Grasping the dainty chain, I carefully slip the necklace over my head. The purple gemstone is heavy against my chest. It flickers, emitting pale light. Holding my breath, I wait for something to happen—a surge of power, a sense of invincibility, or anything else, really.

But there’s nothing.

“Um…” I frown. “I think it might be bro—woah!”

Golden plumes of smoke rise from the earth, swirling around my body and coalescing into letters that dance and bob. I leap back, trying to swat them away, but they move with me. My hand passes right through.

Ivan howls with laughter. It takes a moment for me to understand what’s happening…text in my vision. Words only I can see.

FARM RANK: F

LIVESTOCK: NONE

CROPS: ABYSMAL

[My dear Willem, you have a long way to go.]

A deep, masculine voice booms in my ears. I glance with wild eyes, but no one’s there.

“Where are you?!” I look at the sky.

[I’m in the stone, young one. I’m in your thoughts. A bond between man and the spirits of nature. Such is the gaia lens.]

“Woah…” I instinctively grip the stone.

[SOIL ANALYSIS: Barren (23% quality). Heavy fertilization required.

RECOMMENDATION: Purchase woolly brahmen dung from the town beastmaster. Churn into the soil.]

“Is…is this how you do it?! A secret weapon!” I stare at Ivan.

“That’s right. His name is Cel. Not sure how old he is…probably as old as the land itself. He’s got a sharp eye. Scans everything, beaming it into the mind of his wearer. And I do mean everything.”

[Individual identified.

Name: Ivan Duskflame

Race: Human (Galantan heritage)

Class: Mecha Knight (Level 34)

Weaknesses: Projectile weapons, ice magic, and pastries (prone to overeating)]

“Wow. You aren’t kidding.”

“Go ahead. Ask him about your crops.”

“Erm, Cel…what tried to steal my radishes?” I glance away. It’s awkward speaking to an invisible companion.

[PREDICAMENT: Infestation of strawberry ants.

These chubby pink insects are a rarity, multiplying after weeks of excessive rain. Highly disruptive pests, they’ll loot crops, tools, and treasures, hauling them to their lair in the woods. Indeed, their presence indicates a greater imbalance in the forest.]

“An imbalance? Like what?”

[Likely cause: Lost wellspring icons.

Recommended action: Gather local intel and search for a solution. Could Ivan’s tapestry be a clue? Unknown.

Bonus tip: Offer to guide Ivan in exchange for using his shard eater to sniff out water on your farm. You’ll never be a successful farmer without a local water source.]

Woah. Now we’re talking. If Ivan has someone like this in his ear, it’s no wonder he’s a skilled treasure hunter. I need to find my own gaia lens…

“Alright, Ivan.” I stand up straight. “I’ll go with you into the forest…but we’ll need to make a trade.”

“I’m listening.”

“I’ll take you where you need to go. I’ll take you to see the witch.”

He raises an eyebrow.

“But nothing in life is free.” I smirk. “That’s an awfully nice shard eater you’ve got there.”

“Heh, I like you, Willem.” Ivan folds his arms and grins. “Ever considered a career in adventuring? I could use a sidekick.”

“Dad!” Viktor watches with disbelief.

“Kidding, kidding.” Ivan waves a hand. “But you’ve got a deal. If you think this witch can locate my prize, then I’ll tag along. Help me find the chest, and I’ll let you borrow ol’ Crag here. He’ll dig your well. Build this place a proper watering hole.”

“Deal.” I move in, locking into a firm handshake.

“Rooooorg.” Crag trots to the field, nibbling dirt like it’s fine chocolate.

“Yeeeee!” Ivy launches, sailing over the trees and peering down into the shadows.

“They can feel it—energy of the forest.” Ivan’s eyes narrow. “There’s something special here. Treasure ripe for the hunt.”