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Chapter Three: The Herb Collection

As the troll leader fell in battle, the morale of their forces collapsed, leaving them surrounded and swiftly dispatched by the herb collection team. Soon, their entire army lay defeated.

After the battle, Scala hurried to Forseti's side.

With a shimmering light in his hand, he passed it over Forseti's chest, his expression turning grave.

"Lord Scala, how is Forseti?" Ander inquired anxiously.

Scala stroked his beard, checking again. After a moment of silence, he replied, "Forseti... he's stable."

Sigurd blinked in disbelief. "But he took a heavy blow from that powerful troll..."

"I'm aware," Scala replied dismissively. As he spoke, he placed a hand on Forseti's forehead, his fingertips glowing faintly, flickering a few times.

Forseti's eyelids fluttered, and he woke with a groan, drawing in a sharp breath. "Ah—"

Yet upon rising, a sudden pain gripped his chest, a lingering effect of the troll leader's brutal punch.

Had he not invoked Divine Protection in time, it might have been fatal.

Though not comparable to the invulnerability of Divine Shield, Divine Protection lessened the damage to a bearable level.

Scala observed Forseti silently for a long moment, several times almost speaking but hesitating each time. Eventually, he turned away without a word.

Standing amidst the group, he addressed them, "There may be more trolls nearby. Gather the wounded and fallen. We must leave this place swiftly."

Every fallen Asgardian warrior was traditionally laid to rest in Valhalla.

Valhalla, symbolizing war, honor, rebirth, and eternal life, was an Asgardian realm. It was believed that those who entered Valhalla after death would be reborn in distant futures—a belief upheld even in the face of Ragnarok's prophecy.

Hence, unless circumstances were dire, Asgardians ensured fallen comrades' bodies returned to Valhalla.

Sigurd gazed at Forseti incredulously. "You're... truly alright!"

Ignoring Sigurd's astonishment, Forseti muttered, "By the way, didn't you say we were lucky and wouldn't encounter trolls? Care to explain?"

Sigurd grimaced but said nothing.

The herb collection team rested briefly. After initial treatment for the wounded, they resumed their journey and swiftly departed the area.

Though attacked by forest trolls the following day, the herb collection team, aided by good fortune, reached their destination without incident.

Emerging onto a forest path, the team suddenly beheld a breathtaking sight, halting in awe.

"We've arrived," Scala announced.

Before them lay a small lake, or rather a sizable pond, shallow with a central island adorned with blooming flora, attracting bees and butterflies.

This island in the heart of the lake marked the herb collection team's destination.

"Heidi, you stand guard here. Cole, accompany the healers to the island," Scala directed.

"Yes, sir."

The healers and Cole's soldiers then embarked for the island at the lake's center.

On reaching the island, they marveled at its exotic flora.

"So many medicinal herbs!"

"Is that Black Skirt Grass? It's only found in old texts!"

Scala couldn't help but smile.

Surveying the scene, he instructed, "This environment is ideal. No wonder such valuable herbs thrive here."

"Alright, doctors, begin harvesting. Consult me if uncertain," he added.

Harvesting herbs required skill, especially delicate varieties which, if improperly gathered, would lose potency and become useless.

Forseti promptly wielded his Holy Deed, gathering herbs and placing them beside the talent formula for identification.

**[Substitute Material: 75% for Silver Leaf Grass]**

**[Substitute Material: 31% for Heather]**

**[Substitute Material: 12% for Lightning Cores]**

...

**[Substitute Material: 33% for Purple Lotus]**

**[Substitute Material: 109% for Golden Thorn Grass (Civet Cat Flower)]**

Forseti was astonished by the Civet Cat Flower's 109% substitution rate, swiftly recording the find.

At last, he'd discovered another vital ingredient, the third so far.

Gray Line Grass corresponded to Silver Leaf Grass, Blood Sac Fern to Heather, and Civet Cat Flower to Golden Thorn Grass.

With three of the nine ingredients gathered for the talent mixture, Forseti had achieved a third of his goal.

Although the remaining six materials posed a greater challenge to acquire individually, this progress marked a significant step towards enhancing his abilities.

Thoughts of previous battles, discussions with Skorch and Ander, and the recent troll leader's punch crossed Forseti's mind.

Much of his struggle stemmed from physical frailty. If he were stronger, taller, could he have withstood that troll's blow?

Night fell soon after herb collection, prompting the team to set up tents for a restful yet vigilant night.

Before retiring, Forseti performed his usual ritual, purchasing five Fates' Gifts.

**[Obtain: Thank You for Your Patronage]**

**[Obtain: Piety +0.12]**

**[Obtain: Forging Blueprint - Gromtor's Friend's Cousin's Uncle's Shovel]**

**[Obtain: Thank You for Your Patronage]**

**[Obtain: Paladin Fighting Technique (Advanced)]**

Forseti paused in astonishment, then excitement.

He'd spent nearly a year mastering entry-level Paladin combat, progressing without formal instruction. Now, finally, he held advanced Paladin combat skills.

Turning eagerly to the next page, Forseti delved into his newfound knowledge.

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