Chapter 68

Battle is always a continuous string of variables. Even if you gain the upper hand in combat, it doesn’t mean you won’t get injured.

Attacks piercing through armor or slipping through gaps can leave nasty marks.

One-on-one, I might be able to win without injury, but when it becomes a group fight, things get much harder. As battle strategies stretch endlessly, plans often become rough outlines relying on instinctive experience. Most large-scale battles tend to flow this way.

“Oof…”

Torn wounds bleeding painfully—stinging and throbbing.

It’s pretty common during fights, though. We keep going by healing with potions or natural recovery while the battle continues. Equipment buffs help significantly at times like these.

After finishing the battle on the 49th floor, I sit down and close my eyes. If I had to pick the activity that tires me out the most in a short time, it would definitely be combat.

It’s exhausting and nerve-wracking work.

As the wound slowly heals and an itchy sensation rises, I regain my composure.

The battle against the Shadow Legion. Even with better gear, getting hit by blind attacks leaves quite the damage. It’s partly because these are monsters from the 40s floors—creatures not to be underestimated easily.

A proper rest. I drink water to replenish fluids, ease some fatigue, and stand up again.

Truthfully, conquering the 49th floor concludes today’s combat quota. The 50th floor is dragon territory. While I have aspirations to become a dragonslayer, I’m realistic about my limits. There’s no clear method to overcome the oppressive aura and win.

I briefly consider dipping my toes into danger but decide against risking unnecessary peril. Today’s work ends here. This will repeat daily until reaching higher levels in combat.

Though looking worn-out, lying on the ground gasping for air after a fight may seem undignified, there’s nothing clearer than the sense of growth from battling.

The catharsis of wielding a sword skillfully, cutting through enemies—it stems from primal emotions. Definitely something hard to find in a leisurely, peaceful daily life. Not that I’m addicted… but special treats taste good occasionally, right?

I levitate my fallen sword using minor telekinesis and grab it with my hand.

In modern times, wouldn’t magic-like tricks have been popular? Or should I say trick-like magic? Why do we call skilled magicians “mages,” anyway? Lost in such whimsical thoughts, I chuckle to myself.

Sometimes, these small daydreams fuel our everyday lives. Though trivial, they bring little joys—laughter and happiness. Fleeting memories linger as pleasant aftereffects.

With the wound healed and ready to continue fighting, the effects of potions and equipment buffs are incredible. Regenerating like a troll, I feel almost monstrous standing up.

Back home. Descending down only to ascend back up, I conclude today’s journey at the 49th floor.

Arriving home, exhausted, I drag myself inside, eat dinner, and collapse onto my bed.

Day 37 of summer…

Eggs and duck eggs. Milk obtained. Livestock production begins. Storing them in the fridge, I turn the milk into cheese using the cheese maker. These creatures producing dairy consistently are truly admirable.

Afternoon combat filled with blood and slime under unpleasant shadows ends the day.

Yesterday, Evangelin was surprised and worried about what I’ve been doing. Since explaining the truth would be awkward, I brushed it off saying I’ve been doing tough work. Even close relationships have their secrets.

Day 38 of summer…

The fruits of effort show. Combat reached mid-level 8. Magic became beginner level 6.

Anne started gardening to discover her talent. After gifting her flowers, she hugged me with a smile brighter than the blooms themselves. Lately, Anne’s more proactive demeanor has been delightful.

Whether teasing like a fox or showing affection like a puppy, both sides aren’t bad. For someone like me, it’s all unexpectedly wonderful.

Day 39 of summer…

Combat. More combat.

My head spins from the sight of blood, acrid smells, and negative shadows.

Feeling my consciousness drift away after seeing too many bad things, I spent some time hugging spirits and petting Suri for healing.

I also relaxed by fishing by the lake, petted the cute rabbits among the livestock, and enjoyed Evangelin’s cooking to recover.

The weary spirit refreshed, I gained renewed motivation to swing my sword harder.

Day 40 of summer…

Combat reached mid-level 9, growing rapidly thanks to hard work.

Whenever I have questions about magic, I visit Gilbert. He praised my creativity every time I asked questions. Perhaps it’s the result of knowledge and experience from the modern 21st century. Although Gilbert finds it interesting and suggests visiting more often…

Repeatedly levitating branches, creating wind to make things float, and moving magic around to form invisible shapes…

Doing this repeatedly might wear out any existing creativity. But does repetitive labor really fit creative questions?

I silence him by occasionally gifting summer crops.

Magic is sometimes steady but sporadic, maintaining long-term effort.

[You have earned the qualification to reach Advanced Level!]

[Your current combat level is set to Advanced Level 1 (pending) upon fulfilling the necessary conditions!]

[Conditions are as follows:

Achievement: Always Beware White Things (Defeat 1000 Skeletons).

Achievement: Dangerous to Eat (Defeat 1000 Bats).]

Finally…

Using the dungeon reset advantage by passing through doors, I cleared it twice, madly hunting and swinging my sword like a seasoned fighter. Personally, I hoped to reach advanced by day 48, but achieving the condition early on day 41 brings me one step closer.

1000 skeletons. 1000 bats. Since they appear in the lower levels of the dungeon, coming and going leisurely should eventually fill the quota despite the grind-like conditions.

Buying items needed for battle, daily life, livestock care, farming, and Evangelin’s cooking, then letting go of consciousness. Though not every day, buying in bulk once in a while is convenient.

Fading awareness. Slowly closing eyes. Collapsing like sleepwalking, I wake up somehow.

Day 41 of summer. Another day begins.

Pitter-patter…

Dark clouds loom. Especially dark overnight, morning brings pouring rain.

The spirits’ antennae twitch. Closed eyes open, smiling mouths part, and they roll over to my bedside.

It’s their way of urging me to wake up. Regardless of time, whenever the sun rises, it’s always like this.

“Grrr…”

Suri, who now speaks slightly different words, sounds especially cute from its beak.

Taking care of them, I rise from bed, roughly tidy the blanket, and head outside.

Gentle rain taps my head rhythmically. Spirits break free from my embrace and roll around on the damp soil.

As usual, they carry countless seeds and do the same thing as yesterday. Probably tomorrow too. I hope it stays the same forever.

Yawning leisurely, I check on the livestock, collect cheese from the processor, and gently take some eggs. After enjoying meaningful interactions, I look around for anything needing maintenance before heading out.

Rain falls lightly, neither intensifying nor stopping, just lingering.

During the gloomy dawn, sitting idly waiting for Evangelin, an unexpected visitor appears.

“Heyyy human!”

“Human! Hello!!”

“Wow! Fruit human!”

Noisy and chaotic voices.

Unexpected fairies appeared at my home.

“Hello.”

“Hello! Hello!”

Double the cheerful response to my greeting.

“Look! There’s a spirit here!”

“Aww! So cute!”

The random fluttering fairy sight makes me snicker.

Looking around, I aim to manage the situation and find someone reasonable to talk to.

“Nice to meet you.”

The Fairy Captain.

Her familiar voice reassures me. Worried about uncontrollable fairies causing trouble, her arrival as their controller is greatly appreciated.

“Nice to meet you. What brings you here?”

“Hmm. We selected several places to build a farm, but…”

Her voice trails off faintly.

“It seems various reasons led us here.”

“Is that okay?”

“It meets the conditions, so it’s fine. Besides, the king recommended this place as one of the options.”

What… why recommend someone’s house as a farm location without permission? The thought gives me a slight headache.

“So my house will become a farm?”

“Not exactly. We plan to settle a bit northwest, somewhat distant.”

Relieved, I barely hold back saying ‘thank goodness’ and smoothly respond.

“We’ll be close neighbors then.”

“Yes, came to greet you in advance.”

“I welcome it. Hope we get along well.”

“Thank you. Very much.”

“Thank you!”

“Yeah! Super thank you!”

“Our fruit guy is the best!”

“Right!”

“Totally right!”

After the captain’s formal greeting, countless fairies shower endless praise. Appreciated, but the overwhelming chaos makes my ears ring.

Some are already tending to crops, others playing with spirits. Two fairies play tag with Suri, flying around. A few show interest in livestock, wandering near the barn and chicken coop.

The quiet home suddenly feels like a bustling marketplace. This could be nice, but it ruins the tranquil rainy morning vibe.

“They might visit occasionally. Maybe often. Or even daily…”

“That’s fine.”

“Yes. Understand they really like you. You probably know why.”

I give a wry smile. If they like me so much, there’s no real way to stop them.

“Will drop by sometimes. Well, I have work, so I’ll go ahead.”

“Sure. Let me know when you’re settled.”

“Alright.”

The captain spreads her wings and flies off, followed by other fairies.

Not all of them left. Some remain, decorating the rainy fields with green light—a very romantic scene.

Except for the constant chatter.

“Human! Let’s play!”

“Want to see my magic? I’m great at it!”

Then her voice interrupts, turning my head. Evangelin and Jack approach holding hands, frozen at the sight.

For a moment.

Jack’s eyes gleam with excitement.

“Wow! Fairies! Just like last time!”

His hand reaches out. Fairies giggle, dodging his grasp while flying around. They seem wary of humans besides me.

“My good friend loves fairies a lot.”

“Really?”

“Fruit human’s friends are trustworthy!”

Only after my words do the fairies gracefully circle Jack.

Jack happily smiles. Watching him, Evangelin wears an indescribable expression—sad yet happy, her lips trembling with joy. Her eyes redden slightly.

“Evangelin…?”

“Shall we go inside? You’re getting wet.”

“Yes.”

Her voice tinged with emotion. Did watching Jack happily playing with fairies remind her of a sad memory? I don’t ask and quietly enter the house. Outside, Jack continues his incomprehensible conversation with the fairies.

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