Reborn in the Survival Adventure Game-Chapter 37: New seeds

Afternoon arrived. Garin rubbed his head and muttered, "Oh—I still have seeds in my pocket!"

Caelen blinked. "Really? What are they?"

"Carrot, cabbage, potatoes, tomatoes."

Caelen grinned. "That's wonderful."

They all stepped outdoors. The sun shone warmly but wasn't too hot. Zira carried the little pouch while Garin used a wooden stick to dig holes. Caelen assisted in lining them up straight. Rena and Miko sat on a log, observing in silence.

Why do we plant them so deep?" Miko asked.

"So they can develop roots," Zira replied, patting the ground.

Caelen planted seeds in every hole. "And then water, sun, and time."

"Just like the corn?" Rena asked.

"Same thing," he replied.

They continued planting. Carrots were planted in one row. Cabbage in another. Zira handed out seeds one at a time. Garin teased about how he used to plant these all the time back home.

"It feels nice to do it again," he said.

Zira smiled a little. "It's peaceful."

Miko tugged Zira's sleeve. "You're really good at this."

Zira looked down at her. "I used to help in the town garden."

"Your old town?" Caelen asked.

Zira nodded but didn't say more.

They finished planting everything after a while. Caelen stood and brushed dirt off his hands.

[System: New crops planted – growth time varies by type]

"Okay. Let's construct a house for Garin," he said.

They worked immediately. Caelen chopped logs and piled them. Zira assisted in tying the walls together with vines. Garin supported beams for the roof.

It wasn't elaborate, but sturdy enough to keep out rain. Caelen constructed a plain door, a window without panes, and a little bed and table.

Within an hour, it was finished.

Better than I imagined," Garin said, his head nodding.

"Thanks for assisting," Caelen said.

Zira smiled, wiping sweat off her forehead. "You're improving at construction."

They all returned to the main campfire.

Caelen sat and looked around.

[System: Asssign tasks]

"Alright. Things will be arranged now."

He gestured around.

"Zira, acquire resources with the children. Garin, deal with the farm. Rena and Miko, assist Zira whenever you can."

Everyone agreed.

"Right," Zira said.

"No problem," Garin said.

The children gave little salutes, laughing.

Then Garin and the children went to their homes. The fire crackled softly.

Caelen remained by the fire. Zira sat next to him.

He gazed at her. "Zira, may I ask you something?"

"Sure," she turned to him.

"Why do the others know you so well? Garin and the children... it's as if they always knew you."

Zira blinked, then gazed at the fire.

"They do," she whispered. "I'm... the chief's daughter. From the goblin town. Everyone knew me there."

Caelen's eyes grew a little wide. "Wait—you were the chief's daughter?"

She nodded slowly. "Yeah. Before everything went wrong."

He looked at her for a moment, shocked. "That's why you appear so tough. And why they trust you."

"I guess," she shrugged.

There was a little silence between them.

Zira drew her knees towards her. "I didn't speak of it because... it no longer mattered."

Caelen shook his head. "It does. You kept everyone alive. That does matter."

Zira regarded him. Her eyes had softened now.

"You're always like this," she said.

"Like what?"

"Nice. But... you don't even know it."

Caelen blinked. "I'm just doing my best."

Zira smiled weakly. "Yeah... I know.

He rubbed the nape of his neck. "Sorry. I'm not skilled at... reading people."

She leaned forward just a little.

"You're not terrible," she said. "Just a bit behind."

Caelen gave an confused laugh. "Thanks... I think."

She grinned bigger, then glanced away. Her cheeks were slightly red.

He looked back at the fire again. "So... why do goblins look so different here? You all look nearly human, just green skin."

Zira nodded. "This world's goblins are not the same. We're not like in tales. Just another type of person, really."

Caelen glanced at her face once more. "I saw that. You even have regular ears."

"Yeah," she replied. "Some goblins have pointed ears. Others don't. We're all a bit different."

Caelen leaned back, considering.

"Humans in your world attacked goblins, didn't they?" she asked.

"Generally, yes. In stories and games.

Zira's eyes flickered with a soft sadness. "It wasn't humans who burned our town. It was other goblins. Rebels."

Caelen regarded her. "Rebels?"

She nodded. "They didn't like the way my father did things. Said he was too forgiving. Too friendly with humans."

Caelen scowled. "So they turned on you?"

"Yeah. We fled. Garin was a farmer. He got me out of there."

Caelen glanced down. "I'm sorry.

Zira shook her head. "It's okay. I'm just glad some of us are still alive." fɾēewebnσveℓ.com

He looked at her again. The firelight danced in her eyes.

"You're strong," he said.

Zira smiled, then leaned a little closer. Her shoulder brushed his.

Caelen froze.

Zira stared at him. "You're still not getting it, huh?"

"Getting what?" he asked, blinking.

She laughed softly. "Never mind."

He tilted his head. "Huh?"

She stood up and stretched. "We should get some sleep."

Caelen saw her leave, still bewildered.

[System: New Role Assigned – Farm Manager: Garin]

[System: Resource Team Leader – Zira]

He leaned back and gazed up at the stars.

"She's really confusing sometimes," he muttered.

But for some reason... he smiled anyway.