52: water fairy

The frozen earth on the slope was as hard as iron, but compared to the ice-bound pond, this place was already easier to dig.

We took turns, and the iron tools clanged against the frozen earth with dull thuds.

After the surface layer of permafrost was broken through, the soil underneath became much softer, but extreme caution was needed to avoid damaging the roots of the large tree above.

Half an hour later, the cave was finally opened.

Randall climbed down the rope, and in a moment, he reappeared at the cave entrance, cradling an unconscious figure.

When he gently placed that figure on the ground, I saw the legendary Water Sprite for the first time.

Her figure was graceful, and her skin was crystal clear, like crystal under the moonlight.

Her fishtail was like delicate fins, shimmering with a faint glow.

This was identical to the mermaids in my impression.

Her beauty was breathtaking, her long hair flowed like seaweed, and her skin was smooth as jade, as if it could reflect the light of the stars.

Randall gently placed her on the ground, and everyone held their breath for a moment.

The three young men, full of vigor, stared intently, as if drawn by some invisible force.

"Lilian!" Fiona rushed forward, embracing the Water Sprite's shoulders, and called out softly.

The beautiful Water Sprite slowly opened her eyes, those eyes like bright pearls in the deep sea, shimmering with captivating light.

Her posture was elegant, and her every movement seemed to carry the rhythm of water waves.

The three young men were completely entranced by her charm, their eyes glazed over, and their steps involuntarily drew closer to her.

Perhaps it was because of the young age of this body of mine, or perhaps I was naturally resistant to enchantment, I was the only one of the four who remained clear-headed.

I noticed their abnormality and quickly took out a bone flute from my space—

The Dire Wolf King Bone Flute has a 50% chance to break through mist, illusions, and awaken hypnotized or charmed creatures within a 10-foot radius.

As the sound of the bone flute rang out, the three young men seemed to wake from a dream, their eyes becoming clear again.

They looked around and found that they were all standing near the Water Sprite, and the beautiful Water Sprite was quietly watching them, and an embarrassed expression appeared on their faces.

The Water Sprite smiled slightly, her voice as gentle as water: "Dear adventurers, there is no need to be ashamed of what just happened. This is our innate charm ability as Water Sprites, a manifestation of our harmonious coexistence with nature. But please believe me, I have no ill intentions, and I also want to thank you for saving me."

The three nodded, still looking a bit awkward.

After Fiona's inquiry, I understood the whole story.

It turned out that Lilian, for some unknown reason, had moved into this cave a few days ago, but the ventilation holes of the cave had not yet been fixed, and the pond, which served as a passage and entrance, was frozen over.

Lilian had fallen asleep inside the cave before realizing the pond was frozen, and the air inside the cave became increasingly suffocating, eventually causing her to faint.

Fortunately, Fiona noticed in time and came to ask for help, which led to our rescue operation.

"May the nature gods bless you, brave travelers," Fiona turned to us and said, "You have successfully rescued Lilian, and this forest will forever remember your kindness."

She walked up to me and handed me an exquisite wooden whistle: "This magical wooden whistle is for you. Just blow it in this forest, and I will appear and help you as much as I can. If you blow it elsewhere, it may summon friendly or neutral Fey Creatures, but it may also attract hostile Fey Creatures, so please use it carefully."

Lilian's fishtail had transformed into human legs at some point.

She gracefully walked up to me, untied a cloak from her body, and gently placed it in my hand: "Child of nature, this cloak is woven from my hair, and these too, are for all of you." She produced some gold nuggets and pearls from somewhere and placed them on the cloak.

"This river flows from the Cloudpeak Mountains all the way to the sea." She stretched out her arm, gracefully pointing into the distance, "As long as you blow the magical wooden whistle Fiona gave you anywhere along this river, I will also appear before you as quickly as possible and help you to the best of my ability."

I secretly rejoiced, the reward for this quest far exceeded expectations.

Fiona, this Forest Nymph, seems a bit slow-witted, but she is sincere.

Lilian, this Water Sprite, besides being too easily enchanting in appearance, is both grateful and generous, truly a good sprite.

I can't say that!

The professor said yesterday that Forest Nymphs and Water Sprites, as branches of elves, are closely related by blood, and now I am a Half-elf... Well, they are all sacred noble races!

Magic Wooden Whistle

Forest Nymph Fiona gifted Ryan this magic wooden whistle.

As long as anyone blows this whistle in the forest where they first met, Fiona will rush to appear as soon as possible and help Ryan to the best of her ability.

This is Fiona's thank-you gift to Ryan and his friends for saving her friend—Lilian.

And Lilian also promised that as long as someone blows this whistle near the river where they first met, she will also rush to appear as soon as possible and help Ryan to the best of her ability.

Charging Ability:

- Summon Fey Creature (once per day)

Within a certain range, there is a 100% chance to summon Forest Nymph Fiona and Water Sprite Lilian.

In other forests and waters:

There is a 50% chance to summon friendly Fey Creatures;

There is a 25% chance to summon neutral Fey Creatures;

There is a 5% chance to summon hostile Fey Creatures;

There is a 50% chance that nothing will happen.

...

Water Sprite Cloak

This cloak, woven from the hair of Water Sprite Lilian, is exceptionally beautiful, with a charming glow faintly shimmering through the weave.

It can increase the wearer's charisma, even the ugliest dwarf is no exception.

Water Sprite Lilian gifted this beloved cloak to Ryan as one of her thank-you gifts for saving her life.

Data:

Equipment Ability:

- Charisma: +2

- Immune to fear and panic

Charging Ability:

- Charm Creature (fails on a successful save against breath attacks with a -1 disadvantage)

Range: Touch

Duration: 12 hours

Area of Effect: 1 creature

Weight: 3

...

After reading the system's appraisal information for these two magical items, while feeling delighted, I thought that these two ladies, also a part of nature's power, living so close to me, were truly rare allies.

Could I enlist their strength for mutual aid?

"Two noble ladies," I bowed to them like a gentleman, "My name is Ryan. If you go west along this river to the end, and then a short distance north, you will reach my territory. In the future, if you need anything, you can come there to find me, and we three parties can help each other."