Windfall

Alan was busy all night. He went around places trying to feel the energy. And every time he went near higher quality herbs he felt a slight feeling of hunger. It was a minuscule feeling, but it was there.

But looking at the cost of these herbs. He quietly moved away. What if the system suddenly absorbs the herbs by accident? He didn't even want to think about that.

Next day morning, Alan got up as usual. Eating an egg and bread as breakfast, he made his way towards the farm.

In no time Alan reached his workplace and got changed readying himself to get his work done. But something felt odd today.

Just as he neared the herb field he could see a crowd gathered around the field. He could even hear the voice of the farm manager, Mr Johnson's voice ringing in his ears. He even saw many familiar figures like uncle Ben, who looks after the poultry and the uncle Danny from the dairy farm.

Every one of them was seriously listening to the manager's speech. Although Mr Johnson may seem like a kind old man. He is not! Those who angered him get picked upon by him and 'trained'. Sometimes heavy punishment and salary reduction are all given. Workers call him The Silent Killer behind his back. The typical manager level boss.

So, When Alan saw how Mr Johnson was lecturing the crowd, standing in front of the herb field, Alan's heartbeat increased to an unnatural level.

'Fuck! My life is over! Did he find out about the damaged herbs.' that was the only thought resonating in his mind.

'He would probably murder me with words before making an example out of me.' A bead of sweat slowly trickled down his forehead.

While Alan was slowly trying to move away from the crowd aunt Jude from the canteen spotted him.

"Hey! Isn't that Alan!" She loudly called out to Alan. Turning everyone's attention towards himself.

'Aunt Jude, did I wrong you in any way? Can't you see my sorry figure moving away? How could you do this to me.' The extremely frustrated Alan thought while avoiding eye contact.

"Hey, Alan! Come here. Why are you hiding? We are all here to welcome you." With a sincere smile, Mr Johnson welcomed him.

Seeing that happy smile on the manager's face Alan tensed up. He was ready to apologize before things take a turn for the worst.

"Mr John…"

"No need to explain how you did it. But you will get the reward." Abruptly cutting of Alan, Mr Johnson continued.

"The herbs have all mutated to a higher-level one. These were all common moon grass. But, now they have come to flower with blue flowers. They have mutated to Blue moon grass, increasing its value by hundred times. Even if it's pure luck, you have contributed greatly to the company. So, we are going to reward you with forty thousand credits" turning to the crowd "you should all learn from him" Said Mr Johnson with a smirk.

"What!" Due to the sudden windfall, Alan stood gobsmacked not knowing what to do. He was excited and suspicious at the same time. Forty thousand credits could do a lot for him. It was enough for the admission fee of his sister's college education. But there are still things that are doubtable.

For one thing. How did the herbs mutate? It may have been due to the light emitted by the system.

Even then, there is no rule stating to allocate bonus. Rather than that, better workers get to look after better fields. For example, Alan now gets 1% of the estimated income from the field as his salary each month. It was a fixed salary and there would be no bonuses unless there is a special case. So, there was a tense competition between workers to work in better quality fields with better herbs.

If you could become a master at what you do. Then the company will pay you up to 5% of the revenue from the sales as a salary. Don't take this five percentage as a small thing.

If you are a mutant with special ability, you could look after herbs worth millions then you would even earn a few hundreds of thousands of credits per month. This was nothing to scoff at. Even Mr Jhonson, the farm manager does not earn that much per annum. That shows how well even the lowest level mutants are treated and how important they are.

Although Alan was not a mutant now. But as someone with better performance than others, he should have been promoted to look after better quality fields rather than giving him a one-time bonus. Alan smelled something fishy going on here. He was clear that he did not have any backing here. So, Alan didn't voice out his opinion.

Seeing the sly look that Mr Johnson is giving him. He felt like his deduction might be true.

"Why are you zoning out there, Alan? The cash is all for you. Let me award it in front of all of us." With that, he turned towards the audience. "You should all strive to improve your skill like Alan. Maybe tomorrow, it would you in his stead." Saying that Mr Johnson took out an envelope and handed it to Alan. Shaking Alan's hand, he even came for a hug with Alan.

Suddenly the hugging manager tightened his arm and leaned over to Alan's ear. With a voice, just the two of them could hear. He whispered to Alan.

"Boy, don't come chasing after more. Be content with what you get. Even your luck has limits. It's not worth it."