Nic walked casually with his crow, Noctis, on his shoulder. Nic didn't know where to start.
"Hmm, I should find an apartment first," Nic said.
Before getting there, Nic had already activated God of Language so he could immediately speak Eastern languages, and anyone who heard him speak would automatically hear Nic speaking their language.
Zeta appeared and told Nic about a good place to stay.
[ Master Nic, instead of staying in an apartment in the city, you should go to the rural area and look for an inn there. ]
"Hmm, that's true. I want to experience the tranquility of nature for once." Nic said.
They immediately looked for a rural area, and it was quite easy because there were still very few cities.
Nic headed to a village called Valley of Heaven. The name sounded very luxurious, making Nic curious.
Nic asked a local resident, "Is there an inn here?"
The resident nodded and pointed to a large house. That was the house of the inn owner in this village, so Nic had to meet the owner.
Nic thanked him and immediately went to the house.
In the yard of the house, there was an old grandfather sitting casually reading a newspaper.
Nic approached him politely. "Excuse me, are you the owner of the inn here?"
The grandfather lowered his newspaper and coughed. "Uhuk, ah, a newcomer, do you want to stay?"
Nic nodded, then the grandfather asked Nic to follow him. Nic followed him.
The old grandfather brought Nic to a garden where a girl was tending her plants. The grandfather called her.
The girl turned and approached. "Hmm? Why did you call me, Grandpa?"
The grandfather told the girl that there was a newcomer who needed accommodation.
The girl immediately nodded with a smile.
The grandfather patted Nic's shoulder. "She will take care of it. Grandpa is going back home now."
Nic nodded, then the girl introduced herself with a slight bow.
"My name is Hinata-!! That was my grandfather. I manage my grandfather's garden and also the inn. I will take you there!"
"I'm Nic. Nice to meet you," Nic said, and Nic followed Hinata to the inn.
Upon arriving at the inn, Hinata explained everything about the inn, then Hinata asked, "Do you want to pay now or later?"
"Now is fine... how much is the accommodation?" Nic asked.
"Um, it's cheap! Only 100 thousand a week!" Hinata answered with a smile.
Nic was immediately surprised. Why was the price so cheap?
"Hmm, in that case, I will pay for 1 year. I'll round it up to 6 million," Nic said.
Hinata was shocked. "Hee?? You want to stay here that long?"
Nic nodded casually.
"Ah, in that case, just pay 5.2 million! 6 million is too much!" Hinata said.
"Take it easy. Consider it a tip as a newcomer... where is my room?"
Hinata surrendered and showed Nic where his room was, but Hinata was confused because she hadn't seen Nic carrying a large bag for his belongings, and he only had a crow on his back.
"Did you not bring any belongings?" Hinata asked.
Nic shook his head, then he immediately entered the room. "I will meet you again later to ask around, okay? Thank you!"
Hinata was silent. "You're welcome," she said softly, then left the inn.
---
Inside the room, Nic opened his phone to find information about the Eastern country first before asking Hinata.
"Hmm, there are many beautiful places here that are used as tourist attractions."
[ Master Nic, look at that news! ]
Zeta said, appearing behind Nic and pointing.
Nic clicked on the latest news of the Eastern country, which was about the president's plan for Eastern's progress. They wanted the country to advance and not be left behind by other countries, so they took the initiative to start building things for the country's interest and would destroy some forest areas to use as land.
"Did I arrive at the wrong time, Zeta?"
[ Wrong? No, Master Nic. On the contrary, this is the perfect time for you to act again as a playboy. ]
"Playboy? Funny, Zeta, use a better term," Nic was annoyed and pinched Zeta.
[ Ouch... I don't care. More importantly, would Master Nic like to see the new system skill that was delayed? ]
"Oh? Was it the tenth multiple? What is it? I'm curious."
[ The new system skill is called: Energy Sharing (similar to Love Synchronization, but the difference is that this purely gives energy, either to inanimate objects that need energy or living beings) ]
"Hmm, interesting. It seems it will be useful."
After that, Nic continued reading the news about the Eastern country, where their president was eager for change.
However, the president's words were widely criticized by some residents living in the villages and forest areas, because nature is very much Eastern's identity, and if it is damaged, Eastern's true identity will be gone.
Then, after seeing the news, Nic immediately focused on a very beautiful region. The region's name was Natural Tree of Heaven. This region was divided into 7 small but beautiful areas.
"Wow, look at that... the colors are very striking and beautiful."
[ Just like me, right, Master Nic? ]
"Hmm, yeah, for once."
After viewing various pieces of information, Nic finally went out to meet Hinata again.
Nic went to the garden and saw Hinata enthusiastically gardening. There was no fatigue at all; it was as if she was very integrated with her profession.
Nic called her, and Hinata immediately approached Nic.
"Are you done resting?" Hinata asked.
Nic nodded, then asked, "Are you gardening alone? In a garden this large?"
"Ah, actually, I have an older sister, and she also used to garden with me, but she is now a Botanist, and I support her! That's a cool profession... even alone, I can still maintain this garden, and I love it!" Hinata said with a sweet smile.
Her vibes were genuinely that of a tireless and enthusiastic village girl.
"Do you want me to help?" Nic said.
"Ehh, help with what? Gardening? No need, I'll be done soon!" Hinata shook her head quickly.
"It's okay, I like gardening too," Nic replied casually, then gently nudged Hinata back to the garden.
Nic activated Cupid Arsenal > Sticky Bomb and stuck it on Hinata's shoulder.
Then, boom!
[ Ding! Congratulations! Hinata is 100% loyal and in love with Master Nic! ]
[ Ding! Hearth Claim active! Hinata has been added to the girlfriend list! ]
[ Ding! Skill Transfer active! Gained new skill: God of Gardening (Master Nic is skilled at gardening, and anything Master Nic plants will grow faster and thrive) ]
"Hehe, let's garden~" Nic smiled.
To be continued...