Chapter 9 - Suspension Thursday (2) and Friday (1)

"Ignoring the fact that you violated my privacy, I think I could use your help."

"Alright, then what should we do?"

"Help me move the materials."

I always dreamed of building a house on the hill, identical to the one I always saw in my favorite movie trilogy from Middle-earth. Of course, I would have to make some modifications so that my height wouldn't be an issue. Although now that I notice, while I'm of average height, most of the people I meet are much taller than me.

Not to go too far, Tesline, who is now my ally, is taller than me. Although perhaps I shouldn't be so surprised, since in the game she was a bit taller than the protagonist. Adding to that, I was now in the body of Rurik, someone who appeared so little in the game that I never paid attention to his characteristics.

I decided to ignore that for the moment and focus on making this hill worthy of being considered a home. The hill stood majestic, covered in a green mantle that whispered with the wind. From its top, one could see the forest stretching out like an emerald ocean as far as the eye could see.

Tesline and I stood in front of the hill, evaluating the terrain and planning every detail. The entrance had to be wide and welcoming, but also discreet, to maintain the feeling of a hidden refuge. With Tesline by my side, I felt this work wouldn't take long.

The first step was to excavate the interior of the hill. Tesline suggested starting from the natural entrance, expanding it little by little. It was surprising how much she knew about building a house.

'Perhaps it's a detail I don't remember?'

We used the tools my system provided us, but always carefully to avoid damaging the hill's natural structure. I feared that the slightest mistake could permanently ruin this place. For hours, we worked tirelessly, removing soil and stones, expanding the hill's interior to accommodate more rooms.

When lunchtime came, I invited Tesline to eat as a way of thanking her for her help. She immediately accepted, showing she had a bigger appetite than mine.

We returned to the hill and started transforming the gathered wood into planks, beams, and columns. Once finished, we placed the wooden supports to ensure the tunnel's stability. The humidity and coolness of the hill's interior enveloped us, and sometimes we could hear the echo of our own steps reverberating off the earthen walls.

The next step was to modify the hill's entrance to be tall and wide enough. With the entrance completed, we began designing the interior rooms. We wanted each space to have a natural connection with the hill, using the curves and natural contours. We decided to create a large central hall with smaller rooms around it.

The walls were reinforced with a mixture of mud and straw, an ancient technique that Tesline knew well. This not only provided stability but also thermal insulation, keeping the interior cool in summer and warm in winter. Hand-carved wooden beams were placed to support the ceiling and add a rustic, natural touch.

With the house structure completed, we moved on to the next step. Using the system shop without Tesline seeing, I bought a large amount of what I considered medieval concrete. Tesline and I split up to reinforce the walls and ceiling.

Tesline seemed to know this concrete already, as she didn't react strangely upon seeing it. This concrete would not only provide stability but also thermal insulation, keeping the interior cool in summer and warm in winter. Additionally, when it dried, it took on a whitish color that looked aesthetically pleasing.

The next step was to achieve good lighting and ventilation. We wanted to maximize natural light without compromising the hill's privacy and insulation. Tesline suggested creating windows in specific areas that would allow direct sunlight to enter strategic points inside.

For ventilation, we took advantage of the already created windows, which allowed air circulation without altering the rooms' natural aesthetic.

With the structure and lighting ready, we focused on one of the most important aspects to create a cozy and warm feeling: the floor. We decided it had to be wooden, both for its natural beauty and durability, and it was very affordable.

Before installing the wooden floor, we prepared the ground to ensure it was completely level. We used a mixture of gravel and sand to create a firm base, ensuring the floor had no inclinations or irregularities. This process was crucial to guarantee the wooden boards settled perfectly and wouldn't creak over time.

Once the base was ready, we began installing the wooden planks. Tesline had personally selected each plank, ensuring they were of the highest quality with consistent grain and color. It was surprising how meticulous she was, though I didn't complain; her attention to detail was incredibly useful.

We used a tongue-and-groove assembly technique, where each plank fit perfectly with the next, creating a smooth and continuous surface. We started from the entrance, laying each plank meticulously, side by side. As we progressed, we adjusted and cut the planks as needed to ensure they fit perfectly into every corner and curve of the house.

The sun was setting, so we quickened our pace. With the floor fully installed, we focused on the finishing touches. Tesline asked me to buy a special liquid in the village. It was a mixture of a special beeswax-based oil and linseed oil, which provided a protective layer against daily wear.

I took Tesline's advice because she seemed to know more than I did. It didn't take me long to buy it, so there was still a bit of light when I returned. We applied the oil carefully, layer by layer, allowing it to be fully absorbed before applying the next.

As night fell, I lit my lantern and approached Tesline, who was still working tirelessly.

"I think we should leave it for now."

"Let me finish this."

"Enough. Come on, I'm treating you to dinner; it's the least I can do."

"Alright, but I owe you one."

"You're still on that. Just because I saved you doesn't mean you owe me."

"But..."

"But nothing. Let's go, I'm getting hungry."

　*・・*・・*・・*・・*・・*

I started to open my eyes at the sound of a loud noise. Morning light was streaming into the house more easily. I turned my head and found Tesline installing wooden baseboards along the walls, covering any small gaps.

"What...? How...? What are you doing here so early?"

"I know what you said yesterday, but this has nothing to do with that."

"Well, then..."

"I don't like leaving things unfinished."

"That's not up for debate."

We continued with the construction, now focusing on the interior details. We wanted every corner of the house to have a special touch. The rounded doors and windows were an obvious choice, inspired by my favorite movie.

Tesline carved intricate designs into the frames of the doors and windows. The shelves and furniture were handcrafted using local wood and traditional designs.

After finishing that, we tackled the kitchen and the living room, which were the heart of the house. For now, they were a bit empty, but when I had some money, I would buy utensils and a large wood stove. For now, we built a spacious and cool pantry, perfect for storing food over long periods.

The living room, with its central fireplace, was a cozy place to gather and share stories. The walls were adorned with shelves that Tesline installed while I slept.

Now only the most important thing was left: the water supply. Fortunately, a clear, bubbling stream ran near the base of the hill, providing a natural source of fresh water. We decided the best way to bring the water to our house would be to redirect it using bamboo pipes that I would make myself.

Bamboo is a strong, durable material that is naturally water-resistant, making it perfect for our task. Plus, it was easily obtainable since it grew not far from this forest. First, I selected mature, straight bamboo canes, cutting them into uniform lengths. With Tesline by my side, we began working on making the pipes.

We used simple tools to hollow out the interior of the bamboo, creating long, hollow tubes. Each section was carefully sanded and treated with linseed oil to ensure durability. We then joined the sections using smaller bamboo connectors and hemp rope, sealed with natural resin to prevent leaks.

Once the bamboo pipes were ready, we began the installation. The first step was to build a catchment system in the stream, using stones and earth to create a small dam that redirected part of the water flow into our pipes.

We placed the bamboo pipes along the slope of the hill, burying them slightly to protect and stabilize them. We built a series of wooden supports to keep the pipes in place and ensure a steady flow of water to our house.

Inside the house, we designed a distribution system to bring water to all necessary areas: the kitchen and the bathroom. We used a combination of bamboo pipes and concrete containers to store and distribute the water.

In the kitchen, we installed a handmade sink with stone and concrete, connected to a manual pump that drew water directly from the bamboo pipes. In the bathroom, we built a rustic shower and a small washbasin, both fed by the same system. Tesline added finishing touches, such as a small shelf for storing soap and towels.

With the remaining wood, we began creating an eco-friendly latrine to ensure sustainability and hygiene in our hillside home. We wanted to design a system that was efficient, environmentally friendly, and seamlessly integrated with the rest of the house.

The first step was to choose the right location for the latrine. We decided to place it on a small stretch of the hill, far enough from the house to avoid odors but close enough for convenience. The site had a slight slope, which was ideal for natural drainage.

We started by digging a deep pit in the selected location. We wanted to ensure the pit was large enough to handle waste for a long period without needing frequent emptying. Once the pit was ready, we reinforced the walls with bricks and cement to prevent collapse and ensure durability.

For the latrine structure, we used wood and bamboo. We built a simple but sturdy frame, with walls and a sloping roof to protect the interior from rain. The walls were made of wooden planks, treated with linseed oil to resist moisture and insects.

The latrine door was a work of art in itself. Tesline carved intricate patterns into the wood, creating an entrance that was both functional and beautiful. We installed a small window at the top of one of the walls to allow ventilation and natural light.

The latrine seat was made of polished wood, with a lid that could be easily lifted. Below the seat, we designed a composting system that would turn human waste into natural fertilizer for a future garden.

We placed a layer of organic material, such as dried leaves and straw, at the bottom of the pit. Each time the latrine was used, we added a layer of soil and organic material to aid in the decomposition process and reduce odors. This composting method was efficient and environmentally friendly, ensuring that nothing went to waste.

With the main structure of the latrine complete, we focused on the finishing touches and details. We installed a rainwater dispenser for handwashing, providing a constant supply of clean water without needing to connect to the main pipe network.

With the last piece finished, Tesline and I paused to admire our work. The sunlight bathed our creation in warm tones, and a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction enveloped us. We had worked tirelessly for hours, and now it was time to celebrate and take a well-deserved break.

"Are you hungry?"

"Yes..."

"Let's go, I'll treat."

"Since we're going to the guild, we could pick a new mission."

"What?"

"I mean, now that you have nothing else to do."

"Yes, but... but..."

"I'll take that as a yes."

"Wait."

Tesline stood up and began walking toward the village, ignoring what I had to say.

　*・・*・・*・・*・・*・・*

The village adventurers' guild was as bustling and lively as ever. Tesline and I sat at a nearby table after ordering our food. While we waited, we chatted about trivial matters, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of the place. Eventually, the waitress brought our plates, and we set to eating with gusto.

After finishing, we headed to the guild's bulletin board. The place was covered in scrolls and notes, each detailing a different quest. Some were simple tasks, like gathering medicinal herbs or hunting wild animals.

In the game, missions remained on the board until you took them, with new ones refreshing every few hours. But here, a mission could be taken by another adventurer at any moment, making it disappear forever if you didn't act quickly.

Tesline and I reviewed the missions carefully. Personally, I was looking for something straightforward and not too time-consuming. But knowing Tesline, we'd probably end up with a more demanding quest. Finally, we found one that caught our attention: an ancient ruin had been discovered in the nearby forest, and a team was sought to explore it and recover any valuable artifacts.

In the game, these ruins were mini-dungeons of two to three floors, with weak enemies and a mini-boss. As you advanced in the adventure, the dungeons became more challenging. Typically, you could find items, weapons, scrolls, and other treasures. Personally, I hoped to find a staff, as both in the game and this world, casting magic without one consumed more mana and made targeting harder.

"This one looks good," I said, pointing to the scroll.

"Yes, let's take this one," Tesline agreed.

Although the quest seemed appealing, there was a reason other adventurers hadn't picked it up: the gear they had was generally of good quality, and the ruins, while interesting, didn't offer great rewards in terms of experience. Generally, they preferred quests that provided better equipment or more experience.

We accepted the mission and began planning our expedition. For now, we only took some provisions in case the quest took longer than expected. We approached the counter and spoke with Aldwyn, the guild clerk.

"Alright, I've registered that you'll be taking the mission," Aldwyn said, clearly tired.

"Thank you," Tesline and I said, appreciative.

"This time, if things get complicated, promise me you'll retreat immediately," Aldwyn insisted seriously.

"We promise," we replied.

"Good, before you go, I want to give you both this," Aldwyn said, handing us a multi-purpose belt.

In the game, this belt was an item given after completing the first mission. It essentially served as a quick inventory where you could store arrows, bolts, and consumables. The fact that Aldwyn gave us a belt each relaxed me, as it meant he had more than one. So, he'd probably have one reserved for Darius when he completed his first mission.

"Thank you very much," we said, satisfied.

Before leaving, we bought some medicinal herbs and potions, preparing for any eventuality. With everything ready, we headed toward the forest, ready to face whatever the ancient ruin had in store for us.

　*・・*・・*・・*・・*・・*

After a long walk through the forest following the map, we arrived at the ancient ruins mentioned in the quest. Among the trees, a crumbling stone structure covered in moss and vines appeared. At the center of the ruins were stairs leading down to the dungeon entrance, which emitted an aura of danger. Tesline and I prepared ourselves, checking our weapons and supplies before entering.

"Are you ready?"

"To be honest, I'm pretty nervous."

"Don't worry, we'll be fine."

We descended the stairs to the dungeon entrance, which was a narrow, damp corridor. It had a stone door meant to keep fools like us out. Gathering our strength, we managed to lift the stone door.

We advanced cautiously, using my lantern to light the way. The air was thick with the smell of dampness and something older, something rank. Soon, the corridor opened into a large hall with stone pillars reaching up to the ceiling. It was there that we heard the first sounds.

I increased the brightness of the lantern, allowing us to discern in the shadows the large rats that emitted shrill cries upon noticing our presence.

The rats emerged from the shadows, their eyes gleaming with malicious intelligence. They were larger than normal, about the size of medium dogs, with matted fur and sharp teeth. Tesline adjusted her brass knuckles, and I drew my axe from my belt.

The first rat lunged at us with surprising speed. With a quick move, Tesline dodged it and delivered a precise blow to its skull, stunning it. I took the opportunity to drive my axe into its flank, making it screech and writhe before falling dead. The rats, enraged by the death of their companion, began to surround us.

Tesline and I fought back to back, covering each other. She moved with agility and precision, her punches landing with lethal force in each strike. My axe attacks, while not powerful, were precise, splitting the rats' skulls with each hit. Despite the rats' ferocity, our coordination and skills allowed us to hold our ground.

One of the rats managed to leap onto me, knocking me to the ground. I felt its claws tearing at my clothes as I struggled to keep it away from my face. With an effort, I managed to push it off and strike it with the handle of my axe, causing it to retreat. Tesline seized the moment to deliver a spinning kick that sent the rat flying against the wall.

As the rats continued attacking, I decided to use my freezing spell. I focused my magical energy in my hands and, aiming at a rat, cast the spell. The rat was instantly frozen in place. Tesline took advantage of the opportunity to destroy it with her fists, shattering the ice and eliminating the threat.

The hall fell silent, except for our heavy breathing and the dripping of water from the ceiling. We took a moment to catch our breath and make sure there were no more rats hiding. Examining the area revealed stairs leading to the next floor.

"Here, drink this."

To be on the safe side, we each took a healing potion to face the next floor in better condition.

"I have to admit, that was kind of fun."

"Isn't it?"

"Given the theme, I think I know what awaits us at the end of this dungeon."

"Don't spoil it for me, I want it to be a surprise."

The entrance to the second floor of the dungeon was dark and narrow. However, the room on the second floor was well-lit by the moss growing down there. This allowed us to see the next enemy, who seemed to be the dungeon boss.

In the center of the chamber, atop a mound of debris and bones, was a giant rat, the size of a small bear. Its red eyes glared at us with hatred, as if it knew we had taken out its minions.

The giant rat let out a roar and charged at us. Tesline and I separated to avoid its charge. With a battle cry, I ran towards the beast, raising my axe and delivering a powerful blow that sunk into its side. The rat screamed in pain but did not stop. Tesline took advantage of the distraction to attack from the other side, repeatedly hitting its flank with her reinforced fists.

The rat, in a furious move, spun and struck Tesline with its tail, sending her crashing into the wall. I rushed to her aid while the rat prepared another attack. I helped Tesline get up, and together we faced the beast. Each hit and attack seemed to enrage it more, but it also weakened it.

I decided to use my freezing spell to gain an advantage. I concentrated my magical energy and aimed at the giant rat. I managed to freeze it in place for a few seconds. Tesline and I seized the opportunity.

She delivered a series of blows to the rat's head, while I drove my axe deep into its neck.

The creature fell with one final screech. We stood, breathing heavily and covered in dirt and sweat. The dungeon was clear, and we could feel the dark energy slowly dissipating.

We took a moment to rest and heal our wounds with the remaining potions. Then we explored the chamber for any treasure or artifacts that might have been left behind. It didn't take long before we found the chest.

"Look at that."

"What do you think it is, Tesline?"

"Maybe a weapon or money. Please, let it be money."

"I hope it's a staff; it's about time I got one."

Inside the chest, we found a leather pouch full of silver coins—exactly twenty. Surprisingly, the coins were not tarnished, which made us smile. Besides the pouch of coins, there was a medallion and a bracelet.

I took the medallion and held it in my hand. I recognized it instantly by the symbols engraved on it. In the game, this medallion improved spell power by 5%. I put it around my neck, feeling a slight surge of power.

Tesline examined the bracelet, which was adorned with runes and embedded gems. She held it carefully, admiring its craftsmanship.

"This bracelet is really nice."

"That bracelet grants a 7% increase in combat damage. It's best if you wear it."

"How do you know that?"

"General knowledge, I suppose."

"What kind of answer is that?"

"It was the first thing that came to mind."

With our new loot secured, we exited the dungeon, eager to return to the village and share our exploits, and ready for the next adventures that awaited us.