KID

“Low Quality Cell Absorbed” -- You have produced 100 Energy and 1000 Points

“I absorbed it?” I wondered with astonishment.

To be precise, I surrounded it and then ate it.

“This is definitely phagocytosis.” I thought. It works the same way as when I was in the roots, but instead of nutrients there are other cells. Interesting, indeed.

Around 20 cells could be seen nearby and on the other shelves there were even more, but with a different appearance. That must be the aspect that indicates the “seed” grade, as some of them even glowed a little bit.

“This is strange” I muttered.

Truth be told, I didn’t expect this at all. I thought that when I went to the garden I would become food, not a seed. Also, these cells gave me too many points. After eating two more I decided to stop, mainly because the shopkeeper might notice the disappearance of these.

Right after those two left, I started to inspect the place. At a glance, I could tell that I was in a shabby place. The door, which was rusty and old, looked like one that could crumble at any time. Moreover, the shelves were full of dust and the few windows at the front were completely opaque. This, combined with the polluted air that came out from the trees, created a horrible and disgusting interior.

“This is even worse than my office at SB” I let out a sigh and smirked while thinking how absurd this was.

“Whatever, it’s not like I can change it. I can’t even move properly.” I concluded.

Around 20 minutes later those two came back. The kid looked nervous, while the shopkeeper was expressionless and silent. Both of them accessed through the backdoor and the latter sat down quietly, whereas the former stood in front of him with a troubled face.

“”Did the offer go wrong?”” I questioned. To be honest I wanted that kid to succeed. Such an attitude at his age was amazing and inspiring.

“...” Silence.

“What do yo..u th..think, si..sir? Was the co..cow go..good enough?” The kid asked suddenly, breaking that silent situation off.

“...” No response.

After some time he finally answered.

“I’ve lost my time” he said.

“I thought that what you were offering would be something decent, but in the end it was an starvated cow” he added.

“Sir! Please! I need that seed! I be..eg you.” the kid shouted and kneeled completely.

“Ah. Okay okay, don’t shout. I clearly heard you.” the man said.

“Then!-” the kid was interrupted.

“Wait kid. Not so fast. I’ve agreed to sell you the seed, but keep in mind it’ll be the lowest grade one. So don’t be so impatient and listen first. Do you know how these work?” he asked.

Though he was strict, it looked like something had happened along the way cause the shopkeeper was looking after this kid now. That, or the shopkeeper may have respect for the kid’s guts.

“No..no sir.” he muttered.

“That’s what I thought. At least you know it’s purpose and function right?”

“Ye..yeah. They quickly pro...produce fru...fruits.” he answered.

“Correct. But that’s just one of them”

“These seeds are divided into three categories. Low, medium and high. Low quality ones only provide food and may cause problems, especifically with the soil. This happens because low seeds may grow too fast, causing soil degradation. In the case of medium quality seeds, they have a 50% probability to generate a plant, just like the ones I have in my store. And then there are the high quality ones, which will generate a plant for sure. These two don’t have any drawbacks and are the ones that nobles or rich people buy. Did you understand everything I’ve said so far?” he asked.

“Ye...yes!” the kid responded energetically.

“Ok. Now I’ll explain to you the method to plant the seed.” after saying this, he took a glass from underneath his desk and filled it with water.

“See this glass of water? Well, it is the seed’s pot. Once you’ve planted it you must give it back to me. Normally I would include it in the price, but I’m making an exception.” he emphasized the last sentence.

“O..of course! I’ll bring it ba..back as so..soon as I ca..can!” the kid quickly intervened to clear things out.

“Mmh. Let’s continue with the explanation” it looked like the shopkeeper was proud, but he tried to hide it.

“Once you put the seed inside the glass it will start to grow until it reaches a considerable size. When you notice this quickly plant it, fully cover it with soil. After this, the seed will begin its vegetative propagation, which will produce several fruits. As these seeds are multipotent, they only carry the necessary information to produce food. That’s why they don’t generate a plant like medium seeds, which are pluripotent, or high seeds, which are totipotent. Remember this.” he added.

“Yes.” the kid was concentrated and didn’t blink at all during that part.

“In the case that the seed grows too fast, I won’t take responsibility. So be careful.” Though the shopkeeper had stated that he won’t be responsible, he still warned the kid.

“Ye..yes! Tha..thanks for the wa...warning.” the skinny figure smiled at the man.

While these two were talking, I was calculating and processing all the new information. Besides, I noticed I had shrunk and was the same size as other cells.

“Looks like I won’t be eaten directly and I’ll become a fruit.” I thought.

“...”

“This is bad. Really bad. Am I seriously going to be planted?” I questioned.

“No. I won’t let that happen. I need to think about a plan.”

If what that man said is true, then I know how that process is supposed to work. It’s just a way of asecual reproduction. However, due to my cell division skill I may be able to avoid it.

“Yes. That’s the only way, lets-” at that moment, something grabbed me. It was the shopkeeper’s hand.

“Shit! I forgot about him because I was too concentrated” I thought.

I was put into the glass and it felt like I was drowning. Without a moment to think nor move, I lost consciousness.

“...”

“There you go kid. Take good care of it and remember to bring back the glass”

“Ye..yes.”

The sound of the door could be heard after the kid left the place.

“Mhm. Good luck, kid”

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Name: Luke

Being: Unique Superior Cell

Energy: 6.290/1.000.000

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Speed: A (-)

Metabolism: A (-)

Energy Consumption: A (-)

Membrane: B (0/4000)

Points: 4500