Kael stood in the heart of his Orchard Dimension, his eyes scanning the freshly cultivated ground. The Blazing Fang Fruit pulsed softly in its sprout form, thriving under the influence of the Emberstone Core. The surrounding air was warm, a reminder of the volatile energy coursing through the fruit. Two days left until harvest.
But Kael wasn't here just to monitor its progress—he had a new task to focus on. More seeds needed to be planted if he was to expand his orchard and continue improving his rank. He reached into his storage ring and pulled out a collection of seeds, each one glistening faintly in the soft glow of the dimension's ambient light.
[Task: Plant 10 Common Seeds to Expand Orchard Yield]
Objective: Plant and nurture 10 seeds for future harvest.Reward: Orchard Keeper EXP, increased crop yield, and bonus gold for successful growth.
Kael knelt down and began planting the seeds in neat rows. The soil responded to his touch, almost eagerly accepting the seeds as he pressed them into the earth. He worked methodically, his mind simultaneously focused on the task and on the tension that still lingered in the village.
Vaun is planning something, Kael thought grimly. The man's presence was like a storm cloud, darkening everything it touched.
With the new seeds planted, Kael moved toward the storage area of his dimension. The Common Fruits from his earlier harvest sat neatly arranged, glowing with health and vitality. He pulled them into his inventory and summoned the System Store interface.
[System Notification: Store Opened]
Kael selected the fruits and hit [Sell All]. One by one, the fruits disappeared into light, their value transferred to his account.
[Sale Completed: 22 Common Fruits Sold]
Gold Earned: 60Merchant Rank Progress Updated: 10% toward Novice Merchant
Kael smiled. His first sale. It wasn't much, but it was a step toward establishing himself as a trader. Gold would become essential for purchasing new seeds, equipment, and other items that could help him in the future.
Kael returned to the real world just as twilight began to settle over the village. The air was cool, but the tension was palpable. Vaun Calder's presence felt heavier with each passing day.
Kael made his way through the village, his eyes flicking toward every shadow, every unfamiliar movement. Villagers greeted him with polite nods, but many seemed distracted—almost wary. Vaun had been speaking to more of them, dropping hints and promises, sowing doubt and suspicion.
At his grandfather's house, Kael found Alden and Aeris in quiet conversation, their expressions serious.
"We need to be careful," Aeris said as Kael entered. "Vaun's not just waiting anymore. He's been offering deals to the villagers, trying to buy their favor."
Kael crossed his arms. "He's testing their loyalty—trying to isolate us. He wants to make sure we have no allies left when he makes his move."
Alden nodded gravely. "It's a tactic the Levi family has used before. Turn the people against you, and you're easier to break."
Kael's jaw clenched. "We'll be ready for him. I just need a little more time."
Aeris glanced toward the window, her expression distant. "Let's hope we have enough."
The next day, Kael returned to the orchard, preparing for the Blazing Fang Fruit's final growth stage. The plant had grown taller, its leaves now edged with a faint glow. The air around it shimmered with heat, and the Emberstone Core pulsed in rhythm with the fruit's energy.
One more day.
Kael turned toward his new rows of planted seeds, mentally planning the next steps for his orchard. His focus narrowed completely on his work—until the system's sudden alert snapped him out of it.
System Notification: Disturbance Detected
[Emergency Alert: Village Security Breach]
Disturbance near village center. Hostile presence confirmed. Immediate attention is required.]
Kael froze, his pulse quickening. A vision flashed before his eyes—Aeris surrounded by shadowy figures, her voice calling out in panic.
"Aeris!"
He didn't think. He hastily proceeded towards the portal leading back to the real world, leaving the Blazing Fang Fruit behind amid the confusion. His heart raced as he emerged from the dimension, his instincts screaming that something was terribly wrong.
Kael ran through the village, his eyes scanning every corner, every shadow. Villagers stared at him in confusion, some whispering among themselves.
Then he found the overturned cart near the center of the village. Aeris's satchel lay abandoned in the dirt.
Kael picked it up, his fingers tightening around the fabric. Footprints led away from the scene, heading into the dense woods at the edge of the village. His eyes burned with fury.
"She's gone," Kael whispered, his voice trembling with rage. "They took her."
The ground felt hot with his anger, his inner fire ready to burst. The Blazing Fang Fruit's power stirred within him, wild and untamed, waiting to be unleashed.