The Revival of Bearton: A Rain of Hope
Leshi and Hu Ji followed closely behind the giant bear-kin, treading through streets fractured and half-buried by yellow sands. What should have been a bustling market was now nothing but crumbling ruins and broken walls.
The bear-kin introduced himself as Baer. He gently placed a cub onto the last remaining pile of hay inside a house, covering the little one with a tattered blanket. Only then did he drag his heavy steps to the doorway, bowing deeply to Leshi and Hu Ji.
"Thank you... that rice ball saved this child’s life." Baer’s voice was as raspy as sandpaper, his amber eyes reflecting an endless sorrow.
Suppresting the lingering scent of decay in the air, Hu Ji asked softly, "Baer, what on earth happened here? In my memory, Bearton was a place blessed by the earth, rich and bountiful..."
"That was two or three years ago," Baer replied, his eyes weary as he clutched his chest in phantom pain. "The sky stopped giving even a single drop of rain. The earth cracked, and the crops withered. To make matters worse, monsters began raiding the village for food. Many villagers couldn't take it anymore and left to find a living elsewhere. Bearton fell from a prosperous home into this decay."
He looked up at the sky, his gaze helpless. "Even though our people have the power to till the earth and a deep connection to the land that once brought us abundance... why won't the heavens grant us even a drop of water?"
"Why didn't you take the children and leave to find a life elsewhere?" Leshi asked, puzzled.
Baer looked at Leshi with a gentle gaze. "The earth never rejects anyone—not in the past, and not in the future. I believe that if the village is rebuilt, everyone will want to come home. I want to protect everyone’s home."
Despite his fragile, malnourished body, Baer forced himself to stand tall. "The villagers and children who stayed... they need me. I cannot abandon them."
"Enough, Baer! You’ve done more than enough," Leshi and Hu Ji cried, embracing the exhausted bear-kin with tearful hearts.
"I just... I just want everyone to come back," Baer finally broke down, his tears uncontrollable. "I want the village to prosper again, and to see these children laughing and playing in the fields."
"Where are the others? Let’s gather everyone and figure out how to solve this," Hu Ji asked calmly, refocusing the group.
Baer led them to the gathering hall, where the sight was grim: starving adults and children feebly distributing what little grain they had. Some didn't even have the strength to stand.
"Leshi, quick! Pull out the monster meat and rice balls from the inventory! We’re making porridge!" Under Hu Ji’s direction and Baer’s assistance, the resources were put to immediate use.
Soon, the deathly still air in the hall flickered with life as steam rose from a giant pot. The rice bloomed in the boiling water, mixing with chopped monster meat to create a warm, savory aroma—a literal miracle for the starving bear-kin.
Seeing the villagers' trembling hands take the hot porridge, the look of despair in their eyes slowly being replaced by a spark of survival, Leshi and Hu Ji shared a look. The bitterness in their hearts eased, replaced by a heavy sense of responsibility.
After a few sips, some color returned to Baer’s face. He looked at Leshi with awe. "Is this food from the outside? Thank you, Leshi... this will buy us a few more days. But if the water and soil issues aren't resolved, this porridge only delays the end."
"Baer, and everyone of Bearton," Hu Ji explained, "I need you to eat and rest, then start digging reservoirs and irrigation channels. It takes immense strength to dig into this parched earth, but without a place to store water, even rain won't save us."
She continued, "I am a Water-type with the Rain Prayer skill. Combined with Leshi’s Mirroring (Copy) skill, we can summon a massive downpour. How much we save depends on your facilities."
"Those who cannot use Earth Magic will build fences to keep monsters away. We will survive on hunted monster meat until the harvest." Hu Ji commanded with precision.
"Leshi, it all depends on how much rain we can summon together. With my magic and your amplification, we can maximize the effect." Hu Ji looked at Leshi with total trust.
"I’ll give it everything I’ve got," Leshi said, spirits lifted. "For Baer and everyone in Bearton."
The Ritual of the Storm
The atmosphere shifted from gloom to grim determination. Under Baer’s leadership, the bear-kin used their Earth Magic to excavate a massive pit at the village’s lowest point. By sunset, a reservoir tens of meters wide lay ready, with channels spreading out like a spiderweb.
Hu Ji stood on high ground, her blue spiritual energy fluctuating wildly. "Leshi, ready? This isn't just rain; we’re simulating a thunderstorm powerful enough to soak the very core of the earth. My mana is the core—you must take my spell and amplify it!"
Leshi stepped forward, closing his eyes. "Copy Skill, Combined Art: Heavenly Grace!"
The dry, burning clouds froze. Suddenly, deep black clouds surged from all directions. The stifling heat was replaced by a cool, moist breeze.
BOOM!
The first crack of spring thunder echoed—the signal of the earth's awakening.
"Here it comes!" Hu Ji shouted.
Raindrops the size of beans began to pelt the dry earth. Then, under Leshi’s amplification, the rain turned into a white wall of water, a literal waterfall pouring from the heavens.
"Water! It’s water!" Villagers rushed into the rain, sobbing and drinking greedily.
Baer stood in the center of the storm, watching the reservoir fill. He finally let go of his burden, his tears mingling with the rain as he wailed in relief.
The Aftermath
As the rain washed away years of despair, Leshi felt a sharp sting in his mind—the "vacuum" of his mana being drained instantly. He swayed, but Hu Ji caught him.
"Well done, Leshi..." she whispered proudly. "Without your boost, this rain wouldn't have been enough."
Leshi looked at the fading blue glow on his hands. He realized his power wasn't just about copying; it was about magnifying the hopes of his friends.
Side Quests Unlocked:
- Rebuild Bearton: Collect ores and materials to repair infrastructure.
- Monster Cull: Hunt monsters to secure a steady food supply.
- The Homecoming: Find scattered villagers and help them return.
- Sweetness of Peace: Collect honey to bring smiles back to the children.
- Healing Hands: Gather herbs to treat the wounded.
[Unlock Side Story: Harvest Festival at 50% Prosperity]
雷希與狐姬緊跟著大熊獸人的腳步，穿過那條滿是裂痕、被黃沙半掩的街道。原本應該是充滿歡笑的市集，如今只剩下斷壁殘垣。 這名熊獸人自稱貝爾。他將小熊輕輕安置在屋內僅存的乾草堆上，蓋上破舊的毛毯後，這才拖著沉重的步伐走到門口，深深地向雷希與狐姬鞠了一躬。 感謝你們……那顆飯糰救了這孩子的命。貝爾的聲音沙啞得像是砂紙摩擦，土黃色的眼眸中透著無盡的哀戚。 狐姬忍著鼻腔內揮之不去的腐敗味，輕聲問道：貝爾，這裡到底發生了什麼事？在我的印象中，熊熊村應該是受大地眷顧、物產豐饒的地方……
那是兩三年前的事了，天空開始不下任何一滴雨，大地開始乾裂枯竭，許多農作物都開始枯死了。偏偏這個時候爭奪食物的魔物因此瘋狂入侵掠奪村子，許多受不了的村民一一離開村子令謀出入，熊熊村從繁華的村落逐漸衰敗。貝爾的眼神憔悴，右手緊握胸口感受撕心裂肺。
即使我們族人擁有開墾土地的能力，靠著與土地的連結曾經帶給我們豐富的糧食，我們相信勤奮的我們一直受大自然饋贈，可為什麼老天爺不願降下甘霖？貝爾仰頭看向天空，眼神無助。
為何貝爾你沒有帶著孩子離開村子向外謀生？雷希不解的詢問貝爾。
大地從不會拒絕任何人的，不論是過去還是未來，我相信只要村子能重建大家肯定會想回到家鄉，我想守住所有人的家。貝爾眼神溫柔的看著雷希。
還留下來的村民與孩子他們需要我，我不能丟下他們，貝爾那長時間營養不良的脆弱身體支撐自己不願倒下。
夠了貝爾，你已經做的夠多了！你也該好好想想自己了，雷希與狐姬不捨抱著貝爾痛哭流淚.。
我只是.....我只是希望大家能回來，村子能重新繁榮還有這些孩子能在田園裡歡笑玩耍。貝爾情緒開始崩潰，眼前的淚水早已止不住。
村子裡的大家都在哪裡，我們先集結了解該如何解決問題，狐姬冷靜詢問貝爾。
大家都飢餓的在集會所，我這就帶你們過去，貝爾彷彿看到希望帶著狐姬與雷希前往。
到了集會所眼前的景象是許多挨餓受難的大人小孩，無力的分配好不容易獲得的糧食，有些連起身的力氣都沒有。
雷希，趕快叫出道具欄的魔物肉與飯糰，我們要煮稀飯給村民填飽肚子！在狐姬幫忙指揮下道具欄食物資源透過雷希與貝爾妥善運用。
集會所內，原本死寂的空氣因為大鍋中散發出的熱氣而稍微有了些許生機。米粒在滾水中開花，混合著切碎的魔物肉，濃縮成一股溫暖且富有油脂的香氣，這對長期處於飢餓邊緣的熊獸人們來說，簡直是神蹟。 看著村民們顫抖著雙手接過熱騰騰的稀飯，眼中的死志逐漸被一絲生存的渴望取代，雷希與狐姬對視一眼，兩人心中那股酸澀稍微平復，但隨之而來的是更沉重的責任感。
貝爾勉強喝了幾口稀飯，臉色恢復了些許血色。他看著雷希，語氣堅定且帶著一絲敬畏： 這些糧食……是來自外面的村落嗎？雷希，謝謝你，這足夠讓大家再撐上幾天。但如果水源和土地的問題不解決，這碗粥也只是延緩了村子的終結。
貝爾、熊熊村的大家我需要你們吃飽休息後開始開挖蓄水池與灌溉用水道，乾涸大地要挖洞需要耗費更龐大力氣，可是少了能蓄水區域與工具即使降雨也沒辦法保存狐姬解釋著。
我的屬性是水屬性擁有祈雨技能，如果再搭配雷希的複製技能能降下一筆相當多的雨，在這段時間能蓄多少水取決於多少蓄水設施。
其他人如果無法使用大地魔法就負責建設防止魔物入侵的圍籬，等待蓄完足夠水就可以開始農耕這段期間糧食先依靠討伐周圍魔物獲得，減少魔物對村子的危害。狐姬有條不紊的指揮眾人。
雷希，關鍵點在用我們祈雨能降多少雨，有我的魔法搭配你的能力與魔力藥水配合能發揮最大效益。狐姬對雷希充滿信任.
我會全力以赴，為了貝爾和熊熊村大家不再受乾旱之苦。雷希躍躍欲試的打起精神。
集會所內的氣氛因狐姬的指揮而變得肅穆且充滿鬥志。原本垂頭喪氣的雄獸人們，在溫熱稀飯的滋養下，空洞的眼神重新燃起了名為「希望」的火花。 貝爾放下空碗，那雙巨大的手掌因激動而微微顫抖。他站起身，雖然身體依舊消瘦，但那股屬於熊族的威嚴正慢慢回歸。
在貝爾與村民協力施展大地魔法下，村中心地勢最低處開挖大型深坑作為蓄水池。
夕陽西下，村子中央已經挖出了一個直徑數十米的巨大深坑，交錯的渠道如蛛網般散開。雖然村民們個個汗流浹背、氣喘吁吁，但他們看向雷希與狐姬的眼神充滿了期待。
狐姬站在高處，深吸一口氣，周身的藍色靈力開始劇烈波動：
「雷希，準備好了嗎？這不是普通的降雨，我們要模擬出一場足以濕潤地心的大雷雨。我的法力會作為核心，而你必須接手我的術式，將其增幅倍化！」
雷希踏前一步，閉上雙眼，感受著狐姬散發出的水元素氣息。他伸出手，虛空抓住了那股奔騰的能量。
複製技能，聯合技：天降甘霖！
天空中原本乾涸的火燒雲瞬間凝滯，緊接著，一股深邃的烏雲以驚人的速度從四面八方匯聚。空氣中悶熱的乾燥感被一種潮濕、清涼的氣息取代。
轟隆！
第一聲春雷在熊熊村上空炸響，那是大地復甦的信號。
來了！狐姬大喊一聲，將全身的魔力灌注進法陣。
豆大的雨滴開始落下，拍打在貝爾乾裂的皮膚上，拍打在乾渴的土塊上。隨後，雨勢在雷希的倍化加持下，化作了白茫茫的一片瀑布，瘋狂地傾瀉而下。
水……是水啊！村民們衝進雨中，張開嘴瘋狂吮吸著甘甜，有人跪在地上痛哭失聲，將頭埋進迅速形成的積水中。
貝爾站在暴雨中心，看著蓄水池水位節節攀升，他任由淚水與雨水混在一起，久違的甘霖讓卸下責任的他終於能只為自己嚎啕大哭.
大雨滂沱，不僅洗淨了街道上的黃沙，也沖刷掉了壟罩在村莊上空數年的絕望。隨著蓄水池發出咕嚕咕嚕的水聲，這片枯萎的大地終於發出了滿足的嘆息。 雷希與狐姬站在高處，看著雨水順著新挖的渠道奔流。雖然魔力幾乎耗盡，疲憊感如潮水般湧上。雷希感到大腦一陣刺痛，那是魔力瞬間被抽乾的真空感。他身子一歪，狐姬雖然也臉色蒼白，卻及時伸手撐住了他的肩膀。
做得好，雷希……狐姬在他耳邊輕聲說，聲音雖然虛弱，卻帶著無比的驕傲。沒有你的增幅，這場雨根本救不了這片土地。 雷希看著手中殘留的藍色螢光，那是剛剛接觸狐姬術式的餘溫。他意識到，自己的能力不只是複製，更是將夥伴的願望無限擴大。
看著貝爾與村民們在雨中相擁而泣的畫面，兩人嘴角都不自覺地微微上揚。
解鎖支線任務：
重建熊熊村：採集足夠建築礦石素材，維護基本設施
討伐作亂魔物：獲得足夠魔物肉作為村莊糧食
找回四散的熊熊村民，協助他們返回家鄉
採集蜂蜜：穩定村中小孩小孩笑容
採集藥草：協助治療村中傷者
繁榮度50%解鎖支線劇情：豐收祭
Lesh,Hu Ji and Baet雷希狐姬與貝爾
Baer貝爾
