Morning outside Redmill city began with the crowing of roosters and sunlight sneaking through the thin mist. The air was still cold, but the scent of wet earth and fresh grass made the atmosphere feel refreshing. In the distance, the silhouette of the city wall looked like a giant barrier separating the safe world from the wild one.
Owen woke up under the shade of a large oak tree, where he had spent the night. The ground was slightly damp, but luckily it hadn't rained last night. Still, sleeping outdoors without warm clothes made his body weak and stiff. He had woken up several times during the cold night and had to exercise to keep himself warm.
Determined not to experience the same ordeal again, Owen was now full of fighting spirit to work and earn money.
"Five silver coins. I hope I can earn enough money today," Owen muttered with resolve.
After freshening up at a small stream nearby, Owen headed toward an area that had been mentioned by visitors at the stall last night. The field was about half an hour's walk from the city gate, on the west side, and reportedly often hired daily workers.
---
(Forest Edge Farm)
Upon arrival, Owen was greeted by a view of golden wheat fields, gently rippling in the wind. Among the wheat patches, several people were already working. Some were cutting stalks with sickles, others binding them into large bundles.
A muscular man with sun-darkened skin stood at the edge of the field, supervising the workers. His sleeves were rolled up, revealing muscles hardened by years of physical labor. He turned when he saw Owen approaching.
"You the new worker?" he asked briefly, his voice deep and slightly rough.
"Yes. I heard you need people to help with the harvest," Owen replied.
The man nodded. "My name's Bram. I own this farm. The pay is one silver coin for a full day. But I don't want lazy workers. You strong?"
Owen hesitated slightly but nodded. "Strong enough."
Bram studied Owen's body for a moment, then tossed a sickle toward him. Owen caught it with both hands and swung it a few times.
"Then start over there," Bram said, pointing to the wheat patch at the edge of the field. "Cut at knee height, bind them together, then put them by the roadside. Don't waste time."
---
(Heat)
(Dust)
(Sweat)
Owen began working. His right hand held the sickle, the left hand grasping the stalks, then "srek!" he cut.
At first, it felt easy, but after half an hour, his arm started to ache slightly. The tall, dense wheat made it hard for the sickle to move smoothly.
The sun climbed higher, its heat starting to burn his skin. Dust from the dry earth flew up with every breeze, sticking to his sweaty forehead and neck.
Though his body felt heavy, Owen forced himself on. (I need the money. There's no other choice.)
Occasionally, he glanced at other workers who were used to the work—their movements quick, almost automatic, and their harvests already piled up.
Bram walked around the field, making sure all workers moved swiftly. Every time he passed by, Owen reflexively sped up. He didn't want to look weak in his boss's eyes.
---
(Threat from the Forest Edge)
By late morning, a shout came from the west side of the field. "Monsters! From the forest!" A worker pointed toward the trees.
Owen turned, seeing two brownish-green creatures crawling out from the bushes. They looked like wild boars but almost twice the size, with long tusks sharp like spears.
The workers panicked. Some immediately ran away, but Bram grabbed a spear from the tool pile.
"You, boy!" Bram shouted at Owen. "Grab the three-pronged iron fork near the barn! We have to drive them off before they ruin the field!"
Owen ran to the spot indicated. His hand found the three-pronged iron fork, then he returned to Bram's side. The two monsters were now closer, clawing the ground angrily.
"Stab their legs if they come near!" Bram commanded.
The first monster charged, but Bram moved quickly, stabbing it in the shoulder. Owen, though scared, aimed his iron fork at the second monster's legs. The stab made it squeal in pain and step back a few paces.
It took almost five minutes to make the two creatures retreat back into the forest. Owen's breath was heavy, sweat mixed with dust and mud on his face.
Bram patted his shoulder. "Good job, country boy. Not every worker dares to fight."
Owen only smiled faintly, but inside he felt satisfied. "Seems like that fight gave me some experience."
---
During lunch, Owen sat under a shady tree at the edge of the field. He closed his eyes and called up his status panel.
```
[ Owen Trodor ]
Level: 1 (45%)
Physical: 2
Mental: 2
```
"Just from fighting those monsters, I gained almost 35% experience points. That's nearly as much as killing rabbits," Owen muttered, thinking about how fast he was leveling up.
With just a few more fights, he would be able to level up.
---
After a simple lunch of hard bread and cheese slices, work continued. Owen began to find a rhythm—his hands moved more efficiently, his body a little accustomed to swinging the sickle.
Still, his back started to ache toward evening. Every time he bent over, it felt like a weight pressed down on his spine. But he endured, thinking about the silver coins he would receive later.
The sky began to change to a golden hue when Bram finally spoke, "Enough for today!"
Owen stuck the sickle into the ground, breathing heavily. His eyes stared at the neatly tied bundles of wheat—the hard work of the whole day.
---
At the edge of the field, Bram stood holding a leather pouch filled with coins. He called the workers one by one to receive their wages. When it was Owen's turn, Bram handed him a shiny silver coin.
"You earned it. And this…" Bram added five copper coins. "As a bonus for helping me drive off those monsters."
Owen accepted the coins gratefully. "Thank you, Mr. Bram."
"If you want to work again tomorrow, come early. I need someone like you," Bram said.
Owen nodded. "I will come."
---
That night, Owen returned to his bed under the large oak tree. The night air was cold, but satisfaction filled his chest. One silver coin and five copper coins today, plus the leftover money from yesterday, totaling two silver coins and twelve copper coins were now in his hands. He only needed two more silver coins to enter the city.
"But I'll definitely need money for expenses inside the city, so I think i have to earn even more before entering," Owen thought as he counted his money.
He looked up at the starry night sky, letting his mind drift.
With many thoughts, Owen closed his eyes, ready
to welcome a new day.