[Good Morning: Today Date is 3rd Autumn 24, The time is 0600 Weather Forecast calls for Cloudy Skies with Snowfall expected in the evening]

[Milkweed Grass - Ready for harvest]

[Credits Deposited: 35,650]

It was cold, way too cold, was on Alex’s mind. Why was the heater not on? Rolling out of bed, the farmer pulled on his normal outfit, the cold air seeping deep into him. Each step towards the door felt like a chore. Finally reaching the door he made his way into the freezing Hallway.

“If this is how cold it is now, Winter is not going to be any fun.” He mused to himself, watching as his breath escaped him, visible in the glow of candlelight. “Wait, candlelight?”

Looking in front of his bedroom door, The room that was once locked till a few weeks prior, turned out to be the former owner's personal office. The room’s content included a small library of: account ledgers, Produce catalogs, Regional monster archives, A town registry, and a photograph of a Younger Nedry, Flint, and a few other Villagers standing around a young farmer, his wife, and child. Everyone in the photo looked so happy.

The Light was still on inside, which only meant she fell asleep in the room again, turning around Alex went back inside his room, retrieved the comforter from his bed, and draped it around the sleeping gobliness. Since discovering the small room, Melody has been hard at work taking inventory of all the room’s contents. More often than not found passed out on the office desk.

While Alex admired the young girl’s dedication, this level of blind imbalance was not healthy at all. He wished she would pace herself, and has tried bringing it up to her. Only to have it brushed aside, claiming she was only trying to pull her weight in the household. Unable to push the subject further, he simply smiled and reassured her that she was doing enough. That no one needed to shoulder all the weight, but she still continued to work herself like this.

Giving her a look of worry and regret, Alex swapped out the dying candle for a new one, made sure she was comfortably wrapped in the blanket, and made his way out of the room. At least he would have if he didn't notice a book that was not translating properly with the system. One of the journals on the side of the desk had a strange language written on it that seemed vaguely familiar to him, though he couldn’t really place where it was from.

“ フリントウッドの農場生活 ”

“ フィールドハンドガイド’ ”

“Why does that look so familiar?” Alex whispered to himself. Trying not to wake the young woman. Deciding it was better to research later, Alex left the book on the desk and closed the door. The cold was starting to set in more, He needed to figure out why the furnace was off. Which meant he needed to go down into the basement.

One thing Alex really did not like about the basement was that you were required to access it from the outside of the house. A small stairwell along the wall next to the house’s rear entrance led to the proverbial dungeon housing the farmstead's main source of heating. Finally approaching the small frame door, and half frozen, considering the system hasn't changed his seasonal attire, and they still did not have a local merchant yet, the farmer proceeded onwards to the dark bowels of home.

Inside the dark damp crypt of a basement, boxes lined the walls and shelves. Unaware of what horrors they may contain will have to wait for warmer weather. Moving on to the farther reaches, the farmer found the large beastlike monstrosity of Iron, Stone, and concrete; the furnace lay somewhere halfway inside the dark cellar. Tubes spread out like spikes from the giant machine, leading up to various locations within the house.

Honestly while the visual facade of the system looked terrifying, the actual machine was quite the marvel. The actual main unit consisted of a wood burning stove that heated some type of oil based fluid, that would then be distributed throughout the building pipes via Convection Heat Transfer. Which was something Alex understood a little about, and was very prevalent in other countries where he was from. Especially when it was used to create Radiant Flooring like his house did.

Discovering that the external feeder tray for the firewood was empty. Alex shook his head, laughing a little to himself, and restocked the supply. While it wasn’t really funny, it was a bad habit he developed from a constant exposure to high stress the farmer dealt with during his previous incarnation. He knew he didn't need to, but old habits are hard to break. Although this brought about a better question, who forgot to refill the apparatus. Taking a deep breath, it didn’t matter right now. Pressing the button on the main panel the great machine, now fueled once more, roared to life. The magic controlling the great beast feasted upon the wood.

“Still terrifying as ever,” Alex mused, quickly making his way back out of the basement into the cold air above. The subtle embers of dawn did not provide any relief, instead quite the opposite as the ground once frosted in a sheet of white now visibly clouded by near the frozen fog of morning dew. “This really brings me back, better get inside quick” shivering as the brisk air cut straight through to his core.

Reaching the kitchen, Alex found that Eve wasn’t back from her normal morning venture. Finally getting a chance to play, the young farmer jumped at the opportunity, heading straight for the pantry. “Ah yeah, what am I making for them today?” A big grin on his face as he went through the menu ideas, a devious smile forming “A cold morning like today calls for one thing, and I think we have plenty of ingredients for it!”

Alex started by shredding and ringing out some of the potatoes, adding a small amount of salt and flour before tossing on the Iron Skillet he previously had going. Adding some diced onions, peppers, even a little bit of the dragon bell pepper, he tossed in some pieces of sausage, tossing gently with a bit of butter to taste. Leaving that to cook thoroughly, he moved to his next task, whisking the eggs with salt, pepper, and a small amount of milk and sugar. Normally the addition of sugar would be ignored, however the final product would benefit nicely with the rounded flavor. The young farmer also mixed flour, milk, sugar, egg, vanilla, oil, and a pinch of salt, until a thin batter was formed.

“Ok, magic time!” He mused, forming the potato mixture into a nice rectangular shape, pouring the liquid egg around the hash. Once the curd started forming a nice layer, Added some shredded cheese and started rolling the hash mixture. The work formed a special type of omelet. Adding the rest of the liquid, he rolled the rest together, finishing the second phase. He moved the rolled delicacy to the side.

“Almost there.” Alex smiled.

Letting the skillet heat up once more, Alex poured the batter thinly, letting everything cook evenly, before rolling the entirety into one magnificent confection of Culinary greatness. The Grand Omelet Pancake! Placing the meal on the large serving plate, he drizzled syrup and melted butter before cutting it into several servings. A pot of coffee, and some sliced apples. His breakfast was complete.

Ready to gorge himself on the meal within his grasp, a pair of hands wrapped around his eyes, as a soft voice whispered behind him, “Guess who, Alex?”

Alex was a little confused. The spoke to Alex while familiar was not one he recognized. It didn't have the delicate timbre that Melody’s voice did, nor did it have the deep resonance of Flint. It instead has a sweet softness to it, yet still sharp and… precise. Like a knife. It couldn't be… Could it?

“Evelyn?” He guessed, his voice uncertain. The mystery voice let out a squeak of excitement.

Removing her hand from his eyes, where once a miniature sized elf girl once welcomed him, a now much taller woman embraced her friend. Long bronze arms enveloped him in a warm embrace. She was no longer in her sprite form any more.

“What happened? Alex asked, confused by the drastic change. “I thought you were registered as an Aide Sprite?”

“I still am, "She answered back, “But I received a notification about your ‘Sprite Authority Increasing’ along with a new ability called ‘Soul Restoration’. I think it said I could change into the form I used to be when I was alive. I still have the smaller form if I need it, but I can be ME again.” She squeezed the young farmer tighter, causing him to start tapping her arm.

“I give up, I give up. Squeeze me any tighter and my head will pop like a balloon.” He gasped, before she let go, a confused look on her face.

“Like what?' She asked, now finding a place to sit, serving herself a plate of the meal.

“Something from Earth.” he answered back, “They are small bag-like toys, made from rubber. Does rubber exist here? Its really stretchy. You blow air into it, until it looks like an oversized ball. They can be delicate and easy to break. So earth made a saying comparing the similarity, to jest about someone being close to accidental harm.” She started to blush in embarrassment.

“Hey, before you start doing that. You didn't do anything bad.” Alex interjected” You are excited, that you are back to your usual self, and I am happy for you.”

He placed a hand on her shoulder, “Seriously, I'm happy for you” he told her. She gave Alex a warm smile, tears forming in her eyes. “Also it looks like your skin tone is back to what it was, your sprite form seemed a little paler than your normal self.”

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She laughed at that, “I know right. It was so weird seeing my face like that. I mean, it was my features, just smaller and more ‘ghostly’? I think that might be the best way to describe it. I looked more like a Sylvanestry Province than a Wilds Kingdom Elf.” She explained.

That statement caught Alex a little off guard. Eve doesn't normally talk about her past that often. From various clues and context from her conversations with Flint and Ned, she was someone important. At least until some event happened. Now he was given a little bit of where she may have been from,. He remembered seeing the Sylvanestry province on the northwest side of the map in the library, with the Elven Wilds just north of the mountain range that bordered the two. It was an interesting idea that the young farmer would have to learn about.

“I don't want to pry too much, but can you tell me about your home Eve?” Alex asked, pouring her some coffee.

She gave Alex a serious look before answering, her eyes becoming a little distant. similar to the day they discussed the morning after they met. “I'm sorry, I... can't yet. I promise I will tell you the whole story soon. After everything we have been through together, you deserve that." She paused taking a deep breath before continuing, "It's just that, this is not a tale for a happy moment.” She explained to him, while reaching over to him and kissing his forehead.

“Now, what in heaven's name is this monstrosity of cuisine.” She blurted out.

Unsure to whether she was trying to change the subject or was trying to take a stab at his meal. He had to laugh, because either way she was still one of his dearest friends. He could wait a little while longer before Evelyn felt comfortable enough to tell her story. After all they had all the time in the world, but first he needed to defend the honor of his omelet.

“Don't mock the Grand Omelet pancake, it may look crazy, but it makes for it in absolute flavor.” He responded before smiling and taking a bite. The chaos of colors and textures hitting his taste buds, soon became a symphony of salty, sweet and savory. Every bite conducting him to the next, in a powerful chorus of colliding flavors.

when Alex was back in control of his food crazed dance he looked over at Evelyn. A feeling of vindication as she was found diving, fork first, into her plate as well. “Looks like the King of Breakfast has claimed another victim.” He laughed until a small scream cut through the kitchen.

Looking over towards the hallway, he search quickly for the source of the scream. Soon discovering it to be Melody. He gave her a welcoming smile and a tried waving to her, but her eyes were dead set on the bronze skinned elf currently chowing down heedless of anything else in the room.

“Who is that with you Alex?” She asked, “Is everything ok?”

Finally aware of the now 'smaller' gobliness, The elf moved quickly towards Melody. As emerald eyes stared playfully from above, “What? Do you not recognize me?” Eve asked, in a sweet, mocking tone.

The look from Confusion, realization, to horror all flashed on the poor gobliness’ face at the sight of her rival's appearance. “Eve… is that you?” she asked, hesitation in her voice.

“Yes, you goof.” Eve answered in a laugh, before tussling Melody's auburn hair. “Alright now, Alex made food. It's really good, and this conversation is keeping me away from it.” She smiled, pushing the dazed girl to the table before shoving a bite of food in her mouth.

Watching the girls mess with each other while eating. Was a nice change of pace from when they first all lived together. Always arguing about the smallest things, a majority of it about him. Which made eating even the smallest meal a challenge. Remembering some of the funnier moments Alex took his plate to the sink. He was almost done cleaning up when the front door opened.

“Hey, Y’all awake?” a familiar voice called out, as a familiar green tortoise in overalls walked in.

“Ned! Good morning!” Alex called out, welcoming his good friend. “Care for some breakfast?”

The mayor rubbed the back of his head in apology, as he walked back into the kitchen, “Not today i'm afraid, brought a few people with me for you to meet. New residents for the town, as well as the new barn animals.” He explained before walking into the Kitchen and laying eyes on Eve, and turning a comedic shade of white.

“GHOST!!!” the turtlekin gasped before falling back onto his shell.

Melody jumped up from her seat to check on the old man. Together with Alex's assistance they helped him back up on his feet. After seeing that he was ok, She gave the mayor a smile before running back to her breakfast. Another victim claimed by the power of the Omelet.

Ned embarrassment on his face, walked over to Evelyn. He tried saying something before stopping himself at first, Unable to articulate what he wanted to say. Seeing this Eve left her seat to meet his gaze, before holding her friend in a warm embrace;

“I'm sorry, Eve. I'm not sure what came over me was quite rude to you because of it.” he apologized, tears in his eye.

“It’s ok Ned, I understand.” She whispered, “You’re the only one who saw me like this before everything, aside from Alex.”

They held that hug for a few moments, before he pushed her away gently, and recomposed himself. After all, he was there on business he couldn't get lost in emotion a the moment. He was able to place a friendly claw to her shoulder though.

“All things considered, I'm happy for you Evelyn.” He smiled his toothless smile. Looking back to everyone. “Alright, y’all. Those Chocos are gonna get mad waitin’ out there in the cold.”

A Group of people along with several farm animals, waited patiently outside. The Morning sun still not above the wood line, so the brisk air still cut straight though the farmer, and he did not like it at all. The group consisted of An older man and woman. A man well older than Alex was with them, as well as a girl just a year or so younger than him. looking over to the animals the first ones he noticed were the ones resembling chickens except they were yellow with black beaks and red tail feathers. The farmer found them kind of cute in a way. Finally were the two cows, at least they looked like they were cows, if cows had super round forms. They almost looked like a cross between a marshmallow and a cow, also one of them was black and white, while the other one was yellow and pink. It was quite the spectacle.

From behind the small herd a tall man wearing jeans and a tanned leather tunic, walked up to Alex. A slight grin on his face, his voice was deep and controlled. “You mus’ be the one runnin’ the place roun’ here?” The man asked holding out his hand to Alex.

“Name’s Wilford, Wilford Crest. You’re pal ‘ol Nedry invited me to purchase the ‘ol General goods store, nice to meet ya neighbor.”

Taking Wilford hand in his, Alex gave the man a warm smile. “It’s nice to meet you.” Looking at some of the people around him, he assumed to be the man's family. “I hope we will get a chance to get to know each other better.” Wilford's smile widened.

“I hope to take you up on that offer.” He mused turning to the group behind him, “This is my family, My wife Leann, my son Lucas and my youngest Tanya”

His family was a little different from the grizzled blond haired gentleman, His wife, while a little older in years was still quite breathtaking, with her orange hair, fox ears and tail. Alex assumed she was a Foxkin similar to Kaze. Their children Shared some similar traits, Lucas taking more after his father looked more human, his hair more red in appearance than orange, only having the fox like eyes of his mother. Then there was Tanya, she shared most of the physical traits of her mom, with the golden glow of blond that she shared with her father. They were a very happy looking group.

Alex took a step back to address the family, a warm smile on his face. “Welcome to the village, It’s very nice to meet you all.” he said. Turning back to Wilford. “I hope to stop by the store here soon, considering the weather.” giving a small shiver.

Looking towards the mayor, Alex was reminded about one of the more important issues before returning his attention back to the merchant. “Has Ned helped you acclimate to the changes with the village?” He asked, trying to remain subtle.

“Ah yeah, the system. Ol’ Nedry has already sent us the invites, along with all the other fun tidbits.” Wilford responded, a small laugh escaping from behind the mustache. “Though I gotta say, it's a lot of words to read compared to what I'm used to with the ol HUD honestly. Makes me feel all weird sometimes. It's better don’t get me wrong. Though, I really don't like that we had something like this for someone to think, ‘No this new way is much better.’ It just don’t feel right.”

“Alright, back to the business at hand.” Crest changed the subject, gesturing towards the animals, “These little ones are the Chocos. While they are curious little guys by nature, just keep an eye on them. Last thing you need is findin’ one of them on your roof.” He finished elbowing Alex in the ribs a little.

“Now these beautiful gals are Bess and Jill, your new Taurals.” the old man turned to the round marshmallow cows, “Easy to handle, easy to feed, and have honestly been absolute sweethearts on the journey here.”

The new animals were quite jovial, and very friendly. Whoever raised these beautiful creatures gave them a lot of love and care. Melody seemed to waste no time after introductions to attach herself to the more colorful Jill, in a full armed embrace around the taurels neck. Between the goofy smile and the way her eyes sparkled, she resembled a small child with a new pet. Alex and Wilford both couldn’t help but laugh at the site.

Wishing his new friends farewell, Alex watched the new family walk down the road towards the village, the warm sensation of new acquaintances enveloping the young farmer. The town was growing, and with it the system was able to restore itself a little more. While not used to seeing his actions show a positive result around him, the feeling of pride he felt at that moment. The joy that he was doing something good, something fulfilling. It was something special, and he wanted to share that feeling.

“Ok Melody, can you call the Gobs, I’m hoping we can…” He started to ask the young gobliness, before finding her on top of Bess. Riding the round fluff as if she were the girl might steed, Gobwon leading the pair, and Jill to the Barn. Meanwhile, Carl and Dave herded the Chocos into the Coop. “Never mind then, looks like you already have a handle on it.”

Looking around the farm as the morning sun was finally rising above the tree line, giving off the last bit of warmth to the season. The winter season starts tomorrow, and with it a distinct lack of crops. While this meant he could focus on other tasks that needed looking into, like the house needing repairs. He also needed to find a way to fund those repairs.

“So then, how am I going to fund the growing costs of these repairs? Alex thought out loud, sighing as he admired the cleared field. Noticing that Dave was chasing one of the escaped Chocos, he laughed. “Well I've got plenty of time to figure that out.”

Walking towards the struggling goblinoid chasing the brightly colored bird to no avail. Alex could only laugh at the classic setup before pulling a bit of oats from his inventory, and tossing it near the chase driven bird. The moment the treat hit the ground, a trail of yellow feathers beelined towards the newly discarded grain. Laughing, Alex walked carefully to the gorging bird, picked up the brightly plumed girl and walked with her to the coop.

“I guess a chicken is a chicken, no matter what world you live in” Alex mused, handing the lively girl to Carl. Content with the treat she was still munching, the Choco happily went with the goblin. He tossed a few more handfuls of oats for the rest of the hungry birds before walking back to the house.

There was one thing Alex could do right now. There was a large smoked fish in the kitchen that called to the farmer. He could hear it begging to be transformed. Excited to where this culinary adventure would take him today. The young hero pressed on towards the house, a giant smile on his face.