Chapter 20

I unlocked the minimap for 500 gold.

These days, earning 500 gold feels like breathing, so it was a worthwhile investment to aid in exploration.

A small minimap appeared at the bottom right of the UI.

In the corner of my vision, tiny details of the village layout became visible.

It showed my current location and surrounding terrain in real-time.

It was more useful than expected. With this, I might never get lost during expeditions.

The delightful pain that warmed up the morning – mining finally reached Intermediate Level 5.

Apparently, all those little battles in the mine added up, bringing combat skills to Intermediate Level 2.

And the encouraging news – cooking reached Beginner Level 1!

All that experimentation with roasting meat and creating dishes paid off.

Growing stronger is such a wonderful feeling. New experiences and memories seep into me, turning actions into instinctive habits.

Just knowing I’ve crossed into expert territory fills me with satisfaction.

I pressed my hand against the familiar texture of the blanket and mattress, then got up. A refreshing glass of water to greet the morning has become routine.

Time for labor. As the sky turns gray and dawn breaks, I begin planting seeds while crouching down.

With plenty of funds, I’ve decided to pause harvesting crops for now to focus on gaining experience.

Today’s experiment involves about two hours’ worth of seeds – around 1500 units purchased.

By the time the sun rises high, casting its light, my morning work comes to an end.

Cooking Level 1 assists my skills, though being merely Level 1, there’s no dramatic change yet. Just reaching this starting point brings joy.

There’s no noticeable difference in flavor or quality, nor any minor buffs yet. But having potential means something.

Most people I asked about Sky Dew Fruit didn’t even know it existed. Without internet-like information sources, knowing about such crops isn’t easy.

Regretfully setting aside thoughts of eating it raw, I head to the mine to collect the remaining 30 mithril ores.

Mining became surprisingly easy. The rocks crumble with just a tap now.

This is what growth feels like – when tasks that once seemed difficult become simple.

The pickaxe does most of the work automatically now.

Except for mithril, everything else shatters with just a tap.

Collecting 30 mithril ores was effortless compared to traveling to the mid-20s level of the mine.

As I venture deeper or further, thoughts turn to warp devices.

For future dungeon and mine explorations.

A 20,000 gold item – the Warp Device.

It allows installing warp points wherever desired.

The downside? Creating warp devices isn’t free, but gathering materials through diligent mining isn’t a problem.

The key advantage is drastically reduced travel time between home and other locations.

Whether mines, exploration sites, beaches, or lakes.

Currently lacking 20,000 gold and needing funds for expansion, investing everything in warping isn’t wise.

While tempting, purchasing without knowing required materials could be frustrating.

Though not urgent, keeping it in mind as a future priority suffices.

After focused mining, afternoon arrived.

Exiting the mine, raindrops greeted me warmly.

The gentle patter of rain felt quite nostalgic.

If only it had rained in the morning instead – then I wouldn’t have needed to water the plants.

Thinking about farming changes how one perceives weather.

Raindrops land on my already soaked body as I hurry home, remembering I’d left the windows open.

No one wants their house to flood.

Rushing home, water splashes underfoot.

Arriving safely, I close the windows from outside.

Changing clothes, I stand before the crafting table.

The smelting furnace is busily melting mithril ore. Plans include creating sprinklers once mithril ingots are ready.

Today, five more sprinklers will complete coverage for the entire field.

Preparations for preparation are finally done.

Watching the furnace hum away, melting ingots, feels peaceful.

The irregular tapping of rain against the ground sounds pleasant.

Enjoying the unique earthy scent of rain, I begin crafting mithril sprinklers.

Finally completing five sprinklers, I fill them with water from watering cans, finally smiling.

Without needing to plant or harvest, morning farming chores are eliminated.

Convenience makes life easier. Feeling liberated from tasks brings unexpected relief.

Though barely a month has passed since resolving to work hard, celebrating ease feels natural.

Smiling at the irony, I step outside.

Already soaked, I enjoy the cool surroundings.

Tonight requires sleeping outdoors.

Despite the rain, camping holds romantic appeal.

Lucky that the store sells reliable tents, unlike questionable medieval ones.

Having nothing to do…

Too early to sleep…

Fishing is perfect for such times.

Dropping lines absentmindedly, waiting patiently…

Living busy lives left little room for leisure until now.

“Shall I go to the lake?”

Grabbing the silver fishing rod, I walk against the rain-splashed path.

The forest canopy shields me from raindrops, their patter adding charm.

Not usually a fan of rain, today feels different.

Without sprinklers, I might dislike rainy days even more.

Since plants don’t need watering, rain earns full marks.

Picking up the fishing rod after a long time, instincts remain sharp.

Following intuition, I cast the line and wait peacefully.

Sitting on the chair gifted by Anne, time passes pleasantly.

Occasionally catching fish and placing them in my bag.

Treasure boxes yield various items – mostly junk, occasionally silver or iron ingots.

My best finds so far:

Level 29 longsword

Level 33 chain armor

Not expecting anything better, I feel content.

Approaching this world’s lifestyle feels successful.

Whether due to compatible disposition or system guidance, living here has its own pleasures.

Though failing at intended relaxation, other aspects make life enjoyable.

Rain shows no sign of stopping.

No worries about acid rain with pure water falling.

Interestingly, the UI provides such information too – sometimes helpful, sometimes not.

Night approaches.

Time to set up camp outside.

Washing up quickly using lake water.

Pitching the tent proves easy.

Improved abilities enhance spatial awareness, making setup quick.

The green camping tent fits me comfortably.

Inside, basic essentials:

Sleeping bag

Portable bed for comfort

Small lantern

Simple cooking tools

Feels like unexpected camping.

Making a quick meal, cleaning up, organizing.

Experimenting with expedition preparations helps identify necessary items.

Somewhat uncomfortable but tolerable.

Listening to rain tapping against the tent, I drift off surrounded by nature’s white noise.

“Wa…?”

No dreams.

Waking up without the usual white room greeting feels refreshing.

Only the mild headache from the UI informs me fishing reached Level 8.

Morning of Day 25 in spring.

First time sleeping soundly without dreams in this world.

Condition remains excellent, but deep rest adds extra pleasantness.

Mood affects condition significantly.

Regardless of good mood, convenience matters separately.

Outside system support means more preparation is needed.

Two weeks’ worth of supplies should be prepared in advance.

Good decision to gain this experience early.

Putting the dew-covered tent into the bag.

All camping gear neatly packed away.

Bags are wonderfully convenient, fitting everything regardless of size.

No need to carefully fold the tent – just toss it in.

Testing by pulling it out retains the unfolded state.

Smiling at this convenient feature, happiness grows.

Simply pulling out a portable home saves setup hassle.

“Very nice.”

Carrying equipment, I head home.

Exploration preparations complete. Time to actually leave.

Must visit villagers first.

Better to inform departure rather than returning unexpectedly.

Returning home from the lakeside.

Feeling unusually moist, perhaps from sleeping near water or just the rain.

Breathing feels slightly damp for some reason.

Shaking off the odd sensation, I arrive home.

Greeting me are the five working sprinklers and damp soil.

The evenly moistened fields bring relief.

“Hail to the sprinklers!”

Nodding in agreement, I confirm all preparations are done.

Checking water levels in the sprinklers.

About two weeks’ worth remains, so I refill them completely.

Goal: return within two weeks.

Once farewell visits to villagers are complete, departure is planned.

Destination set: eastward continuously.

Fairy Farmland.

Seeking Sky Dew Fruit to reach Advanced Farming Level 1.

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