Netori Harem: New life as a hunter and gatherer-Chapter 74: Return to me

"Mm..." Luke groaned in his sleep, his eyes slowly opening.

He stretched his arms and legs, feeling his muscles tense before relaxing.

He glanced out the window and saw that it was already morning.

"You are awake?" a voice came from his left. He turned slowly and found Monica standing there with a smile, her eyes showing she had woken up only moments earlier.

Luke extended his arm toward her and held her wrist. "Come here..." He pulled her into his arms, hugging her close, feeling her warmth seep into his skin.

Monica sighed softly, her body melting against him as she mumbled, "Are you not feeling well, Luke?"

Luke hummed. "No, I am fine... just a little lazy... you know how I have always been."

Monica giggled. "That is why I asked. I cannot remember my dear Luke waking up this early."

A lazy grin spread across Luke’s lips as he pinched his mother’s waist, making her let out a soft, sweet squeal.

They did not stay in bed for long. Monica had work to do, and as much as Luke wanted to lie there doing nothing and teasing her, he had his own tasks to finish as well.

"Should I pack some lunch for you, Luke?" Monica asked as she tied her hair into a bun.

Luke shook his head. "Cooked meat invites beasts, and today I will not be alone." Defending someone while being surrounded by dangerous creatures could turn bad quickly if he ignored even the smallest details.

Monica’s expression turned concerned. She rested her hand on Luke’s head and asked, "Promise me you will stay away from danger, as always. Even if you are guarding the chief’s daughter, you must prioritise your own safety, okay?"

Luke grinned. "You know what chaos would erupt if something were to happen to Rhea, right?"

Monica shook her head. "I do not care about the outcome. I just want my boy to return to me safely."

Luke sighed...this woman...how can he not fall for her?

Pulling her on his lap, he cupped her cheek and said, "My dear lady, I promise to keep myself intact and return to you in one piece. Let’s seal the promise."

Monica faintly blushed as she felt his lips pressing against hers, soft and warm. Her fingers threaded through his hair as she leaned her head slightly, her lower lip trapped between his, before he gave it a slight nip, making her gasp then giggle.

They exchanged one last hug, tight and assuring before Luke said, "Don’t worry. Nothing could separate us."

....

Luke stood at the back of his house, watching several workers gather and prepare materials for the bathhouse he had requested.

The chief worker stepped forward and asked, "Should the bathhouse be connected to the main house?"

Luke considered it for a moment before replying, "Sounds or cries would carry more easily if it’s connected."

The worker looked confused but nodded. "Yes, the wall would be thinner if connected. But if built separately, we can create a thicker perimeter for better security."

Luke smiled. "Then build it separately."

"..." The worker stared at him, clearly dumbfounded.

Luke did not bother explaining why he wanted a separate bathing space in the first place. Instead, he asked, "Would you mind adding a small room attached to the house as well? I will pay you for it."

The brown-haired man scratched his head. "Another structure... hmm, we were not informed about it, so we did not bring enough material."

Luke chewed on his lower lip but said nothing.

The worker thought for a moment before continuing, "It will take five days to build both, and two hundred extra toras. Can you afford that?"

Luke nodded. "Yes, but make sure both are built with solid materials."

The worker grinned. "I can guarantee that even your grandchildren will use them just as well as the day they are finished."

Luke smiled faintly. "I hope you fulfill your commitment."

After that, he returned to the house, where he saw Ginna setting out breakfast. At the table sat Dalia, Lex, and Caleb.

’Hmm? Was she that exhausted that she could not even come out for the meal?’ Luke wondered. When he had left the well house, Laila had been completely spent.

He had expected someone to discover her in that state yesterday, but since he had not noticed any strange gazes or heard any rumors that morning, he assumed she had managed to handle things somehow.

As Luke took his seat, he glanced at Lex and saw the man speaking quietly with his mate.

His presence drew the elder man’s attention as well.

Luke could feel Lex’s hesitant gaze on him, but the man said nothing. He did not dwell on it for long and instead asked the system,

’Show me my stats.’

[Stats:

Lvl: 3

Str: 15

Spd: 15

Def: 14

Int: 15

Gamma: 100

Points: 130]

[Skills: Echolocation — Lvl 1

Concentrated Burst — Lvl 1

Enhanced Perception — Lvl 1]

[To level up: 2000G]

Luke nodded in appreciation. Now this looked more like the status page of a magician.

The three new skills added to his arsenal would surely help him during his hunt. However, what puzzled him were their levels.

’How do I enhance them?’

[It’s simple, host. Use them.] the system explained. [The more you use your skills, and the longer you sustain them, the better your control becomes, and the stronger they grow.]

[It is not that the spells are in an early phase and will evolve on their own. Think of it like learning to use a knife. At first, you may suffer consequences such as backfire or injuring yourself, but once you gain control, you can wield it effortlessly and with precision.]

Luke nodded in understanding. He caught the warning hidden in the explanation. He was going to get hurt while learning... but that was not enough to stop him from using every weapon at his disposal.

•••••

A/N:- Thank you for giving this story a chance.