《GOOD MORNING》 《TODAY'S WEATHER: CLEAR SKIES AFTER YESTERDAY'S RAIN》
《NOW FOR SOME NEWS: Rumor has it that a mage researcher named Godric arrived in town, seeking rare plant samples. He might pay coin for anything unusual.》
《LAST CHAPTER: Anya helped merchants stuck in the mud, gathered flowers for the mayor, crafted a small storage crate, planted radishes, and awaits her first harvest from unknown seeds.》
《MARKET BRIEF: EGGS - 45, POTATOES - 12, TOMATOES - 16, ONIONS - 10, RADISHES - 8》
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Morning light spilled across the farm, washing away any traces of the previous day's rain. Anya pushed open the door of the farmhouse, eager to see if her unknown seeds had matured.
Her steps were quick as she crossed the yard. The soil, still damp but no longer soggy, felt soft underfoot.
She knelt beside the small patch. Bright green leaves now bore plump, round bulbs at their base—turnips, by the look of it.
Her heart lifted. A real harvest at last.
She tested the soil around one and gently pulled. A turnip popped free, white and purple, with a fresh, earthy scent.
《STAMINA: 100/100》
She harvested the entire cluster of unknown plants, totaling four turnips.
《INVENTORY UPDATED: Turnips x4》
They were not listed on the market brief, but turnips were similar to radishes, so maybe their value would be close.
Even if the price wasn't high, these turnips were her first real yield, a small victory after days of work.
A rustle near the fence startled her. Wilred, the woodsman she had heard about but never properly met, approached with slow, measured steps.
He carried a small bundle of kindling. "Good morning," he said simply. He had a calm aura about him, like a quiet forest.
His gaze fell on her new harvest. "You've got yourself a fine crop. Turnips, eh?"
"Yes," Anya said, holding one up. "My first real harvest here."
Wilred nodded, a hint of approval in his eyes. "Turnips do well in this soil, especially after rain. If you ever need tips on foraging wild plants near the woods, let me know. Just watch out for creatures."
He offered a small nod and started back toward the treeline, his movements efficient and unhurried.
Anya smiled. Another connection formed. Wilred seemed the quiet sort, but dependable.
She stored the turnips in her new crate for now. Then she remembered the cookbook's promise.
If she brought a fresh harvest to the magical book, it would share a recipe.
Inside the farmhouse, she placed a single turnip on the table and flipped open the sentient cookbook. The pages shimmered. Ink flowed into neat lines:
"You have brought a humble crop. Turnips, fresh from the soil. Good. Let us create a dish to bolster your stamina. Here is a simple recipe: Turnip Stew."
"With one turnip, a bit of water, and a small herb (any mild green leaf will do), you can cook a dish that restores 20 stamina."
"The stew warms the body and keeps you going through tough tasks."
《NEW RECIPE UNLOCKED: Turnip Stew (+20 STAMINA recovery)》
《COOKING SKILL: BEGINNER LEVEL 1 → You can now cook simple dishes》
Anya's heart danced. A stamina-restoring meal would save her from exhausting herself midday.
She needed a mild herb, though. Perhaps Flora at the store sold herbs. Or maybe Odile, the herbalist, could spare some.
For now, just knowing she had this option felt good.
She stepped outside again, enjoying the sun's warmth. With her first harvest done, she had a choice: sell some turnips now or wait until the festival for better prices.
She only had 50 coin. Selling a few turnips at the general store might boost her funds.
On the other hand, if the festival drew traders paying premium prices, waiting could pay off.
She decided to sell two turnips now and save two for the festival. A balanced approach.
On her way to town, she considered visiting the mage researcher Godric. The morning news mentioned he was seeking rare plant samples.
Turnips weren't exactly rare, but maybe he would pay for something unusual later. Still, no harm in introducing herself.
At the general store, Colette greeted her. "Morning, Anya. Looks like you brought something new today."
"Turnips," Anya said, placing two on the counter. "How much can I get for these?"
Colette inspected them. "They're fresh. I'll offer 8 coin each." That matched the radish price listed earlier. Good enough.
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《COIN: 00066 》
Not a huge gain, but progress. Now she had a bit more flexibility. Anya saved two turnips in her farm crate, hoping to cook with them later once she found herbs.
As she turned to leave, Emeric entered the store, humming softly. He flashed her a smile. "Heard you've got your first harvest. Congratulations."
"Thanks," Anya replied. Emeric had a knack for knowing what went on in town. His presence felt comforting, like a gentle breeze.
She wondered if offering him a turnip or a future dish might gain his favor. For now, she just smiled back and stepped outside.
She found Godric leaning against a lamppost near the library, studying a scroll. His cloak had faint runic patterns.
He looked up as she approached, curiosity in his eyes. "You must be the new farmer," he said. "I'm Godric, a researcher. I'm collecting samples of local flora."
"If you find anything unusual—glowing herbs, rare mushrooms—bring them to me. I'll pay or trade knowledge. Even common crops interest me, if they have unique properties."
Anya showed him a turnip. Godric sniffed it. "Plain, but well-grown. Keep an eye out for variants. Sometimes the soil near magical springs yields plants with special traits."
She nodded. "I'll remember that. Any idea where I might find mild herbs for cooking?"
Godric thought for a moment. "Odile might have some. Or check near the forest floor after a light rain. Mild herbs often grow under shrubs. Be careful if you wander too far."
Thanking him, Anya decided to visit Odile, the herbalist, next. She found Odile outside her hut, sorting through a basket of dried leaves.
Odile smiled. "Morning, Anya. Need something?"
"I learned a recipe for turnip stew," Anya explained. "It needs a mild herb. Do you sell any?"
Odile nodded. "I have Greenleaf Herb—mild, slightly minty. Perfect for stews. 5 coin a bundle. One bundle is enough for a few bowls."
《COIN: 00061》
Anya tucked the herb into her pouch. She could cook the stew tonight, restoring stamina for tomorrow's work.
Maybe she'd have an extra bowl to share with someone. Kind gestures built friendships.
Back at the farm, she checked her other crops. Onions and potatoes still needed time. Radishes would grow fast, maybe ready in a couple of days.
She tilled a small patch beside the farmhouse to keep weeds down.
《STAMINA UPDATED: 90/100》
With a steady stamina pool, she felt comfortable doing a few more chores.
The fence along the north side of the farm sagged. She used her iron spade to dig out a better footing for one of the posts. 《STAMINA UPDATED: 80/100》
Manual labor, but worth it. A sturdier fence might reduce critter visits. She remembered Wilred's warning about forest creatures.
Maybe a solid fence would keep them at bay.
As midday approached, she decided to cook her first Turnip Stew. Inside the farmhouse, she heated water in a pot.
She chopped a turnip and tossed in a pinch of the Greenleaf Herb. Steam rose, carrying a gentle, earthy aroma.
After simmering, she tasted it—mild but comforting. 《COOKING SUCCESS: Turnip Stew x1 created》
She sipped the stew. 《STAMINA UPDATED: 100/100》 Perfect. She felt refreshed, as if her morning chores never happened.
With this dish, she could push herself more each day or save it for emergencies.
She placed the remainder of the herb and another turnip in the storage crate for future stews.
Time to think long-term. The festival was about a week away. She wanted a variety of crops ready by then.
Onions might mature soon, and radishes would be quick. She might earn enough coin to invest in better tools.
Maybe upgrade the spade to a hoe, or buy fertilizer if Colette sold any.
As she stepped outside, she spotted Ademar, the adventurer, strolling along the road. He paused at her gate.
"Heard you sold your first crops," he said. "Good start. If you ever feel ready to do a low-level guild quest, let me know."
"The forest isn't too dangerous at the edges. Some quests just want special mushrooms or berries."
Anya nodded. She had a stew recipe now, which might give her enough stamina to risk short forays.
She still lacked a weapon, though. The scythe was better than nothing, but not ideal for defense.
Maybe Crispin could fashion a simple blade if she brought enough coin.
Ademar leaned in slightly. "Also, the guild sometimes posts seasonal bounties. During the festival, they might need extra produce for traveling adventurers."
"If you deliver a certain amount, you earn rank points. Rank points open better quests."
He offered a small grin and continued on his way.
Rank points? Another layer to the LITRPG world around her. Farming was central, but her future might include dabbling in small quests.
Higher rank meant more opportunities.
By late afternoon, Anya strolled through her fields, imagining what they could become. She tried a small experiment: if she spoke to her plants, would they grow faster?
A silly thought, but her grandmother once said kind words help crops thrive. She whispered encouragement to her onions.
No immediate effect, but it made her smile.
She noticed that a few weeds had sprung up near the radish plot. With her sharpened scythe, she cleared them in a single sweep.
《STAMINA UPDATED: 95/100》
The stew's bonus still lingered, letting her work with minimal fatigue. The investment in cooking paid off quickly.
Evening neared. The sky glowed with soft oranges. Emeric's music drifted faintly from town. Perhaps he played at the inn.
She could visit, chat with villagers, maybe learn about upcoming events. But she also wanted to store energy for tomorrow.
More chores awaited—harvesting radishes soon, tending to onions, maybe scouting for rare herbs for Godric.
She remembered Alice, the scholar. Had she visited again? Maybe Alice would come when new recipes emerged.
For now, Anya decided to rest. She entered her farmhouse and reviewed her day:
Harvested turnips (4 total), sold 2 for coin, kept 2.
Learned Turnip Stew recipe from the cookbook, restoring 20 stamina per serving.
Met Godric, who hinted at rare plants. Bought an herb from Odile.
Cooked her first meal, used it to regain stamina and accomplish more tasks.
Strengthened relationships through small interactions: Wilred, Emeric, Ademar.
Now had 61 coin after buying herb and selling turnips.
She felt stable financially, but not wealthy. Slowly building up.
Soon, when onions or radishes matured, she'd have more to sell. The festival would be key—earning a nice profit and maybe impressing the townsfolk and travelers.
She placed her tools carefully on a makeshift rack inside. The scythe rested next to the spade, the watering can near the door.
The cookbook sat open, as if watching. She glanced at it, and new words formed:
"You have taken your first step toward self-sufficiency. Continue experimenting with recipes. Different crops yield different dishes. Some restore stamina, others might strengthen your body or mind."
"Keep an eye on the seasons. Certain crops thrive at certain times. Soon, you'll reach beyond simple chores into something greater."
Anya closed the book gently. She liked the idea that simple, day-to-day work could lead to something grand.
For now, she would keep her goals modest: grow and sell enough produce to upgrade tools and maybe secure a foothold in the local economy.
Earn trust, build friendships, and see what secrets Honeydew Farms and Westshire held.
Outside, fireflies danced near the fence. The quiet hum of night insects soothed her.
She blew out the lamp and settled onto the straw mattress, thinking of turnips and stew, of quiet smiles and gentle songs.
Tomorrow would bring more growth, one step at a time.
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《STAMINA: Will reset near 100 by morning》
《COIN: 00061》
《HARVEST: Turnips harvested (4), sold 2, stored 1, used 1 for stew》
《SEEDS IN GROUND: Onions, Potatoes, Radishes growing》
《TOOLS: Old Watering Can (10/10) Iron Spade (5/10) Old Scythe (Sharpened, 8/10)》
《INVENTORY: Storage Crate (Small), 1 Turnip, Greenleaf Herb (remaining), Wood pieces, Rope》
《SKILL: Farming Level 2, Cooking Level 1 (basic dishes unlocked)》