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Daiyousei (Great Fairy) Race: Fairy Ability: Ability to move freely in nature Occupation: Mother Figure of Fairies, Cirno's Caretaker Residence: Forest of Fairies Unlock Condition: Invite Cirno to join Stardew Valley.
Cirno Race: Ice Fairy Ability: Manipulation of Chill Occupation: The Strongest, Refrigerator, Mathematician Residence: Misty Lake, Forest of Fairies Unlock Condition: Open the Secret Forest.
Secret Forest?
Leo watered his crops while watching Cirno play tag with Daiyousei.
He understood Daiyousei's condition—she went wherever Cirno went. But Cirno's requirement... the Secret Forest?
It made sense. The Secret Forest was lush, magical, and had a pond. It was the perfect playground for fairies, resembling a miniature Misty Lake.
Leo checked his finances.
He had spent 10,000 Gold upgrading his Axe and Pickaxe to Steel. (Skipping Copper and going straight to Steel was a bold move, but Nitori offered a discount).
The tools should be ready. He would pick them up, then chop the Hardwood log blocking the Secret Forest entrance.
Splosh.
"Ha! A Human! Want to compete with Cirno?"
Cirno, who had just been accidentally sprayed by Leo's charged watering can, didn't care about being wet. She cared about dominance. She had to prove she was the Strongest.
"Cirno, that's rude," Daiyousei pulled out a handkerchief and gently wiped Cirno's face. Her motherly aura rivaled Ran's.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Human. Cirno didn't mean to disturb you."
Daiyousei bowed. She was taller than the other fairies—about the height of a middle schooler. Cirno only reached her chest.
"It's fine," Leo waved his hand. "What do you want to compete in?"
He liked these kids. They were energetic but polite (mostly). They didn't scream like air raid sirens. They satisfied his paternal instincts without the headache.
"Oh? You accept the challenge?" Cirno grinned an Uchiha-style smirk. "I acknowledge you! You choose the game! I won't bully the weak!"
"Is that so? Then let's..."
"You can play games," a voice whispered in Leo's ear. "But don't bully them."
Yuuka Kazami materialized beside him.
"If you exploit or deceive them," she smiled sweetly, "we will have a heart-to-heart talk."
Leo gulped.
"Then let's play a Treasure Hunt Game!" Leo announced loudly. "I will hide nothing! Instead, you must find specific items in the wild! Whoever finds the most wins!"
"The prize: A basin of 2 Pounds of Strawberries!"
He glanced at Yuuka. She nodded approvingly.
"Oh? It's not Math?" Cirno crossed her arms. "Human, you are lucky I didn't unleash my genius calculation skills upon you! Everyone! Assemble!"
The swarm of fairies gathered around their leader.
"Alright, let me prepare."
Leo opened his phone menu. He granted Temporary Foraging Permissions to the Fairies.
"Your targets are: Wild Horseradish, Daffodil, Leek, Dandelion, Morel, Common Mushroom, Spring Onion, and Salmonberry."
"Target Area: The entire Stardew Valley."
"Time Limit: Until 6:00 PM."
"GO!"
The fairies scattered like a shotgun blast.
"It seems you enjoy playing with them," Yuuka noted, watching the chaos.
"They're cute," Leo nodded. He handed the basin of strawberries to Yuuka. "Want one?"
He had 200 pounds saved. Sharing was fine.
"Aren't you afraid of me?" Yuuka picked up a berry. "I am the legendary Youkai of Terror. I kill without blinking."
She took a bite. Sweet. Sour. Perfect.
"Afraid of what?" Leo shrugged. "You can't kill me here. We have no conflict. I haven't trampled your flowers. Besides, you're my future seed supplier."
He offered the bowl to Eirin, who had walked over.
"Interesting," Yuuka chuckled. "Just tell me what flowers you want. I look forward to your garden."
Leo was right. She only killed those who deserved it (or annoyed her). And Leo... was amusing.
"Now," Leo dusted off his hands. "I need to go see a Kappa about an Axe."