Chapter 267: The Crucial Druid Greenhouse
Each transparent glass section was filled with various magical plants.
Some looked no different from ordinary flowers and grass, so unremarkable that no one would recognize them if they grew by the roadside.
Others appeared extraordinary, emitting distinct elemental auras.
Elona recognized most of them—some were common and inexpensive, while others were rare and highly valuable!
Besides those she knew, there were many magical plants she had never even heard of.
Even the wise Tree of Knowledge in her hand glimmered slightly, curiously observing the diverse plants.
If that were all, Elona's interest might have been merely piqued.
What truly set her thinking was that each magical plant's growth area was tailored to its most suitable environment.
What did this imply?
It showed that the Lord or Bay Territory possessed unparalleled knowledge, fully understanding these magical plants' characteristics and had already begun small-scale cultivation.
If it were just twenty or thirty kinds, Elona wouldn't be surprised; after all, the place she once lived, Ayer, had similar capabilities.
Ayer became a renowned magical plant supply area, amassing wealth and, consequently, attracting disaster.
Suppressing her complex thoughts, Elona carefully examined every magical plant she recognized.
Using the knowledge in her mind and the information Guoguo secretly provided, she verified, summarized, and learned further.
This scene delighted Matthew, who was passionate about nurturing "useful tools."
He walked over to Elona, subtly glancing at the furtively glancing Guoguo.
Pointing to the central konjac cultivation area, he gently introduced:
"See that? This is the sixth generation of cultivated konjac, superior to the original and with higher yields."
Elona followed Matthew's gaze, noticing the transparent glass display showing various information and data on konjac cultivation.
She eagerly absorbed and reviewed every bit of information, and the chatty Guoguo sat silently.
Only the Tree of Wisdom in her hand continued to flash.
The branch, originally with just three leaves, secretly sprouted a new tender leaf.
"Plant Knowledge +1!"
"Plant Knowledge…"
"Plant…"
"…"
Notifications kept popping up over Elona's head.
What intrigued Matthew even more was that she was gaining not just knowledge—her Druid level suddenly increased, making her a Level 3 Druid.
Matthew couldn't help but think of Rebecca, whom he hadn't seen in over three months, her playful and dazed face flashing through his mind as he muttered to himself:
"I wonder where that little girl ran off to; she hasn't come back for so long."
"It's just as well she hasn't returned. When she does, I'll assign her to assist Elona here; I can't let her laze around forever."
Matthew's thought process, always on the lookout for more "useful tools," was as "straightforward" as ever.
Unaware of Matthew's thoughts, Elona, after memorizing all the konjac cultivation details, finally raised her head and timidly asked the Lord beside her:
"Will this enormous Druid Greenhouse truly be entrusted to me?"
Meeting Elona's gaze, filled with both confidence and a touch of fear and hesitation, Matthew nodded without hesitation and comforted her:
"This Druid Greenhouse is indeed very important; it holds all the magical plants we have mastered, along with their most suitable cultivation methods."
"Of course, this is just the initial stage; there are still many issues that need to be addressed."
"For example, how do we recreate their ideal environments externally?"
"Or how can we expand the areas suitable for their growth to achieve large-scale cultivation?"
"Another crucial goal is to develop and cultivate new magical plants or explore new uses for existing ones…"
Hearing the gentle tone in Matthew's voice, Elona, who had been nervous, gradually relaxed, pondering over the various issues he mentioned.
The once-confused little Druid suddenly felt her mind clearing and brightening.
Seeing her thoughtful expression, Matthew finally revealed his long-held trump card:
"Some say that a Druid's duty is to maintain the natural environment, ensuring it doesn't undergo drastic changes or collapse…"
Elona nodded thoughtfully, as this was precisely the education she had received as a Druid.
Not to interfere with or destroy environments and to intervene and eliminate elements that disrupt nature or the ecological balance.
Matthew smiled slightly, pointing to the surrounding magical plants, and spoke with calm conviction:
"I completely agree with the concept of environmental protection, but I also have my own perspective."
"As you can see, no matter how much Druids adjust and control, environmental changes continue to intensify."
"Take the Death Desert below us or the polar glaciers spreading in the north—can Druids revert them to their original states?"
Hesitantly, Elona shook her head. Though reluctant to admit it, she knew the Lord was right.
Attempting large-scale restoration through human effort was undoubtedly difficult.
"So, if the environment is severely damaged, how do we ensure our own survival?"
Recalling that scenario, Elona shivered, shaking her head in confusion while the Tree of Wisdom in Guoguo's hand wilted as if deflated.
After setting the stage, Matthew spoke confidently and softly:
"My idea is simple: to use the least resources and space to cultivate the most valuable materials!"
"In this way, our need for resources from the outside world is greatly reduced."
"We can then allocate more resources to protect the surrounding environment."
"Surely you've realized this: relying solely on the scattered actions of a few dozen or hundred Druids pales compared to the capabilities of a lord or a territory."
Patting the bewildered Elona, Matthew offered his concluding thought:
"Humans and nature must coexist harmoniously, but the prerequisite is that humans are well-fed, and so are the other species…"