Brand New Life Online: Rise Of The Goddess Of Harvest

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“I just thought… he needed someone to show him kindness. The White Ghost Race often strikes me as very lonely people, desperate for love and care,” Elayne said softly.

Yaga shook her head and sighed. “You’re far too kind, Elayne. Some might mistake that kindness for something more. You shouldn’t let them get the wrong idea.”

Elayne nodded. “Okay, I understand. I’ll just stay polite… I never imagined making friends in this world would be so difficult.”

“Hmm, I don’t like the way he looks at you,” Mark muttered, his jealousy clear. He wrapped his large arms around her torso, pulling her close.

“Aw, sorry,” Elayne said gently. “But… I can’t bring myself to be cold if I can help it. It’s part of who I am. Maybe it’s grown stronger… this urge to please others. I might be a little mad.”

“All Undead carry some form of madness,” Yaga said. “That’s simply the truth. There’s nothing to do but live with it and keep it from ruining your life. Not many succeed. Those who release their desires can reach enlightenment. I’ve heard some even ascend to Heaven, passing peacefully. But others embrace their darkest urges and let the madness consume them. They become living embodiments of it, devouring everything in their path. Elayne, if you ever let your madness take control… you could become a monstrous mother of the abyss, eternally embracing everyone, soothing their pain to extremes beyond reason.”

“…!” Elayne shuddered at the thought. For a fleeting moment, a horrific vision flashed in her mind: a grotesque mother with countless limbs enveloping thousands, drawing them into eternal bliss while consuming their souls. She shook her head fiercely. “I-I would never become like that…!”

“Don’t frighten her, Granny Yaga,” Mark said. “She’s fine… Elayne has always been this way, even when she was alive. I admit I was too jealous. Blank seems decent enough. I’m trying to be friendly too, but after everything we’ve endured, it’s still hard to act normal or even attempt new friendships.”

“Hm, perhaps we shouldn’t overthink it,” Yaga nodded. “Let’s change the subject.”

“Yes, I’ve bought plenty of things, so I’ll store them in the Domain,” Elayne said. “Later, I plan to study the potions and try relearning Alchemy. There’s an Alchemy Room and a Forge here, right? We could check them out, Mark. I think your flames could help me craft truly powerful equipment once I learn more.”

“That’s not a bad idea,” Mark agreed. “We should also take our friends to the Class Changing Stone. Sailor gained a strong Class, so the rest of you might grow stronger too.”

“Really? Am I worthy?” Norman wondered, the tall skeleton rubbing his bony chin. He glanced at Shade beside him. “What do you think, Shade?”

“Power… important…” Shade murmured, his long fingers fidgeting with his flowing black hair.

“I suppose so,” Norman nodded. “Very well, we can go. What about you, Lisette? Are you at max level?”

Lisette, savoring a sweet treat much like a donut, turned to Norman and tilted his head. “Hm? Ah, no, I’m not!” He checked his system. “It says I’m only Level 21 out of 200…”

“You have a Level 200 cap?!” Sailor asked in disbelief. “Damn! Are Nobles like you just born stronger? Already with a Class?”

“Yes!” Lisette nodded proudly. “Big sis had a cap of 400… And she started with the powerful White Specter War Princess Class… Tier 4 right from the beginning.”

“I had no idea such things existed…” Elayne said. “So the System still favors those born powerful.”

“Yeah but leveling is tough…” Lisette admitted. “Big sis isn’t at max level yet. She always says she needs too much EXP and other requirements…”

“So great power comes with greater demands and even harder work to grow stronger. I’m not sure if that’s balanced,” Sailor said, crossing his arms. “We weaker folk can advance quickly thanks to the System.”

“Yes, it might be a way to balance things,” Norman suggested. “That’s why the Old Monsters of the Netherworld despise the System. It lets the weak rise and challenge the strong—our former oppressors.”

“Hmmm…” Yaga nodded thoughtfully. “I avoid fighting, so I haven’t reached max level yet. My cap is 200. I Ranked Up to Tier 2 some time ago.”

“Oh, what’s your Class, Granny Yaga?” Elayne asked curiously.

“Hehehe, that’s a secret! I don’t tell anyone,” the old woman laughed mischievously.

“Aw!” Elayne pouted. “Come on, I want to know… Oh! Lisette, what’s your Class then? If your sister’s was already so strong.”

Lisette’s eyes widened at the question. He hesitated, looking shy and embarrassed. “I… well, promise you won’t laugh?”

“Why would we laugh, kid?” Sailor asked. “Just tell us.”

“Um…” Lisette nodded slowly. “It’s called Colorless Harlequin.”

“…?” Elayne and the others exchanged confused glances at the unusual name.

“For Noble Races, we usually awaken a Class around age ten, along with the ability to level,” Lisette explained. “During my Awakening Ceremony, I was mocked because of the name…”

Elayne listened with genuine interest. “It’s certainly unique, but there’s nothing wrong with that! So what if it’s ’Colorless Harlequin’? Your cap is 200 and it’s Tier 2, so it must be strong, right?”

“Yes… I mean… I’m not sure,” Lisette muttered. “It has a strange skill I’d rather not use. I’ve relied on my own powers instead…”

“Well, he’s still a child, growing into his strength,” Yaga said. “He’s been cultivating the Domain’s plants, absorbing Spirit Energy, and communing with Nature to awaken a Nature Soul. Few succeed quickly, so it will take time.”

Elayne stepped closer and gently patted the boy’s head. “Whatever it is, I’m sure it will be powerful and incredibly useful in its own way. Cheer up, little Lisette. Your talent is remarkable… You’ll become someone great. And the Demon Tree Religious Order will never abandon you… yes, never. Together forever, my dear.”

“Thanks…!” Lisette smiled brightly. He didn’t notice the subtle slip of madness in Elayne’s words as he hugged her tightly. Mark and a few others caught it but stayed silent, watching the warm moment unfold.

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