The sun was warm on Sylas's back as he stood at the edge of his field. The soil was dark and ready, small green shoots already poking through. It had been three days since he'd planted the next batch of carrots and onions. He had help now. Not much, but it was a start.
Jaren, the boy who had helped him last time, was already digging small holes. He worked quietly but with care. Sylas watched him for a moment, then grabbed his own hoe and got to work.
"You ever think about owning something?" Sylas asked as he loosened the soil.
Jaren looked up, wiping his brow. "Like what?"
"A farm. A business. Something you run with your own hands."
The boy gave a half-smile. "I just want to eat well."
"That's fair," Sylas said. "But what if you could eat well and help others too?"
Jaren thought about it, then nodded. "I'd like that."
"Then let's make that happen."
After the field work, Sylas returned to his small wooden house and pulled out a few sheets of rough parchment. He wrote again: Hollow Harvest Co. The name still felt right. It sounded like it belonged here.
He drew a small leaf under the name, then listed what they had:
One small field
Two helpers (counting himself)
Carrots and onions growing
A trade deal with Garen
A drying deal with Mira
Then he added what they needed:
Tools
Seeds
More hands
Storage
A proper sign
"I'll need coin," he muttered.
But thanks to his last sale, he had some. He opened his system again:
[Inventory Update]
Copper: 295
Silver: 1
Gold: 0
He needed more carrots and onions to sell before the next big step. But for now, he'd invest a little.
He went to Garen's forge.
"I need tools. Two hoes, a shovel, and a small cart."
Garen scratched his beard. "You starting a war?"
"A company."
Garen laughed. "That's worse."
Sylas smiled. "I'm serious. I'm calling it Hollow Harvest."
"I like it. Name's got roots."
They settled on a price. Garen gave him a used but sturdy shovel, two strong hoes, and promised the cart by the week's end. Sylas handed over 90 copper and left with his load.
Back home, Jaren's sister, Lila, stood near the field.
"You the one paying my brother?" she asked.
"I am. Want a job too?"
She hesitated. "Doing what?"
"Drying herbs, prepping food, some garden work."
"I can try."
Sylas handed her a small bag of onions. "Start by hanging these near the chimney. Mira can show you how."
She took the bag and nodded. "Alright."
By nightfall, the house was filled with the faint scent of onions and herbs. Sylas sat at the table, his fingers stained with dirt. He felt good.
He opened the system window.
[Quest Progress Updated]
Start a Company: Hollow Harvest Co. (Active)
Staff: 2 helpers
Field: Carrots and onions