"Haah… haah…" His breathing was ragged, his vision darkening at the edges.
His chest rose and fell violently, his body drenched in sweat.
His upper body was bare, lean muscles barely defined, yet drawn tight from the intense session he had endured on the field.
But every ounce of pain and discomfort was worth it.
He had achieved what he set out to do.
Every single mole.
All fifty four of them lay dead to the side.
[Congratulations, host!]
[Quest achieved]
The system's notification came just as he noticed a glass being held out toward him.
Turning his head, he found the same pair of eyes that had stunned him earlier, now much closer.
The scent of roses filled his senses as the chief's wife, Roxanne, stood there with a gentle smile.
He accepted the glass of water and nodded. "Thanks."
Roxanne smiled. "I never imagined the boy who was sheltered by his mother for so long would turn out to be this reliable."
His breathing had steadied by now. Luke finished the water before replying, "When earning becomes mandatory, hesitation tends to disappear."
She hummed in agreement. "I'm glad you understood that early. This world doesn't work the way you wish it to."
Crossing her delicate arms beneath her chest, making them appear more prominent to his still heated gaze, she continued, "You've done excellent work. I'll have the manager reward you properly. But before that, I want to reward you as well."
She turned toward the field. "I'm very fond of the crops I cultivate. They're like my children. But yesterday, a massive swarm of moles appeared out of nowhere and started destroying my babies."
Turning her attention back to Luke, she said, "That's why you deserve a reward from me. Ask me whatever you want, boy."
The thought flashed through his mind instantly—dragging her into her room, tearing her dress away, bending her over the edge of the bed and taking her from behind until the entire village knew the chief's wife was being claimed.
The temptation was fierce. Her presence alone was intoxicating.
But he held himself back.
Not because he had given up on her. Not even close. One day, he would have that body in his arms. He was certain of it. But rushing now would only cheapen what he wanted. He wanted to grow closer, slowly, deliberately.
So instead, he said, "Allow me to learn farming from you, lady."
Roxanne hummed, clearly surprised. "You want to learn from me? Why? Your family has a small farm too, doesn't it?"
Luke smiled and shook his head. "They do. But none of them have your dedication. I'd like to stand by your side and learn things step by step… intimately."
She sensed nothing improper in his tone or expression, though she could tell he wanted to be near her.
He probably thinks impressing me will put him on my mate's good side, she concluded.
What she didn't know was that Luke wasn't trying to curry favor with the chief at all.
Not even a little.
After a brief pause, another voice broke the quiet. "Who is he, mother?"
It was a feminine voice—soft, curious.
A younger girl stepped forward, perhaps in her early twenties. She had short black hair framing a slightly round face, clear blue eyes, and a slim figure. At a glance, she looked gentle, almost innocent.
"Rhea… this is Luke," Roxanne said. "You remember Lex. He's his younger brother."
Luke spared the girl a final glance. She was already looking at him, curiosity flickering in her eyes. He turned back to Roxanne and gestured toward the dead moles. "Should I take these away, lady?"
Roxanne shook her head. "You've already done enough. Go receive your reward from Gary."
Gary—the barter hub manager.
Luke nodded. He picked up his shirt and left the compound, passing through the gate without looking back.
As he walked toward the main path, he addressed the system.
Show me my stats.
[Stats:
Str: 6
Spd: 10
Def: 5
Int: 6
Gamma: 6]
[Attribute points: 10]
[Gamma reserve: 770]
Luke smiled.
His strength and defense—stamina included—had risen naturally. His Gamma had increased by a full point as well. Considering how weak the moles were, the gains made perfect sense.
What about Toras, though?
"Here you go," said the big-eyed man as he set a heavy pouch on the counter the moment Luke arrived.
Luke grinned. "How many are there?"
Gary scoffed. "More than you've probably seen in your entire life. Three hundred."
"…!!"
Luke's eyes widened, if only a little. He had mentioned taking five tora per mole, sure—but he had never actually agreed to it. And even if he had charged five per head, this was still more than what he should have earned.
Was he going to reject it?
Like hell.
He pocketed the pouch and smoothly slipped it into his Inventory. Carrying that many coins out in the open was just inviting trouble. All it took was one wrong pair of eyes, one greedy thought, for someone nearby to decide that snatching his money was worth the risk.
He gave one last nod to Gary and made his way to his house.
He has an appointment with his dear sister tonight after all.