Caught in a Hero Summoning: The Calm Life of a Plant Mage

The next day came softly, the first rays of sunlight filtering through the treehouse windows. Carter and Ivy lay soundly asleep, both of them with peaceful expressions on their faces. Carter was lost in a dream, murmuring faintly about food. "Mmm… stew… with extra herbs…" he mumbled, his lips curving into a small smile.

Ivy, curled up beside him, was dreaming too, her tiny legs twitching as if she were chasing something. She let out a series of soft, chirping noises, her glowing fur pulsing gently. The scene was serene and calm—until the silence was broken by the loud rumble of two simultaneous stomach growls.

Carter's eyes fluttered open, and he groaned dramatically. "Ugh… what's that noise?" he muttered, half-asleep. Then it hit him. "Oh… that was me." He chuckled tiredly, rubbing his face with one hand. "Guess I'm hungrier than I thought."

Beside him, Ivy stirred, her stomach letting out a similar growl. She opened her eyes slowly, blinking up at Carter with a sleepy chirp. Carter laughed, his voice still groggy. "You too, huh? Looks like we're both running on empty."

He stretched dramatically, letting out a yawn that seemed to last forever. "Alright, alright," he said, sitting up and ruffling his already messy hair. "I get it, stomach. Time to get up and fix some breakfast."

Ivy chirped again, wagging her tail as she hopped onto Carter's lap. Carter smiled, stroking her glowing fur. "Good morning to you too, little buddy," he said. "You were making some pretty cute noises in your sleep, you know that? What were you dreaming about? Let me guess… food?"

Ivy tilted her head, chirping as if to agree. Carter chuckled, standing up with her in his arms. "Alright, let's see what we can whip up. I'm thinking something hearty to start the day. Maybe some of those Verdant Carrots and a little leftover stew. Sound good?"

Ivy barked softly, clearly excited by the idea. Carter laughed, setting her down as he headed toward the kitchen. "Alright then, let's get to it. Breakfast time for the dream team."

In the kitchen, Carter began pulling ingredients from the storage shelves and countertops. "Alright, Ivy," he said, glancing at her as she hopped onto a stool to watch. "We've got Verdant Carrots, some Goldenleaf Herbs, and just enough leftover Forest Serpent stew to make something special. Let's see what we can do with this."

Ivy chirped, tilting her head as she watched Carter chop the Verdant Carrots into neat slices. "You're really invested in this, aren't you?" Carter said with a laugh. "Don't worry, I'll make sure it's perfect."

He tossed the carrots into a heated pan, the sizzle filling the air as he added a pinch of salt and crushed Sunspire Blossoms for a hint of flavor. "Smell that?" Carter asked, holding the pan slightly toward Ivy. "That's the smell of a delicious breakfast in the making."

Ivy chirped enthusiastically, her glowing tail wagging. Carter grinned. "Yeah, I'm pretty proud of it too. Let's add some of this leftover stew to the mix."

He poured the stew into the pan, stirring it together with the carrots and herbs. The aroma grew richer, filling the kitchen with a savory warmth. "Alright, Ivy," Carter said, leaning on the counter as the meal simmered. "What do you think we should do today? More gardening? Maybe explore a bit further into the forest?"

Ivy chirped thoughtfully, tilting her head. Carter nodded. "Yeah, I'm with you. We've been working hard lately. Maybe a little exploring wouldn't hurt. We might find something new."

As the pot continued to simmer, Carter grabbed a spoon and tasted the broth. He closed his eyes, savoring the flavor. "Oh, man," he said, grinning. "This might be the best thing I've made yet. You're gonna love it, Ivy."

Ivy chirped excitedly, hopping on the stool. Carter laughed. "Patience, little buddy. It'll be ready soon. Let's just give it a few more minutes to really bring out the flavors."

As the final touches came together, Carter plated the meal, setting a smaller portion in a bowl for Ivy. "Alright, breakfast is served," he said, placing the plates on the table. "Let's dig in."

Ivy eagerly began eating, chirping happily between bites. Carter took a bite of his own, letting out a satisfied sigh. "Oh, yeah," he said, leaning back in his chair. "This is exactly what I needed. What about you, Ivy? Is it as good as it smells?"

Ivy barked softly, wagging her tail as she continued eating. Carter chuckled. "I'll take that as a yes. You know, this cooking thing is really growing on me. Maybe I'll try experimenting more with these ingredients. See what else we can come up with."

After breakfast, Carter and Ivy cleaned up the dishes and made their way to the living room. Carter flopped into his favorite chair, letting out a deep sigh of contentment. Ivy hopped onto a nearby cushion, curling up but keeping her glowing green eyes fixed on him.

"Alright, Ivy," Carter said, tapping his chin thoughtfully. "What's the plan for today? You know, I haven't been back to the city since that day I was summoned… what, four days ago now? Feels like it's been forever."

Ivy chirped curiously, tilting her head. Carter smiled. "It'll be your first time visiting, won't it? I think you're gonna love it. The streets are bustling, there's all kinds of vendors, and… well, who knows what else we might find?"

He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "We could see if there's a potion shop. I've been winging it so far, but some real advice would be nice. Maybe they'll even have some rare herbs or tools I can use. And hey, we could grab some supplies for the house while we're at it. Things are comfy, but it wouldn't hurt to add a little more convenience."

Carter's expression turned thoughtful. "Then there's the whole summoning thing. I wonder if those other summoned people… you know, the heroes, are still in the city. They didn't even notice me that day. I was just an extra caught up in their magic circle."

Ivy chirped softly, wagging her tail. Carter nodded. "Yeah, it's probably better that way. I'm not exactly hero material. But still, it'd be interesting to hear how they're doing. Maybe I'll ask around, discreetly of course."

He leaned back, staring up at the ceiling. "This world has so much going on, Ivy. Magic, strange creatures, and who knows what else. Every day feels like an adventure. But for now, I think a trip to the city is a good place to start. We'll buy some stuff, ask some questions, and just… see what happens."

Ivy chirped cheerfully, hopping to her feet. Carter laughed, standing up and stretching. "Alright then, let's get ready. Time for your first big trip, Ivy. Let's make it a good one."

Carter stood under the warm stream of water, letting the shower rinse away the dirt and sweat from his work over the past few days. "Man, this feels good," he said to himself, running his hands through his damp hair. "Alright, let's think this through. When we get to the city, what do we need?"

He started listing things aloud as he scrubbed his arms. "New clothes for sure. These have seen better days. Maybe some tools for the garden? Oh, and definitely a trip to the library or a potion store. I've got to learn more about this world. Can't just wing it forever."

He paused, leaning against the tiled wall, his thoughts racing. "What else? Maybe I should try to figure out what's going on with those summoned heroes. They're probably in the city doing hero things… saving people, defeating monsters, all that. Meanwhile, I'm out here gardening and building showers." He laughed softly, shaking his head. "Not that I'm complaining. I like my quiet life. But still… it's kind of wild to think about."

Rinsing off, Carter continued his ramblings. "And then there's Ivy. I've got to make sure I find something nice for her too. Maybe a treat or some kind of toy? She's been such a great companion. Don't know what I'd do without her."

Stepping out of the shower, he dried off quickly and pulled on his old clothes, grimacing slightly. "Yeah, definitely need new clothes," he muttered, tugging at his worn shirt. "Maybe something sturdier. If this world has enchanted gear, that'd be cool. Something that doesn't tear the second I get into a fight with a snake."

He walked over to the mirror, running his fingers through his damp hair. "Alright, Carter. Today's going to be productive. We're going to the city, we're going to get what we need, and maybe… just maybe, we'll learn something new about this place. Sound like a plan?"

Satisfied with his pep talk, he turned toward the door. "Ivy! Let's get moving! Big day ahead!"

Carter and Ivy stepped out of the treehouse, the sunlight streaming through the leaves above. Ivy darted ahead, her glowing green fur shimmering in the light as she jumped and ran in circles. Carter laughed, adjusting his bag on his shoulder. "Alright, little buddy, slow down a bit. We've got a long walk ahead of us."

Ivy chirped in response, leaping onto a low-hanging branch before hopping back down to the ground. Carter shook his head, smiling. "You're full of energy today, huh? Well, I don't blame you. Fresh air, a new adventure… feels good, doesn't it?"

The pair walked through the forest, the soft crunch of leaves underfoot and the gentle breeze brushing against their faces. Carter inhaled deeply. "Nothing beats this," he said. "Back home, I'd never get a chance to just… breathe like this. It's peaceful."

Ivy barked happily, running ahead and darting between the trees. Carter chuckled. "Don't go too far, Ivy! We've got to stick together. Who knows what's out here?"

The forest seemed alive with sounds: birds chirping, the rustling of leaves, and the occasional rustle of unseen creatures. Carter tilted his head, listening. "You hear that, Ivy? This forest is so full of life. I wonder what kind of plants and animals we haven't seen yet. Maybe next time we'll explore deeper."

Ivy chirped in agreement, her glowing tail wagging. Carter grinned. "Yeah, I'll bring some supplies, maybe even do some sketching. Could be fun."

As they walked, Carter's mind wandered. "You know, Ivy," he began, "when I first got summoned, I didn't think I'd end up living in a treehouse with a glowing fox. I thought it'd be more… I don't know, epic? Like something straight out of one of those light novels I used to read. But this?" He gestured around them. "This isn't bad. I think I prefer it."

Ivy barked softly, bounding ahead before returning to nudge Carter's leg. Carter laughed. "Alright, alright, I'll stop rambling. Let's focus on getting to the city."

They continued walking, the trees gradually thinning as they approached the edge of the forest. Carter spoke up again, his tone thoughtful. "I hope the city hasn't changed too much since I was there. It's only been four days, but it feels like a lifetime. I wonder if anyone will even recognize me."

Ivy tilted her head, chirping curiously. Carter shrugged. "Probably not. I wasn't exactly making a big impression. The heroes were the stars of the show. Me? I was just the guy who got accidentally dragged into all of it."

Ivy nudged his leg again, letting out a comforting sound. Carter smiled down at her. "Thanks, Ivy. You're a good listener, you know that? Even if I'm just talking nonsense half the time."

The pair finally emerged from the forest and stepped into a vast expanse of grass fields. The wind rippled through the tall blades, creating waves of green and gold under the sunlight. Ivy froze, her eyes wide as she took in the view. Her tail wagged furiously, and she let out an excited chirp before bounding into the field.

Carter laughed, watching her run in joyous circles. "You like that, huh?" he said, stepping forward. "It is pretty amazing. Look at this place… it goes on forever. Makes you feel kind of small, doesn't it?"

Ivy barked and ran back to him, nudging his leg. Carter reached down to pat her head. "Alright, let's keep moving. The city's not too far now."

They followed the dirt path cutting through the fields, the city wall growing larger with each step. Carter pointed to the towering stone structure. "There it is, Ivy. That's the city. It's been four days since I was summoned there. Feels like a lifetime ago."

Ivy tilted her head, her glowing green eyes fixed on the walls. Carter smiled. "You're gonna love it. There's so much to see. Big markets, busy streets, and all kinds of people. It'll be your first time, huh?"

Ivy chirped and wagged her tail. Carter laughed. "Yeah, I'm excited too. Let's keep going. The city's waiting for us."