Epoch 30: It's raining quest.
The scenes all throughout Gaia played out like a camera roll on a big white jade basin. Two beings were paying attention too closely, but the longer they watched, the more anxious they became.
"The progress of the development of Gaia is extremely slow. I am afraid that if this continues, our people will perish when that time comes," Ali said as he instinctively clasped his hands, doing the thing he always does every time he gets worried: praying.
Cernu knows more than everyone how severe the situation is, but he can't directly interfere in the world. His powers were restricted, and there is also another God involved. Doing something now can only make things worse.
Cernu came closer and hugged his beloved sub-beast. "My love, who are you praying to? When I am already here beside you," he jokingly said, trying to ease Ali's worries.
Ali knows what the man is trying to do, but the foreboding in his heart failed to disappear. "Cernu.."
"Let's just give the child a little more time to adapt. After the winter ends, I will talk to Rosyne and tell her the truth."
Instead of feeling relieved, Ali became more worried after hearing Rosyne's name. "I-if she finds out, I am afraid of what she will do to you."
Cernu sighed. "Don't worry, my love. Whatever happens, I will do everything to protect you."
_______________
The sun is already high when Tang Tang wakes up. He sluggishly got out of bed and went to the pots that were full of water. He washes his face and brushes his teeth with the toothbrush; the refreshing feeling of the menthol-flavored toothpaste takes away his sleepiness.
Because of this, he was enticed to take a quick bath so he could also try the shampoo and soap he bought from the system shop.
After he emptied all the water in the pots, he didn't regret his decision, even though the whole tent was messed up, he felt more clean and alive, a feeling he had never felt for a long time.
Then he checked the pots on the hearth. The stew and soy milk on it are still warm.
Tang Tang felt that the twins were spoiling him so much that he was starting to get lazy.
While eating, he opened the virtual map to check the location of the two beasts. The golden dot is moving within the tribe. Hou is probably already collecting ashes. While the blue dot is not moving, it is far away from the tribe, and there is a big lake near it. He doesn't have any idea what Xue is currently doing, but the place he goes to is also recorded on the virtual map.
After checking that the twins were safe, he focused on eating. Tang Tang plans to visit the farm and help Pen. Even though Hou and Xue insist on him resting for today, it is still boring to stay in the tent the whole day.
He was ready to go out when several system notifications sounded.
[Ding!]
[5th Quest Generating...]
[Quest:
Build a house.
Time limit: Before Eulogia
Reward: Illuminating stone + 100 points
Failure: Unconscious for 36 hours]
[Ding!]
[Side Quest:
Build at least 50 houses in the tribe (0/50).
Time limit: Before the winter.
Reward: 200 points
Failure: Many children and elderly will die.
(Cause of death: hypothermia)]
[Ding!]
[Side Quest:
Feel the fruit of your labor.
Harvest the transplanted plants
Time limit: None
Reward: 50 points
Failure: None]
Tang Tang was taken aback upon seeing three consecutive quests at the same time.
After experiencing the wonderful benefits of the system's shop, Tang Tang is already excited to receive quests, but he didn't expect to receive three at once.
He first checked the details, penalties, and rewards of each quest. The 5th main quest and the first side quest have rich rewards but also a harsh penalty, while the second quest is the easiest but only has a 50-point reward.
'What is the illuminating stone, Ude?'
[It is a special kind of stone that produces light. This type of stone is rare because it can only be found in deep caves, and these caves are commonly inhabited by strong monsters.]
[But since you have me. (灬º‿º灬)♡ This stone will be available on the system's shop under miscellaneous once you complete the quest.]
Tang Tang chuckled. 'I am very thankful for having you, Ude.'
[ʕっ•ᴥ•ʔっ]
'Hmm, produces light? so it is like a light bulb.'
[That's right, Tang Tang. A light bulb that didn't need electricity.]
'Now that you mention it, this reward is really useful. I just hope that it is not expensive.'
[Don't worry, Tang Tang. All of the prices of each item in the system's shop were considered carefully. It is based on their usefulness and how long they can last, so you won't regret buying them.]
'I am looking forward to purchase more items from the system shop.'
Tang Tang was already on his way to the farm, but he still couldn't stop thinking about the penalty of one of the side quests. The fact that so many people's lives are at stake makes him feel pressured.
'Isn't it too harsh that many people will die if I don't complete the side quest, Ude?'
[Tang Tang, let me clarify this. Even without the quest, many people will still die during the winter.]
Ude explained to clear up the misunderstanding, since he knew what Tang Tang was thinking.
[It is like what happened to Pen. Even without the quest, Pen will die if not treated immediately. It is not actually a penalty of the system but a natural outcome of the incident.]
[The system is only taking advantage of the incident for you to earn points and to give you a chance to save them.]
'...'
[There are many strong individuals in the Winged Tiger Tribe; that's why food will not be a big problem during the winter, but many children and the elderly have weak constitutions; exposure to severe colds for a long time will cause their deaths. (｡•́︿•̀｡)]
Tang Tang felt bad for thinking that the system was threatening him with the lives of people just to complete the quest.
'I'm sorry, Ude.'
[It's okay, Tang Tang. Of course, that is for the side quests. For the main quest, a penalty will really be given. That is why it should really be completed.]
'Yeah!' He is once again fully motivated, and a lot of ideas entered his mind on how to successfully complete the quest with his limited time.
There are less than two months before the winter. Building one house is already challenging, and now he needs to build at least 50. Their current manpower is not enough, but he is sure that if he shows the beauty of a house, the whole tribe will help him, like what happened on the farm. So for now, he needs to focus on building their own house.
Tang Tang was deep in thought when a figure blocked his way. His steps were halted so he would not bump into the person.
"Ah!"
"T-tang Tang.."
The young sub-beast was out of breath and sweating profusely. His eyes were red and a little swollen, as if he had just cried.
"Pen? What happened? Are you okay?" Tang Tang worriedly asked.
Instead of answering, Pen asked back. "Is it true?"
Tang Tang frowned, he didn't know what the sub-beast was saying. "What do you mean? What is true?"
Pen hesitated but still told Tang Tang what he heard around the tribe. "They said that you were going to marry this incoming Eulogia. Is it true? Who are you going to marry?"
Tang Tang was taken aback. They only informed the clan witch and tribe leader last night, but it seems that the whole tribe already knows about it this morning.
'Gossip is really born with legs that can run miles.'
But before Tang Tang could answer Pen's questions, he was enveloped in a tight embrace.
"I don't care if you will get married, I don't care if it is Hou, Xue, or the two of them. I really don't care. But I already decided that I want to stay by your side no matter what, so please don't push me away even if you get married. Okay?" Pen said between sobs, his voice hoarse and his whole body trembling.
'Is he scared that we will stop being friends after I get married?'
[Hmm. No?]
'Then what?'
[I don't know. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯]
Tang Tang sighed. He caressed the sub-beast's hair gently as he spoke softly. "Don't worry, nothing will change even if I get married. We can still be friends as long as you want."
"Really?" Pen raised his head and asked. His face is stained with tears.
"Really. Actually, I am about to look for you to help you on the farm. So don't cry anymore. Okay?" He said while wiping Pen's face.
Pen nodded vigorously and hugged him again. "I like Tang Tang so much."
"I like Pen too."
[...]
Even though Pen always acts clingy in front of him, it didn't annoy Tang Tang because he understood that the sub-beast has never had a real friend before. That's why he always wants to get close to him. Pen, especially, is a cute and well-behaved child, so it doesn't matter.
After Pen calmed down, they walked together towards the farm.
He understands now why there have been a lot of eyes on him ever since he went out of the tent.
If they just ask, he will answer honestly. If they don't, just let them speculate however they want.
He stayed with Pen until the afternoon. They watered the crops and ate lunch with the other elders, who are also taking care of the farm.
He only got back when Hou and Cai fetched him.
'Ahhh.. This kind of leisurely life is beautiful.'