A smile creeps onto Phin's face. 'You really think so?'
'Definitely - possibly even sooner than we'd predicted, if you keep advancing at this rate.' Baukia pats him on the shoulder. 'You're meant for great things, young Appraiser.'
If that's the case, I can't falter. To their right lies the edge of the Tarnished Chasm - a gaping rift rending the very earth apart. It unfurls across the land, vanishing into the horizon. In its terrifying grandeur, Unit 00 seems minuscule as they traverse around it.
As they walk, stray pebbles skid and jump. Phin traces one with his eyesight, watching it disappear into the Chasm's oblivion. The other Botanists continue along without batting an eye - for them, this is a regular route.
Phin grits his teeth. An overpowering nausea washes over him. Why am I having the urge to look? Despite his every attempt to fight back, his eyes dart to the side, catching a glimpse of the Chasm's gaping maw. It's hauntingly silent...
A grid-like mossy structure drapes over the edge, swaying gently in the breeze. Upon noticing it, Phin jerks back, accidentally knocking into one of the Botanists.
'You okay, kid?' The Botanist steadies him. 'You can walk on the interior if you want.'
'Sorry - i-it's fine. I was just distracted,' Phin murmurs. He exhales sharply, picking up his stride. If I'm not wrong, that was a Dreadsweep - one of the deadliest Grade Vs out there. I've heard stories of entire units being wiped out by them.
As he continues with Unit 00, a faint blue light twinkles at the corner of his eye. Hm? Hovering above the Chasm's edge is an ethereal panel, akin to those produced by his Appraisals.
[Dreadsweep: Polypomuscus reticulatus]
| → Potential: (+) 16.6%
| → Encoding: ⊐⊎⊙⌁⌂⊏⊘⊞◓ ⌂⊓⊎⊐⌬◌⊙
| → Greed Skill: [???]
| → Greed Mastery: [N/A]
Phin freezes. What the hell? Could it be...? No, that's impossible. He abruptly stops, inching closer to the edge. The Flora Appraisal interface remains in place, displaying the Dreadsweep's data in glowing white text.
Close interface. Phin stares in amazement as the panel shimmers and disappears, leaving only specks of blue dust. Deploy interface. Upon his mental command, it suddenly reassembles itself.
Phin feels something grab his arm from behind. Turning his head, he notices it's Eri, with worry etched on her face.
'What's wrong, Phin? You've been staring at that Dreadsweep for over a minute now,' she explains.
'Oh - nothing's wrong. Hold on. Can I look behind you?' Phin tilts his head to the side. He focuses his gaze on a small, yellow Flora rooted in the ground, diminutive against the daunting background of the forest.
[Merkuria Flower: Hypnogaleus aureus]
| → Potential: (+) 5.2%
| → Encoding: ⨿⊙◌◓⊘¤⌂⊐△⊎⊙⊞θ⊓⊞
| → Greed Skill: [???]
| → Greed Mastery: [N/A]
Holy shit! Phin starts laughing hysterically like a little child. 'Eri!' he exclaims. 'I think I may be able to Appraise Florae without Seed access now!'
'No joke? So you can just look at any Flora and it works?'
'Well, I'm not completely confident. The ability just came to me a minute ago - that's why I was staring at the Dreadsweep. But yes, it functions exactly like my Genetic Appraisal using Seeds.'
Hushed whispers propagate through Unit 00's formation. Soon Captain Willow Shirasagi, at the head of the column, hears of the news.
'Phin, this is real?' she shouts from the front, barely containing her excitement. 'If so... this changes everything!'
***
'I believe you've heard the rumors, no?'
Supreme Regal Nostreimos calmly observes the bookshelves lining the walls. The compact chamber exudes a formal elegance, with its sleek hardwood furniture and luxurious adornments.
'Yes, Your Divinity,' a young man answers solemnly. His dark, intelligent eyes flicker across the chamber to meet Nostreimos's. His hair - blindingly white, like snow - splays out onto his shoulders.
Dexx Dynamus - the Regal Appraiser. An integral part of the Botanists' work, he bridges a crucial scientific void. As the Botanists return with newfound Seeds, Dexx is responsible for identifying the species and entering it into the Flora Encyclopedia.
His skill is undeniable; he is regarded as the Fortress's greatest Appraiser. Had he chosen to offer his services to the public, self-employed Appraisers like Phin would immediately go out of business.
But now... Dexx grits his teeth. That commoner brat has surpassed me - or so they say.
'And what do you intend to do about it, Appraiser?' Nostreimos gently asks, staring out of the mosaic-studded window. Outside, servants tend to the Regal Castle's sprawling courtyards. The stony paths are decked with artificial plants - inanimate replicas designed to meet the Supreme Regal's love for nature.
After a pause, Dexx answers. 'Give me the exact training routine as Phin Ardelia. I admit that I have been lazy as new Seed flow ebbed, but my talent far surpasses Ardelia's. I will reclaim my title.'
'You are certainly correct,' Nostreimos smiles. 'I never doubted your talent for a second, but that is the very reason why you cannot afford to fall to second rate.'
As Nostreimos exits the study chamber, Dexx stands in silence. Alright, come out now. I know you're there.
He laughs. Do I?
***
Man... thank goodness we're clear of that hellish pit. That was genuinely... terrifying. Phin trudges through thick mud, basking in the setting sun's soothing glow - or at least, the slivers peeking through the dense canopy.
'Good work, unit - once we pass this bog, we can set up camp for the night,' Willow announces. 'Phin should be able to help us scout a viable site for clearing.'
Phin nods enthusiastically, joyful at the opportunity to display his new skill. I just need to perform a wide scan and select the area with minimum risk! From the Encyclopedia, I should have a good grasp on which species are powerful and weak.
'Benedict, commence the usual utility routine,' Willow orders. 'And Astanov, start preparing artillery - if the location Phin identifies is weak enough, we can simply cannon our way through.'
As Unit 00 continues onward, Willow is filled with a heartwarming rush of gratitude. Due to her young age, many had dismissed her capabilities as unit Captain. Paired with her somewhat casual, cordial approach to leadership, she was looked down upon, even amongst her peers.
However, her nonstop successes have cemented her as one of the Fortress's most potent leaders and Botanists. And with the addition of Phin, Unit 00's possibilities are truly endless.
Willow closes her eyes, breathing deeply. But even now... why does something just feel off?