A Huge Profit

A few minutes later, their group was moving cautiously through the forest, with mixed expressions on their faces. The most furious was undoubtedly Ruvaen. 

The old elf had not left. Despite his cautionary warnings as a shrewd elder, he too was tempted by the prospect of riches abounding in this deserted forest.

There was indeed much gold at stake. After a short trek of less than half a mile, they came upon their first gold mine: a field of Jade Chrysanthemums. 

On the surface, the white flowers were nothing special, but they gave off a peculiar invigorating vibrancy that contrasted sharply with the chilly air around them. Several of the flowers even glowed in the dark, as if their petals were fluorescent. When Ikaris tried to appraise the brightest of them with his magic he failed.

'I failed?' He was astonished. It meant that this plant had awakened its Magic Defense attribute.