With the granite axe, I managed to cut down tree branches of suitable thickness. If they were too thick, I will have a hard time to cut them. If they were too heavy, they'd be burden in building a shelter. Selecting the right size was key.
After chopping half a dozen branches, I was already breathless. Clearly, my weak body wasn't adept at this kind of work.
"This is tough," I muttered as I caught my breath.
Due to my frail body, I needed to take occasional rests. It was hard labor.
But persistence is always key, so I continued to gather tree branches each time I recovered my strength.
After some time, the branches piled up. When I had gathered a significant amount, I stopped swinging my axe, tossed the logs into my space inventory and began searching for an area to build.
Eventually, I found a sunnier spot with flat, firm soil. After a few inspections, I deemed it an ideal place for building a shelter.
Without wasting time, I began laying the shelter's foundation. Though lacking a metal shovel, the stone axe proved handy for breaking the earth and forming basic groundwork.
Afterward, I began cutting the tree branches to their right length.
Next, I crafted a chisel and hammer out of granite stone. Though only makeshift grade, they helped increase my creativity attribute to 2 points.
Using the newly crafted tools, I carefully carved notches on the logs so they could fit together without nails.
It took a lot of trial and error. The stone chisel wasn't the sharpest, and its edges started to become dull along the way, so I had to make several stone chisel reserves.
Some notches were too shallow, others were uneven, but I adjusted as I went along.
I wasn't a professional carpenter, so I only relied on my limited knowledge and applied what I thought would work.
After several hours of hard work, I finally had enough notched logs ready. I raised the frame foundation, and began to assemble the logs, fitting them together and reinforcing them with vines.
It was a crude and ugly way of building the shelter walls, but I wasn't discouraged and continued without resting.
When afternoon arrived , the walls of the shelter finally emerged.
"I'm hungry..." I groaned, patting my stomach.
After the initial hard work, my weak body craved food. Fortunately, while harvesting tree branches earlier, I stumbled upon a fruit very similar to apples on Earth. Although I could only harvest the ones within my reach.
When I finished satiating my hunger, I took a light rest to recover my stamina before continuing work.
With the walls in place, I turned my attention to roofing. After some time, the roof frame took shape, constructed from smaller logs and branches.
Next, I made a thatched roof from large foliage and leaves. I was a beginner about these things so the roof-making took a long time, and before I noticed, the sun began to dip as I finished.
As night approached, I hastened my work and completed the shelter's interior. Inside, I raised the floor with smaller branches and leaves. It wasn't ideal, but it beat sleeping on the cold ground.
After that, I created a wooden door out of small logs, binding them tightly with vines. It was a simple door with the sole purpose of covering the shelter's entrance.
When I finally attached the door, a series of notifications appeared before my eyes.
[Quest Complete!]
[Congratulations!! You have received an evaluation grade of "Excellent"]
[Your rewards have increased!]
"Oh, additional rewards!"
I exclaimed, instantly elated as I saw the notifications. I then immediately checked my stats.
I discovered that I had received 10 stat points, double the promised reward.
As I recalled, stat points could be allocated anywhere in my attributes.
However, as much as I wanted to put them all in [Creativity], I couldn't ignore how weak my current body was.
For now, I decided to put three points each into [Strength], [Agility], and [Physique], with the remaining point going to [Creativity].
According to the attributes panel I had read earlier, [Strength] governed a person's physical power, used for lifting and exerting force.
[Agility] encompassed speed, reflexes, and dexterity. It determined how nimble a person was.
Lastly, [Physique] represented overall body condition, including health, endurance, and stamina.
All attributes were special in their own way. I needed strength and agility for everyday work, but I also needed to be physically healthy, not to mention increase my stamina.
Although my main focus was still [Creativity], I wasn't stupid enough to entirely ignore my other attributes.
Done allocating the points, I instantly felt my body become lighter. I was amazed at how quickly it took effect and was reminded again that this was a fantasy world.
After a bit of stretching, I went back to checking my rewards.
I received a three-day increase in lifespan. Only one additional day, but an increase nonetheless.
Aside from the two rewards, I also received a skill called [Appraisal].
Based on its description, it was a skill that can determine material names, reveal their quality and history.
For me, it was a valuable skill, especially as I would be dealing with materials. I couldn't help but be elated, knowing that from now on, choosing the right materials for my crafts would become easier.
Anyway, no matter how rejuvenated I felt, my body still began to ached after a whole day of hard work.
A short rest was no longer enough. A long rest was necessary.
After eating the remaining apples for my dinner, I lay down in my completed shelter.
Sounds of rustling leaves and chirping insects filled my ears. Darkness had already settled outside, and I could hardly see anything anymore.
Closing my eyes, I put away all my worries and slowly drifted off to sleep.