I wake up to the same sight every morning, gazing up at the sticks that make my roof. Though it looks unpleasant, it at least keeps the rain out. The walls are a bit better, constructed from a mix of dirt and stone. The door, too, is made of sticks. I rise and walk outside, pushing my door open after I remove the stick that's keeping it from opening inward. I make my way to the nearby pond, which seems to be shrinking daily. I scoop up some water with my bucket and carry it to my farm. Fortunately, I live closest to the pond, making it only a short walk back. I water my plants, which are limited to just wheat, until my bucket is empty. Unfortunately, I have the smallest farm among everyone, and I can't expand it without clearing the land first, a task too difficult for my body to handle. Stumps of trees are scattered in every direction, and I must remove them to expand my farm. I consider myself fortunate to have this small piece of land to farm in the first place.

I check for any harvestable crops, but there are none today. I have about 5 that are close to being ready, but they're not ready yet, leaving me with nothing else to do for the day.

So, I decide to visit the market for the day. I walk there and see everyone selling wood products like toys, carts, cupboards, and boxes. I pass by them all, but nothing piques my interest today. The shopkeepers look at me with disdain as they realize who I am. They know I won't buy anything from them, and I can't understand why that annoys them so much. Nevertheless, I make my way to the weapon shop, if you can call it that. Everything is displayed outside since there's no inside shop in these parts. I glance at the tools briefly before finding what I'm looking for—the shield. It's round and has iron in the center, forming a circular shape. Then, I look at the two rusted daggers.

I remember a day three years ago when a random man visited the village. We initially thought he was the tax collector, but it soon became clear he wasn't. People rushed to him, trying to sell everything they could. I'm ashamed to admit I was one of those people, offering only wheat. He didn't buy any and instead jumped back, declaring, "I am only here to sell my items!" Everyone was shocked, but he quickly pulled out a pair of daggers and a single shield. Suddenly, people started bidding without being asked. A few fights broke out, but ultimately, it was Sigmund who won the bid with 5 silver, which was the most someone here could afford to bid. I had only bid 15 copper, and the man, a bit upset, decided to sell it for 5 silver reluctantly and left quickly. Everyone tried to ask him questions like "who are you" and "where are you from," but he left in a hurry, possibly because a mob of complete strangers was chasing him. I never got the chance to ask my question, as I couldn't even catch up to him before he left. Sigmund left quickly, not bothering to stay. I suspect he wanted to marvel at his find. The items were on sale the very next day and onward.

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I think to myself, "The daggers weren't rusted when they were sold that day. It must have been a long time ago." Luckily, the shield hasn't rusted yet.

"HEY, ARE YOU JUST GOING TO STARE AT IT OR WHAT?" Sigmund shouts.

"LEAVE IF YOU'RE NOT GOING TO BUY ANYTHING, YOU BRAT."

I quickly leave, ignoring his continued shouting. Instead, I decide to go into the forest but not before picking up a single wheat from the ground. As I enter, I bite into the wheat while looking around.

The weeds look the same as always, and there's nothing new. I wish they were worth something, but they're not even used in potion crafting, which I've heard requires a goblin eye.

I sigh and continue my walk through the empty forest. I gaze at the dense part of the forest, trying to see anything, but it's always too dark to make anything out, even on a bright day. I think about going in, but just the thought gives me shivers.

"Maybe one day, but not this day," I whisper to myself as I walk back out of the forest to the disappointing village. It lacks walls, guards, or any defense at all. I head to my house, spit out the wheat, knowing what lies ahead.

"Guess who's finally back! Did you have a good trip?" I hear from one of the group members in front of me, realizing it's not the same people as yesterday.

"Why are you even here? You do nothing all day except bother the shopkeepers," another says.

I don't bother saying anything, as it would only make them angrier. I ignore them and walk past. They give me piercing glares as I continue on.

I return home, look at my farm, which remains unchanged, and head inside to lay on my bed of wheat and go to sleep.

I wake up to shouting, sprint outside, and see that it's midnight. I look around my farm but see no one. So, I go around the back of my house to observe the village.