This past month has been eventful.
Let's start with my job.
Despite my earlier proclamations, I was still doing a job—exploring the island for threats and dealing with them
Recently, I've noticed animals crossing the river more frequently.
Initially, I was informed that the village is safe from bests as they can't cross the river easily because of fast currents and predators.
Yet, recently, I've noticed animals crossing the river more frequently, evident that they are growing much faster.
Interestingly, meat has become tastier, and fruits and vegetables are juicier. While many consider this a natural phenomenon, the more observant among us are paying close attention.
Nevertheless, I am still far from touching profundities of this world. Rather my focus remains on the rewards from my job.
The village operates on a contribution system, with a large plaque listing ways to earn points and another detailing available rewards.
As a member of the exploration team, I earn well, especially through hunting and identifying edible plants. On my first day, I contributed all the information I had, though much was already documented, earning only a modest sum.
Surprisingly, Jia was part of the team overseeing this process, reinforcing the importance and comparative abundance of skills like {Memorization}.
Similarly, my skill {Calculation} might not be as unique as I thought.
I had also shared my knowledge of various routes. In the village centre, a young teenager was etching a detailed map onto a massive stone with precise strokes.
A skilled carver.
Quite lucky to have one here. This map was accessible to everyone.
It marked the Riverdale Village with a symbol of cluster of huts. There was a river moving from east to west dividing into two and then joining again and continuing.
Notably, the river I crossed initially to reach stone village was only a smaller offshoot, with a larger main branch in the opposite direction.
The island was depicted in an irregular shape with accuracy in mind.
In the west of the map, was the explored area. In between the main flowing western river and the tributary was the area where I was summoned.
On the map, on the other side of the tributary was a stone hut shaped symbol illustrating the village ruins I went.
There was a claw symbol in the southern side of the map, right below the island. I don't know exact details, but it might be danger.
There were symbols of rocks, swamps, many kinds of plants, and trees representing resources and terrain. A majority of these though were on the island with the rest in the explored area.
My contribution of the uncharted area earned me valuable points—all thanks to Lucas's advice to arrive early.
Moving on, another big chunk of points came from the strange coin. This relic from previous inhabitants caused a stir, earning me a hefty sum.
Anticipating its value, I had hidden the rest before coming to the Exchange.
However, my attempt to report on the stone ruins was less fruitful, as someone—likely Reid, who is now part of Alexander's personal team—had already done so.
You guessed right he has joined the team directly under Alexander.
His rapid ascent left me feeling uneasy.
What skills does he possess?
Regardless, I must tread carefully. One misstep and I lose my value, or worse, my life.
To secure my position, I report every detail of the exploration team's activities to Lucas.
Lying isn't an option—he likely has other spies.
Still, Lucas has provided some contribution points as reward for my spying.
In totality, I had amassed a fairly large amount of contribution points which provided me incentive to arm myself. My self-made arsenal was no longer sufficient. Discarding old and adapting the new is needed now.
This led me to the Exchange, where I had to deal with Mary—the nightmare. She was lounging, eating grapes, and ignored my attempts to get her attention.
"Cough!"
Nothing.
"Cough!! Cough!!"
"What are you coughing here for? We don't have cough medicine." she snapped, clearly annoyed.
I was speechless.
I can now see why she had such a bad reputation.
Taking a deep breath and supressing my anger, I spoke, "I am here to exchange for resources."
"Then why the hell are you standing there coughing like an idiot? Tell me what you want and get lost." She muttered, adding an insult under her breath.
I wanted to strangle her.
I had never felt such an urge to kill someone, she just knows how to get on someone's nerve.
Keeping my composure, I requested the best quality bow and arrows, along with leather armour.
She gave me a look, as if asking are you sure, I just stood there. Seeing I was serious, she led me to a rack displaying three bows.
They were all made from different wood from different regions.
The flora has also been transported from Earth and in a random manner as well.
You can find desert shrubs right in the middle of this forest.
Of course, many of these plants were not able to survive in the initial phase and died. But those who survived for a little while, and adapted to the strange atmosphere benefitted a lot and now easily thrive anywhere in the harsh conditions.
My assumption, they are also considered to be on equal footing with humans and animal, albeit their evolution might be slow.
Getting back to making a choice.
I tested each and finally settled on the costliest one. It was made from Yew wood. It is said to be both flexible and strong and is relatively easy to find on Earth. A lucky find, given yew's rarity here.
Opting to choose the best arrows as well, I moved towards the leather armour.
I chose one made of crocodile skin. Since it required customization, I would need to visit the tailor. Seeing my selection, Mary seemed surprised.
Finally, I opened my mouth to ask for a weapon.
In another section, there laid multiple swords and spears etc.
Despite my previous use of spears and clubs, I chose a stone sword—sleek, double-edged, moderately weighted, and well-gripped with leather wrapping. Why? Well, it was for a reason.
Having both a skilled tailor and stone carver in the village is a massive advantage, significantly improving survival rates.
Riverdale Village has made a wise choice to focus on unique or rather useful skills.
I tested the sword, swinging it like a spear. Mary laughed, which, while made my cheeks burn, likely made her lower her guard against me—exactly what I wanted.
Perfect.
I simply don't want a hound like her behind me.
To complete my purchases, I added daily necessities: a water container, a jute-thread bag, new knives, and other essentials.
Soon Mary sent someone to check my contribution points in the plaque where records are kept. She cross checked and authorized the purchase.
I collected my items and left as quickly as possible, now completely broke but heavily armed.
I headed to the tailor, a middle-aged woman who efficiently customized my armour. The cost was already included with purchase, but I still gifted her some rare fruits as a gesture of goodwill.
With my new gear, I was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.