My Demonic Farm: A Progression Fantasy LitRPG

As the healing elixir continued to work its magic, the beast’s posture subtly changed. The rigid tension in its muscles eased, and its breathing slowed to a less labored pace. The grimace of pain that had marred its features softened, giving way to a more neutral expression. It was as if the beast was reassessing the situation, trying to reconcile the presence of the human who was now alleviating its pain.

Theo remained motionless, his gaze locked with the beast’s. He was acutely aware of every small movement, every shift in the creature’s expression. His heart still pounded in his chest, but he clung to a sliver of hope that the beast would recognize his noble intentions.

The beast's eyes, once a source of sheer terror, now flickered with a complex mix of pain, confusion, and a tentative trace of gratitude. The transformation was not just physical but emotional, revealing the profound impact of Theo's risky intervention.

The beast had not attacked yet, and as each second passed with the healing continuing, Theo dared to hope that this giant creature might understand he was not a threat, but a benefactor.

The Terragon's gaze fell on the Sower's Abyssal Pouch hovering above its head, still pouring down the healing elixir. Seeing this, the beast’s eyes softened further, and the last remnants of anger dissolved into cautious curiosity.

The silence that had enveloped the scene was finally broken, not by the usual sounds of the wilderness, but by a deep, resonant voice.

"Why do you tread so boldly into the den of peril, young one?"

Theo was momentarily puzzled. The creature's ability to speak took him by surprise, yet he remembered that his own floral beast had spoken as well. While it was still unusual to encounter talking beasts, he was slowly learning to expect the unexpected in this world he was yet to fully understand.

Keeping his tone even and detached, yet tinged with friendly curiosity, Theo replied, "Like many others, I sought the eternal seed, not for power but for preservation. In past conflicts, I wasn’t strong enough to protect those dear to me. I thought, perhaps this Eternal seed would grant me the strength so I wouldn't feel helpless again." His words were filled with deep emotion, straight from the heart.

He had seen how he couldn’t save those he cherished. This was also why he avoided Aerin and others, whom he had nearly lost in the war fought over the neutral region. This world wasn’t like modern Earth, where money could solve most problems; this world was ruled by the law of the jungle and the survival of the fittest.

The Terragon tilted its massive head, a crease forming on its ancient brow. "I understand your quest for power, but I did not ask about your pursuit of the Eternal seed. My wonder lies in why you risked your life to save me, knowing full well that you are considered the cause of this battle, and that I was blamed for stealing the seed, though their accusations hold no weight with me. Like you, I also came for the Eternal seed, so it was natural that I couldn’t let them have it."

Theo was impressed by the way the beast spoke. It sounded as if the creature possessed wisdom gathered from ages past. He wondered how old this beast might be.

Setting these thoughts aside, he explained, "I couldn’t just walk away, not after seeing the emptiness in your eyes. Among all the beasts here, you seemed the only one not driven by malice, even as I approached the Eternal seed. It felt right to help—and perhaps, there’s guilt too. This battle, your condition—it's because of me." The young man maintained steady eye contact with the Terragon.

He knew that if it had been the three-headed Chimera or the Blazing Lion, he would have had zero chance of survival—they weren’t as understanding. However, from their first meeting, Theo could tell that the Azure Primordial Terragon was different from the rest.

The behemoth let out a deep, rumbling sigh, its breath stirring the leaves around them. "It was not your burden to bear," it intoned solemnly.

"Nor was it yours. You cleaned up the mess I left behind after taking the eternal seed. It's only right for me to help you. And also, please accept my apologies for causing you this trouble." Theo bowed his head sincerely.

The Terragon responded, "Hmm… It's rare to see a humble human these days. I can't remember the last time a human was this well-mannered."

Theo remained silent under the praise, but he noticed that the Sower's Abyssal Pouch had emptied, no longer pouring down the healing elixir. He mentally commanded it to return, and it flew into the dark void, vanishing without a sound.

The wound on the Terragon’s neck was still healing, but it didn’t look serious anymore. The deep gash had been covered with regenerating tissue.

"You should rest for now, as your wound has only just started healing," Theo suggested in a soft tone. His heartbeat had calmed down after witnessing the grandpa-next-door demeanor of the otherwise deadly beast.

The Terragon nodded gently, "Rest would indeed serve me well. The cycles of healing are as much about stillness as they are about the potions and charms that mend flesh."

Theo looked toward the horizon, where the sun was setting, painting the sky with streaks of orange and purple. "I'll spend the night here with you," he declared resolutely. It seemed fitting to stay, not just out of necessity, but because he felt responsible for the creature's condition.

The Terragon's deep eyes flickered with a hint of surprise, then warmth. "If you could kindle a fire for the night, it would be most welcome. The chill of the night here can pierce deeper than the sharpest fang."

Theo agreed, although he was puzzled at how this massive, formidable beast was concerned about the cold night air. Not dwelling on it, he went to gather some dry branches and tinder from the surrounding area, preferring not to use materials from his Demonic Farm as fuel.

While he was gathering materials for the fire, a five-foot-tall figure was lying down nearby without a care in the world. Her strawberry-shaded hair spread around her closed eyes, creating a serene yet slightly eerie appearance.

Theo didn't mind her sleeping, but he was concerned about her doing so in the wild rather than in the Demonic Farm. He opened a portal right where she was resting and shifted her into the Demonic Farm without disturbing her peaceful slumber.

He attributed the floral beast's sudden sleep to her overconsumption of energy. She probably needed a good rest to digest all the food she had consumed, although she couldn’t fully process the life essence until he broke the imposed seal. Nonetheless, the meat and bones the Abyssal Eternal Bloom had consumed needed to be digested.

Focusing back on the task at hand, Theo finished gathering the firewood. Upon returning, he noticed the Terragon's eyes were closed as it rested. Not wanting to disturb it, he began setting up the campsite a meter away from the beast.

Although the area was far from an ideal place to camp, having been covered in beast blood and remnants from the recent battle, it had been mostly cleared by the Floral Beast. Like an insatiable void, it seemed unsatisfied even after devouring all the bodies of the fallen creatures.

Once everything was set up, Theo retrieved a palm-sized, square-shaped box from his golden vault. It was a flame caster, which Aerin had shown him when they hid in the cave with Lorian and Neria. Opening the lid, a flame flickered at the top. He brought it near the pile of dry wood and slowly, the wood was engulfed in fire, illuminating the settling darkness around them.

As the fire flickered, Theo settled down, his gaze lost in the night sky, which was veiled in a thick fog. The moon was barely visible, its light muted by the dense mist. Around him, the chill of the night was intensifying, but he munched on some Infernal Winterberries that helped him counter the harsh coldness.

Theo wasn't sure if the Terragon might want some berries, but he hesitated to disturb the beast, whose eyes remained closed in apparent rest. The silence felt awkward, yet Theo preferred the peace, finding comfort in the quiet rather than trying to forge conversation with the mighty, and unpredictable, creature. It was strange how ever since he had transferred to this primary world, all manner of bizarre occurrences had seemed to flock towards him.

*Grrrrrrrrrr!!!*

Just then, a deep rumbling vibrated through the night, startling Theo. He turned towards the source of the noise, only to find it emanated from the Terragon. The beast opened its eyes slowly and met his gaze, its voice resonant and unexpectedly gentle, "Don’t be alarmed. It's just the gurgling of my stomach."

Theo frowned, "Is everything alright?"

The Terragon sighed, a sound as deep and mournful as the wind through old timbers. "I am merely hungry... but I can hardly complain in the wilderness. I must recover first, then I can think of returning home."

Theo, sensing an opportunity to assist, offered, "I have some edible items in my storage, though they are not meat. Would that be acceptable to you?"

The Terragon, appearing somewhat sheepish, replied, "Let me see what you have."

Theo nodded, aware of the vast assortment within his golden vault. He needed to choose wisely, something suitable for this majestic creature. As he sifted through the various items, his eyes settled on two that seemed perfect.

<<<<

[Shadowroot Carrots]

[~ Cultivated in the enchanted land, these dark-hued carrots are unexpectedly sweeter than any regular carrot. Their growth is enhanced by the abyssal energy, giving them a flavor that's hard to forget.]

[Nightwhisper Tranquil Mushrooms]

[~ These mushrooms, nurtured in the enchanted land, possess properties that help soothe the mind. Consuming them provides a calming effect, washing away stresses and worries with the gentle embrace of deep relaxation.]

>>>>

He retrieved a thin white blanket from his supplies and spread it out in front of the Terragon, creating a makeshift dining area. He then arranged a dozen Shadowroot Carrots and several Nightwhisper Tranquil Mushrooms on the blanket.

As Theo presented the food, he said, "These should help. The carrots are rich and sweet, energizing, while the mushrooms are calming. They're quite unique."

The Terragon observed the arrangement, its eyes reflecting the flicker of the firelight. After a moment of contemplation, it spoke in a low voice, "These gifts from your world, they are strange yet intriguing."

As the beast moved to eat, its jaw shifted and a snake-like tongue darted out, scooping all the carrots and mushrooms in one go before retracting swiftly. As it tasted the food, a momentary brightness crossed its weathered face before it exhaled a sigh. "I am grateful for your hospitality, but alas, this modest feast barely tickles the depths of my hunger," it remarked in a low, rumbling voice.

Theo replied, "Who said that was all I had prepared for you?" With a flourish, he began to unload his storage, a dark void opening as a cascade of Shadowroot carrots and Nightwhisper Tranquil Mushrooms rained down, quickly covering the blanket.

Observing the increasing bounty, the Terragon's eyes widened slightly but it maintained a stoic composure. "Even this, though generous, remains insufficient.," it declared.

Theo responded thoughtfully, "Do you expect me to unload my entire stock onto the ground? Wouldn't that spoil them?"

"You possess more?" the Terragon asked, its voice tinged with surprise.

Nodding, Theo watched as the Terragon looked happier and resumed its meal.

"These carrots are extraordinary," the beast mused between bites. "Never before have I tasted such, and they bring a peace as if the scars of war and pain were mere illusions.

Theo continued to replenish the blanket with the vegetables twenty-four more times before the Terragon signaled it had reached its fill. It let out a rumbling burp, a sound that echoed like a gentle quake through the quiet night.

"It has been many moons since I have feasted so delightfully... and to such satisfaction," As it murmured, it gave Theo a look that mingled gratitude with a hint of greed.

"Why such a look?" Theo's eyebrows furrowed.

"I was wondering if I could take some of these back for my wives and grandchildren," the Terragon asked, as if sharing his thoughts aloud.

Moved by the Terragon's familial sentiments, Theo's expression softened. He retrieved a blue ring and began to fill it with a generous portion of his remaining vegetable stock. He also included an assortment of other items, ensuring the Terragon's family would experience a variety of tastes.

As Theo extended his hand, the storage ring nestled in his palm, the Terragon raised its massive paw to gently tap it. The ring disappeared in a swirl of light, leaving a trace of soothing energy that lingered briefly in the air.

The Terragon's eyes then shimmered with unspoken emotions. "It is rare to encounter such nobility of spirit in humans. Your deeds tonight will not be forgotten." It nodded deeply.

Returning the nod with a respectful bow, Theo observed as the Terragon closed its eyes to continue a restorative slumber. He had half-expected more words, but silence fell between them instead.

Theo retreated to his own resting spot, his mind filled with reflections on the unexpected bond formed under the night sky.

As he lay down, the thought comforted him that if the Terragon had harbored any malice, it would have acted long before now. Instead, here they were, two beings from different worlds, sharing a moment of peace. Theo drifted off to sleep, the flickering fire casting gentle shadows over the tranquil scene.

The following morning, the sun's rays tickled Theo's face, gently coaxing him awake. As he rubbed his eyes, memories of the previous night with the Terragon flooded back.

Turning his head to where the Terragon usually rested, he found only empty space. Sitting up, he scanned the surroundings, but the beast was nowhere to be found—it had vanished.