[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-born-as-a-witch":3,"chapter-born-as-a-witch-born-as-a-witch-chapter-371":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Born as a Witch",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1702643,2172,"Chapter 371: The Emberfruit Grove","born-as-a-witch-chapter-371",371,"\u003Cp>The path leading to the Emberfruit Grove twisted through jagged cliffs and scorched earth. The air shimmered with heat, and a faint, sweet aroma hinted at the prize awaiting them: Emberfruit—glowing, fiery fruits said to enhance magic and vitality in both plants and creatures.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This place feels... alive,\" Renkai murmured, wiping sweat from his brow. \"Like it knows we’re coming.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Indeed,\" Lira replied, her eyes scanning the grove ahead. \"The Giant Tree said this is a test. The fruit is protected for a reason.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Serelyth’s wings flickered, letting off small sparks of light. \"And those protectors are not trivial. Wolves guard the Emberfruit, but not ordinary wolves. They are magical, attuned to the grove itself. Intruders beware.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thalanir adjusted the straps of his satchel, his eyes narrowing. \"Well... I guess we’ll have to be clever. Stealth and speed, then.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emberfruit trees glowed faintly in the dim light, their fiery fruits pulsing with a soft inner flame. The ground was covered with blackened leaves and cracked earth, evidence of magical energy simmering in the soil.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the shadows, the wolves emerged. They were enormous, their fur a mix of deep charcoal and flickering embers, eyes glowing like molten gold. Each movement stirred sparks in the air, and their low growls vibrated through the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They won’t let us just take the fruit,\" Renkai whispered, stepping slightly behind Lira.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No,\" Lira agreed. \"But maybe... we can show them we mean no harm.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Serelyth lowered herself to the ground, tail brushing the sand as she exhaled a small plume of fire into the air. The wolves flinched but did not attack—curiosity flickered in their glowing eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lira knelt, spreading her hands over a patch of Emberfruit saplings. She whispered to the wolves, letting her voice carry calm energy. \"We only need a few fruits to strengthen the Grove and our creatures. We respect this place. If you allow us to take some, we promise to leave the grove protected and unharmed.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thalanir glanced at her skeptically. \"You think talking to them will work?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Magic isn’t just in spells,\" Lira said softly. \"It’s in understanding, in showing respect.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The wolves circled cautiously, nostrils flaring. Sparks drifted from their paws with each step. Renkai swallowed nervously, but he stayed close, ready to defend if anything went wrong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally, the largest wolf, its mane a blazing corona of ember-like fur, stopped in front of Lira. Its eyes locked onto hers, intelligent and probing. Lira held her gaze, sending calm, steady energy into the creature. Slowly, the growl faded, replaced by a quiet hum that resonated through the grove.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Serelyth tilted her head, sensing the shift. \"They’re letting us... proceed. Carefully.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lira reached for the first fruit, gently plucking it from the branch. Its surface glimmered like molten gold, warmth radiating in her hands. She carefully placed it into a protective pouch lined with soft cloths and subtle wards to maintain the fruit’s magical properties.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Renkai and Thalanir followed suit, collecting only what was necessary, each movement precise and deliberate. The wolves observed silently, stepping aside as the group worked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’re remarkable,\" Renkai whispered to Lira, awe in his voice. \"They actually... trust you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lira smiled faintly. \"It’s not just trust. It’s respect. I’ve learned to move with the Grove, not against it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as they finished gathering the last of the Emberfruit, a sudden gust of wind swept through the grove. Shadows lengthened unnaturally, and the ground trembled. From the far edge of the grove, a dark ember elemental emerged—a creature born of fire and malice, drawn to the energy of the fruit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The wolves growled, hackles raised, circling in defense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Get back!\" Renkai shouted, stepping in front of Lira, staff glowing with protective magic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Serelyth’s wings spread wide, flames flickering along her feathers, creating a barrier of heat that pushed the elemental back slightly. Thalanir unleashed a controlled blast of elemental energy, carefully balancing fire and air to avoid harming the grove or the wolves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lira concentrated, sending pulses of her own magical energy toward the elemental, grounding it with calm. \"This grove is protected. You cannot take these fruits. Leave!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The elemental shrieked, but the combined energy of Lira, her friends, and the wolves forced it to retreat, scattering into sparks that vanished in the wind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The wolves, now calm, escorted the group to the edge of the grove. The largest wolf nudged Lira gently, as if acknowledging her courage and respect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We have what we need,\" Lira said, relief washing over her. \"Thank you—for allowing us to protect and learn from your grove.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Renkai exhaled, tension leaving his body. \"I didn’t think I’d survive... but we did. And we have Emberfruit!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Serelyth’s tail flicked happily. \"This will energize the Fénix even more and help our plants thrive. The Grove will shine brighter than ever.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thalanir grinned. \"Mission accomplished. Dangerous, yes—but successful.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lira held the pouch of glowing fruits close. Each one radiated warmth and promise, a reward for courage, teamwork, and respect for the natural world. She knew that with these fruits, the Grove would grow stronger, the creatures more vibrant, and the ecosystem more harmonious than ever before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And as they turned to leave the Emberfruit Grove, the wolves watched them silently, eyes glowing softly, guardians once more of the treasure they had entrusted to these respectful travelers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Grove was quiet in the early morning, dew sparkling on leaves, the hum of life growing stronger after the recent missions. Lira stood at the base of the Old Spirit Tree, the Book glowing faintly in her hands. Around her, Fénix perched on branches, bees buzzed over flowers, and the fire-infused plants swayed gently as if sensing her thoughts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lira,\" the Giant Tree rumbled, its bark shimmering like molten gold, \"you have done well. You have strengthened the Grove, nurtured creatures, and expanded life. But there is a deeper power here, hidden within the roots and soil—a spring of life, the Inner Spirit Spring. Its energy can infuse the Grove with vitality beyond what you have seen. It has slumbered for centuries, waiting for one capable of preparing it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lira tilted her head, curiosity and determination lighting her eyes. \"How do I awaken it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Giant Tree’s leaves rustled, sending sparks of golden pollen drifting into the air. \"The Inner Spirit Spring can only be unlocked when hundreds of potions, each imbued with life, balance, and care, are poured over carefully prepared locations. Each potion must be crafted precisely: some strengthen roots, some enhance water flow, some encourage elemental harmony, some awaken latent energy in plants and creatures. Only when all potions are completed and dispersed will the Spring awaken fully.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Renkai stepped forward, eyebrows raised. \"Hundreds of potions? That... that will take ages.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes,\" the Tree replied. \"But it is necessary. Each potion is a piece of the harmony. Each careful step brings you closer to unlocking the Spring. The Grove and its creatures will benefit immeasurably. You will need assistance. Your friends, the creatures, and the Book will guide you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Serelyth flicked her tail, sparks scattering over the mossy ground. \"This... this is huge. Hundreds of potions? We’ll need to plan carefully. And it sounds dangerous—imbalanced potions could harm the Grove.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Giant Tree nodded slowly. \"That is correct. Precision, patience, and unity will be required. You will craft potions in stages, each batch building on the last. Once the first set is poured, new locations will reveal themselves. The Grove itself will guide you to where the energies converge. The Spring lies beneath the oldest roots, but its awakening must ripple through every part of the Grove.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lira’s fingers tightened around the Book, determination settling in her chest like a steady flame. \"We will do it. Renkai, Thalanir, Serelyth... we’ve come this far together. We can manage this too. Hundreds of potions, careful work, every step in harmony. We’ll awaken the Spring.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Giant Tree’s voice softened, almost like a whisper in the wind. \"Remember, Lira. This task is not merely for growth, but for balance. Each potion is a lesson. Each drop is a note in the symphony of life here. Be mindful of energy, of creatures, of plants. They will respond to your intentions. Only with respect and care will the Spring awaken fully.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lira and her companions set to work immediately. The Book revealed recipes for a multitude of potions—vibrant mixtures that glimmered with magical essence:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Potion of Root Strength – for deepening and nourishing plant roots.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Potion of Flowing Water – to harmonize streams, ponds, and natural currents.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Potion of Elemental Harmony – balancing fire, water, earth, and air energies throughout the Grove.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Potion of Creature Vitality – enhancing the energy and resilience of creatures like Fénix, bees, and chittering diggers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Potion of Lunar Bloom – awakening night-blooming plants in tune with the moonlight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every potion required rare ingredients, precise timing, and care. Lira assigned tasks: Renkai prepared herbs and magical minerals; Serelyth assisted with fire-based infusions and maintained warmth for heat-sensitive ingredients; Thalanir measured elemental energies with care, adjusting flows as necessary. Lira herself moved between mixing, infusing, and testing, ensuring that the magical balance was perfect in each batch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The first set of potions gleamed in their vials like liquid light, ready to be poured. Lira guided each friend to a specific area of the Grove, using the Book’s glowing illustrations to mark exact locations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As night fell, the Grove shimmered under moonlight. Lira led her friends to the first batch of designated spots, pouring potions into the soil and over the base of trees. The effects were immediate: roots deepened, water shimmered with renewed clarity, and small flares of elemental energy danced over the foliage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fénix circled above, their wings spreading sparks that mingled with the potion’s glow. The bees buzzed with heightened energy, pollinating plants in tandem with the magical infusion. Even the smallest diggers and fungi responded, their movements purposeful, as if aware that something extraordinary was unfolding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Renkai exhaled slowly, his face reflecting awe. \"I’ve never seen the Grove respond like this. It’s... alive in a way I didn’t imagine.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Every drop matters,\" Lira said softly. \"Hundreds more to go, and each one must harmonize perfectly. But this... this is only the beginning.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By the next morning, subtle signs of the Inner Spirit Spring began to appear. Small pools shimmered with light beneath the Old Spirit Tree’s roots, and gentle, rhythmic pulses of energy radiated outward, touching every plant and creature. Lira could feel the Spring’s awakening in her chest—a warmth spreading through her body, mirrored in the Grove itself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Giant Tree’s voice resonated through the Grove, proud and deep. \"You have begun the process. Continue, Lira. Hundreds of potions must still be poured. But already, the Spring stirs, sensing the care, patience, and balance you bring. Soon, the Grove will flourish in ways even I have not seen for centuries.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Serelyth twirled in the air, wings flickering sparks of delight. \"We’re really doing this! The Grove... it’s responding to us!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thalanir laughed, a low, relieved sound. \"Hundreds of potions... we can do this, step by step.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Renkai nodded, quieter now, focused. \"I may not have wanted to handle fire or heights sometimes, but... this, this is worth every risk.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lira stood in the center of the Grove, eyes on the Old Spirit Tree. \"We will continue. Each potion, each careful step... we will awaken the Inner Spirit Spring fully. And the Grove... the Grove will shine brighter than ever before, for plants, for creatures, and for life itself.\"\u003C\u002Fp>",1930,"2026-06-06T14:30:21.781Z",1,"novelbin.me","ef1846bd7160c89a42aae90e924489ae316b067f65452df68a5fc18e70378e42","born-as-a-witch-chapter-224","born-as-a-witch-chapter-370",479,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fborn-as-a-witch-cover.jpg"]