story_vrdant_1_1

Hey, lad. Whatever you need, just spill it.

You're scaring all my customers away with your grim face. I can't do business like this.

I...

Yeah?

Lad, how about I show you the flowers that have just arrived?

Are you getting flowers for your mum or your crush at school?

N... Neither.

I saw your recruitment poster.

Do you wish to work here?

If you need help...

You're an Infected?

I'm sorry, but I can't hire you.

...It's fine. You're not the only one who's turned me away.

I'm sorry for taking up your time.

Hey, hold on a sec.

Why do you want this job?

...I like plants.

That's a decent reason.

I like plants too because they know how to play to their strengths.

They can neither talk nor move, but their appeal lies in their colorful flowers and pleasant scents.

But...

Many plants don't flower and have no scent...

They deserve our love too, right?

You're interesting, lad. Hmm.

I do have a job in mind that might be suitable for you.

Won't be too much human contact, just need to get your hands dirty working with flowers and plants. And it requires you to go dangerous places on the regular.

I know this supplier who's on the hunt for plant hunters. Simply put, he needs someone to help him collect rare plants.

Wanna give it a shot?

Whoaagh—

I-Is this a...

Trap?!

Who are you lot?

What, us? Whuhh...

...We're tourists.

Yeah, that, we're tourists!

We heard that this old abandoned manor had some smashing scenery, so we came by for a stroll!

For real?

For real...

Something cold is touching me...

I feel it too... What is this...

Vines?! Why are they moving?

Many have set their sights on this manor lately. You'd better come clean and tell me why you're here.

Or I'll feed you to these carnivorous plants like those who came before you.

And who are you...

You're asking me?

Stop wasting your breath with him! Just tell him the truth! I can't stand these bloody vines around my neck!

...We're here looking for thornblooms.

Oh? Thornbloom, is it.

There's not even a single bud here in this manor, let alone thornblooms.

It's right there under that sculpture! I swear on my granny's life!

Thornbloom is the root of the plant! Just dig it up and you'll see how it got its name.

Turns out it was those weeds...

Is he off looking for thornblooms? Could he be a plant hunter too...

You sodding idiot, look how soft these vines are. They can't choke you.

...Did he bluff me?!

Thornbloom...

The roots do look like a flower. Thorny and henna-colored.

According to my boss, its price's gone through the roof in the black market... thanks to its very high medicinal value.

It doesn't flower and has no scent, but its roots can cure sickness, so people need it.

They even give it a flower name when it doesn't flower.

Ugh—

Just as Verdant bends down to pick the thornbloom, he notices a solitary tuft of grass growing beside it.

It's nothing remarkable, but here in this wheat field, it sticks out like a sore thumb.

When the wind blows, the unripe wheat plants all bend to one side.

At that instant, the tuft of grass finally reveals itself to the sun.

What have we here...

Verdant sees the grass and notices his hand that has reached for the valuable thornbloom.

If it weren't for the gust of wind, he probably never would've found this tuft of grass.

All of a sudden, he feels somewhat ashamed.

Hey, kid.

Which village are you from?

(Wary) What's your business?

What's your business? You have the face to ask that when you're wandering about my land looking suspicious.

How dare you glare at me, huh? Get yourself out of my field. I'm weeding.

Weeding?

Upon hearing that, Verdant instinctively glances at the unknown grass behind him.

Knowing he will sound weird and annoying, he speaks anyway...

No...

I'm staying put.

You brat!

Verdant!

God, it IS you... Verdant, mate, how long's it been?

Oi, Uncle Watson, the scythe doesn't go that high, come on, you could poke someone's...oh, were you having arow?

You know this boy, Tucker?

Of course! We're classmates!

...Were classmates.

Not anymore now.

Haha, you haven't changed one bit.

Uncle Watson, you don't get this pissed off, do you... Could be it's just a misunderstanding?

My classma— Verdant here might come off as a bit intimidating, and he's not good at dealing with strangers. But really, he means no harm.

Okay, then maybe you can talk some sense into him and let him know he's not only a nuisance but also rude.

Hurry up and get him off my land! If I go on arguing with him, I'll be too knackered to bicker with my ball and chain tonight!

Come in and have a seat. No one's home, so you can relax.

...Sure.

I just realized you're a local here.

Wait, what? Just half a minute ago I thought you came all the way here to hang out with me.

Fine. You wouldn't have argued with a farmer over some weeds if you were here to visit me.

...Thanks for helping me out just now.

No big deal... Of course, I'd love some help with my fieldwork report if you're up for it.

I think I'll sit this one out. I don't want to...

No, mate, it's fine. I actually didn't think you would say yes. It was just a joke.

Hey...

I thought you weren't in your right mind trying to save that weed from him.

Now, it sits beautifully in your specimen box.

Tucker, I don't think it's just a weed.

Eh? Isn't this just a millet or some other wild grass... Forget it. As someone who failed the course, I shouldn't argue with one of the top three.

I'm not saying it isn't...

Hello? Why are you frozen...

...It sort of resembles a millet, but it isn't one. I just noticed it.

Look here. Seems like it'd have the same conical kind of inflorescence as bristlegrass, right?

And the stalk is a bit sedge-like...

So, it's an undiscovered species?

Can only say I've never seen it. Don't remember reading about it in any books either.

A new species? That's possible.

Can't believe you crossed a farmer holding a scythe for it when you hadn't the slightest clue what it was. That's not the Verdant I know!

I don't know why I did it either... I just felt like I had to protect it.

Maybe you did the right thing. What if it IS a new species?

Hah, I was right.

This is exactly why I wanted your help with my field report!

What?

You have an eye to tell what's distinctive about the most unremarkable of plants. That's what separates me apart from a top student...

No...

I almost overlooked it too, actually.

It has no economic value. It's not something a plant hunter needs.

And so what? What matters is you were sharp enough to find it.

...I've got an idea. If we want to know if it's a new species, we can send it to a botanical institute or something for identification.

Identification? Alright... But before that, I've still got work to do.

Got to head back to base.

Yeah, I got the thornbloom. Harvested the full plant intact, and collected a sample of the soil it was growing in too.

Competitors? I think I ran across two... No, they didn't get in my way. It was the other way round, actually...

Other plants of economic value...? No, nothing in particular.

I've sent you the data and photos. If everything's good, I'll be on my way back tomorrow.

...Eh?

There's a new commission, you said?

How about I go back and confirm the target with you in person before heading out again?

Even though it's urgent, I... No, I'm not doubting your judgment. I trust you, but I—

Alright, I understand.

I'll head back the moment I've got the new target plant. Is that alright?

So, no chance of hitting the institutes?

Nope.

Your boss... sounds like a real pain with the way he talks. Can't you just go back and tell him you didn't find the thing he wanted?

Not unless I don't want this job...

Too bad then.

Being a plant hunter is so much cooler than being stuck in a lab rinsing test tubes and sticking labels on specimens all day! If I were you, I wouldn't trade the job for the world!

How about this—you don't have to help with my field report if you can take me along plant-hunting once! Pretty please!

...Haha.

Sneaking into the target area by following a meticulous plan, fooling the eyes of all, and avoiding danger until reaching the 'final chamber' where the target object lies...

Have you watched that Wrankwood movie that came out last month, the adventure one? The protagonist was hunted down by the natives while looking for treasure in the Sargonian rainforest? That's basically you!

I—No, I haven't watched...

Thought so.

Tucker, you know I don't really care about those things... I don't work as a plant hunter because I'm into adventures, either.

I do it because I need a livelihood, and I enjoy working with plants.

It's the best opportunity I've had since catching Oripathy.

...Good for you, Verdant.

I got you. It was the school's mistake to make you drop out because of Oripathy. They've lost a young scholar with a real passion for plants.

If the professor knew you took on such a risky job just to keep studying plants, he'd definitely regret not pleading your case to the school back then!

Heh... Should I blame him?

Tucker, still remember how we used to cultivate those specimens before?

...Aren't you still pretty good at it?

As he speaks, Verdant closes the lid of the thornbloom's incubator and opens up another specimen case, which is smaller and warmer.

He feels the moisture of the soil within using his fingertip. Then, he gives the glass walls of the case a spritz from his spray bottle.

The nameless grass makes no sound, but he knows it's growing.

Honestly speaking, you looked like a changed man when you were tending to the plants.

Really?

Maybe it's because I don't have to worry about them rejecting me.

Reject? Maybe... But as you know, plants don't always act the way we want either.

Just like those specimens we had in the greenhouse back then. Some barely grew, and some withered early on...

...And don't forget the ones that had us going until they started blooming and bearing, just to show us they weren't even the right ones.

So, you might want to keep your expectations low...

Expectations?

Are you worried that I might be devastated if that grass turns out to be just an ordinary weed?

Mmm.

I won't. I don't look after it for the elusive possibility of it becoming something extraordinary.

So...

Tucker, if you saw it growing next to the crops, what would you do?

I'd pull it out, of course. It doesn't even fit to be used as compost...

Right... That was what I used to think for a long time.

But at that time, I thought I was someone important, like the crop. I never imagined one day I'd have nowhere left to go.

Now, I'm even more useless than compost... At least, compost can still be kept on the field.

Verdant...

It's alright, Tucker. I'm doing pretty well now, right?

I've thought it through—I don't really expect it to be a new species.

I just think that... it deserves a little place of its own.

When you think about it, you'll realize that it hardly needs anything at all.

Soil, water, and sunlight... That's it. Enough to sustain its growth.

Verdant suddenly feels an urge to ask the nameless grass some questions.

What's your name?

Do you long to be noticed?

Are... Are you scared of being rejected too?

Little grass...

...You'd much rather go back to the vast field than be stuck in a little specimen case, right?

'...You'd better go. Now.'

'Get out of here!'

It's...

'You saw it too. It was a unanimous decision by the school board.'

'You should prioritize your health over learning here, right?'

'...True, they're not contradictory, but we have to consider the welfare of the students and staff here.'

'That's out of the question. The school would never let you have a whole dorm room just to yourself.'

Alright. I'll leave, then.

'College graduate? We just need someone who can bring in customers... You're an Infected? Well, that won't do.'

'We don't hire the Infected as typists. Oh, you can work from home? You promise your efficiency won't be affected? Dream on!'

'Hey, you, keep away from my shop! Don't let me catch you around here again! The quarantine, that's where you belong!'

'Sorry, we can't hire you.'

Alright. I'll leave, then.

'All these straw hats and sandals. You haven't sold a single one?'

'Trust me, I've asked around! No buyers are willing to take them! Tsk... Even the village head is avoiding us now.'

'Maybe we can try at a nomadic city next...'

'That's quite a good idea, actually. I'll head to the market tomorrow and bring with me the premium cotton cloth Mother left behind. Maybe we can get a second-hand cart with it!'

'And take my silver bracelet too! There has to be a way... We have to let him stay. No matter what, he's still our son...'

Maybe I should go. Even if there's no turning back to my old life, I have to pull myself together.

But... where can I go?

Huh?

...God, what a racket.

Fine, I'll go. Stop trying to kick me out! I can survive without you!

'Verdant—'

I know what to do! Just shut up!

Was it a dream...

The grass... is still there.

Eh? There seems to be a new bud sprouting here.

I know some plants will experience a growth spurt when they sense a drastic change in their environment.

Little grass, do you feel safe inside this specimen case?

Hey, Verdant!

Open up! Don't tell me you're still sleeping!

Tucker? Why are you here?

...WHY AM I HERE?!

Oh, please. Didn't you promise to take me to experience plant hunting yesterday?

Wasn't that a joke?

Let's move! Many hands make light work!

We can hit the botanical institute sooner too, right?

Can't believe you're still thinking about that... It doesn't harm to do the identification, I guess.

...Fine, let's do this together.

You aren't helping by leaving your footprints everywhere we've passed by.

Yahoo—

How's that? I can easily jump to the other roof—whoawhoawhoaaahh ohgodhelpmeMum!

Careful!

Phew, that was close. Luckily, it was the tile that fell and not me.

Thanks for catching me, Verdant...? Wait, why is the 'Scarecrow' here?

Unlike you, I'll climb up from the ground.

Don't need to thank the 'Scarecrow'. It probably just didn't want you to cause a ruckus that would alert all the villagers.

Nice work! That's the Verdant I know from school.

You are a working adult now. Can't you be more tolerant of your friend? How immature!

No dilly-dallying, Tucker. Jump in through that chimney.

What? The chimney?

Yeah.

Wait, shouldn't we knock before going in? Waitwaitwaitwait, why is your 'Scarecrow's' pushing me—

Total silence.

Well?

The 'Scarecrow' caught me. I guess it was a safe landing?

...I didn't scream out loud. That took me a lot of effort, you know!

Good for you. Coming down.

Phew... Can you hear it? My heart's pounding like a sledgehammer!

Can't believe I just reached the 'final chamber' with a plant hunter and had my hands on a 'mysterious ancient seed'!

We just took the target object from an empty hut... Don't exaggerate things.

Well, this isn't as exciting as I imagined it would be!

I mean, where was the sleuthing part? We went in, we grabbed it, we got out... Is that it? Way too easy!

This seed doesn't look rare either...

I think it was left here by the previous agent.

Agent?

Yeah.

Plant hunters don't just handle dangerous missinos There's simple work like this too, which involves collecting an object at a designated location.

...Like a Messenger?

I heard the very first batch of plant hunters were Messengers specializing in international spice trade.

Being a plant hunter doesn't sound cool anymore...

Time to head back to base. I need to debrief with my boss. I hope he won't give me any more assignments.

Tucker, I reminded you to clean your shoes after we stepped through the mud.

Eh? I did. Look, they are as clean as a whistle.

Then, whose footprints are these... Why do they look so similar to the ones near the base?

Can't be...

Eh? Excuse me? Why are you running—

Move! We're running out of time!

From a distance, Verdant spots thick smoke rising from the base.

With all the strength he has, he sprints. The pungent smell of the smoke makes it hard for him to breathe.

The uneasy feelings before have taken form in the fire before his eyes.

Ugh...

Well, look what he's brought us... A surprise!

We've got a packet of square sunflower seeds here! That'll make us a pretty penny!

Enough. Shut it.

Damage all the emergency communicators in the base. Take whatever's useful.

We must get out of here before he wakes up.

Don't...

Why...

Why...

Mum, should we clear the weeds in the field?

'Yes. They'll impede the growth of the crops.'

Can we just move them away from the crops? Like, our courtyard?

I want to know what they look like when they grow up.

'Hmm... Good idea.'

'They might grow into wheat, or maybe corn.'

'I hear a very long time ago, weeds were no different from the grains.'

...What if we can't eat them?

What if they grow ugly flowers and turn really smelly? That'd be awful!

'Haha! Have you become old enough to be bothered by these things? Don't worry—'

'They'll still have their own worth.'

Verdant! Were the two guys that ran off holding the thormbloom incubator?

...Are you injured?

Little...

What?

Should I go after them?

Check on... the grass...

T—The grass? Please tell me you won't go inside...

No! The fire's getting out of control! Don't go in, Verdant!

That grass... I still haven't taken it to the institute...

I still haven't given it a name...

It survived in the field even when nobody tended to it...

It shouldn't be pulled out or be devoured by flames...

It shouldn't be chased away or forgotten...

It is just trying to survive...

*cough* *cough*... *cough* *cough*...

Thank god... It's still here, my specimen case... They didn't take you away...

I guess being inconspicuous is your strength...

Verdant wipes off the ash on the glass case, eager to make sure the grass is safe.

...Huh?

Is this.. that tuft of grass?

Lit up in the fire, Verdant beholds the sight within the case clearer than anything.

His grass can't handle the sharp rise in temperature well.

Its millet-like leaves are wilted, and its sedge-like stem is drooped. But the part that resembled bristlegrass is actually blooming.

Is that its flower? Did the fire cause the transformation? Verdant isn't sure.

No one can know for sure it is a kind of flower when they see its delicate tendrils for the first time.

The plant doesn't look like it is blooming at all with its wilted leaves and drooped stem.

But Verdant is certain that the grass is not millet, sedge, or any other kind of grass he's encountered before.