"Sasha, what can you tell me about my race?" Vivian asked, getting comfortable, with her back against a tree. She stretched her limbs and prepared for what she hoped would be a long discussion.

Please clarify your question. Even with my current limitations, I could go on non-stop for several days.

"In that case, let's start simple. Is there any truth in what Isa told me earlier?" Vivian asked.

I am afraid I can not answer that. My existence is too short compared to Isa. In addition to that, the anomaly corrupted most of my data storage. I have just enough left to function. However, I can confirm one thing. Powering spells with life force does have long-lasting consequences.

"We were not invoking dark magic," Vivian defended hollowly.

Good intentions and reasonings don't change the nature of magic. Just like the rest of the world, it has its rules, stipulations, and prices to pay in compensation. Mana is the natural currency of magic. There are no side effects, even when using 'dark magic' as you call it.

Vivian fell silent for a moment. "Why hasn't anyone from my race had a Mana Pool before now?"

I did that. It is one of my primary functions; I am a tool for modifying hosts. As for why the Jadendajuda never had mana before, you can lay that blame on your god. He wished your race to have a peaceful existence. Mana was not a requirement to that end. In the event warriors were needed, he created me to select champions from the race and twist them towards the role.

"Why did it take until now when my race is nearly extinct to determine 'warriors are needed'?"

That is a fair question. Your god died before giving the system to the race. Even as I am now, putting the anomaly aside, I am still incomplete.

How did the system integrate with me, anyway? That's enough for today; I'm getting a headache. Vivian opened her eyes and rose to her feet slowly, stretching her arms and legs to get her blood flowing.

She watched her map suspiciously, taking note that the majority of the animals in the forest were continuing their usual daily routine. A select few had created a perimeter and were deterring animals from coming to this watering hole in particular. Beldereavers were guarding the area.

Just a coincidence? Vivian shook her head. "Sasha, show me some information about these trees."

Very well. Sacred Oak This native tree has thrived for millennia, surviving through cataclysms that repeatedly turned the world into a wasteland. This tree grows thick branches heavily laden with leaves. Some skilled craftsmen favor this tree's wood for making sturdy staves and spears.

Interesting, so the world has seen some pretty harsh times. Vivian thought. "Sasha, you wouldn't know about these events, would you?"

I am sorry to disappoint so often that it has become an expectation.

"Don't fret over it," Vivian spoke lightly, moving her attention to the next tree. "You're much like me, a victim of circumstance, but you can clean up the mess you're in without help. In my case, I have no choice but to rely on you."

Ancient Cedar While known for its aromatic wood, this tree is not native to this world. Woodworkers all over this world desire the naturally flexible branches of this tree, which only thrives in this forsaken area.

Curious. Vivian scratched her chin. "Hey Sasha, where does this information come from?"

I'm just making it up on the fly to mess with you. It sounds believable, though, right?

"It's nice to see you're developing a sense of humor," Vivian responded. "Now, seriously?"

Saw through me, huh? My data banks are currently sealed off and unusable; I do not know where that data comes from. My only conjecture is it comes from the trees themselves.

"I meant to ask what happened to you before?" Vivian asked.

I do not want to talk about it.

"Touchy." Vivian chuckled as she made her way through the undergrowth.

Rowan The Rowan boasts a short history, originating several hundred years ago. As it is a young species, it is still adapting to life in this world. The branches are prone to snapping if bent too far. The wood of this tree has attracted the attention of bowmakers for its rigidness and flexibility.

Vivian stopped walking as she finished perusing the system window. She firmly took hold of a branch within reach, pulled down gently, testing the flexibility.

Rowan Berry This delicious looking fruit is quite poisonous, fully capable of outright killing smaller creatures foolish enough to eat a single berry. Larger animals experience hallucinations, enticing them to consume more even as the poison wracks their body with pain. This berry quickly became the main ingredient for skilled apothecaries for its versatility in many concoctions.

"Huh, I didn't even know there were any berries on the tree," Vivian commented, mostly ignoring the system window. The branch had drawn her attention. She admired the smoothness, how easy she was able to bend, and the amount of resistance it had. When she released it, the branch snapped back to its original position with no delay. "Even in this state, that would make one hell of a bow."

Vivian smelled a change in the air perking her mouth into a smirk, "Smells like dinner is about ready." She abandoned her research for the time being and headed back to the watering hole in high spirits.

"There you are, Vivian," Isa stated as she continued roasting the giant lump over a fire.

"What have you brought back today?" Vivian sat down and observed the bits of the animal that were scattered everywhere, the result of hasty preparations.

"Maupia." Isa said smugly, "Do you have any idea how hard these are to catch?"

"I can't say I do. I haven't done any hunting."

Maupia(roasted) The Maupia is considered a delicacy by all resident carnivores. It is a rare and elusive animal only seen once after three full moons. The reason remains a mystery. Their high agility, coupled with their constitution, ensures most predators will tire first. If they could talk, they would say their only downside is their massive size. It is hard to remain hidden when they weigh 350 lbs(113 kg), and even when hunched over, they stand 8 feet(243 cm) tall. They are finicky when it comes to their diet, consuming only Dragon Leaf.

"I swear this creature has godlike agility and an equally impressive constitution; it can run flat out for hours without tiring."

"Is this safe to eat?" Vivian asked as she inspected the discarded skin.

The analysis was successful. I have updated the maupia marker on the map.

"Hm? You mean due to its diet?" Isa scratched her chin, "This isn't the first time I've eaten one."

"I'll pass this time around, it does smell good though," Vivian replied as she left to go find some berries so she wouldn't have to worry about drugging herself and her baby. As she collected berries, she did note that there were no maupia displayed.

"Suit yourself, just means more for me," Isa shrugged. She sat roasting the maupia with her mouth drooling in anticipation.

Vivian had eaten her fill of wild raspberries and was preparing to go to sleep. "I can't believe you ate the whole thing yourself."

Ancient Phoenix: Isa Isa is under the initial effects of consuming Dragon Leaf toxin. The level of potency in her body is enough to render a dragon unconscious.

"I can't believe my belly is bulging like it is," Isa commented.

"The maupia was at least ten times your size; I'm shocked you didn't explode from eating so much unless you're hiding your real appearance from me." Vivian yawned and closed her eyes.

"...I..." Isa fell asleep at that moment. The combination of the Dragon Leaf toxin that had permeated the entire meat feast she just ate, and the sheer size of the meal, her body ultimately shut down.

I see. Yes, that would be one explanation. At the very least, Isa was truthful about the maupia, considering how she ate it with such relish.

Vivian opened her eyes slightly, observing the passed out phoenix. "I don't think she's aware that the dragon leaf toxin is still present even after cooking the maupia. For now, I'll consider that the maupia truly is a delicacy, and she wasn't trying to drug me."

Vivian couldn't help but smile when she saw the contented expression Isa had plastered on her face. She closed her eyes. "Sleep well, Isa."