Ryo didn't move.
Didn't step forward.
Didn't retreat.
He just stood there.
Watching.
"…If I don't interfere…"
"…It resolves itself."
The creature pushed forward.
The crops tightened.
Held.
Adjusted.
Reinforced.
THUMP
The ground shook.
But the barrier held.
The adventurer spoke quietly.
"…They're reacting to it."
"…They're managing it."
Ryo narrowed his eyes.
"…Managing."
"…That's my job."
He stepped forward slightly.
The crops reacted immediately.
Shifting.
Opening space.
Waiting.
System Prompt
New Skill Available: Field Command I
Effect:
Direct crop behavior Improve control over anomalies Reduce instability
"…Control."
"…Finally something useful."
He selected it.
Immediately—
The field went still.
Everything paused.
Even the creature.
For one second.
Then—
Ryo felt it.
Connection.
Not strong.
But present.
"…Move."
The crops shifted.
More precisely than before.
More intentional.
"…Contain it."
They responded.
Faster.
Tighter.
Stronger.
The creature struggled.
But couldn't push through.
"…That's better."
The adventurer stared.
"…You're controlling them."
"…Barely."
"…That's enough."
The creature let out a low sound.
Not loud.
But heavy.
Frustrated.
Then—
It stopped moving.
System Update
Control Established: Partial
Anomaly Stability: Increased
"…Stable problem."
"…That's acceptable."