Shadow’s experiments had reached a new level of complexity. Drawing on the fragmented memories of his old world, he began to reconstruct a process he had once known as the Haber process—a method to synthesize ammonia from nitrogen and hydrogen. It was a delicate and dangerous procedure, requiring precise control of temperature and pressure, but Shadow’s mastery of magic made it possible.


    In the secluded corner of Winterfell where the forge stood, Shadow created a makeshift reactor. Using his smoky form to manipulate the elements, he drew nitrogen from the air and hydrogen from water, combining them under intense heat and pressure. The process was slow and painstaking, but Shadow’s glowing eyes never wavered as he guided the reaction.


    Jon watched from a safe distance, his dark eyes wide with awe. “What are you doing?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.


    “Creating something that will change everything,” Shadow replied, his voice a low hum in Jon’s mind. “This is called ammonia. It’s the key to making the land fertile, even in the harshest conditions.”


    Mary, ever curious, crept closer, her tail flicking behind her as she sniffed the air. She growled softly, her blue eyes narrowing at the strange scent of the ammonia. Shadow chuckled—a sound like the rustle of leaves—and gently shooed her away. “Not for you, little one,” he said.


    Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.


    <hr>


    When the process was complete, Shadow mixed the ammonia with other compounds to create a potent nitrogen fertilizer. He and Jon spread it over the small plot of land near the forge, and the results were astonishing. The crops grew taller and stronger than ever before, their leaves a vibrant green and their roots digging deep into the earth.


    Jon knelt beside the plants, his hands trembling as he touched the sturdy stalks. “This... this is incredible,” he said, his voice filled with wonder. “We could feed all of Winterfell with this.”


    Shadow’s glowing eyes softened with pride. “We could,” he said. “But remember, Jon, this knowledge is powerful. It must be used wisely. Not everyone will understand it—or trust it.”


    Jon nodded, his expression serious. “I understand. But with your help, I can make sure it’s used for good.”


    <hr>


    As the days passed, Shadow continued to refine the process, teaching Jon the science behind it. Mary, though still wild and untamed, began to show a faint interest in their work. She would sit nearby, her tail wagging furiously as she watched Jon and Shadow, her blue eyes gleaming with curiosity.


    But Shadow knew that their work was about more than just survival. It was about understanding the world, about unlocking its secrets and using them to thrive. And though the memories of his old world were faint, they were a reminder that knowledge was power—a power that could shape the future.