Chereads / Interspecies Harem / Chapter 4 - Fishing and Traps

Chapter 4 - Fishing and Traps

Dismissing the reward panel, I went to gather a pile of tinder in the fire pit. Using the bow drill, I managed to start a fire in just half a minute. Carefully nursing the tinder, I added some dry leaves and branches, and slowly, the fire grew larger.

I placed five clay pots, each holding 2 liters of water, on the fire pit. Because they were not metal pots, it would take some time for the water to boil.

While waiting, I crafted a spear with a sharp stone head and decided to head to the stream to hunt for fish.

I initially thought this kind of fishing would be easy, but I was quickly proven wrong after several failed attempts. I overestimated my skill, and the fish's reactions were faster than my reflexes.

Despite the difficulty, I didn't give up. It turned into a kind of exercise for me, and after a lot of spear-throwing, my sore body started to ease up.

I also felt like the fish were mocking me because every time I missed a throw, they simply swam away but came back afterward.

"It's a challenge then," I muttered.

I strengthened my grip on the spear and enhanced my focus. This time, it was a real game.

Soon, I was breathless, sweat trickling down my forehead. But I smiled nonetheless, because after an hour, I finally managed to catch a fish.

"Ha!"

Even though it was just one, I was contented because it was a large one. Also, it was the fish that always came back to taunt me.

I decided this would be my breakfast and went back to the fire pit.

By then, the water had already boiled, so I stored it in the clay jars. I couldn't store water directly in my space inventory, but if it was in a container, it would be stored as a [Clay Jar with Water] with an assigned number indicating the amount of water inside.

Once stored, I received a message notifying me about the completion of the daily quest and the rewards that came with it. I was happy to see my lifespan slowly but steadily increasing.

After storing away the jar and the pots I used, I began preparing the fish using a makeshift stone knife made of flint. I also used the spices and herbs I had gathered earlier.

Using the stone knife, I prepared the ingredients. Afterward, I put another clay pot on the fire pit and cooked a simple soup.

It only took several minutes for the soup to cook, and the aroma wafted over my nose. Once it was ready, I quickly picked up my wooden spoon and began eating my first-ever cooked meal in this world.

I enjoyed my breakfast while listening to the relaxing sound of the stream and the calming songs of the birds.

After eating, I tidied up the fire pit and went back to the shelter. I had many tasks to do, including checking and reinforcing the shelter.

Moreover, I wanted to make traps to get animal meat to complete the quest. No matter how much I thought about it, I couldn't manage to hunt animals. This was also based on my performance while fishing earlier.

Maybe if I increased my [Agility], I would be able to hunt, but I only had one attribute point this time, and I had already put it in [Physique] to increase my stamina.

So for now, I would resort to using traps.

After checking the shelter for any problems, I went outside to gather bark from trees to make a rope.

When I had gathered enough bark, I sat down and began the process of making rope. Using my hands, I separated the fiber material from the bark. Each time I separated the fibers, I activated my appraisal skill to check if they were good enough or still had bark impurities.

After getting all the fibrous material, I made strips and started twisting them together.

It was tedious work, and I was starting to get bored. But I persisted and continued to lengthen the rope until I obtained the desired length.

While making the rope, I conducted a few tests to see if the strength was sufficient. By the time I finished making three separate ropes, it was already afternoon.

[You have successfully crafted an innovative item]

[Your Creativity increases by 3!]

[Congratulations!! Your Creativity reached 20 points]

[You have unlocked a new skill!]

"Eh? A new skill?"

I was surprised by the notifications. I thought I would only get Creativity points for making a rope, which was apparently considered an innovative item.

I wouldn't have thought there was this kind of achievement for reaching a certain number of stats.

With excitement, I tapped the newly added skill.

[Creation: Effects]

A passive skill that increases the potential to create items/crafts with special effects.

Note: Can be upgraded

"Special effects?"

I was puzzled about the special effects and expanded its information panel. Apparently, special effects are bonus attributes or additional effects on the things I create.

For instance, if the wooden cup I crafted had the special effect of great hardness, it would become as hard as rock.

It was a good skill, honestly. Although there was no certain probability of when or how often the passive skill would trigger, it seemed more like a random effect for now.

How about the other attributes? If I could also receive some rewards after reaching a certain number, then I wonder what the other skills would be.

Maybe I would gain martial arts skills. Heaven Spinning Kick or something like Great Black Dragon Punch.

I wouldn't rule out such a possibility, after all, this was a fantasy world.

After checking the new skill, I went outside the shelter to construct the traps.

I wasn't particularly knowledgeable about traps, but I still had my logic. Relying on my experience as a mechanical engineer, I tried several methods and eventually managed to design my own version. It was a trap so simple yet effective in its mechanisms.

I chose strategic locations along the animal trails I had found earlier. I set the first trap near a dense thicket, the second along a narrow path, and the third close to a small clearing.

For the trap near the clearing, I placed some ripe fruits an seeds as a lure, hoping they would attract some hungry animals.

With the traps set, I decided to explore the other side of the area near my shelter since I had already covered the opposite side earlier in the morning.

As I explored, I took notes on any new resources or signs of wildlife. I collected some fruits and herbs along the way.

After an hour of exploring the area, I headed back to the shelter and began building a fire pit.

I placed it near the entrance as I dug a shallow pit and lined it with stones to contain the fire. I also gathered some dry leaves and small branches to use as kindling.

After setting up the pit, I started a fire using the bow drill. Eventually, the fire pit came to life.

With the fire pit successfully created, I went back to the stream in hopes of catching another fish for dinner. But this time, it became harder to catch.

So I crafted several makeshift fishing rod, dug worms for a simple bait as I planned to let them set for the whole night.

Next, I went to checked the traps I had set to see if there was any catch, but all of them were still empty.

I guess I would be eating fruits tonight.