Chapter 162

The time of spring flows like flower petals.

Drifting down gracefully, like the pink cherry blossoms.

In the midst of daily life, we often fail to notice the passage of time until it’s already slipped away.

Spring, day 16.

Nowadays, the Valley of Starwind has grown so much that it’s almost embarrassing to still call it a village.

The metals coming out of the smelter were surprisingly more valuable than I had anticipated.

Since I need to gather as much Gold as possible to return to Earth, having diverse revenue streams is always beneficial.

Bicycles from the bicycle factory are gradually gaining popularity through word-of-mouth.

Of course, road conditions matter. While our bicycles are designed to absorb shocks, they’re not built for rough terrain. Therefore, we continue improving and reinforcing the roads in our village.

The pink bicycles have become the mascot of the town. When a four-wheeled bicycle rings its bell entering the village, everyone smiles happily.

Interestingly, the unique pink bikes aren’t mass-produced in the factory – though I’m not exactly sure why.

Today’s secret news:

To reach Transcendence, all skills must reach at least Master level.

Spring, day 17.

Nobles have been visiting our little town quite frequently lately.

I’ve been brainstorming ways to extract money from them, and decided to build a high-end hotel.

With the system upgrade, more advanced constructions became available – definitely a great advantage.

Even if we don’t have everything we want yet, having options is always better than nothing.

We also started compiling a tourism list: must-try foods, must-drink beverages, and must-experience activities.

Though it wasn’t originally intended to be a Michelin-style star rating system, it unintentionally sparked some friendly competition among local restaurants.

I initiate projects, while my subordinates handle the details and finishing touches.

Is this why people say having more staff makes things easier? It’s certainly much less physically demanding now compared to when I used to run around doing everything myself.

Today’s secret news:

The System can eat crops.

Spring, day 18.

Garim from the Royal Palace arrived today.

They proposed either maintaining the exclusive royal deal with unlimited quantity or completely opening up free trade without exclusivity.

After considering both options, I chose the latter – allowing multiple sales channels including supporting Rio’s merchant guild.

To ease Garim’s disappointment, I reassured them that the Royal Palace would always remain our top priority partner.

After tasting our produce, Garim praised how much better it tasted compared to before – even though I didn’t really change anything.

Perhaps it’s due to the influence of the World Tree quietly growing in the forest.

Not only has crop growth accelerated, but their taste seems to have improved as well – good news indeed!

Today’s secret news:

The System likes peaches.

After morning briefings, walking to the World Tree with Jack has become routine.

“Hehehe…”

Jack’s laughter sounds increasingly similar to Yul and Anne – living together really does make you resemble each other.

Walking along the life-filled forest path, a refreshing fragrance fills the air – a pleasant scent reminiscent of spring itself.

“Human!”

“Hi human!”

Suddenly, fairies appeared around us. Strangely, they weren’t wearing any clothes despite most fairies here having outfits made by Anne.

Upon closer inspection, these weren’t the usual fairies residing here.

Forest fairies, perhaps from where the elves live?

“We like it here!”

“Thanks to humans!”

“Clothes-making humans exist too!”

Their words confirmed my suspicions.

“Hello.”

“Woah!”

“They responded!”

“Do we get fruit too?”

“Yes.”

Just like how we befriended the first fairies, I took out a large amount of fruit to offer them before heading to the World Tree.

Eventually, these forest fairies could become part of our farm’s labor force – perfect timing since we were short on hands.

Approaching the World Tree, the once small sapling has grown into an impressive giant.

An elf was already there, resting against the tree.

“[Guardian!!!]”

“Good morning again. No issues today?”

“Yes! I brought some elves and forest fairies today.”

“Did you bring them yourself?”

“Yes!”

What a capable one.

Thinking this, I gently caressed the World Tree.

The elf resting against the tree finally noticed my presence and turned to look at me.

“Benefactor!”

“Are you feeling better?”

“Yes. Father sent me off properly!”

“That’s good to hear.”

Seeing the elf’s energetic appearance, they seem to have fully recovered their strength. After wiping their pants and standing up straight, they placed their hand on the World Tree alongside me.

“I can’t look sad in front of Father’s child!”

“Very impressive.”

“…”

Though there were tears welling up in the elf’s eyes, I pretended not to notice.

After checking on Jack’s condition following treatment, we returned home.

Slowly but surely, Jack’s improvement brings constant brightness to his face. He’s regained enough energy to explore not just the greenhouse but various parts of the area.

This progress feels fulfilling…

Anticipating Evangelin’s surprise at what’s to come.

“Nice to meet you.”

A stranger approached me mid-thought.

Their pronunciation was slightly awkward – mostly correct but with minor errors, like someone speaking a foreign language.

“Hello. How may I help you?”

“Oh! You speak Imperial language?”

Empire.

That word piqued my curiosity. Could this be a scout?

“Learned it by chance.”

“Remarkable. Actually, I came to inquire about your interest in immigration.”

Getting straight to business, huh?

Whether it’s confidence from my fluent imperial language skills or their belief in their own empire, this person asked directly.

Of course, my answer is predetermined.

Actually, it’s set in stone no matter what.

“Yes. Not interested.”

“Wha… Really?”

Their confused repetition suggests they’re not particularly skilled.

“I prefer living here.”

“Just give me a moment. Once you hear the conditions, you might change your mind.”

At this point, I feel somewhat annoyed.

It seems like they’re trying to take advantage of my rejection to sell their conditions – rather disrespectful.

If they were truly scouting, they should present attractive terms first and wait patiently.

“Please leave. I said I’m not interested.”

“But if you just hear the conditions…”

“Enough.”

Their persistence is becoming annoying like flies buzzing around.

Though I won’t harm them, I subtly apply pressure with my intent.

Their face immediately pales and sweat starts pouring down.

No matter what conditions they offer, I have no intention of leaving this village.

This is the place I’ve cultivated, my home.

How could I abandon my family here for somewhere else? It’s unimaginable.

As expected, with more scouts coming, these kinds of nuisances will increase.

I’ll need to instruct my staff to filter them better next time.

With a wave of my hand, the man reluctantly retreats with a defeated expression.

Such amateurish scouting attempts.

Maybe they’re just going through the motions.

After waving goodbye, I returned home to greet my wives.

A brief hug and affectionate touch instantly lifted my mood.

Then I headed back outside to work.

Literally.

“Work.”

According to secret information, reaching Transcendence requires mastering all skills.

Therefore, it’s natural to put effort into improving all skills that haven’t reached mastery yet.

My mirror clone is already sent to the mine, endlessly upgrading mining skills.

Now I plan to head to the forest to level up logging.

Gripping the axe, I stare at the tree.

There was a time when I couldn’t even cut down one tree and collapsed on the ground gasping for breath.

Even after growing stronger, thick trees remained impenetrable barriers.

“Huff!”

Not anymore.

One swing of the axe cuts down a tree – purely through physical ability without magical assistance.

I’ve clearly surpassed normal human limits, verging on monstrous physical capabilities.

The neatly felled tree remains stationary.

This is due to my ability to drastically slow down time in that area.

Casting magic for healing and regeneration on the tree.

The slowed time quickly restores the injured tree to its original state.

A satisfying result.

This way, I can improve my logging proficiency, practice magic, and repeatedly perform the same task without damaging the forest.

Though this is possible within the limits where my time manipulation doesn’t strain my body.

Handling such light abilities is completely manageable.

Thus, I continued cutting down and reviving the same tree endlessly.

About 3-4 hours passed.

Despite repeatedly cutting the same tree, my skill proficiency rapidly increases.

Without moving or doing anything else, focusing solely on chopping wood during this period created extremely high efficiency.

Having multiple abilities allows for diverse methods to improve skill levels.

Even if I’m just using them to upgrade logging skills…

It’s necessary work.

For a while longer…

Until dusk, I kept repeating the logging process.

Compared to fishing for over 12 hours every day and enduring monotony…

This is essentially similar work.

Though lacking desperation, it’s easier which helps maintain consistency.

Reiterating that repetitive labor isn’t easy despite the mind-numbing nature.

“Huff…”

Dusk approaches.

Time to finish working.

Though not sore, I instinctively pat my lower back as I stop working and head home.

Feeling somewhat accomplished after a productive day.

“One peach.”

Following the secret information, I feed the System one peach daily.

Curious about how it eats, I observed carefully – turns out it’s just a simple process of sending the peach via a system message.

Why it likes peaches…

What benefits it gains from eating them…

I’m not sure, but since it greatly benefits me, I’m happy to provide this small favor in return.

While leisurely walking home…

The cheerful jingling sound of a familiar pink bicycle approached.

A girl riding the unmistakably pink bike, accompanied by two knights riding bicycles.

“Abba!”

Yul’s shout accelerates the bicycle.

Slowing down in front of me, Yul dismounted and hugged me tightly.

I naturally picked her up and cradled her against my chest.

“Hehe.”

“Did you have fun playing?”

“Mm-hmm. Glass please. Abba…”

Daily report time.

Seeing the morning reports given to others, Yul wanted to do the same – thus establishing this routine.

I enjoy hearing these cute reports immensely.

“Good job.”

I casually waved to dismiss the two knights.

They respectfully bowed and rode off.

Knights riding bicycles instead of horses – quite amusing.

Holding Yul, I slowly walked home.

Naturally, the pink bicycle followed us floating through telekinesis.

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