spread rapidly out throughout the whole world unless someone is willing to absorb most of it through themselves or some kind of a device as sort of a vessel. And if that happens, chances are there will be consequences in the world itself.]

Consequences, huh? There was no need to guess what could happen to this virtual world if the plague re-emerged.

"I see. This is just a theory of mine, but I'm guessing that whoever's responsible for the plague wanted to steal the reserved mana for their own nefarious purposes. I don't know their exact motive behind it, but it should make sense," I explained. "Besides, who'd even want to release all of that mana and cause the world's instability for nothing?"

[That might be the case. Unfortunately, I am still bound by my duty. I'm afraid I would ask you for your assistance.]

I raised my right eyebrow, knowing he might give me another quest without any warning.

"What kind of assistance?"

[Well, I can tell you more, but it would require your brother's presence if we want to investigate the truth behind the plague. It would be beneficial to have an [Insignis's] assistance.]

I would argue about him and his attachment with Kazu, but what choice did I have? Bai Hu is related to his race and right now, most of my theories are just theories. I can't get anywhere until I get concrete proof.

I just sighed at this and said, "You're right. We'll discuss more once Kazu returns."

Just as I picked up the now empty plates, Bai Hu then spoke up, [There's one more thing you should know. Underneath the forest and other <Mana Landmarks> is a special mine that produces special mana stones.]

"Special... <Mana> stones?"

[I can't say any more until both you and Kazu are ready. But if what you have suggested is true, chances are that the mines will be in danger. Please keep that in mind if you plan to continue investigating.]

I was a little confused about why Bai Hu mentioned this. I guess the mana stones must've been the ones Kazu bought for making his staff. But I decided that I should take his word for now and heed his warnings.

"I understand. Thank you for the warnings."

[You're welcome. And when you come back, I hope you can make another one of your famous "grilled eagles" and "fruit salad" food.]

I just let out a dry chuckle as he said this. He seriously had taken a liking to my cooking.

"Uh, yeah. I'll try. I'll see you soon."

With that, I packed up my [Advanced Cooking Kit] and left the forest while waving goodbye to Bai Hu. After this, I headed back to <Initio's> inn and logged out for the night.