"Where will I find the Mana Root?" Paul asked and instantly, the screen was filled with the information.


    [All about Mana Root]


    Region: Lumina Forest


    Specific Terrain: Mystic Glades


    Markers and Signs: Faint blue glow emanating from the ground


    Best time to harvest: At dawn or dusk when the mana is the strongest


    Tools required: Silverroot Spade


    Challenges and Dangers:


    - Mana Wisps


    - Glimmering Stags


    - Mana Surges


    - Enchanted Fog


    Paul read the information about the Mana Root with interest. His eyes gleamed, especially when he learned the roots glowed a faint blue. Fascinating!


    But his delight diminished and turned into confusion when he noticed the tool he needed to get the mana root.


    "How do I find the SilverRoot Spade?"


    [You''ll have to find it, Host. Otherwise, you can use a regular iron spade as well. But its mana-restoring properties will be reduced significantly]


    Paul felt like cursing under his breath. How was he supposed to find a SilverRoot Spade? He didn''t know anyone in the village. Heck, he didn''t know anyone in Aeltheris who could help him. How was he supposed to accomplish the mission?


    Before he could dwell on the matter, a knock on the door interrupted his thoughts.


    "Paul, are you there?"


    Paul heard a woman''s voice. Frowning lightly, he opened the door and stared at the woman who he recognized to be one of his neighbors from the host''s memories. In the entire village, she was one of the few who had provided a helping hand at his lowest times.


    "Yes, how may I help you?" Paul opened the door and awkwardly greeted her, not knowing how to address her. He knew her name, Julie. Was he supposed to call her by her name or Aunt Julie? He was confused out of his mind.


    "Paul, were you cooking something? It smelt delicious."


    "Yes, I was testing out a new dish. I''m sorry I didn''t prepare much. It was the first time I tried to make it," Paul said regretfully. He had no qualms about sharing it with her, considering all the help she had provided the host.


    It was just that it was his first time and he didn''t intend to share his experiment with others.


    "I understand, I understand. I harvested some cabbages from my field. I want to give them to you." Lily held out a basket and Paul noticed two fresh and good cabbages.


    "Uhh..."


    "Do not reject me. I harvested a lot this time."


    "Then, I will not stand on ceremony. Thank you."The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    Paul smiled gratefully and took the two cabbages.


    "You must be busy. Carrying on with your work. I will return home. I need to go and cook for my husband." Lily sighed in worry.


    "What''s wrong? What happened?" Paul noticed her weary face and asked in worry.


    "I have no reason to hide this from you. My husband has caught the flu and it has been a week." Lily pursed his lips and lowered her eyes in concern. "His appetite is terrible. I am worried about him."


    "Did you visit the doctor?"


    "Doctor?" Lily''s face scrunched up and she looked at him questioningly.


    Paul bit his tongue when he realized what he had done. The people here weren''t familiar with the terms from his world.


    "Physician or the healer. I meant the healer. Did you consult the healer?"


    "Oh, we did. But the healer could not heal him. His situation is too severe." Lily turned around and walked away as she waved her hand. "I hope he will recover soon. Otherwise, I do not know what I will do."


    Paul looked at the woman with sympathy and waited until she was out of sight before closing the door. Staring at the cabbages in his hand, an idea sprang to his mind. It was his time to help Lily.


    Without any delay, he entered the kitchen and filled the pot with water. Igniting the flames in the hearth again, he set the water to boil while he prepared the ingredients.


    Compared to the Strength Boosting Chicken, the Healing Soup was easier to prepare.


    Paul frowned when he noticed the flame wasn''t as strong as he wanted. He had to add more logs.


    Returning to the backyard, he picked a wooden log to chop. But he stopped short when a notion hit him.


    ''I''m yet to test my strength. Should I give it a try?'' he wondered excitedly. Wrapping his palm with a piece of cloth, he positioned the log and bent forward, testing his angle of impact.


    After a few mock attempts, when he was ready, Paul mustered all the strength in him and jumped lightly before bringing down his fists at full speed. Although the log didn''t split into two as he had wanted, there was a visible dent. Moreover, his palm wasn''t even hurting.


    Bewildered, he stared at his palm. Other than a few splinters stuck to the cloth, his palm was intact. His jaw dropped and he marveled at the effect of the Strength Boosting Chicken. It sure had increased his strength. Otherwise, he''d be the one with broken fingers.


    Humming a song in delight, he used the hammer this time and chopped the log into small pieces.


    The water was yet to start boiling. The flame was too low. So, he added the wood right away and fanned the flames until they became stronger.


    Once done, he chopped a carrot, a turnip, and a quarter of a cabbage. He then minced a garlic clove with some mint leaves until they turned into a thick paste.


    On seeing the water boil, he added the paste first and ladled the broth. Next, he added the vegetables and a pinch of salt. He then stirred the soup a few times before closing the pot.


    "System, remind me in thirty minutes."


    [Yes, Host]


    Now that he had some time, he thought about his mission. How was he going to get a SilverRoot Spade? The system wouldn''t help in this matter. Who could help him?


    Paul pushed his tongue against his cheek and pursed his lips thoughtfully. ''Should I visit the blacksmith? Would he be able to help me?''


    Paul was stuck. He didn''t know how to solve his problem. So, he could only give up for the time being. On seeing that it was getting dark, he lit the lanterns in the house and returned to the kitchen again.


    A faint aroma from the soup spread the kitchen and Paul sucked in a deep breath, his lips curving up into a satisfied smile.


    The system notified him when thirty minutes passed and Paul lifted the lid and checked the soup. The vegetables were tender and the broth was getting thicker.


    Using the back of the ladle, he squashed the vegetables, especially the carrots. He waited for the soup to become thicker before he added his mana essence again, following the steps from earlier.


    Paul''s heart bled to see his mana reduce. It was more precious than his blood. Since it was Lily who had helped the host a lot in the past, he suppressed his distress and added an essence.


    Immediately, the fragrance of the soup became richer and Paul was tempted to taste it even though he had had a filling feast some time ago.


    Stirring the soup a few more times, he checked for salt before he doused the flame.


    [Ding!]


    The familiar sound went off in his mind and the floating screen appeared before him.


    [Dish Complete: Healing Soup]


    [Quality: 71/100]


    [Effects: Heals small injuries and minor illnesses]


    Paul was satisfied with his dish and kept aside less than half of it for himself. He then carried the remaining to Lily''s house.