Volume 1 Chapter 12 - The Village at the Edge of the Wind
The rolling fields stretched endlessly beneath the morning sun.
A dirt path wound lazily through tall grass, leading toward a cluster of rooftops glinting in the distance. The faint sound of a bell carried through the air — soft and warm, like a song of life.
Cindy hovered high above the plains, the wind carrying her gently forward. Her wings shimmered faintly with streaks of azure and gold — the mark of her new evolution, the Tempest Butterfly.
Below her, Puff bounded happily through the grass, his silver fur glinting each time sunlight broke through the clouds.
"There it is, Puff," she said softly. "Our first village."
The hare let out a chirpy squeak, his golden eyes shining with excitement.
Cindy smiled, though a flicker of worry crossed her face.
"What if humans here don't like magical creatures? We've already met bandits, remember?"
Puff slowed his pace, giving a small reassuring sound.
She laughed lightly. "You're right. We'll just be careful."
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Arrival at Windrest Village
The sign by the gate was old and faded, but the carved letters were still clear:
Welcome to Windrest Village – Home of the Plainsfolk and Skyfarers.
Small houses built from wood and stone lined the dirt roads, and windmills turned lazily in the breeze. Farmers tended to their crops, and children chased chickens across the open fields.
It was simple, peaceful — alive.
Cindy watched from above, perched on the branch of a tree just outside the entrance.
"So this is how humans live here..." she murmured, eyes filled with nostalgia. "It feels... warm."
For a moment, she almost forgot she was a butterfly — her heart beating faster at the memory of her old world, the hospital halls, and the people she once cared for.
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The Power of Appraisal Lv.5
Curious, she whispered the familiar word.
"Appraisal."
A soft light filled her eyes, and faint windows appeared over several humans nearby.
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[Appraisal Lv.5 Activated]
Target: Human – Farmer (Lv. 6)
Skills: Plow Mastery, Endurance Up, Basic Healing (Low Tier)
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Her wings fluttered in surprise. "Even ordinary people have skills here?"
She turned her gaze toward another — a young woman carrying herbs in a basket.
Cindy smiled softly. "So... even without fighting, humans here can still use mana."
Her voice was filled with admiration. This world, unlike her own, was built on a living connection between people and nature — between heart and element.
Puff hopped closer, sniffing curiously at the basket of herbs the woman carried. Cindy quickly flitted down and whispered, "Puff, careful! You'll scare her—"
"Ah! A Spirit Hare!" the herbalist gasped suddenly, kneeling down with wide eyes.
Cindy froze midair.
The woman wasn't afraid — she looked amazed. "I've only read about these creatures in stories... they bring good fortune to villages!"
Puff blinked, then puffed his chest proudly. Cindy nearly laughed.
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Whispers of the Sky Spirit
Soon, several villagers gathered around to look at Puff, whispering in awe.
"Look, a silver Spirit Hare!"
"Maybe it's a sign that the winds will favor our harvest this year."
Cindy hid herself behind a wooden post, quietly observing.
"I guess... they like magical creatures here," she whispered in relief.
But then, an elderly man in travel-worn robes approached — his eyes calm, filled with wisdom. A faint glow surrounded him; Cindy's Appraisal activated automatically.
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[Target: Human – Village Elder (Lv. 27)]
Skills: Wind Whisperer, Insight, Mana Perception, Blessing of the Plains
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Cindy's eyes widened. "A high-level human..."
The old man stopped a few feet away, smiling kindly at Puff — and then turned his gaze upward, directly toward Cindy's hiding place.
"You can come out, little one," he said gently. "The wind already told me you were here."
Cindy hesitated but slowly fluttered down, her luminous wings catching the sunlight. Gasps filled the air as villagers stepped back, awe on their faces.
"A butterfly spirit!" someone whispered. "Look at her wings!"
Cindy hovered in front of the elder, unsure how to speak to humans who could hear her. But somehow, the wind carried her soft voice, clear and faint.
"I mean no harm. My friend and I... are travelers."
The elder chuckled warmly. "A talking spirit and her companion — Windrest must truly be blessed this season."
He bowed slightly, surprising her. "You honor us, guardian of the breeze. Please, rest here. You and your hare are welcome."
Cindy blinked, taken aback. "R-really?"
"Of course. Spirits who protect life and nature deserve kindness in return."
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Peace Among Humans
That evening, Cindy and Puff rested near the windmill hill. The villagers brought small offerings of fruit and flowers — simple tokens of respect.
Cindy felt her chest tighten with warmth.
"In my old world, I was the one helping others... and now, they're helping me."
She watched as lanterns lit up the fields, and laughter echoed from the homes.
Puff sat beside her, munching happily on a carrot gifted by a farmer.
Cindy chuckled softly. "You fit right in, don't you?"
The wind picked up gently, swirling around her wings like a soft melody.
She looked toward the horizon, where the stars were beginning to appear. "I think... this world isn't just about survival anymore. Maybe there's a place for us here."
The gentle chime of the system echoed in her mind:
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[Appraisal Skill has reached Level 5.]
Effect: Can now analyze Skills and Traits of creatures or humans whose level is lower than Appraisal.
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Cindy smiled, feeling the faint hum of mana in the air.
Her wings glowed softly as she whispered, "Thank you, wind... for guiding me here."
And for the first time since awakening in this world, Cindy didn't feel like a stranger — she felt like she belonged.
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[Title Updated: Guardian of the Verdant Grove → Friend of the Windrest Village]
Effect: Increased favor from wind-aligned creatures and humans with wind affinity.