Shane didn't rush to swallow after taking a large mouthful of the bean soup mixed with beans. Instead, he let the warm broth flow over his tongue, feeling a gentle warmth slide down his throat.
His stomach, which had been somewhat cold due to his necromancer constitution and hunger, slowly relaxed under the nourishment of this warmth.
Only then did he roll the beans around with his tongue and gently bite down. He immediately felt a slightly chewy outer skin pop open, releasing a soft, velvety texture that flowed between his teeth.
It was a very unique mouthfeel, completely different from the first time he had drunk bean soup.
Shane recalled that although the bean soup back then had been delicious, in hindsight, it had felt slightly dry, as if the moisture hadn't fully penetrated the core of the beans.
This time, however, was entirely different. The outer skin of the beans felt as if it had been lightly sautéed in oil, and the flavor was incredibly rich. It was hard to believe this was the result of simple cooking with just water and salt.
This was more than enough to prove the exceptional quality of the ingredient itself.
With that thought, Shane swallowed the bean soup along with the crushed beans. The warmth in his stomach became increasingly pronounced, even starting to spread to his limbs.
But in the next second, his brow furrowed, and his expression changed dramatically.
He could feel a massive surge of life force bursting forth from his stomach.
This power was so swift and violent that before he could even react, it erupted, sweeping through his entire body with his stomach as the epicenter.
Oh no!
Shane's heart sank. It was common knowledge that only natural mana could produce life force, and necromancers were naturally incompatible with natural mana.
Consequently, healing magic based on natural mana was undoubtedly a lethal poison to necromancers. For them, the only way to obtain a healing effect was through methods like life siphon.
But this life force had come too quickly and too fiercely, leaving Shane with absolutely no time to react.
Thus, Shane's immediate instinct was that he was doomed.
Elon, who had been staring at him the entire time, also noticed the shift in his expression. Seeing Shane's face suddenly turn grim, his heart skipped a beat.
Could it be that they aren't edible?
But in the next moment, Elon noticed a faint flush begin to appear on Shane's originally pale face.
At first, it was a light pink, but the color soon deepened into a healthy, rosy glow.
The color spread from his cheeks to his entire face, making him look no different from an ordinary person for a moment.
Shane's originally grim and gloomy face actually looked remarkably handsome now, illuminated by this healthy color.
Then, the grim expression on his face vanished. The corners of his eyes softened, and his lips curled upward into a look of pure enjoyment.
So they are edible?
Unlike Elon's current state of confusion, Shane had already closed his eyes, immersing himself in a wondrous sensation. He felt as though he were soaking in a pool of warm water, a wave of indescribable comfort washing over his entire body.
That life force did not harm his body; instead, it nourished him. It was as if its existence did not stem from the stimulation of natural mana, but rather from a much more primal form of energy.
Because of this, he could feel his body being awakened, like a withered branch soaked in spring rain, regaining its vitality.
It reminded him of the days when he used to run under the sunset—his long-lost youth.
This was truly miraculous!
Filled with pleasant surprise, Shane opened his eyes and instantly met Elon's curious gaze.
Then, the corners of his mouth tugged upward into a warm smile. He raised the clay bowl in his hand to signal that it was edible and there was no problem at all.
At the same time, he kept them in suspense a little longer. “The result will absolutely exceed your expectations.”
Elon was stunned. Looking at the expression on Shane's face, he could tell that the smile was far more lively, completely unlike his usual "dead face."
Such a dramatic change naturally piqued his curiosity. Combined with Shane's final remark, the old man hesitated for a moment before picking up a clay bowl to scoop some soup for himself.
Then, as the soup went down, he froze.
He stared blankly ahead, but a massive change was occurring within his body. He could feel his magic circuits becoming much smoother, and his old, hidden injuries were being nourished.
This caused his breath to hitch, and he let out an exclamation. “This is...”
Seemingly unable to believe his own judgment, Elon turned to look at Shane. The latter offered him a smile and gave a slight nod when their eyes met, as if reading his mind and confirming his thoughts.
Yet, Elon was utterly bewildered. He stared at the bean soup in his hands, muttering repeatedly, “How is this possible...”
“How can this be?”
“Instructor, what is the result?”
Unlike Elon, who had fallen into a state of bewilderment, Alicia appeared far more anxious. Especially after seeing the reactions of Shane and Elon, her curiosity was practically boiling over.
Elon looked at her, his lips trembling slightly. After a long silence, he quietly picked up another clay bowl, scooped some bean soup, and handed it to Alicia. “Your Highness, I think it is best if you taste it yourself.”
Without the slightest hesitation, Alicia took the bowl, blew on it gently, and took a sip. The warm bean soup slid down her throat with an incredibly refreshing sensation, causing her eyes to widen instantly.
She slowly closed her eyes, instantly sinking into a warm, comfortable bliss. An expression Elon had never seen before appeared on her face, making her look just like a young girl.
When she opened her eyes again, there was a thin, watery sheen in them. She looked at the bean soup in her bowl, her voice filled with delight. “I have never eaten anything so delicious.”
“Furthermore, the energy contained within makes me feel as if my body has been washed clean. It is an indescribable comfort.”
Then, with a joyful expression, she looked at Elon and Shane. “So, does this mean we succeeded?”
“Of course.”
Elon nodded solemnly and said, “The cultivation of the first batch of dry beans was a success—a massive success!”
Receiving Elon's confirmation, the princess abruptly stood up, her fiery red hair blowing high in the wind.
She turned to face the surrounding servants and guards, raised the bean soup in her hand, and announced in a clear, ringing voice, “The cultivation of the first batch of bean seeds is a success! Anyone who wishes to try it may come and have a bowl!”
The moment the words left her mouth, the princess expected the crowd to swarm forward.
In reality, however, everyone around them hesitated. People were still deeply concerned about bean seeds activated by a necromancer, even though Elon and the princess had already set an example.
The princess did not get angry at this. Although she felt a twinge of disappointment, she knew that their reaction was only natural in this world, so she could not blame them.
Just as she was about to say something more, a crisp female voice rang out, “Your Highness, I would like to try.”
The princess looked toward the speaker with joy, only to be surprised to find that it was the merchant who had just arrived today—Isha Val.
Standing before the crowd, the young woman's gaze was firm, a faint glimmer shining in her eyes.
Rate on N.U.
