Chapter 13
Chapter 13
After waking up from a small nap, we then started clearing out all the crops from the first farmland that we are tending. Lucrane and I divided our work by taking 10 lane of the crops each.
I first took care of all the Carrots and Potatoes in my side, and pulled them gently. The {Stone Golems} added 12 new lanes with 1 additional Potato lane, 2 Cabbage lanes, 1 Wheat lane, and 8 Carrot lanes, right after we traveled outside the tower. And as every crops that are being planted her will be harvested a day after it was planted, thanks to the booster that we have gained after the tower reached level 2, I then stored all those harvested crops in each wooden boxes.
As for the Cabbages and Wheat, I carefully cut then from the stalk, and store them after. Repetitively doing it row after row, we were able to finish everything up before evening. We then went back to the camp after we placed all the boxes, where all the harvested crops was stored, and place them at the underground basement. Thanks to the tower's feature, those crops won't be spoiled for at least a couple of months.
As we got back from the control room, we then started taking our meal, and this time is my turn to cook. Using the meat we have in-hand, I then grilled them with the Chicken Oil I made to, gave more flavor on the Chicken Meat. After that, we then started eating.
.....
[You have gained 840 Exp for chopping trees]
[Due to the [Shōnin no Omamori] flaw, you will be receiving 420 Exp]
^°^°^°^°^°^°[צXTHE EXP THEY GAIN FOR CLEARING THE AREA FOR THE NEW FARMLANDX¦×]°^°^°^°^°^°^
7 exp - - - > 1 tree for 15 minutes (4 trees for 1 hour) (Stone Golem) - - - > 20 hours (4 x 20) x 3) x 7) = 1, 680 Exp
(2 Stone Golems = 4 trees so - - - > (4 x 20) = 80 trees for 2 Golems - - - > (80 x 3) = 240 trees for 20 hours)
Total amount of exp gain: 1, 680
(1, 680 ÷ 2 = 840 exp each)
^°^°^°^°^°^°[צX××××××××××××××X¦×]°^°^°^°^°^°^
After almost full day of clearing the new relocation place for our new farmland, the {Stone Golems} was able to chop all the trees in the area, cleanly chopping them, and also uprooting all the tree's root.
Lucrane and I was planning of expanding our crops by adding 15 new lanes. We decided to add 3 new Carrot lanes, 5 Squash lanes, 2 Sayote lanes, 2 Onion lanes, and 2 Garlic lanes.
After the clearing, Lucrane then ordered 2 of the 6 {Stone Golems}, to chop all those cut trees into a piled firewoods, while the other 2 will help her clearing the area, by taking out some rocks or stones in the way, and flattening those uneven parts. Whole those 4 {Stone Golems} will be working next to her, the other 2 will help me make a pathway from the river, that is quite a distance towards the new farmland. We will be digging a smooth pathway from that river to the farmland, it will be a tedious work, so I really need to get this done soon, or so I thought
Thwack
Pant Pant Pant Pant Pant
"Dammit"
I cursed, as I pierced the iron shovel I am using on the ground. I was thinking that the 2 {Stone Golems} that Lucrane ordered to assist me, will help me dug a pathway for the water to flow from the river, then towards the farmland, but reality was truly disappointing as it seems, as those {Golems} that was lended to me, was meant to cut all the obstructing trees in the water's pathway, and uprooting those rooted roots, while the one making that pathway was none other than me, all alone!
Though those {Golems} has more job than me, but they were boosted with the medium size potion, that increase their strength for 25%, and they don't get tired neither get any back ache unlike me.
Heavily huffing as I rested while I sat down, I then gaze at the length that I already dug, and was
".... Wow"
Pretty disappointed to what I saw. It was almost an hour or two since I started digging, but the pathway I made during those time was, just 7 or 10 meters from the river - I only dug just 5 inches, or 7 away from the river, so it won't flow while I am working.
Standing up, I then stretched a little bit before I took the shovel, and started digging again. Putting my left foot forward, I then bended a little bit, so I won't cramp my back and hips. I then move my left foot to make a bit of opening for easy digging. I then
Thwack
Made a big swing, and pierced the ground. I then scoop up by using my left foot strength then carried it by distributing the weight between my left hand and right hand, and while using my right foot strength.
Foo!
I then throw the scoop dirt to the side and
Thunk!
Dug again.
.....
Gulp
Puah~!
"This is tiring"
I complained as I sat down, and rested to a nearby tree as I refreshed my thirsty and tired, sweated body, with the bottle water I bought with me. It was almost lunch when I noticed the sun almost at its highest peak, when I took another rest. From the beginning till the place I dug out, I was able to make it through a bit half, or more towards the farmland. The job was throughoutfully exhausting, that I needed short break every minute to catch my breath, and rest myself before I continue.
Leaning against the tree's bark, I then stared upfront to see how much more I need to cover up
".... Man, never knew being a manager in this tower is this tedious"
I complained, as I then lean my head to the bark, and closed my eyes. After a few seconds of resting, I then stood up and stretched my body.
Crack Crack
Digging through this soil for another hour or so, strained my waist and back for a period of bending and scooping, especially when some spot weren't that easily to be dug, that I needed more impact when I scoop. After a simple light exercise, I then took the shovel, and headed straight back to the river, where I started digging the pathway.
Walking shirtless with my body still sweating on the way to the river, I then arrived to my destination.
Splash Splash Splash
As I arrived at the river, I then went towards the part where I made a barricade, between the pathway and the river, a 5 or 7 inches barricade. Standing at it, I then raised the shovel I was holding and
Thwack
And started destroying the blockage, as I scoop the dirt out. I am doing this as I needed to know whether the pathway I am making, is usable or not, or do I need to adjust it, or leave it be.
Swoooshh
As I destroyed the barricade, the water then slowly flow towards the pathway and started streaming. Gradually, it then pushed forward and started running. I then observed it as I followed the water flow.....
"I think everything went smoothly now"
Though there were times that the water couldn't stream properly, or halted during the process, which I then needed to dug a bit deeper to make it back to the course, but overall it was a success. After that, I then continued digging back again.
.....
Thwack Huff
Thunk Puff
Thwack Huff
Thunk Puff
Thud
Pant Pant Pant Pant
Panting as I halted, and rested my hands on the top of the shovel, I then looked behind me, and glance to the exhausting work I just did.
Huff Huff Huff
Catching my breath first, I then strengthen myself, and went over the side as I carried my shovel. Sitting down and leaning my body to the tree's trunk, I then summoned a bottled water and drank it
Chug Chug Chug Chug
Gulp
Hooaahh
Catching my breath once again, a sudden notification then pops out
[You have gained 5, 880 Exp for chopping trees]
[Due to the [Shōnin no Omamori] flaw, you will be receiving 2, 940 Exp]
[You have level up]
[You have reached level 19]
"So they are finished in that side ha"
I said, as I lean my head to the trunk.
"Good job"
I then opened my eyes as a sudden comment voice out. Glancing at my left, I then saw Lucrane walking towards me
"Thanks to someone who made me work this tedious job, yes"
"Complaining aren't we?"
"My back is asking for justice, so why wouldn't I?"
I could hear her giggling a bit as she walked towards me. Arriving at my side me, she then stood beside me.
"Take a rest for a bit, then we will eat"
"Nmm"
"We will take our meal outside the camp, so just head over the farmland"
"Hmnn"
"Don't take to long, if you got hungry just eat. Trying to control your hunger isn't good for your body, so just take a rest for a bit then eat"
"Got it mom"
Chuckle
I jokingly spoke as I smile which made her chuckle. I then could hear her walking away. Slowly, her footstep then vanish.
Growwl~
Foo~
Taking a deep breath, I then stood up and followed her from behind, as I headed to the farmland.
^°^°^°^°^°^°[צXTHE EXP THEY GAIN FOR CLEARING THE AREA FOR THE NEW FARMLANDX¦×]°^°^°^°^°^°^
7 exp - - - > 1 piled fire wood (1, 680) for 6 days (Stone Golem) (1, 680 x 7) = 11, 760 exp
(240 trees x 7 pile of firewoods (as 1 tree gives 7 pile) = 1, 680 pile of firewood)
Total amount of exp gain: 11, 760
(11, 760 ÷ 2 = 5, 880 exp each)
^°^°^°^°^°^°[צX××××××××××××××X¦×]°^°^°^°^°^°^
After taking our meal which is a [Grilled Vegetable and Chicken], I then returned to my digging task. Lucrane already finished her task of sweeping and flattening the area, that is suitable for our crops to be planted, whereas I needed to continue digging till I finish it before evening, or mid afternoon, but this time will be quite different than the first, as the {Stone Golems} that was helping her, will be assisting me, 2 for cutting all the trees in the pathway, and 2 will be helping me making the pathway.
...
Thuck
Hah Hahh Haah Hah
Huahh~!
[You have gained 364 Exp for chopping trees]
[Due to the [Shōnin no Omamori] flaw, you will be receiving 182 Exp]
^°^°^°^°^°^°[צXTHE EXP THEY GAIN FOR CLEARING THE AREA FOR THE NEW FARMLANDX¦×]°^°^°^°^°^°^
7 exp - - - > 1 tree for 15 minutes (4 trees for 1 hour) (1st Stone Golem) - - - > 9 hours (4 x 9) x 2) x 7) = 504 exp
7 Exp - - - > 1 tree for 15 minutes (4 trees for 1 hour) (2nd Stone Golems) - - - > 4 hours (4 x 4) x 2) x 7) = 224 exp
(2 Stone Golems were cutting 36 trees (as 4 x 9 = 36) so 36 x 2 = 72 trees (1st group) - - > 2 Golems started from noon till mid after noon so in 4 hours 4 x 4 = 16 trees x 2 = 32 trees - - - > 104 trees in total)
Total amount of exp gain: 728
(728 ÷ 2 = 364 exp each)
^°^°^°^°^°^°[צX××××××××××××××X¦×]°^°^°^°^°^°^
After that tiresome task I did, I was able to finish the water pathway from the river, till the new relocated farmland in mid afternoon. Leaning once again at the tree's bark, I then Pant heavily
"Thank you for your hard work"
Haah Hah Hahh
"I should have really asked for second opinion hah.. Haah... when I accepted this position"
"Well, it is already to late to regret"
Haah hah Haah
"Obviously"
"Take a rest, I need you to help me plow the field"
Swiftly, I then turn my gaze at Lucrane, with an expression of shocked as I retorted
"Huh!? I didn't know this company overcharge overtime!"
"Now you know, so get a rest and help me after"
"This is abuse of power! I need a lawyer!"
She then waved me goodbye, as she walked away from me. I then lean back to the tree, and spoke
"Well, that was a corny joke"
I then took a deep breath and stared above as I sigh again, and stood up. I then took my shovel with me, and started heading towards the new farmland.
Arriving there, I then saw Lucrane watering the cleared field, if I said cleared field, I truly mean 'cleared', as all the weeds in that area was now gone, only leaving wet dirt, and a bit sandy soil.
"We will water the ground first for easy plowing. You take care the right side, I will finish the left one"
I then nodded, and went over where a medium size crater with water was placed. I then took a bucket which was made by Lucrane years ago. The bucket is merely made in woods, with thin metal looking straps around it. It has also a soft yet sturdy handle to use, to carry the bucket.
Slosh
After filling the whole bucket, as I scoop the water in the crater, I then went towards the right side.
Arriving at my designated location, I then use my hand as I scoop the water from the bucket, and started splashing it towards the ground.
Splash Splash Splash Splash
I watered my left first before I switched to my right, then left again and repeat. I did this until I finish all the area I am appointed to.
It didn't took to long to finish wetting the field so after that, Lucrane and I then started plowing it.
"..... This is a damn huge rake"
The one we are using today to plow the field was a huge wooden looking rake. It has 3 fingers, equipped with a shovel looking metal at its tip. The shovel looking one is designed like a triangle, with a wide extended top. The handle of this rake has a 7 or 8 inches carved area, that is use for easy handling when pulling. There was an area that is a bit thinner than the rest, with a soft fabric that looks like a cloth, which help you to avoid scratches on your palm, when pulling this rake.
"We don't have any {Farm Bull} here, so we are going to use this when plowing the field"
"{Farm Bull}?"
"{Farm Bull} is just a hornless and quite bigger {Bull}. They changed color depending on the season, deep red for summer, shade of light blue in winter, grayish green coat in spring, and orange-yellow skin in summer. They are much more tougher and quicker compared to Horses when plowing, so we begin to use them than Horses, though sometimes we still did use them, not that often though"
"So what should I do then? Just pull this rake looking thingy?"
Lucrane then nodded
"You just needed to attached this straps in your body and at the this rake, then start pulling"
As Lucrane said that, she then wrapped the black straps at the thin area of the rake. After she wrapped it twice, she then pushed the rake handle's tip, and locked the wrapped strapped, making sure it won't loose which greatly shocked me. I first thought that is the area where I needed to pull, but it seems it wasn't.
Lucrane then offered the black straps at me as she explained
"Attached this at your shoulders and abdomen"
"This is going to be tiresome"
I said. The black straps has 3 holes, 2 at diagonal manner while, the other 1 is placed at horizontal level.
"But a good training exercise also"
"How?"
I asked, as I wrapped the said straps at both of my shoulders and abdomen
"Pulling this rake will strengthen your legs for running, your shoulders when swinging, and abdomen when making a huge twist, and also defending"
As she said that, Lucrane then went towards where the crate with water was placed, and sat down. Staring at her with puzzled look, I then asked
"... And what are you, doing?"
"Obviously, I'll watched from here"
"... Huh?"
"Don't worry, I'll help whenever you are in pinch"
She said she crossed her legs, and lean her head at her left palm as she smile, which truly leaves me stupidified to her action, as I stared at her with blank expression. I then sigh knowing that I can't win if I argue with her, and went over to the bottom right of the field and started working.
Thawck
I first impaled the sharp tip of the rake a few inches deep in the ground, took a posture where I could start easily, as I moved my left foot forward, bended a bit over, and
Gahhhh
And started pulling the rake. I don't know why, but the rake suddenly felt like a giant boulder when I tried pulling it. Even how much force I use, the rake won't budge neither flinch.
Grrrrr!
Trying to move it, I gritted my teeth and pull the rake with all my might
"Mov-"
Tok!
While I was trying all my best, a sudden stone then hit my forehead at the left.
"!? What th-"
Suddenly forgetting I was pulling the rake, as I turn my head to the side, my right foot then suddenly trip for no reason, causing me to fall
Slip
"Woah!"
Slam!
And slamming my face first on the ground, with great momentum and impact. Groaning in pain as my forehead and nose receive the most damage in this fall, I then slowly turn my body to my side, and groan.
"Fffffffuck!"
I then could hear some step coming at me, glancing at my left, I then saw Lucrane heading towards me
"It wasn't my intention to do that, I was merely calling you out"
Holding my face with my palm as I lay down, I then complained
"There is this thing called CALLING!"
And yelled
"The hell is throwing a damn stone at your co-worker is called 'calling out'!?"
"Teehee, my bad"
"Teehee my ass!"
Getting up, I then tap and brushed my clothes, and asked her after.
"What is it anyway?"
"That rake is made by someone I known"
"Thanks for boosting, then what?"
She then looked at me as she continued explaining, while I sat down
"If you still act like a toodler who just realized how to walk, then that rake won't budge no matter what you do"
Sitting down as I listened to her, I then crossed my legs and lean my head to my right palm, and asked
"You mean to say is?"
"When pulling a heavy object, you needed to pull it with your weight not just your strength, especially for you who has a small build"
"I would like to extend my thanks to my parents to that"
"Also, adjust the straps on your body when doing so, find the most comfortable position that you could easily pull"
As she said that, I then looked at the black strap she gave me and discern, and realized that they was indeed a part where you could adjust the length of hole, of the said strap
"Try to strengthen your back while bending your knee a bit, with enough distance between your right foot to your left. Don't bend your waist when pulling so you won't receive any strain right after, neither using your shoulders or your upper body only when pulling, it will cause a great ache in your lower body, especially to your abdomen"
I then nodded to her words, as I attentively listening to her
"Make sure to to always take one step at a time, so you won't be restraining yourself to much, but if you needed to strive more, keep in mind that you don't need to rush, so it won't cause any inconvenience in your body afterwards"
"I will keep that in mind"
Afterwards, Lucrane then went back to her throne and sat as she watched me, while I was adjusting the straps. After that, I then placed the straps back at my shoulders and abdomen. Strengthening my posture, I then took a deep breath and
Hnghh!
And started pulling again.
Anghhh!
Little by little, I was leisurely moving, though slowly, but steadily moving forward.
"Try to pull it using your upper body's weight! Don't rely solely on your shoulders, neither to your abdomen alone!"
Ghaaahhh!
Gritting my teeth, I the pulled the rake again and moved.
....
[You have gained 2, 548 Exp for chopping trees]
[Due to the [Shōnin no Omamori] flaw, you will be receiving 1, 274 Exp]
^°^°^°^°^°^°[צXTHE EXP THEY GAIN FOR CLEARING THE AREA FOR THE NEW FARMLANDX¦×]°^°^°^°^°^°^
7 exp - - - > 1 piled fire wood (728) in 4 hours (Stone Golem) (728 x 7) = 5, 096 exp
(104 trees x 7 pile of firewoods (as 1 tree gives 7 pile) = 728 pile of firewood)
Total amount of exp gain: 11, 760
(5, 096 ÷ 2 = 2, 548 exp each)
^°^°^°^°^°^°[צX××××××××××××××X¦×]°^°^°^°^°^°^
Haah hah Haah hahh hah Haah ahhaah
Gasping strongly as I lay down facing the ground, tiredly
"You did a good job"
Huff Huff Huff Huff
Whizzz
"For..... Haah hah..... 4 h-haa Haah.....for 4 hours straight.... Haah... Ha.. I could only last this long.... Huff Huff... What a damn fucking job!"
"You are very much welcome"
Haah Haa hah ahha hahh
With my heavy eyelids, I then saw Lucrane moving closer to me. Arriving beside me, she then scrunched down and brushed my disheveled hair at my forehead, and spoke in a concerning tone
"Are you tired?"
"Is your eyes just decoration or what?"
"Then do you want a piggyback ride?"
"... What?"
She then smiled as she looked at me, while posing a cute pose with her both cheeks are leaning at both of her palm, while her legs are tightly closed. Staring at her for a quite some time, I then breath and spoke as I closed my eyes
"I will take that offer then"
"Got it"
She replied in a whimsical tone
...
"...."
"...."
We were silent as we transverse the forest back to our camp. Lucrane then stared at me and smiled. Slowly, she then closed the distance between us, and spoke in a whimsical tone
"Were you expecting something, my dear Vince?"
"...."
I only answered her question with silence, as I close my eyes and didn't respond. I then could hear her giggling at my side
"Awww, were you expecting me to give you a piggyback ride?"
"Shut up"
Annoyed, I reply as I close my eyes, and didn't further spoke
Chuckle
After I was laying on the ground completely tired and exhausted, Lucrane then carried me. Expecting to be carried by her, on her back, I was really surprised when she placed me atop of a stretcher looking one, while being lifted by 2 {Stone Golems} towards our camp. Laying down while making sure my expression won't change, as I tried my hardest to give a poker face, I just gone with the flow of the situation, which then resulted on her, teasing me.
"Oh my~, is someone disappointed~?"
"I said shut up"
"Heheheh~ so someone is really disappointed huh?"
"In which word on the word 'shut up' you still don't get!?"
I yelled as I still keep my eyes close, while keeping myself calm and relax, trying not to spill the beans in this embarrassing situation I am in
"Don't be shy now~"
"Fuck you!"
I angerly spoke. I then could hear her giggling to my words, trying to not get anymore teased in this situation, I then turn my head to the side. Glancing at my right, I then felt a little comfortable as I was being carried around, gazing at the evening hour of this place.
For 4 hours of tedious plowing, I was only able finish not even half of the quarter of that field. Completely worn out, this kind of service is really relaxing, especially as the 2 {Stone Golems} who were carrying me, never once swayed nor made the journey rough for me, which was truly amazing.
Just laying down in this journey while gazing the night sky was, a luxury itself, though I will be lying if I said I wasn't anticipating to be carried by Lucrane towards our camp though
'I should have really pop my cherry in that brothel once, goddammit, what a waste'
.....
Splash Splash Splash
"Gahhhhh!"
"I'll keep the ground a bit wet, so it will be easy for you to plow it"
"Hnggggg! You could at least help me here!"
Patter Patter Patter Patter
"Please be reminded who among the two of us is the weakest, and needed a thorough training?"
"You could at least help! Kuhhhh!"
After eating our breakfast, I then started plowing the field once again, using that curse rake. Every now and then, Lucrane keeps the ground where I was plowing wet, so it will be easier for me to plow it, though I wish she could at least spare some of her 'I am your master' attitude and help me. We will be able to finish this task in no time, but that barbaric woman wouldn't even bat an eye on me
Gritting my teeth as I keep pulling this heavy rake, as I push forward. Every strive I make, was like a dozen 20kg metal weights has placed at each of my feet. Sometimes I could even hear my body crack everytime I pull this rake. I never really knew that farming will become this hard.
.....
Haah haa Haah hah Haah
Taking a shelter to a tree nearby while I rest, I then summoned a bottled water from my [Storage Ring]. Hurriedly opening the bottled water tip, I then chug it down to quell my thirst, as well to cool down
Chug Chug Chug Chug
Gulp
Puahh~!
Wiping my mouth, I then hold the bottled water on my hand, and lean to the tree. This is my 5th time taking a rest, and it wasn't even lunch yet. Looking at the part that I already plowed, I then realized that I was able to at least make it through pass the quarter of this field. Panting as I sat down, I then drank again. Drinking the bottled water, I then glance at the place where Lucrane was, and didn't saw her there.
'Took a break?'
Gulping down the water as I relieve my dried throat, I then store the bottled water back at the ring, and rested for some time, and let the windy breeze caress my body as I rest.
After taking a small break, I then stood up from my resting area, and head towards where I left the rake I am using. Stepping out from the shed, I then meet the blazing heat of the sun, though not that scorching like a dessert, or like my home country, which is stationed at the center of the equator, the heat still stings especially to this open field.
Arriving there, I then strap the black strap at my shoulders and abdomen. After attaching it, I then strengthen my back, and move my left foot forward. I then took a deep breath and
Kahhh!
And started pulling once again.
....
"Lunch is ready"
Opening my eyes as I rested once again at the nearby tree, I then glance at my right side, and saw Lucrane coming towards me.
"I cooked some [Grilled Mushrooms] and some [Smoked Chicken], it will help your replenish your muscles strength, and also build them"
She explained as she gaze at the field. She then added
"You finished half of the field, good job"
Foo~
Taking a deep breath, I then stood up and took my shirt that I place beside me, and headed towards Lucrane. I then spoke
"It was truly tiring job, but I will be lying if I said I didn't felt my body becoming much more resilient than before. My muscles also been much more tougher, especially my abdomen. I tried swinging when I have some free time, and guess what? I was able to cut down a single mature tall tree with 2 strikes, without any skills"
"I see"
I then touched my right shoulder as I swirl my right arm, while I further explain all the things that I felt was different than before
"My shoulder also could swing a much stronger and better swings than before. Twisting and turning was much more easy, as my abdomen could assist it properly this time. My legs also received some boost as I could run greatly. I tried running some laps in the field when I was resting, I tried examining how much distance I could cover within a minute, and divide by using skills and not using any"
"That is certainly amazing"
She replied in a nonchalant tone
"Yes, I was also able to... What are you doing?"
I asked as I looked back upfront. Lucrane was still looking at the field, and never took a glance at me, which really made me puzzle
"Doing what?"
"I have been talking for a while and you still gazing at the field, what's up anyway?"
I then stared at the field as I hold my shirt at my right, while my left hand was on my waist
"Got a problem with that? I was quite impressed that you were able to do this much, much better than I thought you could have done"
I then slightly smiled as she compliment me
"Well, though my teacher was quite a strict, and barbarous one"
I then looked back at Lucrane, and stated with sincere thanks
"She was still a great teacher to have"
".... Hmph"
Snorting, Lucrane then turn her gaze at me, and spoke in a boosting tone
"You just realized that now? How pitiful"
"Sheesh, and now you are boosting? What a wonderful teacher you are"
"I'm just self-conscious that I am indeed a great one-"
Lucrane's eyes then gaze down as she continued
'Hmmm...?'
"So be grateful that I am teaching you"
She then hurriedly turn her gaze back upfront, and turn back to the field. I then noticed a slight red plush on her face, as she did that. Gazing below, I then grinned and realized the reason why.
Moving a bit closer to her, I then spoke in a teasing tone
"Could it be that my boorish teacher, is shy seeing a naked man in front?"
And smiled as I said that, while intentionally fully displaying my already grown body to her, that was truly different than my usual pitite, malnourished, and untrained body.
"I didn't know that such frightening person is still a maiden in hear-gahhhh!"
I exclaimed as a sudden wrecking ball like thing hit my abdomen, causing me to stumble down as I groan in pain, and kneeled.
"Damn, it hurts"
I spoke in a moaning voice
"Your body indeed became quite tougher than the last, but"
Kneeling down while my head was on the ground, as I press my arms around my abdomen, I then felt her foot at my head, stepping it as she spoke in a murderous intent
"You are still but a child in front of me, so better remember that"
She then took her foot away from my head. Glancing above, I then saw her turning back, and walked away
"Hmph, be grateful that I am such a benevolent woman. Lunch is already served, just get back to the camp and eat, I won't be waiting for you"
Still groaning in pain, I then voice out my complain
"I will make sure to pay you for this!"
"Better sleep if you want to dream"
"I swear I will! One day I will!"
She then waved her hand as she moved further from me. Still groaning, I then curse
"Fuck, she could at least spare me a bit there, that punch was absurdly strong"
Wrapping my arms a bit tighter to my abdomen, I then slam down and groan
"I think my guts just went upside down"
Feeling like my inside were being twirled like a clothe in a washing machine, or like a blender.
....
It took me 10th times of groaning with almost whining and screaming, as every second pass, my guts were basically being smashed, chopped, twisted, and curled. It took me several hours before the pain subdue a bit, but even so, even moving a little, my guts will started go around in circle, like a merry go-around for no reason, making me vomit, so I needed to be careful when I needed to move.
Haah haha Haah hah haahh
For several hours of trying to find a way to stand up, I then walked towards the camp, staggering and groaning. Sweats rolls in my body as I steadily strive forward. Every movements I made were carefully acted, making sure that my guts won't react even for a smallest amount of movement.
Huff Huff Huff Huff Huff Huff
Sometimes I needed to lean to a tree nearby to rest and help me stand up, so I won't stumble down.
Pant Pant Pant Pant Pant
Arriving at the camp, I then saw Lucrane swiftly standing up as she saw me. Worry and guilt were painted on her face, as she hurriedly run towards me
"A-are you alright!?"
With my heavy eyelids, I then smile and spoke
"Fuck"
And fell down as I lost consciousness
Thud!
"Hey!!"
.....
Swooshh
"... Nhmmnmmm..."
Feeling the cold breeze of the wind brushing me, I then slowly open my eyes. Gazing around me, I then realized I was carried back to the camp.
"Gahh"
I moan, as I accidentally forgot that my inside almost raptured for unknown reason, and suddenly moved my body as I tried standing up
"D-don't push yourself!"
Groaning as I hold my stomach, I then glance at my right, and saw Lucrane coming inside with a tray on her hand.
"Don't try to move suddenly, or it will cause some complications. Just rest for a bit there, that pain will subdue after an hour or two"
She then walked towards my side. Holding the tray, she then place it at my top right. Concern and guilt was shown on her face as she looked at me
"I-I'm sorry, it wasn't my intention to go that far, I apologize"
She then slightly bow as she said those words
"Yeah...right"
I spoke in a hoarse tone. Gasping a bit, I then asked her out, as I took a glance on her
"How long did I lost consciousness?"
"3 hours"
"How about the field then?"
"You don't need to worry about that, I made the {Stone Golems} finish the job. This should be finish by now"
"... I see"
"Yeah"
"...."
"...."
Awkward silence then engulfed the atmosphere, as the two of quietly stay still.
"If you are trying to kill me, you could have at least went for the head you know. I'm not really a big fan of torture"
"I wasn't trying to do so"
She said. She then turn her gaze at the right, as she added
"It was your fault for teasing me like that"
"So you could tease me but I can't? How splendid"
I retorted which caused this barbarous woman to flinch.
"..."
"..."
Silence then come back again, as the two of us forgot to memorize our script. Not liking such mood, I then closed my eyes, as I tried to going back to sleep to take another rest, until
"I'm sorry"
I then glance at my side, and saw Lucrane bowing down as she clenched her fist
"I promise I won't do it again"
"You better be, because I don't want to experience yet again another blender machine, like a merry go-around pain"
Lucrane then frown as she looked at me with a puzzled face
"The what?"
"Nothing. I'll take a rest for a bit"
I then closed my eyes once again to take a nap
"A-are you hungry? I brought some food here"
"I have no appetite for the time being, so I shall be declining. I will take a rest for a bit"
"I-I see..."
I then could hear the tray being lifted, and Lucrane standing up
"If you feel hungry, just call me okay"
"I will, if I feel like it"
"Then take a rest"
"Nmmhmm"
I then could hear Lucrane's footstep stepping outside, and walking away. Feeling the silence of the room, I then took a deep breath, adjustmented myself a little. After I found a better position to sleep with, as careful as much as possible, I then took a nap.
.....
Growwll~
".... Nmmhmm..."
Growwl~
"..... Mnnnnmmm..."
Grooowwwlll~
Feeling the growling sound becoming annoying, I then forcefully woke myself up. A bit disoriented as I woke up, I then tried discerning my surrounding. The area is dimly lit, which indicates the time it was. Finally remembering the reason why I took such long nap, I then slowly touched my abdomen, and tried putting a pressure on it. Feeling that the pain I was feeling during those time was now gone, I then leisurely got myself up.
Growwwll~
Sensing the overwhelming hunger I am feeling, I then walked towards outside the camp
"Oh, good evening"
I then saw Lucrane sitting near a camp fire, as she took a sip on her hot drink
Woosshh
"Good evening"
I replied to her, as I felt the cold breeze of the wind in this silent night. I then walked towards where she was. Sitting beside her, Lucrane then stood up, and took a tray that was placed above the pot. She then offered it to me
"I just pre-heated it a bit"
I then took the tray from her hand, and took deep breath. Sitting beside me, she then took a mug and offered it at me
"I just cooked some hot soup, just to warm ourselves in this night"
Taking the mug from her, I then thanked her which she replied with a smile. Placing the tray at my lap, I then uncover it, as she sealed the tray with a thin sheet like a paper, but flexible and smooth like a cloth. I then grab the spoon that was already inside the tray, and took my meal
"..... Is your, stomach okay now?"
Lucrane asked in a meek voice
Chew Chew Chew Chew Chew
Gulp
"Much better than earlier, thanks to someone"
I said with in a bit of a joking tone
"I already said I'm sorry though"
She complained as she stared at her mug, that she was holding with both of her hands
"You did? Sorry I forgot, that punch took all my strength, so I got nothing to help me process the situation"
I then took a glance at my right as I tease her, which she then frown as I said that
"I'm sorry okay"
"Not so sincere? Sigh"
Nom
Taking a small bits of meat, I then chewed as I tried teasing Lucrane for a little bit
Chew Chew Chew Chew
Slurp
"If you don't want to experience another agonizing pain"
Gulp
"I'm sorry"
I hurriedly spoke as I gulped down the meat I ate.
Slurp
Lucrane then went on silence. Glancing at her, I then saw her complicated expression. Bending her head down just atop of her mug, she then spoke in tone I wasn't familiar with, or to be precise, something I first heard from her
"I really am sorry, I promise that it won't happen again"
"..."
Feeling a bit awkward to this situation, I then gaze upfront and spoke
"It was my fault indeed that time, but, you could at least pulled your punch a little bit, I almost felt or really felt that my inside just about to explode"
"I'm sorry about that"
"Well, what happened happened, I just wish you won't try to gouge my stomach open next time"
"I will"
"Then all good"
Munch
Trying not make my meal gone sour, I then tried making the situation a bit better, seeing that she didn't done it intentionally, though I am still quite felt a bitter aftertaste to it, not getting any back after experiencing that pain. Feeling the mood as been stabilize, I then took my meal in this lovely night with a, warm soup and a delightful dish. I then munched my food with pleasure.
...
"I just thought of this last night but, don't we need to place some fertilizer first, to make sure that the crops we plant will grow abundantly?"
"If we are outside, yes, but inside the tower, the soil is already full with nutrients, so adding some fertilizer won't boost the overall speed growth of the crops, than what it is"
"I see"
I said as I nodded, understanding her words while crossing my arms. After we took a light meal in the morning, we then went back to the field, and start planting our crops. The {Stone Golems} really did much a better job than I. They were able to finish it faster than me, and quite remarkable and splendid that I did, which truly makes me feel a bit bitter after taste on this one.
After we decided that I will take care of the left side, and while Lucrane will do the right side, we then started. I'll be planting all 16 Carrots in the left side of the field, whereas Lucrane shall be planting 3 Potato lanes, 3 Cabbage lanes, 2 Wheat lanes, 5 Squash lanes, 2 Sayote lanes, 2 Garlic lanes, and 2 Onion lanes, which gave us 35 lanes in total.
Lucrane already stored some seeds for each crops, except for the Squash, Onion, Sayote, and Garlic, which we just took from the outside farmland 2 days ago. To get a seed from a Carrot, you only needed to do is not harvest a few of them, and let them grow. As the tower is boosted thanks to the [Speed Booster], that we got after the tower reach Lv 2, it only needed 2 or 3 days until the Carrot sprout some flower buds, which will then produce some seeds. 1 carrot can give 1, 000 seeds, so leaving 2 or 3 will do, and it will last for almost 3 years or more, so we won't need to be concern if we harvest them all.
For the Potatoes, you just needed to leave the harvested Potato for 10 days, leaving it in a stable environment which has an average temperature and humidity, and also in a place with an indirect access of sunlight, it will then sprout some seeds. You will notice it after the eyes of the potato - the holes of it - begone sprouting. Cutting the Potato into 2, will let you examine more on which side gave seeds. Average Potato gives 4 seeds, so in a lane of 3 with 20 planted Potatoes, we just need to leave 15 Potatoes.
Squash gives seeds inside it, so it wasn't a problem. Garlic is already seeds itself, so after taking some of them to be harvested, you just needed to plant some of them back again. Garlic seed is called Glove, as they aren't really a true seed, and each Garlic produce dozen or so Gloves. As for the Onion, the process is the same as the Carrot, but 1 Onion only gives 42 seeds.
Chayote needed to be planted in whole, as the seed inside it won't grow unless it was inside the said crop. After harvesting it, you just needed to place it in a cold, or a bit moist places. After a week or two, it will start sprouting. Place the Sayote in the soil right after it gives a 30 cm long vine. 1 vine of Sayote gives at least 80 Sayote. So leaving 1 or 2 to be planted back again is a worth it. If we are back at my world, or outside of this tower, it only produce Sayote every 30 days, in every season.
Wheat produce seeds call Kernels at its head. 1 Wheat plant gives 22 seeds per head, and 1 Wheat gives 5 heads, which will produce 110 seeds. And in order to plant Wheat, we needed to at least reserve 2 or 4 Wheat crop.
Phew~
After plating all the seeds in each 16 lanes of the Carrot field, I was now done on my part. I then stood up and headed towards the crate, where the stored water was place. Taking a bucket, I then scoop it full and went back to the Carrot field. Walking there, I then pass Lucrane who was still busy planting some of the crops. My side is much easier, though I have more lane to be planted. Remember, mine only needed to plant the seed, while Lucrane needed to dig a bit deeper when doing so, as some are needed to be dug down for good growth - Sayote, Garlic, and Potatoes.
She was bending down as she did it. Sweat keeps pouring on her forehead, and dirt from the soil was brandishing her clothe.
Arriving at my place, I then started watering my finish field.
Sprinkle Sprinkle Sprinkle
I took 8 round trip from the field then towards the crate, then back at the field again ,before I finished watering all the 16 lanes of Carrots. After I finished my side, I then wipe the sweat that is rolling at my forehead, before I went back to the crate.
Scooping another bucket of water, I then headed towards the place where Lucrane already finished planting the crops.
Pitter-patter Pitter-patter Pitter-patter Pitter-patter
Taking a glance at Lucrane, I then saw her doing the same. Meeting each other's gaze, she then smiled at me, while I shrugged before we went back to our task.
If I ever get back to my world, I will give each of those people a headbutt for looking down on the farmers. Those people need to learn how important those farmers were.
Before lunch, we were able to finish planting our crops, and also watering them in the process. Taking a shed in a nearby tree, both us then settle down, and took a rest to cool down, until
"!?!"
The very ground were we are sitting shake. Knowing what it means, the two of us then hurriedly ran towards the control room
[The Tower has reached Lv 3, Congratulations]
[You have received New item's. Please check your [Inventory]
[New Features is added in your tower. Please check the tower status]
[You received 600 Exp for finishing the new farmland]
[Due to the [Shōnin no Omamori] flaw, you will be receiving 300 Exp]
[You gain 1, 600 Exp]
[You have received 300 silver coins]
[You have received 300 silver coins]
[You have received 300 silver coins]
Running at full speed, we then reached the control room. Lucrane then hurriedly went towards the center, and checked the new features and items of the tower. Looking at the hologram, she then face me with joyous expression.