Chapter 3: Life on the Farm
Akira stepped out of the small wooden house into the bright morning sunlight. The air was crisp and clean, far removed from the polluted city air he had grown up with. Fields stretched out before him, dotted with crops and a few grazing animals. The house, while modest, had a warmth to it, its walls patched but sturdy.
"Big brother, come on!" the girl from earlier called out, waving at him from a small table set under a tree.
Akira walked over cautiously, his legs still adjusting to his new body. His younger sister seemed full of energy, her brown eyes sparkling with excitement. A man and a woman—his new parents, he assumed—were seated at the table, sharing a simple breakfast of bread, eggs, and some kind of stew.
“There he is,” said the man, his voice deep and gruff. He had broad shoulders, sun-weathered skin, and calloused hands—clearly a farmer through and through. “Feeling better, son?”
“Yes… much better,” Akira said, his voice still shaky. He struggled to act natural, but his father didn’t seem to notice.
The woman, his mother, smiled warmly. Her hair was tied back, and she wore a simple apron. “You gave us a scare, Akira. You’ve been running a fever since the storm two nights ago. Rest today if you need to.”
“Thank you,” he replied, feeling a pang of guilt. They cared for him, but he barely knew them. He wasn’t their Akira, after all.
His sister handed him a plate, grinning ear to ear. “You’re so lucky! Papa let me do your chores while you were sick.”
Akira chuckled awkwardly. “Thanks, um…” He hesitated, realizing he didn’t know her name.
She pouted. “Don’t tell me you forgot my name again, Akira! It’s Hana!”
“Right, Hana. Sorry, my head’s still a bit foggy,” he said, laughing nervously.
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As the family ate, Akira observed them closely, trying to piece together his new life. His father, Taro, seemed like a no-nonsense man, while his mother, Kaede, exuded kindness and patience. Hana was clearly the spirited one. Despite their modest means, there was a sense of love and stability in this family that touched him.
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After breakfast, Akira decided to explore the farm. He followed the dirt paths through the fields, observing the rows of crops and the tools scattered about. The Kaeto System interface hovered faintly in his peripheral vision, almost as if it were waiting for him to engage.
“Alright,” he muttered, stepping aside to avoid being seen. “Let’s figure this out.”
He focused his thoughts, and the system opened with a soft chime.
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Tutorial Available
Would you like to begin the tutorial?
[Yes] [No]
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He selected Yes, and another notification appeared.
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Welcome to the Kaeto System!
As a Reborn Soul, you are granted access to unique abilities and a structured progression system. Use these tools wisely to navigate your new world. Let’s start with the basics:
1. Stats: View and upgrade your attributes as you level up.
2. Inventory: Store and manage items effortlessly.
3. Classes: Choose a class to unlock specialized abilities.
4. Titles: Earn titles for completing significant achievements.
5. Quests: Complete tasks to gain rewards and experience points.
To continue, open your Inventory and claim your Starter Gift.
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“Starter Gift, huh?” Akira muttered. He opened his Inventory, which appeared as a grid of empty slots. A glowing chest icon sat in the first slot.
“Claim.”
The chest dissolved into particles, and a list of items appeared:
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Starter Gift Claimed
Rustic Hoe (Common)
Basic Healing Potion x3
Copper Coins x10
Leather Gloves (Common)
Faded Cloak (Common)
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“Not exactly legendary loot, but it’s a start,” Akira said, equipping the gloves and cloak. Both items fit snugly and felt real—more real than any game he had played before.
A new quest popped up.
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Quest Added
Name: Farmer's Apprentice
Objective: Help your father with the day’s work to gain his trust and improve your farming skills.
Rewards: 20 XP, Farming Skill Lv. 1
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“Well, I guess I’m a farmer now,” Akira sighed. “Better start somewhere.”
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The rest of the morning was spent assisting his father. Taro showed him how to till the soil and plant seeds, his tone gruff but patient. Akira struggled at first—his new body wasn’t as strong as he had hoped—but with each task, he felt more comfortable.
As the sun climbed higher, a familiar chime echoed in his mind.
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Farming Skill Acquired
Level: 1
Effect: Improves efficiency when planting and harvesting crops.
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“So, I can gain skills just by doing things,” Akira muttered, wiping sweat from his brow. “This system is pretty hands-on.”
As he worked, he couldn’t help but wonder what other possibilities the Kaeto System held. Farming was just the beginning—he was sure of it. Somewhere beyond the fields and the quiet farm life, adventure and danger awaited.
For now, though, he focused on the present. This was his new life, and he would make the most of it.