The plains gave way to stone before I realized we were climbing. The road narrowed, splitting through cliffs of pale rock that glittered faintly in the sun. Every breeze carried a soft chiming sound—the wind brushing over the veins of crystal embedded in the mountains.
> [Region Unlocked: Crystal Highlands]
[Environmental Effect Detected: Mana Density ↑ Minor]
"So this is it," I said. "Looks expensive."
Lumina hovered higher, eyes wide. "The air here… it vibrates. So much magic in one place."
Fenris Warden sniffed the ground. "Be cautious. Many creatures hunt by sound; the crystals echo footsteps for leagues."
We followed the ridge until noon. Streams trickled down the slopes, tinted blue by dissolved mana. Even the grass had a faint glow. I felt lighter, stronger—and hungrier.
We stopped beside a small plateau where wild shrubs clung to cracks in the rock. Their leaves shimmered like glass.
> [Ingredient Identified: Mana Thyme — Enhances Flavor and Stamina Regeneration]
"Looks edible enough," I said, plucking a handful. "Let's see what local seasonings can do."
I unpacked the stove and opened the Online Grocery & Item Box. Supplies were low—just dried meat, rice, and a bottle of soy—but that was enough for something simple.
I set the pan, poured a thin coat of Phoenix Oil, and laid the meat in. The sizzle echoed off the cliffs like applause. When the aroma of salt and meat mixed with the minty Mana Thyme, even Fenris's tail twitched.
"Smells different here," I said. "The air cooks with me."
Lumina perched on a rock. "It's the mana—every spark joins your fire."
> [Cooking Progress: 65 % — Ambient Mana Enhancement Active]
When the meat browned, I added a handful of rice and water. The broth turned clear blue, reflecting the crystals overhead. Steam rose with a faint metallic scent—like rain on stone.
> [Dish Created: Highland Stew — Restores 15 % Stamina per Serving]
Fenris Warden tasted first. He froze, ears flattening, then exhaled a faint glow. "This flavor… it hums like the mountains themselves."
Lumina tried hers and laughed softly. "It's warm and sharp. My wings feel lighter."
I ate last. The broth left a cool aftertaste, as if the mana itself lingered on the tongue. It was simple, yet alive.
> [Temporary Buff Applied: Mana Regen +5 %, Agility +3 %]
Not bad for our first meal in a new land.
While they finished, I noticed faint footprints leading upward along the ridge—larger than a wolf's, shaped like claws dragging across stone.
Fenris Warden's fur rose. "Something watches us."
Lumina dimmed her glow. "The mountain spirits here… they aren't fond of outsiders."
I packed the stove, checked the edge of the path, and smiled faintly. "Then let's go introduce ourselves before they get hungry."
> [New Quest Unlocked: Investigate the Highland Watcher]
We moved on, the sound of our steps ringing through the crystal peaks—toward whatever creature waited among the shining cliffs.