"Before that, can we make a stop at the Druid Guild? I have a few things I need to ask to the Guild Master… Also I am planning on leaving a tree over there." I said.
"By tree you mean the [Spiritual Checkpoint] thingy?" Asked Rita.
"Yeah, I think the building for the Druid Guild would be the ideal place…" I nodded. "Was planning on paying a visit to the forest, I'll tell Acorn and the rest to meet up there."
"Sure." Lily nodded. "I wonder how the granny is doing!"
"Let's go then." I said.
Leading my party, we gave several turns around the bustling capital, landing on the district where most Guild Buildings were located.
We walked into the Druid Guild Building, which was as empty as usual, and opened the door… However, this time, we found someone else other than the granny.
Creaaak…
"Hello~ Is granny here- Oh?"
The person that was talking with granny about something gave us a brief glance, she looked like a young woman on her twenties, with long green hair, dark brown skin, and sharp emerald eyes.
Her green hair was covered on branches, flowers, and mushrooms, and she was wearing clothes beautifully crafted off animal leather, barefooted.
Her dark brown skin was covered on white tattoos resembling animals and plants.
"How long will you continue staying in here, matriarch? Wouldn't it be better for you to come back to the Verdant Green's Society Domain already? We all miss you."
"Johanna, I've told you plenty of times that my life is mine! If I want to stay here, I will. I've told you that this city is brewing evil schemes, and we druids have been slacking off too much. We have power and strength; it would go against Mother Nature to not utilize it to fight against the evil that wants to consume Life and Nature! If none of the Society wants to help, then I'll do it all myself!"
"But we have no obligation to help the people of this kingdom, especially of the disgusting Luminous Kingdom, who hold great hatred against many of our allies such as the Orc Tribes! And- Hm? Who is it?!"
The muscular woman gave me a deadly glare, with a swift eye, she analyzed all of us at once. She seemed in high alert, as if we were her enemies.
However, as if noticing my Aura and that of a few others, she seemed to have calmed down.
"H-Hi, is this a bad time?"
"Oohh! It is you! Hello, Planta! And all your friends! I've been waiting for you."
Grandma Austucia ran towards us and quickly held my hands, suddenly noticing something.
"I see, I see! So you've made a connection now! Well done!"
"Connection?"
"To the Verdant Green Domain! Isn't it?"
"Eh? I… Well, I came here exactly to ask you about that, granny Austucia. I don't know how to get there…"
"I see, I guess because you're a Player, you've not had enough experience to commute with the Domains of Nature… Now, let's-"
"Matriarch! Who is this woman and her band of weirdos?" Suddenly, the woman named Johanna spoke with a seriously angered tone of voice. "I know that you're a Guild Master, but do you have to give time to these people? Some are even Players?! Unnatural monsters, you don't belong here!"
"Johanna! Calm down, they're not your enemies." Grandma said furiously. "If you dare disrespect the guests of this house, the Spirits will NOT be happy. Especially when she has a greater connection to them that you would ever have."
"She certainly has a strong connection… Is she a Dryad?" Asked Johanna. "A fake one, though! Players are not real living beings, but strange vessels the wicked gods made. We should quickly dispose of her! Maybe she's a spy of the Demon King of Death!"
"E-Eh? I, huh, I am not a spy…" I sighed. "Can't we get along? I'm sorry if my presence here upsets you… I will get going, we can talk later."
"No, no, you're not going anywhere, Planta. This is all my foolish disciple's fault." Sighed granny Austucia. "I am sorry for the late introductions, but this overly bratty and aggressive girl is my youngest disciple and my niece, the Druid of Wild Beasts, Johanna."
Johanna crossed her muscular arms and glared at us with a seriously pissed-off expression…
"Yeah, yeah. If you're going, then go away! You don't belong within your society, players!" She said angrily.
"Enough." Austucia said. "Johanna, if you keep being aggressive, you will end up paying for it."
"Hmph, is she so weak she has to hide behind you, matriarch?" Asked Johanna with a cocky smile. "What's wrong? You have barely said a word. Can't you refute my words? I bet they're right, you're all-"
"I've had enough…" Rita said, already about to beat her down.
"No, I'll take care of it." I sighed, stepping forwards. "Johanna, I am not a monster, nor anything you believe I am. We are normal people just like you that just want to help this city. Granny Austucia has been of great help to me, that is all. I have no vile intentions! Stop putting words on my mouth and imagining weird things about us."
"What did you say?!" Johanna stepped forwards. "You're talking with the Druid of Wild Beasts! I might be still young, but I've grown strong enough to not fear anybody anymore! I'll show you a taste of my strength, so you treat me with more respect!"
"I can't just respect someone that treats me worse than a person." I sighed, cracking my knuckles. "Okay, if you want to go for a round, I don't mind!"
"Good! At least you're not as much of a coward as I imagined!" Johanna laughed.
"Ugh, are you two really doing this?" Acorn was a bit shocked.
"Elayne, you don't really need to…" Said Mark. "I can handle this for you if you want…!"
"No need, dear." I smiled. "I'll take care of it."
I stepped forwards, as granny Austucia laughed a bit at our confrontation.
"Hohoho! Very well! I like your attitude, Planta." She smiled. "How about a spar then? The first one to hit the floor loses!"
"I'm going to break more than just a few bones…" Johanna said.
"I'll try to hold back a bit…" I said.
