Riku provided instructions to the guards and farmers to dig two-meter tunnels, leading to a lake nestled deep within the forest. This strategic move was aimed at safeguarding the pipeline from potential monster interference.
Having a clear understanding of pipeline construction, Riku knew that iron was its primary component, sometimes combined with materials like nickel, titanium, or carbon. The critical question, however, was where he could obtain these components.
His trip to the library served two purposes. First, he intended to identify potential sources for the pipeline materials. Second, he hoped to find a magical tome that might hold the key to his return to the real world. Despite residing in a world where magic and swords were real, he acknowledged that achieving his return wouldn't be straightforward.
__
As the night progressed, Arisu and Riku made their way to the western section of Arzotoc village.
Sitting on opposite sides of the bonfire, the two exchanged glances. Riku, still embarrassed by their earlier encounter, grappled with how to navigate the situation.
"R-Riku, when will the guards and farmers commence digging?" Arisu's words trembled, their thoughts undoubtedly circling back to the shared kiss.
Staring into the flames, Riku responded, "They can start tomorrow, Lady Arisu. Just keep in mind that this process takes time. In the meantime, I've arranged for some farmers to fetch water from the lake to support the crops."
Their strategy aimed to optimize crop yields by securing essential resources from neighboring villages. This approach would not only help conserve water but also minimize food wastage. Additionally, to enhance crop health, they planned to use animal manure, such as that from chickens and cows, as fertilizer.
The fire's flickering light reflected in Arisu's eyes as she nodded slowly. "Hmm... I'm well aware that nothing in this world comes easily. Nevertheless, thank you for assisting our village, even in the face of unfavorable treatment from the villagers."
"I don't mind, Lady Arisu. After all, I won't be staying in this village for long," he responded, offering her a smile.
Perplexed, she inquired, "What do you mean? Do you plan to leave once your work here is done?"
"In the meantime, I don't have plan to leave this village but if I manage to remember how to get back home, I will certainly leave this village," he clarified, giving his buttocks a light pat.
A deep exhale escaped Arisu's lips, her shoulders rising in tandem. "I can't hold you back, Riku, but if that time comes, know that you're welcome to return to our village," she replied, standing up, signaling their departure back to their respective rooms.
"Absolutely, Lady Arisu. I'll make sure to pay you a visit."
Yet, in reality, that possibility was unattainable, given that they inhabited two distinct worlds.
...
Riku lay in a small wooden room designed for a single occupant. The bed he rested on was constructed from chaff, a simple but available option in this location. Arisu had done her best to make him comfortable, but the room choices were limited.
Despite closing his eyes, sleep remained elusive. His entire body itched incessantly, a result of his unfamiliar sleeping conditions. This was the first time he had experienced such accommodations, so his body needed time to adjust.
"Argh! I can't sleep... How do they manage to rest here without being bothered? The resilience of these people is astounding..." he grumbled, opening his eyes.
Elsewhere, a man stared up at the night sky, grappling with the best course of action. With guidance from Elder Cynthia, he had learned to communicate in a common language. He had been honored and recognized as the founder of Arzotoc village, with rewards and accolades to his name. However, the pressing dilemma remained: he had no clue how to return to the world he originally came from.
He settled into a wooden chair, his face kissed by the cool breeze. Memories of his father, Yui, Haru, and the life he could have led if this incident had never befallen him danced through his mind.
Certain of one thing, he imagined himself embarking on dungeon raids or honing himself to become the foremost rookie mutant. With the genetic abilities he possessed, it was evident that he could achieve rapid growth by assimilating the genes of other creatures. However, he knew he had to exercise restraint, mindful of the potential consequences of excessively using the [Manifest] ability.
Sighing, he thought aloud, "The world brought me here; it'll find a way to return me to my realm. All I need to do is work hard and conduct research, so that when the opportunity emerges, I'll be prepared."
Lost in contemplation beneath the starlit sky, Riku found himself drifting into slumber...
...
The next day
Pinch... Pinch...
Riku was roused from his sleep by the warmth of the sun on his feet. However, what truly jolted him awake was the sensation of someone prodding his face with a wooden stick.
Groggily, he opened his eyes, his gaze meeting that of a young girl with emerald green hair, violet eyes, and a tan complexion.
The girl quickly recoiled, her fear evident as she beheld the man with the white blanket over his face now awake. Terrified, she stammered, "I-I'm sorry, mister! I thought you were dead." Her voice trembled as she used the stick to shield herself.
"Don't be scared, little girl. I won't harm you, and I'm definitely not dead," Riku assured her with a warm smile, taking a step back to ease her anxiety.
As the tension in the air subsided and the girl sensed that the man held no harmful intent, she cautiously approached him.
"Sir, I apologize for my earlier behavior. I was just curious to know if you were still alive," she politely explained, bowing her head slightly.
Understanding her curiosity at her young age, he empathized, having a soft spot for children himself.
"It's alright," he replied, settling down nearer to her. "My name is Riku Hirota. May I ask what your name is?"
With a nod of her head, she introduced herself. "My name is Mellisa Bandit. My mother and father are both farmers here," she shared, a hint of sadness glistening in the corners of her eyes as she remembered her father.
Concerned, Riku asked, gently reaching out to her and patting her head, "What's the matter, Mellisa? Did I say something wrong?"
Shaking her head, she replied, "No, no, it's not that. I'm just sad because my father hasn't returned for several weeks. He went into the dangerous forest to fetch water for our crops."
Riku's heart went out to the young girl as he listened to her worries about her missing father.
This seemed to be the issue that Asarki had mentioned. Given the presence of powerful monsters in that forest, Mellisa's father might indeed be in danger. However, he couldn't shatter the little girl's hope by sharing such grim thoughts.
"Don't lose hope, Mellisa. I'm sure your father will come back," he reassured her with a bright smile.
"Really, mister Riku? I really want to see my father again," Mellisa replied, her voice heavy with sadness.
"Absolutely, and you know, everyone in this village is quite strong," Riku began to say, only to abruptly stop when a game system notification abruptly appeared before his eyes.
Oh no, what's happening now?
What is this?
Riku received a new system notification after a month had passed. However, its timing couldn't have been worse, potentially disrupting his plans within Arzotoc village.
Ding!
[New quest has arrived!]
The familiar tone he had heard when receiving daily quests echoed once again, accompanied by a blue screen that flashed before his eyes.
• [Help Mellisa Save Her Father!] - Her father's name is Solomon Bandit, a highly skilled farmer in the village of Arzotoc. While attempting to fetch water to rescue their crops, he became lost in the expansive forest.
• [Rewards]
>> +102 Experience
>> +8 Mana Pool
>> +18 Fitness
>> +2 Free Attributes
>> +2 Skill Points
____
Name: Riku Hirota
Health power: 100/100
Mutant level: 1 33%
Race: Human
Mutant level: 1
Title: [Genes King]
Evolution: 1st level
Mana pool: 15
Fitness: 175
Gene: [Dark Crow]
____
ATTRIBUTES
• Physical strength [+]: 91
• Agility [+]: 65
• Dexterity [+]: 30/30
• Vitality [+]: 25/25
>> Free attributes: 0
____
•[Dark Crow's skill] - [Manifest], [Target], [Fly]
• [Manifest copied skill] - [Fire claw]
>> Skill points: 0
Riku recalled that he hadn't gained any skill points in his first quest, "First Hunt." Each defeated monster had only yielded an equivalent of 6 experience points. This meant that his journey to reaching level two would be a time-consuming endeavor.
As he kneaded his chin in contemplation, he pondered whether he was indeed within a game world or a distinct alternate reality. But why speculate? After all, the farmers, villagers, King Luke, and Lady Arisu all seemed to function as NPCs in this potential game world.
Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, he concluded, "I can't jump to conclusions. I need evidence. Nevertheless, I should accept this quest. Skill points and free attributes are hard to come by, and they'll help me grow stronger."
Mellisa watched him curiously as he seemed to interact with something invisible in the air.
[Do you want to accept the quest? Yes/No]
He mentally selected "Yes," and the quest was confirmed.
[Save Mellisa's Father Accepted!]
"Change of plans. Let's go, Mellisa. We're going to find your father," Riku declared with determination.