Chapter 34

Day 46 was spent entirely planting seeds.

It was a day of wrestling with the soil, endlessly sowing seeds until my knees were caked in dirt—though that hardly mattered. Crawling on all fours to protect my back, I found meaning simply in finishing the task before the day slipped away.

With this, spring planting came to an end. Aside from watering and harvesting crops, farming duties would take a break for now. The realization hit me as I lay in bed just how joyful that felt.

It almost made me question if this was truly a “healing farming game.” Everything except farming itself was so much fun…

—

The morning of Day 47 began.

Magic.

MAGIC!

MAGIC!!!

A new skill appeared in my skill list: Magic Beginner Level 1. It was the reward for all my efforts trying to learn magic.

Except for logging and cooking, there hadn’t been many changes in my skills lately. Farming remained stuck at Advanced Level 1, as did fishing. Logging stood at Intermediate Level 2, mining at Intermediate Level 5, cooking at Beginner Level 6, and combat at Intermediate Level 3.

All my skills, save for cooking and the newly acquired magic, seemed content lingering at intermediate levels.

When the magic skill emerged, my mind spun with dizziness—a feeling like floating dust mixed with faint hallucinations buzzing through my senses.

But this time, the knowledge flooding in felt different. Memories revealed how to manipulate magic power—not instinctively but consciously, like issuing commands from the brain. Everything became sharper, clearer.

I extended my hand into the air, feeling the subtle flow of wind. Perhaps it carried traces of magic within its currents.

Instructions on controlling it filled my head, confidence swelling alongside them.

“Wow…”

Inside the still room, I created a gentle breeze that caressed my face. Warm air brushed past me, obeying my will.

Trivial as it may seem, at Level 1, this was about the extent of what I could do—akin to possessing an incredibly weak telekinetic ability. Still, the potential for growth made it worthwhile. Though currently lacking appeal, someday this power would shine brightly. That thought kept a smile lingering on my lips. After all, it was magic—the very thing I’d always dreamed of learning.

“Good.”

No more rushing out after gulping down water for morning farm chores. With spring planting done, five to six hours of free time opened up in the mornings. Not that this game—or rather, I—would tolerate idle moments for long.

Watering the crops completed my agricultural tasks for the day. As green life sprouted beneath my care, I strolled toward the crafting table. Time had come for construction.

After collecting plenty of basic materials, I decided to start with building a barn. Consuming 800 wood and 550 stones, I tapped the glowing white barn icon in my inventory. A miniature version popped out.

“Huh?”

Curious, I checked the UI and encyclopedia. Turns out this tiny model determined where to place the structure. Relief washed over me.

Choosing a location not too close due to potential smells, I tossed the mini-barn onto suitable ground near the fields. The holographic blueprint expanded dramatically, projecting transparent blue designs detailing every piece required. Despite clear instructions, its sheer size overwhelmed me.

“Will 800 pieces of wood really be enough…?”

Even imagining 8,000 trees seemed fitting for such a massive structure. But hey, this was still a game—or was it? Regardless, trusting the system, I dumped materials from my bag.

Hammer, saw, chisel—tools bought earlier—clattered onto the ground beside piles of logs and stones. They looked more like carpentry tools, but who was I to judge?

Cutting logs into precise shapes according to the blueprint, I sliced wood with a saw, hammered and carved with precision. Each correctly placed piece locked seamlessly into position.

“Oh, so this is how it works!”

One piece triggered automatic alignment for connected sections. Thus, inserting 799 more wooden parts and 550 stones would complete the barn. Though daunting initially, compared to real-world construction times, this method proved remarkably efficient. Satisfied with the progress, I continued working.

Chiseling stones, placing them into slots; cutting wood, aligning beams—all while marveling at how engaging the process felt. Anyone watching might think me strange, but I consoled myself by imagining magic could explain away any oddities.

By midday, the framework took shape—an ungainly yet proud structure born under my hands. Sweat beaded my forehead, dust clung to my skin, but satisfaction outweighed discomfort.

Speed increased as familiarity grew. By afternoon, half the barn stood tall, consuming around 400 wood and 250 stones. Completing today meant finishing tomorrow. Of course, acquiring animals presented another challenge. While purchasable via the system shop, sourcing livestock externally seemed wiser to avoid suspicion among villagers.

Trust was fragile; maintaining appearances essential. Gradual expansion using external stock followed by discreet system purchases would minimize scrutiny.

Construction stretched into evening, occasionally requiring climbing atop existing walls for higher placements. Once, falling from a considerable height left no injury thanks to my robust physique. Brushing off dirt, I resumed work without pause.

Though tiring, the difficulty never felt insurmountable. Constructing something tangible brought immense satisfaction.

“Whoa.”

As sunlight dipped below the horizon, the barn stood complete. Straw lined the floor, redwood adorned the exterior, and functional partitions organized space efficiently. From mere fragments joined together arose a magnificent edifice.

Dreams unfolded before me: obtaining milk, eggs, wool, feathers—all ingredients for culinary delights or textile crafts. Tomorrow awaited chicken coops, perhaps even house expansions—but for now, pride swelled knowing the first step succeeded admirably.

Rather than diving into further labor, relaxation called. Leaving behind mining, dungeons, or practicing spells, I grabbed a chair and fishing rod, heading to the lakefront near the mine.

Fishing greeted me eagerly, its thrill already missed.

Diving into the cool waters washed away grime and fatigue. Naked save for swim trunks, movement in the water felt natural despite the dusty day prior.

Settling into the chair semi-nude, I cast my line. Reflecting on the fulfilling day, indulging in leisure seemed justified. Reward psychology dominated my thoughts.

“Feels good.”

Spring drifted onward, bringing smiles at the season’s conclusion.

Living here in a world far removed from modern Earth’s 21st century often felt surreal upon waking. Such dedication, such joy—I never expected it.

Though labeled a “healing farming game,” daily routines offered little rest. Imagining future tranquility inspired hope, especially remembering the letter’s promise from Day One. True healing awaited beyond the grind.

Suddenly, a faint tug interrupted reverie.

The familiar resistance returned after thirty minutes of quiet waiting.

This wasn’t the usual perch. A fierce struggle pulsed through the line, vigorous thrashing hinting at something extraordinary dangling beneath the surface.

“It’s here!”

For weeks, I’d chased this elusive creature while leveling up fishing. Now, letting go to relax finally lured it into my grasp.

Tension tightened the rod, fingers gripping firmly against strain.

Beneath the murky depths, flashes of radiant light hinted at the catch—a jewel fish.

Why name it thus? Translation quirks aside, the crimson gem embedded in its head and iridescent scales illuminated the dark waters gloriously.

Advanced fishing granted calm assurance absent during novice days. Mastery shone through subtleties unattainable at lower levels. Beyond forced upgrades, true growth manifested in refined sensitivity and elegance.

“Hmph.”

The fish fought fiercely, creating dazzling underwater fireworks. Drawing the rod upward, I watched its desperate flailing subside into surrender.

Victory secured, the exhausted fish entered my bag triumphantly.

Perhaps one day these treasures would fill an aquarium, each rare specimen collected adding charm to display. Only one of the three rarities remained—the meteor carp.

Today’s success felt sufficient. Packing up as twilight enveloped the landscape, I embraced the relaxed schedule.

Without farming duties, life proved surprisingly leisurely. Was this truly the essence of a “healing farming game”?

Thus ended Day 47, peacefully fading into night.