Chapter 6

  As I slept, I had a vague sense of being carried and then unceremoniously dropped. There’s one thing I distinctly remember before I fully woke up—a man’s gentle voice saying, “This should get you started, son. I’ll be listening for you.”

  Abruptly, I was awake, my heart pounding in my chest with a flicker of panic. I was no longer in the tent. I quickly scanned the room, hoping no one had noticed I was awake. I pretended to still be asleep, straining my ears for any hint of movement or voices nearby. But there was nothing—no sounds, no voices, just quiet.

  I could hear a soft breeze coming through an open window, and birds chirped in the distance, as if it were a peaceful spring morning. The bed I lay on was unbelievably comfortable—so much better than the hard cot I had passed out on back in the tent. My head rested on a pillow that felt a thousand times softer than anything I had ever known.

  After listening for another ten minutes with no sign of movement, I cracked my eyes open, slowly checking to see if anyone had entered the room. I wasn’t going to pretend I had superhuman hearing and hadn’t missed anything. Opening both eyes, I took in my surroundings and froze for a moment. The room was beautiful—far from any Spartan accommodations I had expected.

  Someone had put a lot of effort into making even the simplest details of the room beautiful. Red wood crown molding and trim lined the walls, and delicate Japanese-style paper dividers separated the space into sections. The door to the room was open, revealing a central garden courtyard with a pond surrounded by the structure of the house. It was mostly dark wood construction with some white stone walls.

  Across the courtyard, I could make out what looked like a dojo. I caught a glimpse of weapons and a banner on the walls, and the thick mat that covered the floor. The place looked deserted, so I decided to explore.

  Before I left the room, I checked my inventory. Everything was still there, and I was pleased to see I was still under 10% capacity. Exiting the room, I walked to my right and found a kitchen area. A large wooden table sat in the center, easily able to seat eight people—chairs on both ends and a long bench along one side. There was a sink, a faucet, and a sizable counter along the inside wall. Toward the outside wall, in the corner, was a large metal door. It looked like some kind of walk-in cooler or pantry, though I wasn’t entirely sure.

  I kept moving past the kitchen to another bedroom. It was just as elegant as the one I’d woken up in, though much sparser in terms of comforts.

  Next, I entered what appeared to be a large library. The other half of the room was devoted to a crafting area. The room itself was easily 70 feet long and 20 feet wide. Tools of all kinds hung neatly along one side, and a forge area sat at the far end, stacked with materials for crafting. Some of the materials were expensive-looking, including exotic woods, which were neatly stored toward the end of the room where the library began. The library side of the room was cozy, with a workbench and a chair that looked like it could swallow me whole in comfort. And as for the books—there had to be over a thousand. They weren’t large, at least not most of them, but there were so many.

  I continued on to the dojo, which was nearly as large as the library and crafting area combined. At the far end of the mat stood a statue of a samurai seated in meditation. What caught my eye wasn’t just the incredible craftsmanship, but the material—it almost looked like obsidian but with a slight dullness, like slate. The expression on the samurai’s face was one of serene contemplation. It was truly a masterpiece, especially with the mask hanging off to the side, revealing the samurai’s face.

  Across the dojo’s back wall was a calligraphy-like painting, stretching about ten feet across. The black script was beautifully written, though I couldn’t read it. Below it, there was a long line of weapons displayed on hooks and shelves: daggers, swords of various styles, a bow with a pile of arrows stacked atop a table, warhammers, naginatas, and several other weapons I had never seen before. There was even a set of cleavers—one that was an ordinary kitchen tool, and another that was over a foot and a half long, easily weighing over ten kilograms.

  To the left of the room was a dark hardwood cabinet with a counter spread with a deep blue linen. Ten blue books were neatly arranged, each with writing on the cover in a language I couldn’t read.

  Realizing that standing in the dojo might be a bit intrusive, I decided to step outside. I called out to see if anyone would answer. “Hello?” There was no reply. It was completely silent, except for the birds and the breeze.

  I walked back around the courtyard, passing two more bedrooms before returning to the kitchen. This time, when I approached the kitchen table, I noticed two letters—something that hadn’t been there before. I had been in this room already, and the table had been empty. My gut told me these letters were meant for me.

  One of the letters was marked “Read First.”

  I opened it, not quite sure what to expect. But then again, considering the situation I found myself in—and all the anime I’d watched growing up—I probably should have known this was coming.

  It began:

  __________________________________________________________

  My Beloved Son,

  I am your Father, the one who watches over you from Heaven, and I love you deeply. It grieves me that you find yourself in such an unfamiliar and trying situation. I know your heart is heavy, and though I cannot ease the weight of your sorrow, know that I share in it. You are not alone in this.

  You find yourself here—brought into a world unlike your own—not by accident, but through a rare and extraordinary set of circumstances. A transgression has occurred. A violation of universal law that has altered the course of your life on Earth. This event was not within your control, but it has brought you here, giving you the rare chance to live again in a world of both promise and peril.

  I know this is hard to understand, but you have been given a precious opportunity. This moment, this rare occurrence, is a gift. Not many are given such a chance. The reason is simple: under normal circumstances, such an event would be impossible. But because of what has transpired, you now stand on the precipice of a new life. One that may be filled with fulfillment, with learning, with growth—should you choose to embrace it.

  One of the greatest gifts I have given to all my children is agency. The ability to choose, to act, and to shape your destiny. Yet, with this gift comes a challenge: for your choices are often influenced by the agency of others. It is in this space, where one’s actions intersect with the will of another, that the darkest deeds are born. You will encounter such crossroads, where the choices of others will test your resolve, and your own decisions will determine not only your path, but the fate of those around you.

  As your Father, I am a God of order. I am able to balance the scales, to right the wrongs and restore what has been disrupted. But you, my son, have a part to play. Your actions, your choices, will ultimately determine how this balance is achieved—not just for you, but for those whose lives intertwine with yours.

  Now, I will offer you a chance to return to your former life on Earth. You will wake on the morning before your death, and you will be able to live again, but with a condition: for every day you spend on Earth, you must spend an equal amount of time in this new world, which is called Sky. Time will stand still in both worlds while you are away, and neither will move forward until you return.

  While on Earth or Sky, you are not permitted to carry items between the worlds, except under very rare circumstances. However, the talents and skills you acquire in this new world will not be left behind. You will be able to use them on Earth, though they will manifest only in limited capacity and only if you do not draw attention to them. You must remain humble and avoid making a spectacle of yourself.

  Lastly, please, pray to me. I long to hear from you. In your prayers, you will find solace, guidance, and promptings of confirmation when you are uncertain. I will help you find your way if you seek me out with an open heart.

  Know this: you are not alone. I am with you, guiding you, as you walk this difficult path. The future is yours to shape, and I have faith in you.

  May you find the strength to rise and the wisdom to choose wisely.

  —Your Father in Heaven

  —————————————————————————————————————-

  I was totally shocked, and I even had a few tears in my eyes.

  I'd considered the possibility of there being a God, but I’d always been indifferent to it as a teenager. My sister, on the other hand, was pretty religious—though I couldn't tell you what church she went to or how often she attended.

  Receiving a letter from God definitely put things into perspective. Not that I knew how to pray or even if I would, but being told that God considered me one of His kids and that He cared about me definitely stirred some strong emotions.

  I decided to focus on the practical aspects of the letter. The fact that I’d be able to get home was a massive relief. The idea of bringing things back and forth hadn’t really occurred to me, but now that I thought about it, it would’ve been too much of a cheat. However, the fact that I could bring my skills and abilities back with me excited me. Even if I couldn’t let people know about them, just having them would be a huge advantage when I got back to Earth.

  Looking out the window, I confirmed that I wasn’t on Earth anymore. I gazed up into the sky and, sure enough, like most tropes from the fantasy and sci-fi novels I’d read, there were multiple moons. In fact, there were three. One was a deep red and took up a large portion of the sky, another resembled the Moon from Earth, and the third, a bluish-green orb, was slightly smaller and seemed to be moving at a very slow, almost imperceptible crawl.

  Taking a seat back at the table, I noticed a second letter. I opened it, and it was from someone named Javier. The letter went something like this:

  Jake, my name is Javier. When I was about 33, I found myself in a similar position as you—falling into a dungeon on a different world and waking up in this house after escaping. The home you find yourself in was a shack when I got here, but I’ve done quite a bit of work to improve it and increase its size. I took it as an opportunity to create the home of my dreams, and I have a bit of an aesthetic for old-style designs. You may need to work on the roof, but I digress.

  Let’s focus on why I’m writing. If you’re going to make it in this world, you’ll need some basic skills, and I mean basic. There are plenty of adventurers, powerful people, and especially nobles you need to watch out for. Before you leave this house and head for a city—where I’m assuming you’ll want to become an adventurer or something of the sort—you need to practice your skills. The house is pretty remote, but you can get to a city in a couple of days.

  Let me emphasize the first thing you need to learn, and it might sound silly, but trust me—it’s gardening. I’ve already planted a garden out back about 100 feet from the river. You should start by using “Identify” on everything until you get directions on how to care for the plants. Stock up on them before heading to the city, as they’ll be helpful. Feel free to raid the pantry. There’s a box in there that’s the equivalent of a magical one, which is the next thing you’ll need to work on. Anyone of any note will have some magic talent. Now, let me emphasize this: there’s no limit to how you can use magic, craft, and create. I come from a time where the horseless carriage was just starting to gain popularity, so I’m sure you’ve got a few more gadgets you can make. But be careful not to make too many waves. The nobles here are all about profit, and they will use you like a tool if you’re not careful—unless you’re powerful enough to defend yourself.

  The first thing I want you to do is grab a book from the work table in the study. You’ll need to prick your finger and rub it across the line on the first page. Say, “I accept” after you do it. I won’t sugarcoat it: what happens next will hurt, but once it’s over, you’ll understand why it was necessary. The book contains a list of things you need to learn before you head to the city. I know you’re probably eager to get home, which is something I never really wanted to do, but I recommend you spend at least a week or so in the city before returning. In fact, I’m pretty sure you’ll be required to stay there for at least a month before going back.

  Best of luck to you, and although I wasn’t a believer myself, I’d recommend taking up God’s invitation and praying every once in a while—but that’s up to you.

  —Javier Rivas (or as I was known here—El que viene a cazarte, The One Who Comes to Hunt You)

  The last part had a heavy implication, and I couldn’t help but wonder if it might be useful to remember that this house had been made by him.

  Still morning, I walked over to the study area and found the book just as Javier described. It had a black cover and was one of the thickest books in the library. I pulled back the cover, revealing the first page. Sure enough, there was a line printed about two inches from the bottom. Above it were some archaic words, followed by a circular design filled with intricate patterns and runes, spaced evenly at six points.

  Next to the book was a small blade wrapped in cloth. Perfect for the task ahead.

  “I can’t believe I’m about to do this,” I muttered to myself.

  Without wasting any more time, I took the blade and carefully sliced my hand just below the side of my finger. I hated the thought of cutting my hand, but it seemed like the lesser of two evils. The sharp sting made my breath catch, and I wiped the blood onto the page, trying to be as precise as possible.

  Taking a deep breath, I clearly said the words, "I accept."

  If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

  For a moment, absolutely nothing happened. I was just about to chalk it up to a prank when, after about six seconds, the circle on the page with all the symbols began to shimmer faintly. It brightened slowly, then more rapidly until it was almost blinding. The circle actually lifted off the page, expanding until I found myself standing in the center of it.

  The circle of light surrounded me, glowing first in white, then shifting to blue, and finally, ominously, to red. As the red hue intensified, the circle collapsed inward, crashing into me.

  The pain was like nothing I’d ever experienced. It exploded in my head, sharp and raw. It only lasted about three seconds, but I screamed for most of them. When it was over, I suddenly found myself lying on the floor, disoriented. It wasn’t until I realized there was a mat beneath me that I understood why I had been on the ground in the first place.

  My head was foggy, and focusing on anything was a struggle. It wasn’t pain—just a feeling of being out of sorts. I lay there for a minute or two, desperately willing the haze to lift. And then, like flipping a switch, everything snapped into focus.

  I looked up, and my eyes landed on the bookshelves. To my shock, I could read every label clearly. They were written in the same archaic script as before, but now they made perfect sense. The titles were ridiculous but oddly fitting: Dodging 101 for Idiots, The Art of Not Getting Hit, and The Power of De-escalation: Sometimes You Can't Just Kick Their Ass. A small smile tugged at my lips. I couldn’t help it.

  Pushing myself to my feet, now that I had a sense of clarity, I turned back to the book that had started this whole ordeal. The one that had my blood smeared across its cover. I read the title again with this newfound understanding.

  The Art of Comprehension and Calibration of Focus. Warning: Using This Book Hurts a Lot.

  I snorted at the irony. A book with a warning label, but you couldn't even read it until you’d already done the hard part.

  As I glanced around the room, I noticed that all the titles were straightforward—practical, even. One caught my eye: The Placement of Runes and Its Effects: A Practical Explanation. I flipped it open, but there was no time to dive in. Instead, I shifted my attention to the list in front of me.

  Just like Javier had said, gardening was at the top of the list.

  It went on from there, each item more daunting than the last. I wasn’t the greatest student growing up, and most of what I learned had to be hands-on. But this? This felt like a mountain.

  The list read:

  

  
1. Gardening – Identification of plants and their properties, harvesting, replanting, and stages of use.


  
2. Harnessing Magic – Mastering the art of collecting mana and directing its use for multiple purposes.


  
3. Crafting – The use of raw materials and tools to shape, assemble, and create useful items.


  
4. Enchanting/Runecraft – Imbuing mana into items to improve their qualities or usability. The placement of runes on items to create effects that can be activated or enhanced.


  
5. Culinary Arts – We've all got to eat, and if people like your cooking, they’ll like you (probably).


  
6. Combat Techniques – 10 forms of combat, including multiple weapon styles.


  
7. Offensive Magic – Channeling mana to attack and defend against enemies using a broad understanding of how magic interacts with the world.


  
8. Charm/Charisma Principles – Don’t be a jerk. Includes five principles to internalize.


  

  I know it was only eight items, but each of them held a lot of detail. It was enough to make my head spin, especially for someone who hadn’t exactly thrived in the classroom.

  But at least I could read the language now. That was something.

  I wondered, though... Could I write it?

  I shook my head and decided to grab something to eat before tackling the garden. There was no point in stressing over everything at once.

  I made my way back to the kitchen and looked around for any food, but aside from some jars in a cupboard that looked like they had eggs, onions, and other pickled items, I didn’t see much that looked immediately edible.

  Remembering Javier’s note about raiding the pantry, I walked over to the safe-looking door and opened it up. The room beyond was cool, though not quite cold, and everything in it looked like it had been freshly placed there.

  A neat stack of bread sat on one of the shelves, and along the bottom of one wall, under more shelving, were barrels filled with flour, salt, sugar, brown sugar, rice, and several other pantry staples. At the far end of the room, opposite the door, shelves were lined with fresh vegetables and fruits.

  To the right, an entire wall was dedicated to meat hanging from hooks. Some of it had clearly been freshly butchered, with beautiful cuts of various sizes. A roasted ham caught my attention next to a cast iron pot.

  I pulled the ham down and began slicing pieces for a sandwich. It was going to be a pretty dry sandwich, thanks to the lack of mayo or condiments in this world, but with some onions, tomato, and an amazing leaf of lettuce, it came together nicely. I ate in quiet satisfaction, then took a moment to clean everything up.

  After a few minutes of just sitting and letting myself think, I exhaled and spoke aloud, “Right, let’s get this started.” It wasn’t for anyone in particular—just a self-motivation mantra.

  Heading out of the kitchen, I spotted a door I assumed led to the backyard. Instead, it opened into what I figured people around here would call a mudroom. Several coats hung on pegs—clearly for different seasons—and below them sat a variety of boots and indoor shoes, neatly arranged.

  Once outside, I was greeted by the sight of a huge garden. It was lush and clearly thriving, with several sections that looked ready for harvest—at least a few things, anyway.

  Taking Javier’s advice to heart, I immediately started using Inspect on the plants, one after another. At first, the results were minimal, but then it started giving me more detailed information.

  There were about nine different plants with some interesting descriptions.

  When I focused on the garden in its entirety, Inspect reacted differently. Instead of listing each plant one by one, it compiled everything into a neat list that filled my vision—like a tooltip overlay from an RPG. It included effects, preparation notes, and even a few tidbits that would probably help me navigate the market whenever I made it into the city.

  *************************************************************************

  1. Flame heart chili

  

  
• Base Effect: Accelerates natural healing and tissue regeneration.


  
• Preparations:


  


  
• Raw: Fast-acting regenerative pulse; burns mouth and throat slightly.


  
• Dried & Ground: Used in salves; slower effect, ideal for topical use.


  
• Alcohol-Infused: Strong medicinal tincture; risky internal use.


  


  
• Use Case: Emergency medicine, wound stabilization, recovery tonics.


  

  2. Suncall great

  

  
• Base Effect: Temporarily boosts physical stamina.


  
• Limitations: Diminishing returns after 10 grapes; reset time of 24 hours.


  
• Preparations:


  


  
• Fresh: Immediate burst of endurance.


  
• Fermented (Wine): Slower onset, longer-lasting stamina increase.


  
• Dried (Raisin): Weak but safe; often used in trail rations.


  


  
• Use Case: Physical labor, marathon combat, extended journeys.


  

  3. Seers Barry (blue)

  

  
• Base Effect: Sharpens focus, enhances sensory clarity.


  
• Side Effects: Overuse can cause sensory overload, migraines, or trance states.


  
• Preparations:


  


  
• Raw: Strongest clarity boost; risky with repeated use.


  
• Tea Infusion: Safer for long study or spellcraft.


  
• Arcane Distillate: Used in high-magic fields for mental calibration.


  


  
• Use Case: Casting, scribing, critical thinking under pressure.


  

  

  
1. Iron root mango (Rare, Expensive)


  

  

  
• Base Effect: Grants extreme strength temporarily, followed by post-burst weakness.


  
• Drawback: Proportional physical fatigue post-use.


  
• Availability: Imported at great expense from another continent. Often sold in poorly processed, overpriced batches.


  
• Preparations:


  


  
• Raw: Most potent form; dangerously strong.


  
• Sun-Dried: Stable but with half the strength boost.


  
• Powdered: Used in enhancement potions; balanced delivery.


  


  
• Use Case: Siege-breaking, emergency escapes, ritual trials.


  

  5. Velldown Pepper

  

  
• Base Effect: Induces calmness, reduces anxiety, and can sedate when overused.


  
• Enhancer: Combining with citrus fruits (lemon, blood-orange, or lime) drastically increases sedative potency.


  
• Preparations:


  


  
• Raw: Rapid effect; temporary disorientation may occur.


  
• Cooked in Stew: Balanced, commonly used in hospitals or clinics.


  
• Oil Extract or Vapor: Used in relaxation chambers and sleep incense.


  


  
• Use Case: Trauma recovery, insomnia, pacifying wild creatures.


  

  6. Dream-lace Strawberry (Highly Sought-After)

  

  
• Base Effect: Replaces sleep for approximately 30 minutes.


  
• Rarity: Extremely rare and highly coveted by night workers, scholars, and soldiers.


  
• Preparations:


  


  
• Raw: Instant, clean energy spike.


  
• Candied: Milder, used in tightly rationed guard units.


  
• Syrup or Extract: Used in luxury alertness tonics.


  


  
• Use Case: Last-minute preparations, emergency fatigue bypass, uninterrupted work sessions.


  

  7. Ember Red Bean

  

  
• Base Effect: Doubles mana absorption and regeneration for 24 hours.


  
• Dosage: Up to 2 cups of prepared beans within a 48-hour window.


  
• Overuse Side Effects:


  


  
• Moderate: Manic spellcasting, twitching aura, inability to focus mana.


  
• Severe: Mana channel degradation, loss of arcane control.


  


  
• Flavor: Earthy with a mild spicy warmth.


  
• Preparations:


  


  
• Boiled: Safest and most stable; standard for mages.


  
• Roasted: Slightly stronger effect, more volatile.


  
• Bean Paste: Often spread on mage wafers for ritual prep.


  


  
• Use Case: Arcane duels, enchantment work, mana-limited environments.


  

  8. Green Spector Apple

  

  
• Fresh Fruit Effect: Elevates creative thinking, improves lateral problem solving, increases aesthetic sensitivity.


  
• Dried Fruit Effect: Causes mild hallucinations, especially visual and auditory distortions. Often used in spiritual journeys or by fringe artists.


  
• Preparations:


  


  
• Fresh-Sliced: Preferred by artisans and innovators.


  
• Dried Chips: Used in mystic rituals or by illusion-focused casters.


  
• Fermented Juice: Used sparingly to enter altered states during meditation.


  


  
• Use Case: Artisans, architects, mages inventing new spell patterns.


  

  9. Blood Leaf Cilantro

  

  
• Base Effect: Alters the emotional tone of nearby auras. Can elevate empathy, pacify aggressive intent, or invoke emotional honesty depending on how it's prepared.


  
• Raw Flavor: Spicy-citrus with an herbal kick.


  
• Preparations:


  


  
• Raw (Crushed Leaf): Brief burst of emotional clarity.


  
• Boiled in Broth: Creates a calming effect in a group. Used in negotiations and peace talks.


  
• Incense from Dried Leaf: Opens emotional pathways; used in therapy, truth-seeking rituals, or diplomatic trials.


  
• Tincture or Tea: Can cause temporary empathic merging between individuals (used carefully).


  


  
• Side Effects: Prolonged exposure can cause emotional vulnerability or unintentional aura leaking.


  
• Use Case: Diplomacy, interpersonal therapy, magical empathy rituals.


  

  Seeing the sheer variety—and usefulness—of these plants made me realize just how valuable this garden really was. Some of these would go for a fortune in the right circles. I made a mental note to be careful with harvesting. The last thing I needed was to ruin a patch of something rare just because I got overexcited.

  I rolled up my sleeves, got my hands dirty, and began harvesting what was ripe while marking which ones needed more time. I replanted where I could, careful not to disturb the root structures, using simple wooden stakes and garden twine I found under a small awning near the corner of the yard.

  It wasn’t glamorous work, but there was something strangely comforting about it—something peaceful in the rhythm of pruning, planting, and prepping for future use.

  How did I know how to do all that?

  Inspect, paired with the system’s interface—whatever it actually was—did more than just hand me facts. It layered information directly into my thought process. It didn’t feel like someone explaining things to me. It felt like I already knew what I was doing the moment I reached out to try.

  As I worked with each plant, there was a natural rhythm that clicked into place. My hands moved with a quiet certainty. I knew which leaves to snip, how deep to dig, how firm to press the soil after transplanting. It wasn’t something I was taught—it was something that simply… made sense.

  The system didn’t shout directions or flash alerts in front of my eyes. Instead, it subtly guided me. When I examined a plant, thoughts surfaced with quiet clarity: “Don’t take more than two stems or it’ll weaken the root cluster.” “This one needs filtered light for replanting.” “The fruit ripens inward—harvest just before the outer skin darkens.”

  None of it came from experience. Not really. But once I started the work, the knowledge just settled in my brain—like a muscle remembering a motion I’d never consciously performed before. It felt natural. Intuitive.

  It was clear the system wasn’t just feeding me information—it was helping me understand it.

  That realization made me pause. This wasn’t just survival. Whoever—or whatever—designed this system wanted me to grow. And if I paid attention, if I put in the work, I could feel it laying a foundation for something far more advanced.

  For now, I focused on the basics. Harvest. Replant. Tend. And learn.

  After standing up and looking at my work, a soft mental nudge of a system notification formed in my mind.

  System Notification:

  You have completed your first harvest of magically reactive flora. Due to the rare and specialized nature of the plants involved, you have gained the following proficiencies:

  [Magical Botany I]

  You’ve acquired foundational knowledge in the care, harvesting, and replanting of mana-sensitive plants. You can now recognize magical flora more easily and improve their yield through proper maintenance.

  [Arcane Herbalism I]

  You are now able to identify, sort, and lightly process plants with magical effects. Future attempts at crafting tinctures, teas, powders, or alchemical components using rare flora will be more stable and have an increased potency.

  [Attunement: Ambient Mana – Flora]

  Your interaction with rare magical plants has subtly aligned your senses to natural mana flows. You now have increased sensitivity to ambient mana and a heightened ability to recognize and locate rare or useful plant life in the wild.

  Okay… now I really felt like I was playing a video game.

  I couldn’t help but wonder if I’d be able to use this skill on regular plants back on Earth. Worst case, I figured I could get a job at a plant nursery—or maybe even as a tree arborist. Not exactly a glamorous fallback career, but definitely something.

  On my way back toward the house, I noticed a water pump near the back porch and took a moment to wash up. That’s when I realized how much time had passed. The sun was already dipping toward the horizon, casting long shadows over the garden. My stomach growled with a deep, primal warning—it was time to eat.

  I considered hauling everything inside, but didn’t feel like juggling armfuls of produce. Instead, I opened up my personal storage and carefully stowed everything I’d harvested. It felt a little weird just willing things into thin air, but the process was oddly intuitive—like my mind and the system were syncing up more every time I used it. Quick, clean, and efficient.

  Dinner, though? That part was easy.

  I kept it simple—just a good steak. Salted it with some coarse grain and figured I’d finish it with a little cayenne and maybe a spice blend from the pantry once it had time to rest.

  The grill? Oh man. Totally magical—literally and figuratively. If I could’ve bought one of these back on Earth, I would’ve dropped every penny I had. Which, to be fair, was only about three hundred bucks… not including the joint account. If I’d ever touched a cent of that, my sister would’ve lost her damn mind.

  “Frugal” didn’t even begin to cover her.

  After eating and cleaning up, I made my way over to the study and slowly began working through the books one at a time. They weren’t very big—each one took me maybe five minutes to read through—but the content was dense enough to keep my attention.

  There was something odd happening, though. Ever since that earlier enchantment—or contract, or whatever you’d call the event where I agreed to understand the language and sliced my hand open—I’d noticed a strange shift. My memory was… phenomenal. Not photographic, exactly, but I could grasp concepts, retain details, and mentally organize everything I read with nearly perfect clarity. It felt like that blood-bound agreement had done more than just let me read the language—it had turbocharged my ability to learn.

  Of course, I wouldn’t know for sure until morning, but if even half of what I read tonight stuck, it would still be leagues beyond how I used to study back on Earth.

  Eventually, the weight of the day caught up to me. My eyes started getting heavy, and I was yawning more than I was reading. I set the book down and decided to call it a night.

  That pillow—whether it was actually enchanted or just metaphorically magical—earned an involuntary moan of appreciation from me the moment my head hit it. Sleep dragged me under before I could think another thought.