Morning came fast. Sylas stretched before his hut and took deep breaths. Birds trilled as the soft wind carried the aroma of the forest close by. The village was waking up gradually, but he could not waste any time.
The idea of the candy business was fresh in his head. He needed sugar, fruits, and a way to prepare and shape the candy. Simple, but not easy.
He opened up the storage area in the back of his own home. Leftover carrots and onions. No use for desserts. He would have to do it with actual fruit—something that was naturally sweet—and possibly honey if he could acquire it.
"Mira may know," he muttered to himself.
He headed over to Mira's home. The elderly healer was already out in front, clipping herbs and letting them dry on a rack.
"You appear troubled," she said, glancing up at him.
I have a question," Sylas said. "Do you happen to know where I can find honey or fruit trees in this area?"
She blinked. "Fruit trees? You're going to make wine?"
"Candy."
That made her laugh. "Candy? That's a new one. There are wildberry bushes on the other side of the eastern hills. And if you're lucky, you can find wild beehives in the woods. But be careful. Bees don't like company."
"Thanks. I'll try.".
She nodded. "Take someone with you. Don't go alone."
Sylas thought of Selene. She had a good sense for the forest.
He found her near the stream, filling buckets.
"Want to help me find fruit and maybe a beehive?" he asked.
She tilted her head. "That sounds dangerous."
"I need it for a project. A big one. I'm starting a candy business."
Selene blinked, then smiled. "That's weird. But kind of cool. Sure, I'll come."
They set off at once after lunch. The east hills were swamped in thick tall grass, but soon enough they came to the edges of the forest. Sylas gripped his axe, prepared just in case.
"See," said Selene, indicating. "Berries."
Dark red bushes occurred in clumps. Sylas tasted one. Sweet. Tart. Good.
He opened a sack and started picking.
[You have picked: Wildberries x43]
[Item Quality: Normal]
Selene kept picking as well, hands smeared with red juice.
Eventually, they had a good haul.
"That's enough for now," Sylas said. "Let's see if there's honey."
They walked further in. Birds flew overhead. The air thickened.
Then, Selene stopped. "There."
High in a tree, a beehive swayed, golden and full.
Sylas narrowed his eyes. "Alright. Let's hope they don't despise me."
He climbed warily, carrying a small pot Mira had handed him. When he arrived at the hive, the bees hummed more loudly.
[Skill: Calm Presence triggered]
Humming lessened slightly. Enough for him to scrape some off a piece of honey without being stung.
[You have gathered: Wild Honey x1]
He came down and let out a relieved breath.
Selene laughed. "That was either brave or stupid."
"Maybe both."
Back in the village, Sylas set the berries and honey on the table. He began a fire and set a little pot upon it. He mashed the berries into pulp, added in the honey, and boiled it down.
The scent was amazing. Sweet, syrupy, irresistible.
Once cooled, he rolled the mixture into small round candies and allowed them to rest.
[Successful crafting! You have created: Berry Honey Candy x12]
[Item Quality: Good]
[+1 Cooking Experience]
Sylas grinned.
Later that evening, he stood outside the trading post. A few villagers passed by, curious.
He handed out free samples.
An old man popped one into his mouth. "This is… really good."
A young girl grinned wide. "Can I have more?"
Soon, a small crowd had gathered.
"How much for a pouch of those?" someone asked.
Sylas blinked. "One silver for twelve pieces?"
They didn't blink. Two pouches were purchased outright.
[You sold: Berry Honey Candy x24]
[+2 Silver Coins]
[Passive Skill: High Roller triggered — Earnings Doubled]
[+2 Bonus Silver Coins]
[Total: +4 Silver Coins]
Sylas's pouch clanged. He'd started with no candy that morning—and now possessed coins.
Later, he sat in his cabin, tallying coins.
Current Funds: 12 Silver, 19 Copper
His gaze wandered over the small wooden table heaped with leftover materials.
He was onto something.
But if he was going to expand, he'd need help. A improved cooking area. Shelf space. Even possibly delivery.
That was one thing: building the first proper shop.
He checked the quest screen.
[New Quest Unlocked: "Build the Sweet Shed"]
> Goal: Construct a specialized place to create and sell candy.
Reward: +200 EXP, Unlock Blueprint: Candy Factory Tier 1, +1 New Passive Skill
Sylas smiled.
Tomorrow, he'd procure wood, nails, and maybe talk over some iron molds and pots with Garen. The dream was gradually taking form.
He relaxed back and stared at the stars.
A fortnight ago, he was just trying to get by.
Now?
He was building something Sweet.