Chapter 4: Another Day, Another Gatcha
-POV Chico-
When I woke up I was expecting to feel like a ton of bricks laying on a rock…and that's exactly what I felt like. BUT! I also got another Gatcha which, honestly, I didn't expect.
Feat accomplished: Survive your first day in this wonderful world!
Reward: Bronze Ability Gatcha Ticket.
'Don't mind if I do.' I thought with a bit of excitement, here's to hoping for something worthwhile!
'Roll Gatcha.'
Rolling…
Weather (0.9 Rarity, 0.76% odds)-Trash Ability-
You are able to accurately tell the weather of a given area for the span of a week.
"Wow…this is almost worthless. My first ability, and it's shit." I whispered dumbfounded.
'I guess slot the ability in.'
/Abilities\
-Active (1/1)-
Trash - Weather
'Now how does this work…?'
I just shut my eyes and thought of the weather. I felt a…drain? Within my body, I would have to think about what that could have possibly been, but in exchange I was able to tell what the weather would be for the day. If I had really wanted to I could have discerned the weather for the week, but today was just enough.
The highest temperature for the day would reside at 83 degrees Fahrenheit, and the lowest would be 57 degrees Fahrenheit, though it would be hot for the day, it would also be fairly cloudy in the current area for most of the day, unlike yesterday.
'Well time to get my day started.'
As soon as I rose out of bed my stomach let out quite an aggressive growl. I couldn't stop the sigh from coming out of my mouth.
"Haaaah…what time is it anyway?" Looking around my room I noticed a small clock on the wall, it was quite small. Looking at the hands I was able to read the time as 10:30 in the morning.
I wouldn't be starting my shift until noon, thankfully. After doing a couple of stretches, I set on for the door. Opening, closing, then locking it, I went out of the inn to look for something to eat.
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I didn't really eat much for breakfast, just a couple of meat skewers and some baked potatoes, not too great, but very filling.
I made my way over to the guild, I wanted to check if I had to do any check-ins before starting my shift. No other reason. Definitely not to see the beautiful Ariel…
————————————————————
-Trellis Guild Hall-
The familiar stone building came into view as I walked up the path. My legs were already sore from yesterday's work, but the pain was manageable, though annoying.
I pushed open the door to the Guild Hall, greeted once again by the soft murmur of adventurers, townsfolk, and the clatter of distant paperwork.
And there she was—Ariel—gracefully stationed behind the counter, pen in hand, calmly sorting through a stack of papers. Her hair was tied back today, a small change, but one that made her look more focused…and, somehow, even prettier.
I casually made my way to the counter, trying my best not to look too eager. Definitely not just here to see her. Nope.
She glanced up, immediately catching my eye. A faint smile tugged at her lips.
"Sol-san," she said, her voice light. "Back so soon? I hope you're not here to file a workplace injury report."
I chuckled, scratching the back of my neck. "Not yet. My back's hanging in there—for now."
Ariel leaned forward slightly, elbows on the counter. "Well, I don't see any assignments under your name until noon. Unless you've come to double-check your employment record, which would be quite responsible of you."
I smirked. "Responsible, huh? I'll have you know I am very responsible." I titled my upwards and gave her a mock-smug look.
"Oh? Is that why you're still here when your shift starts in just 20 minutes?"
"I have enough time. My feet may feel like rocks, but that would never stop this Chico from getting that money."
Ariel let out a soft laugh, eyes gleaming. "Maybe, Chico-san. Now get going and get your money."
I chuckled along with her, the casual back-and-forth felt nice, being able to talk to someone like this, even just for a minute.
"Alright," I finally said, holding up my hands and slowly walking backwards, "if I don't show up on the fields, my perfect employment record will be in jeopardy."
Ariel gave a faux-serious nod. "Can't have that. Off you go, Sol-san. Try not to get into another one-sided fight with the carrots."
"Noted," I grinned. "See you later, Ariel-san."
With a wave, I stepped back out into the road, warmth in my chest and a bit more energy in my step than before.
————————————————————
-Trellis Farmland, Day Two-
To my relief, today's assignment wasn't another round of crop-pulling torment. Instead, I was handed a sorting position—a shaded area under a large wooden awning, crates upon crates of vegetables stacked around. My job? Sort the good from the bad, package them accordingly.
'Just one more shift,' I thought, 'but at least I won't be cooked under the sun this time.'
I worked in silence for most of the afternoon, hands moving through piles of tomatoes, carrots, beans, corn, and potatoes with rhythm. The job required attention to detail, but at least I wasn't drenched in sweat within five minutes like the day before.
Unfortunately, Cole didn't make an appearance today. Maybe he had duties elsewhere—patrols, maybe training. Who knows?
By 3, break time was called, and I didn't hesitate to wipe my hands, stretch my back, and head toward the nearest cluster of street vendors.
I managed to snag a small but hearty lunch—rice with chopped seasoned meat and vegetables—for 40 valis. The vendor was friendly enough, and I ate on a nearby bench, quietly watching others go about their own routines.
No conversation, no distractions—just a simple, satisfying meal.
————————————————————
-End of Shift-
The day rolled by without issue, my pace slowing slightly as the fatigue began to creep back in. But it was manageable. Easier than yesterday, by far.
When the final bell rang and the field supervisor dismissed us, I felt… accomplished. Tired, yes. But not defeated. I'd worked. Finished my quest. And best of all, my arms weren't trying to fall off.
As I wiped my hands clean and started back toward town, I couldn't help but feel the faintest flicker of excitement.
Tomorrow, I'll rest. But tonight… maybe I'll treat myself.
————————————————————
I stepped through the guild hall doors again, legs sore but not shaking this time. That alone felt like progress.
My eyes naturally drifted to the reception counter—and sure enough, Ariel was there, like some radiant anchor holding this place together. Her head was tilted slightly as she reviewed a ledger, pen moving with crisp efficiency. I couldn't help but smile to myself before approaching.
As if sensing me, she looked up. "Well, well," she said, a hint of amusement in her tone. "Our rising agricultural star returns."
I gave a tired salute. "Reporting in, Ariel-san. I survived."
"I can tell," she smirked, setting her pen down. "A little less dirt this time. You might even pass as a professional harvester."
I chuckled. "That's the dream."
With a smooth motion, she slid a small pouch of coin across the counter. "Payment for today's quest— 700 valis and the extra 1,000 valis incentive. As promised."
I took the pouch with both hands and gave a grateful nod. "Thank you."
"So…" Ariel leaned forward slightly, resting her chin in her hand, eyes inquisitive. "What does Sol-san plan to do with his hard-earned money? Blow it all on a cool sword? A very dramatic cloak?"
I laughed. "Honestly? I was thinking of treating myself to a real meal. Something that doesn't come on a stick or in a bag."
"A man of refined taste," she grinned. "Any place in mind?"
"Well…" I rubbed the back of my neck. "The only diner I can remember the name of is The Hostess of Fertility. Supposedly world-famous. Good food, great drinks, beautiful staff. You know, the whole fairytale."
Ariel raised a brow, clearly amused. "A bit ambitious, don't you think? That place is in Orario. Unless you're planning to march there tonight, it might be a while before you get a taste of their menu."
"Yeah," I sighed, smiling. "It's more of a 'someday' kind of thing. But for now, I figured I'd ask the local expert…" I glanced at her meaningfully. "Any favorite spots around Trellis?"
Ariel looked briefly surprised, but her expression quickly warmed. "Well, since you asked—there's a place down the western road, just past the bakery. Wren's Hearth. Amazing roast chicken, and their gravy has no right being that good."
"Wren's Hearth," I repeated. "Got it."
She tapped her pen against her lips thoughtfully. "There's also Mora's Grill if you're craving something grilled with spice. Though fair warning—they like their peppers."
"Noted," I said with a laugh. "Might need a glass of milk just in case."
Our eyes lingered for a moment longer than I expected. Her expression remained friendly, easy, open. My heart thudded once.
Ask her, a small, eager voice in my head whispered. Invite her. Just for dinner. It's casual. It'll be nice to have company…
But I hesitated…Was that appropriate? I mean We've only known each other for a couple of days, and even then we've only shared some banter…Do I get attached too easily? Probably.
So I forced a smile, stuffing the thought away for now.
"Well, I'll let you get back to work. Thanks again, Ariel-san."
"Of course, Sol-san," she replied, almost too quickly, though I probably imagined it. "Enjoy your dinner. You've earned it."
As I turned to leave, I felt her gaze linger a moment longer, but it quickly shifted. But neither of us said anything else.
Outside, the sun was starting to dip past the horizon, casting the streets of Trellis in warm, golden light. I tugged the pouch of coins at my belt with a small grin.
'Wren's Hearth, huh? Alright then. Let's see what kind of comfort food this world has to offer… though I might wanna take a bath and get some more pairs of clothes first…'
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-Wren's Hearth-
The scent hit me the moment I stepped through the door—roasted meat, herbs, and fresh bread—the kind of smell that makes your mouth drool on the spot.The interior of Wren's Hearth was cozy and warm, with flickering lanterns hanging from the beams, their glow casting golden halos across the wooden walls.
I found a small table in the corner and ordered exactly what Ariel recommended: the roast chicken with gravy, also a side of buttered greens and baked root vegetables just for good measure.
When the plate arrived, steaming and glistening with just the right sheen of herbs and juices, I nearly teared up.
"Alright, don't embarrass yourself, Chico. Just eat like a normal person…"
I tore into the first bite.
Juicy. Crispy skin. Perfectly seasoned. The gravy? Silky and rich, with just a hint of pepper and garlic that kicked in right at the end. It was divine.
I paused mid-bite, letting out a soft groan of satisfaction. "Okay. Yeah. This…this might be the best damn chicken I've ever had."
I didn't even care that I probably looked like a man possessed. I cleaned the plate, sopped up the last of the gravy with the warm bread they gave on the side, and leaned back in my chair like I'd just climbed a mountain.
"Ariel wasn't kidding. This place is dangerous."
With my stomach full and heart lighter, I paid my tab—well worth the 200 valis—and stepped back into the cooling evening air of Trellis.
'Now if I remember correctly, there should be a couple of Gatchas with my name on it.'
Feat reached! Complete your first guild quest, Summer Harvest 2/2
Reward: Random Silver Gatcha Ticket & Random Bronze Gatcha Ticket.
I couldn't stop the smirk that was crawling up my face, I'd open them as soon as I get back to the inn.
————————————————————
No suspense needed, I opened them as soon as the door to my room closed.
'Roll both Gatchas.'
Rolling…
Masochistic Soul (3.8 Rarity, 0.07% odds)
-Rare Ability-
"Hurt me more~" The more negative effects you are under, the faster you regenerate energy and health. Curses, poisons, illnesses, bleeding they just fuel you.
&
Flexible (1.7 Rarity, 1.84% odds)
-Common Trait-
You are inordinately flexible, even more so than an expert contortionist.
"…"
"What the hell?"
'Name aside and part of the description, that ability actually seems extremely viable, I just hope there won't be any…awakenings…'
'ANYWAY! Flexibility might not be too useful, though it would probably do wonders for stretching.'
'Well there won't be any need for my weather ability for now.'
I moved further into the room and fell unceremoniously onto the creaking bed.
'Slot in…Masochist Soul…'
/Abilities\
-Active (1/1)-
Rare:Masochist Soul
Surprisingly, I could already feel my sore muscles, and fatigue began to siphon away. Seems that M. Soul works with fatigue as well. This is extremely useful.
…
Now that I think about…I could begin a transformation, one I've always dreamed about, and it's being made possible with such a lewdly named ability. Hmmm perhaps a quick training montage is in store? Last I checked I was 225 pounds…I wonder if I can get a feat achieved out of this…
New quest: Lose a significant amount of weight!
Description: You have unveiled a new ability, it can fast track your transformation…just hope it won't unveil a new kink…
Reward: Silver Ability Advantage Gatcha Ticket
'How lewd…'
"…"
"It's on."
Chapter 4 End