Chapter 43

Day 10 of summer.

To me, it feels like the first day all over again. The start of farming in a game that boasts agriculture can’t help but coincide with the beginning of the season.

My cooking skill has skyrocketed to初级 Level 9, and my combat level has risen by one rank to 中级 Level 4.

The rapid growth in cooking is probably thanks to the vast experience of preparing countless dishes. Feeling a sense of pride, I rise from my seat.

It’s been quite a while since my brain felt this pleasantly fried. What used to be on the verge of pain now feels like a gentle platform for growth—how delightful!

Last night, I purchased and accomplished much, especially an abundance of summer seeds. Among them were cheap, gimmicky ones for achievements and premium varieties meant for serious cultivation.

Rainbow mangoes, red emperor mangoes.

Seedless watermelons.

Flat peaches, yellow peaches, white peaches.

Sticky corn, super sweet corn.

Shine muscats.

Cherry tomatoes.

From countless varieties, these ten stood out as my selections. My plan for summer is to carve out sales channels and partnerships, turning gold through these crops. Of course, they’ll also serve as gifts, snacks, and ingredients for cooking.

The rainbow mangoes and red emperor mangoes caught my eye with their reputation as the rarest and most delicious of mangoes. High sugar content, soft texture, and large size—these fruits are brimming with anticipation.

Seedless watermelons might just revolutionize this world. Such a genetically modified convenience must be unheard of here. With no seeds to distract, the fruit will be packed with sweetness—a future cash cow if ever there was one.

For peaches, I’ll cultivate every type: flat peaches, yellow peaches, white peaches. Their juicy sweetness and chewy texture make them perfect for both snacking and selling. Flat peaches especially intrigue me; their description promises sweetness and chewiness.

Sweet corn and super sweet corn are chosen for their dual role as food supplies. In times of need, such as after disasters, they provide sustenance. Plus, their delicious taste makes them great for steaming or incorporating into recipes like corn cheese or addictive “drug corn.”

The shine muscat grapes top my list of anticipated crops. Beyond sales potential, their sweet and refreshing flavor promises lasting enjoyment.

Cherry tomatoes seem standard, but upon closer inspection, they allow for stevia infusion. Cultivating stevia-sweetened tomatoes could prove lucrative in a world lacking refined sugars. Their versatility in enhancing meals adds further appeal.

Thus, these ten crops form my summer top 10. With at least 100,000 seeds each—up to 300,000 for some—I’ll adjust based on popularity, taste, and sales volume. Unsold stocks can always find use in greenhouses.

Sprinklers gently water empty fields, their mithril bodies gleaming coldly as they prepare for work.

Though aware of the greenhouse’s importance, today demands seed planting.

Tilling the soil and creating furrows by hand, the call of farming beckons. Summer’s grand opening act begins.

Even before starting, the humid heat prompts sweat. Dark clouds hint at impending rain—perhaps signaling the start of the summer monsoon.

“Let’s begin.”

Determined words echo within, prompting action. The goal: planting 2,000 seeds per variety, totaling 20,000 today. Thereafter, 500 daily, aiming for 5,000.

Without machinery, this labor-intensive task commences: digging, planting, covering. Tempting though it may be to broadcast seeds into the air, discipline prevails knowing proper planting ensures growth.

During my toil, Suri approaches, observing intently before briefly assisting with her tiny beak. Eventually retreating indoors due to fatigue, her sporadic help brought a smile during work.

As dusk falls, the dark night illuminated only by the faint glow of my ring concludes the day’s planting. Dividing plots carefully added time but ensured orderly harvest cycles later.

Thus ended Day 10, filled with sowing hope.

Day 11 dawns with intensifying raindrops. A deluge ensues without thunder or lightning, momentarily reminding me of Anne before thoughts dissipate.

Awakening groggily, I stroke Suri who slumbers unaware beside me. Bringing her cage indoors led to frequent naps there, often finding her curled up next to my bed.

Yesterday, she amazed me by mimicking seed planting using her small beak. Her intelligence to observe and replicate, combined with the restraint not to eat the seeds, hints at genius—though parental bias may cloud judgment.

Today marks “gimmick day.” After meticulously planting 5,000 premium seeds, I’ll scatter the cheaper ones carelessly in corners. Experimentally proven, even hastily planted seeds count toward achievements.

Having acquired additional seeds in dreams last night, today’s tasks include dungeon exploration to unlock the greenhouse. Despite costs, investments promise returns.

Following routine planting, gimmicky seeds will be scattered outside designated areas. Growth isn’t guaranteed, but their inclusion in achievements is sufficient.

While working with a shovel, rain eases into drizzle. Uncertain whether perspiration or precipitation wets my skin, I rest briefly on the stairs when a familiar red glow appears in the distance.

“Evanzelin?”

Approaching under an umbrella, careful to avoid puddles.

Her figure, hands tightly gripping the umbrella, exudes unexpected cuteness unlike her usual stoic demeanor. What brings her here?

Watching her approach through the rain, warmth gradually cools against droplets.

“Long time no see. How was your trip?”

“Uh… yes, it went well.”

Her slightly flustered tone and expression surprised me. Typically emotionless exchanges would suffice.

Her strained attempts at smiling and questioning intrigued me. Had she learned something new?

This newfound vitality made her more appealing.

“Upon hearing the news, I came to check. Are you injured anywhere?”

“Yes, thank you for worrying. And Evanzelin, did anything happen to you?”

“Yes.”

Her efforts at sociability prompted suppressed laughter. Fearing another regression, I contained my amusement.

Evanzelin draws nearer until our proximity allows shared breaths. Though faces don’t align perfectly, gazes meet across minimal distance. Moisture transfers through contact.

“You’ll catch a cold standing in the rain like that.”

“I’m tough, so it’s fine.”

“No, it’s not.”

With sudden firmness, her umbrella shields us both from falling drops. Breathing distances shorten significantly despite lack of direct facial alignment.

“For lunch, I brought something.”

“Oh.”

Only now noticing the basket strapped behind her back—overshadowed perhaps by her two-handed grip on the umbrella.

“Would you like to eat together?”

“Sure. But it’s raining outside…”

“We’ll eat inside.”

What menu awaits? Food scents fade beneath earthy rain aromas. They say humans resonate best with water’s scent, strong enough even to mask culinary fragrances—another testament to physical enhancement.

Following Evanzelin indoors, dry comfort contrasts sharply with damp entry.

Changing clothes becomes necessary, but Evanzelin’s watchful gaze lingers.

“I’ll go shower and change.”

“Ah, yes.”

“Suri can keep you company. She’s resting on the bed.”

“Ah, okay.”

Clunky movements reminiscent of malfunctioning gears endearingly characterize Evanzelin.

Chuckling softly, towel and fresh attire in hand, I retreat to the bathroom for a quick shower.

Such interactions evoke peculiar feelings. Attempting nonchalance, I hastily cleanse before rejoining them.

Suri and Evanzelin share adorable moments on the bed.

“Ready to eat?”

Evanzelin rises promptly from the bed, approaching the table where a basket of sandwiches awaits.

Her urgency brings a smile. Seating myself leisurely, the sandwich proves delicious—crisp vegetables, crunchy bread. True to her past as a chef, light yet satisfying flavors emerge.

Casual conversation flows, Evanzelin departs soon after. Her visit, seemingly casual, fills me with gratitude. An impulse arises to reciprocate with a home-cooked meal.

Rain continues outside.

Now, I must brave its curtain to conquer the dungeon’s 50 floors. This tranquil moment must yield to intense challenge.

Still, perseverance pays off—achieving this grants access to greenhouse cultivation of musk melons and kingsberries.

Reluctantly forcing reluctant feet northward, I head toward the dungeon.

Arriving amidst mud and rain, the unpleasant odors and alien textures at the dungeon entrance remain consistent.