Reborn in the Survival Adventure Game-Chapter 33: Hunting berries

Caelen stood outside, looking at the corn. It was 95%, but not yet ripe. He was starving now, and the corn would not be ripe in months.

[System: Estimated - 1 months]

He pulled out his menu.

[Google: Scan nearby fruits and vegetables]

[Scan Complete: Wild fruits and vegetables detected – Distance: 4.6 km west – Forest area]

"That's a long way..."he said.

He whistled, and Sparkfin landed on his shoulder.

"Hello, Sparkfin. There are some fruits out west. Can you see if any of those are closer?"

The bird tweeted and flew off.

Caelen retrieved his tools and proceeded to the mine.

"Twenty meters left," he said, drilling. It was laborious work, but he didn't care. The drill was almost done.

After a while, he stepped outside. Zira was sitting on a log, looking at the trees. He walked over and sat beside her.

"Back from drilling?" she asked.

"Yeah. Almost there."

They sat in silence for a while, just watching the trees.

"I asked Sparkfin to look for fruits," Caelen said.

"Good idea," Zira said. "Hunting's getting old."Caelen nodded.

"You've been quiet today."

Zira looked away. "Just thinking."

"About what?"

"About you," she said softly.

Caelen blinked. "Me?"

"Yeah. You always know what to do. You

take care of us."

"I'm just doing what I can."

She smiled slightly. "It's weird. Feeling safe like this."

"Yeah. I'm not used to it either."

Zira crossed her arms and looked away. "I enjoy being with you, Caelen."

Caelen shut down. "What?"

She quickly turned away, flushing. "Forget it."

"No," he said.

Zira strode up and stood. "I have to see about the firewood."

"Zira..."

She didn't even look back. "I'll be fine."

Caelen watched her go, his mind spinning. What had happened?

Then the call came in from on high.

"He discovered something?" Caelen inquired.

Sparkfin trilled and gestured towards the

west.

[Google: Sparkfin has spotted a clump of berry bushes and root vegetables 3 km west]

"Close to where I expected," Caelen replied.

"I'll go investigate tomorrow. Care to come with?"

Zira looked at him, a small smile spreading on her face. "Sure. I'll go."

Caelen smiled too. "It's a date then."

Zira paled. "What?"

"I meant a scouting trip," he massaged his neck.

Zira snickered somewhat. "You're clueless

sometimes."

Caelen laughed. "Yeah, I guess I am."

When Caelen walked towards going back to the house, Zira watched him. Her heart pounded, but she didn't understand why. She liked him around, but she didn't know why. Maybe she didn't need to.