Besides the hammer, there were screwdrivers, nails and screws, files—
everything he'd need to make basic repairs. And all of it was labeled
Superior Quality.
Ben raised an eyebrow, impressed. Well, at least I won't have to deal with
busted tools while fixing up this place.
He glanced around at the rest of the house. The place had character, that
was for sure, but it was definitely well-worn. He could see plenty of work
waiting for him: patches on the curtains, scuffed floorboards, and furniture
that looked like it had seen better days… fifty years ago.
Still, it wasn't a total wreck. The structure was sound, the roof didn't look
like it would cave in on him anytime soon, and there was running water in
the kitchen sink—thank God for that.
Let's see what else I'm dealing with, Ben thought, making his way through
the house.
The kitchen had a casual dining area, which looked like it had been used for
daily meals, and there was a more formal dining room off to the side, next
to the sitting room. Ben stepped into the sitting room, taking in the
threadbare furniture. It wasn't fancy, but it looked comfortable, and the
fireplace in the corner seemed like it would heat the whole house. He
figured he wouldn't need it during the summer, but it was probably a good
idea to make sure it was in working order before the weather changed.
Moving upstairs, Ben found a large bedroom, three smaller rooms—likely
for guests or kids—and a bathroom with a clawfoot bathtub and a flush
toilet. He let out a relieved sigh. "At least I don't have to dig an outhouse."
The rest of the upstairs was relatively straightforward. Nothing fancy, but
with a bit of work, it could be made livable. He wasn't expecting luxury,
after all. Just a place to rest his head and make a fresh start.
He paused a moment at the master bedroom, the largest of the four, and the
one he'd decided it made the most sense for him to stay in. It was cozily
furnished and had a large bed—definitely big enough for another person if
Ben did manage to find a lady to spend his days with… In fact, it was big
enough for more than one, if he managed to find a few open-minded
ladies…
Ben didn't think he was some kind of stud or anything—even if he was now
stuck in the body of one. But, remembering the handbook on Demi-Beast
Husbandry, he had to admit he was intrigued by the idea of finding a few
ladies who needed… what was it? Taming and breeding?
Surely, he wouldn't be reborn in a world full of demi-beasts in need of
breeding with an enormous piece of equipment like he was now lugging
around and a bed big enough for four or more and not be expected to pursue
a few concurrent relationships…
That would just be too cruel.
Furthermore, after the heartbreak he'd suffered in his past life and the
opportunities for intimacy he'd missed out on, he really wanted a second
kick at the can. And a third, fourth, fifth, sixth… however many he could
get away with, really.
Ben had a lot of love to give and he didn't want a drop to go to waste now
that he'd been given a chance to do things differently.
Feeling his cheeks burn at the direction his thoughts were moving, Ben
closed the bedroom door and continued his exploration of the house.
He thought he was nearly finished, but the back of the house had more
surprises. A cozy little library with shelves built into the walls, an enclosed
sunroom that looked out over the backyard, and a big back porch with a
view of another garden plot.
This one was bigger than the patch of dirt he'd found earlier, and it looked
like it had been used for serious planting at one point. There were also a few
chicken coops, and off to the side, corrals that would be perfect for
livestock once he got his hands on some animals.
Ben ran a hand over the porch railing, already imagining the work he'd
need to put into the place. There was plenty to do, but it was a good kind of
work. And with the tools he had, even if everything else was Serviceable or
Poor, he could get the job done. He could hardly wait to see the changes he
was about to make, eager to put his mark on Lucky Nickel Acres as soon as
possible.
He leaned against the railing, looking out over the property. The sun was
starting to sink lower in the sky, casting long shadows over the land. It was
getting late, too late to start any serious work outside, but he could feel the
itch in his hands to do something. Fixing the house up was one thing, but
getting his hands in the dirt, planting something... that was what he was
looking forward to most of all.
Ben stood at the edge of the first garden plot, taking in the dry, cracked soil
beneath his feet. It wasn't much to look at, but it was a start. He'd found a few packets of seeds in the shed—carrots, potatoes, lettuce, and tomatoes—
all labeled Fair Quality. That was good enough for him.
Tomorrow, at first light, he'd get to planting.
But first, the soil needed work. And he needed to do a bit of work if he was
ever going to get to sleep that night after all the excitement of the day.
He grabbed the rusty hoe from the tool shed, feeling the rough wood of the
handle in his hands. As he swung it toward the dry earth, a notification
blinked into view.
Tool Proficiency Gained: Hoe – Novice
As a novice with the Hoe, you are capable of breaking up hard soil, but
with noticeable stamina drain and inconsistent results. Tilling small
garden plots may take longer, and the soil may not be turned as evenly
as needed. There's a minor risk of damaging the tool with improper
use, and the hard-packed ground may resist efficient tilling.
"Huh…" he said with a chuckle. "Just a Novice with the hoe. Not so far off
from the truth, I have to admit, even if it is a bit crude of the system to point
it out."
He started tilling the garden, breaking up the hardened soil and spreading it
into neat mounds and rows. He tried to keep his steps between the rows he
was tilling so as not to compact the soil he planned to plant in the next
morning. Soon, he lost himself in the work, enjoying the stretch and pull of
his muscles, and the ease with which his new body performed the physical
work.
Despite the warnings of stamina drain and inconsistent results, Ben felt he
was doing pretty well, though it was possible he just didn't have enough
experience with gardening to know if he was doing a poor job.
With every swing of the hoe, his muscles worked with a power and fluidity
he hadn't felt in years, if ever. His back didn't ache, his arms didn't burn
out, and he wasn't gasping for breath after a few minutes of work. In fact,
the more he worked, the more energized he felt.
Ben paused for a moment, wiping sweat from his brow. This new body's no
joke.
Even back when he'd been in his prime, he hadn't been this strong. The
stamina boost was welcome, and he had to admit, it made the task of
prepping the garden feel... fun. He kept working, pushing himself until the
soil was soft and ready for planting, even as the sun dipped below the
horizon and he was working by the light of fireflies.
The summer evening was warm and the light of the flickering bugs casting
a yellowish-green haze on the yard gave Ben a shiver of excitement. If this
wasn't magic he didn't know what was. He truly felt like he'd been
transported to another world.
Finally, as he brought the hoe down one last time, another notification
flashed into his view.
Tool Proficiency Increased: Hoe – Apprentice
At the apprentice level, your control over the Hoe has improved. You
can till medium-sized plots with less effort and greater precision.
Stamina drain is reduced, and the soil turns more evenly, allowing for
better planting conditions. There's less risk of damaging the tool, even
with Poor Quality equipment, and your increased strength allows you
to till more ground with fewer swings.
Ben grinned. "Nice! My first real level up… and it's with a hoe. Definitely
could be worse!"
He surveyed his work, feeling oddly proud of himself. The soil was looser
now, ready to be planted. He'd give it a go tomorrow with the seeds.
Then he frowned. There was still the matter of water. The soil was dry, and
there hadn't been any rain recently. He wasn't sure how farming worked in
this world, but he knew enough to recognize a problem when he saw one.
How was he going to keep his hypothetical plant babies alive without
water?
There was the well, of course. He hadn't been over to inspect the version in
this world, but he wasn't too eager to get close to it after plummeting to his
death in the last one… even if he did get reborn in a farming simulation
afterlife. What were the chances that he'd get the same do-over twice? The
idea of leaving this personal slice of heaven gave him a chill.
If he had to visit the well, at least this time he'd know to be careful…
That's when he spotted the rain barrel next to the house. It was old, but
sturdy-looking, with a watering can perched on top. Ben smiled to himself,
feeling a small flicker of satisfaction. It wasn't much, and it would take a lot
of trips back and forth, but it was enough to get started.
As he focused on the watering can, his HUD flashed with new information.
Watering Can – Serviceable Quality
This tool is designed to distribute water evenly over garden plots.
Serviceable Quality allows for basic watering of small plots without
major issues, but larger areas may require multiple refills. Serviceable
Quality tools will get the job done, but they are prone to faster wear
and tear than higher-quality tools.
Ben grabbed the watering can, filled it with water from the barrel, and
doused the soil.
Immediately he received another notification.
Tool Proficiency Gained: Watering Can – Novice
As a novice with the Watering Can, you are able to water small garden
plots with minimal effort, though your technique is still inefficient.
Expect minor stamina drain when watering larger areas. You may need
frequent trips to refill the can, and there is a small chance of uneven
water distribution, which can result in overwatering or underwatering
and will affect crop quality.
"This is so cool!" Ben thought as he absorbed the new information.
"Practically everything I do seems to have a levelable skill attached. I
wonder if that means I'll get better at things faster than I did before.
Practice makes progress after all, and it feels pretty damned good to have
measurable progress for every little skill."
As he worked, though, he realized that using the watering can was not
going to be the best way to water his crops once he had more than this little
garden plot to deal with. He'd have to spend half his day watering… There
must be a better way.
Refilling the watering can for what felt like the dozenth time, his mind
wandered to some lengths of rubber hose he'd seen in the shed.
"If I had the right parts, I could rig something up," he muttered, glancing at
the shed door, which was swinging open in the warm evening breeze. A few
fireflies danced around the door, but it wasn't enough to illuminate the
inside of the shed. It was too dark now to go inspect them, but in the
morning, he'd go have a look.
It would make watering a hell of a lot easier, in the future, but for now the
watering can technique was what would see him through.