Chapter 138

[Congratulations!!!!!]

[Through arduous effort, you’ve broken through your limits and earned the title of Master!]

[Yay yay!]

[Farming Master Level 1 achieved! Choose your Master achievement effect!]

[1. Mini Climate Manipulation]

[2. Mini Growth Environment Manipulation]

System messages have become slightly more cheerful than before.

Maybe it’s because I thanked it?

Not sure.

I did suspect my achievement would be reached around 40 days, right on time my farming level went up a step.

Luckily, the farm expansion applies even in winter – otherwise I’d have had to wait until spring.

The fairies and spirits worked tirelessly through winter to keep the farm tidy and organized – though I never expected their efforts would grow it to an incredible 9Ha!

Master.

The Master rank.

In games, it simply means reaching the end.

Just better at farming, less stamina consumption, increased harvests – light-hearted game elements fitting for a healing game.

No skills like climate or growth environment manipulation here.

Though those words certainly raise expectations for some amazing effects.

As exciting as it is, there’s also a bit of fear about what knowledge and experience will come with it.

“Baron…?”

“Ahh, continue.”

“Yes sir!”

We were having a conversation.

After zoning out for a moment, the young man in front seemed nervous.

So we continued our talk about his skills and roles.

When I announced we’re hiring administrative staff, people started coming directly to pitch themselves.

Maybe because I’ve been traveling around town building a friendly image?

There are more and more polite yet hesitant applicants.

Which is quite welcome actually.

For some reason, no matter how many people we hire, we can’t seem to get enough manpower.

“Then I’ll assign you the role of managing public facilities.”

“Thank you!”

“Remember, you haven’t secured the position yet.”

“I’ll do my best!”

The determined young man nodded.

With high hopes for his performance, I return my focus to the system message that briefly popped up.

Can’t make selection choices here in the middle of town while writhing in pain.

Better to delay the choice and decide back home.

On the way home, I spot Yul riding a four-wheeled bicycle around town.

Beside him is Evangelin on another bike, with Anne riding on the backseat, her golden hair flowing in the wind.

Since making the four-wheeled bikes, Yul has been enthusiastically riding around.

It’s quite rewarding to see him enjoying them so much.

Unintentionally, he’s also promoting bicycles while patrolling around town.

That curiosity and expectation will likely translate into goodwill towards the post office.

Yul is playing a bigger role than he realizes, though he’s just doing it for fun.

Anne and Evangelin are outside too.

So for once, it’s strangely quiet at home.

The first day.

That terrifyingly silent atmosphere creeps back in.

Starting from feeling lost about how to live, we’ve come this far.

The road ahead still seems endless, but looking back, we’ve traveled quite a distance already.

Still true now.

One more step forward on this journey.

“Stability.”

Speaking the word helps form magical shapes.

If it’s an intangible mental magic, defining concepts with words works better.

“Calmness.”

The mana flowing calmly through my body becomes tranquil and stable.

Like a gentle chill settling down.

Freezing everything very quietly and slowly.

“Numbness.”

Partially blocking bodily sensations.

Not completely, just focusing on the strongest pain areas.

Gradually losing sensation, I select one of the options floating in the system.

Option 1.

Doesn’t matter which I choose thanks to the mode, but climate manipulation sounds cooler so my finger moves that way.

Efficiency-wise it might cause other problems, but since any choice doesn’t really matter, I pick what appeals most and prepare for the results.

“Ugh…”

The change was immediate.

Even though I prepared, the vast amount of experience and knowledge flooding my brain was unavoidable.

And the unprecedented pain coursing through my entire body.

Constant needle-like pricks that were almost miraculous in their persistence.

Despite applying all healing, reduction, and defensive buffs and magic, achieving Master rank isn’t something to take lightly.

My body goes limp.

Consciousness flickers with every blink, alternating between white and black.

One blink turns the world black.

Another makes it ashen and desolate.

Closing my eyes altogether to avoid dizziness.

Without visual input, I focus more on physical sensations.

Strangely amplifying the pain, but better than dealing with the dizziness.

Body sensations are slow.

Unable to perceive how much time has passed.

“Ah…”

Breath filled with heat.

Body burning hot then slowly cooling to icy cold.

Worrying if the bed will break while lying down is a brief rest amidst the painful dizziness.

“Don’t get too close to the sun.”

“When you receive the weather’s love, you must sometimes accept its pleasures too.”

Meaningless words echo in my mind.

What could they mean?

“…Honey?”

Anne comes rushing in after returning home, startled to find me like this.

Not groaning loudly, but lying in bed does resemble being sick.

“!”

Sensations come and go erratically.

Touch occasionally feels something being done, but not continuously.

Opening eyes makes the world spin in rainbow hues.

Ultimately, all I can do is close my eyes and pray this passes.

Trying to avoid worry by sneaking this process in my fourth floor bedroom…

Should’ve warned someone it might hurt.

This is why communication within families is always important.

Unilateral decisions are dangerous.

“Huff…”

Feel warm breath again.

Senses returning.

No idea how much time passed.

Opening eyes reveals the world clearer and sharper.

Worried Anne sitting by my bedside.

Evangelin beside her, wringing out a wet towel.

A priest in robes, sleeping Yul and Jack, even Suri resting near my shoulder.

“Have you awakened?”

“Yes.”

“You had a high fever. Do you have any chronic illnesses?”

“Just…felt tired, I guess.”

“Ah…thank goodness.”

“Thank you. I’ll recover now, so you may leave.”

“Excuse me. Please take care of yourself. The gods always notice beautiful flowers.”

With that, the priest quietly departs.

Left are tearful Anne and Evangelin.

Feels like this situation happened before.

Sorry for causing so much worry.

“Are you really okay…?”

“Yeah. All better.”

“Why’s your voice hoarse?”

“Just slept funny. My body’s fine.”

“Really?”

“Yeah.”

Anne’s voice trembles with tears.

Worry mixed with anxiety.

Gently embracing her as she clings to me, pulling her close.

Patting rhythmically until she gradually calms down.

“You should sleep a bit more today.”

Evangelin places a cool towel on my forehead.

Her voice quavers slightly despite trying to sound normal.

Even her eyelids subtly vibrate trying to hold back concern.

Grateful for her composure despite her worries.

“I will. Thanks.”

“Don’t get sick…”

“Mhm.”

“You don’t have to work so hard.”

Others might see it differently.

A noble working hard from dawn till dusk.

Fell ill from overwork.

Quite plausible compared to collapsing due to gaining climate or growth manipulation abilities.

“It’s going to snow heavily tomorrow.”

“Huh?”

“Hard to see in the dark, but thick clouds have gathered.”

Looking out the window, clouds are clustering far away.

Layer upon layer, casting a gray shadow that seems ready to cover the whole world.

Snow-laden clouds approach with the wind.

“Guess I’ll need a full day of rest tomorrow.”

“Good.”

That concludes today.

Exhausted body, but thinking of sleeping makes me drowsy again.

* * *

“Snow.”

Opening the window.

Strong winds.

Using magic to prevent cold drafts inside, but the outdoor wind remains fierce.

Storm-like sounds roar violently.

Snowflakes defy gravity with the wind.

Carried by the wind, painting the world pure white.

Vision narrows.

Massive snowfall pelting the world.

Clearly dangerous to go outside.

Severe blizzard bad enough to halt all external construction, mining, logging, and guard duties.

“Hope no one gets hurt.”

Suddenly remember gaining mini climate manipulation ability.

Can I overcome this situation with it?

“Sunlight, please return.”

Desperately wishing while using the ability, but changes are minimal.

Only the snow and wind near the house have lessened slightly.

The overall phenomenon persists.

Probably due to the “mini” limitation.

Bitterly smiling, watching events unfold outside the window.

Nature is nature.

Just waiting for it to pass.

“Snow…?”

“Want more? It’s snowing heavily today.”

“Mhm…”

Did the wind wake her?

Anne rubs her eyes searching for me.

Maybe because the warmth beside her disappeared.

Half-asleep, she pats the bed inviting me back.

Complying with her request, I return to bed enjoying the warmth.

Human body temperature creating perfect warmth.

Anne sleeps peacefully with a small smile, wrapping around me like a snake.

Satisfied expression as she drifts off again.

Tucking stray golden locks behind her ear.

“Are you awake…?”

Low, mellow voice.

Evangelin’s special tone meant only for me.

“Yeah. Anne wanted to sleep more so I stayed in bed.”

“How’s your body?”

Charming low voice mixing with breathing sounds.

Mature voice brings out a different elegance from her usual gracefulness.

“Perfectly fine. Thanks to you.”

“Good.”

“Let’s stay in bed together. Today’s a legally acceptable day to sleep in.”

“Alright…”

She snuggles deeper into my arms.

Soon closing her eyes and drifting off to sleep.

A warm scene.

So contrasting with the violent snowstorm outside.

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