Reborn in the Survival Adventure Game-Chapter 31: Fertilizer Plan

Evening fell on the village. The sky was orange behind the trees as Caelen stood before his field. The corn was tall now, nearly ready. He narrowed his eyes at it.

[Corn Growth: 95% – Stage: Maturing]

[Estimated Time Until Harvest: 2–3 months (without enhancement)]

"Tch... it's so close, but not enough," he grumbled.

He noticed gentle footsteps behind him. It was Zira, carrying a basket of herbs she had picked with the goblin children.

"You're still gawking at the corn?" she said, smiling.

Caelen scratched the back of his head. "Yeah. I was expecting it to be ready sooner. I really need it for something. but it'll take months."

Zira cocked her head. "Isn't there some way to get it to grow faster?"

Caelen smiled. "Yeah... fertilizer."

Zira blinked. "Ferti... what?"

He faced her, shocked. "Wait, you don't know what fertilizer is?"

Zira folded her arms. "Should I?"

Caelen laughed. "Right, medieval world. It's something you add to soil to make plants grow quicker. Like. natural food for plants."

Zira's eyes widened, interested. "What sort of 'food'?"

Caelen consulted his menu.

[Search: How to make fertilizer?]

[Result: Use ingredients rich in Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium.]

[Suggested Materials: Rotting food, animal bones, wood ash, manure.]

"Huh," he grunted. "We'll need bones, perhaps ash, and. unpleasant things."

Zira scrunched up her nose. "That's gross."

He smiled. "Aye, but it works."

They sat on the ground a little way away from the field, and Zira hugged her knees, studying the situation. The wind blew softly, lifting her silver hair around her neck. She watched Caelen and frowned mildly.

"Why do I not care about this?" she said quietly.

Caelen blinked. "Okay with what?"

"Being here... assisting you. Initially, I did not mind. I needed to survive. But now I'm... liking this. Working with you, discussing with you. seeing the corn grow like it's something that counts." She talked slowly and not loud

Caelen stared at her, not knowing what to respond. He had skills with tools and making things, but feelings were not on his making list.

Zira blushed and looked away. "Forget I said."

He smiled uncomfortably. "You've been a big help. I'm glad you didn't leave."

Zira didn't respond immediately. She observed the sky becoming purple, the stars gradually coming to life.

"I think I like this sensation," she murmured to herself. "Warm. Peaceful. But it's strange."

[Zira Affection: +3]

[Hint: Zira is uncertain about her emotions.]

Caelen got up, dusting off his pants. "We can search for the stuff tomorrow. Maybe begin with animal bones and ash."

Zira nodded. "I'll go ask the children if they've found any. Perhaps we can burn some logs for ash as well."

He grinned. "Thanks, Zira."

She glanced at him, heart leapfrogging momentarily, but she moved away. "Don't mention it...."

Later, Caelen sat by the fire within his house. The furnace burned steadily—already cleaned and improved. He gazed into the flames, his mind running over corn, fertilizer, and Zira's odd mood.

"She's acting strange lately," he mumbled. "Must be stress."

[System Note: You're dense.]

He scowled. "I heard that."