Creature Farm: Beginnings (A Cozy Monster Evolution LitRPG) Chapter 1: Chapter 1

Read chapter 1 of Creature Farm: Beginnings (A Cozy Monster Evolution LitRPG) by TristanRye on NovelPedia.

“This was a mistake.” “Yeah. It’s not too late to go back. Maybe get a job at the library?” I scowl. Their words make my blood boil. The library is no place for someone like me! What a preposterous idea. An insult. But…she might have a point. We stand beside my field, surveying the wild landscape. Overgrown weeds. Boulders and logs. A tiny, sad little patch of radishes. And holes. So many holes. They dot the landscape like craters in an alien world. Maybe this is a failure. Maybe I really should move back into town… “Y’all are right.” A sigh leaves my lips. “Farming is tough. It’s a foolish dream.” “But you’re a fine builder. There’s talent in those hands.” Dahlia moves in, patting my back. I flash a weak smile. She’s a stocky young lady with determined eyes and hair pulled into a practical bun. She understands hard work. When the weather warms, she leaves the village, traveling the continent and returning with rare goods. A woman born to be a merchant—born with talent. What talents do I have? “Or you could go work with Brom. He’s still getting his farm started.” Clara gives an encouraging nod. “But believe me, you’re no worse than he is. I worry he’ll be dead by the end of Frostwhisper. More muscle than sense, that one.” Clara is an enigma. Kind eyes but a sharp tongue, she doesn’t have time for failure. Dressed in overalls and heavy leather boots, she’s fit to be a farmer too. I suppose that’s how most of us are though. Unlike folks in the city up north, we’re a practical bunch—raised by the land. City slickers poke fun at us, but they best remember who grows their food… “Well, look at that. You summoned him.” Dahlia squints, peering up the hill outside my property. “Oh no.” Clara grimaces. A young man races down the dirt path, arms flailing. He’s a wiry fellow with wild brown hair and tattered clothes. He wears a wide grin. His feet catch a loose stone, nearly sending him tumbling. “Hey! Hey!” He waves. It’s Brom. My closest friend. Well, maybe that’s pushing it. We grew up together in the village though, and we’re certainly no strangers. He claimed land north of town, and I claimed a plot down south—dueling farms. “How goes it?” I wave while he screeches to a halt, panting like a dragon. “I…you…he said…!” Hands on his knees, Brom gasps for air, large brown eyes flipping between us. Whatever message he’s trying to deliver, it’s not making any sense. “And then…monsters…wait. Are those radishes?” He perks up, eyes fixating on my field. “Oh, yeah. Finally sprouted.” I shrug. “No way!” He trots into the dirt, flinging his arms wide. “Your first crop! A maiden voyage! Taming the land!” He’s right. Nestled amidst the sea of thorny weeds is a tender little patch. Planted in tidy rows, the radishes bask in the sun, drinking deep of its energy. “Heh.” I stand up straight. “See, ladies? At least someone believes in me. Y’all are too harsh.” “What’s with all the holes though?” Brom whirls around, staring at the craters. “Been trying to dig a well. No luck though.” My brows furrow. “It’s a problem. I can’t keep hauling water from the river.” “Hmmm…” Brom strokes his chin, deep in thought. “Have you heard of water-sniffing gophers? You can buy ‘em in the city! If you want a well, you just gotta buy critters attuned to water magic. Maybe a fish would work! Can we teach a fish to smell water?” “By the gods…” Clara looks up at the sky, exasperated. “Brom, is that why you came all the way out here? Needed to share more of your farming wisdom?” “Oh, Miss Clara…didn’t see ya there.” Brom looks away, cheeks turning pink. “Erm, no. Gaius sent me.” “Gaius?” I perk up. “You’re running errands for the mayor now?” “N-no, not exactly. He wants people to stop by the village square. There’s a visitor in town. A visitor! When was the last time a traveler stopped in our valley? I reckon it’s been at least three seasons! And you’ve gotta see him, Willem! He’s got monsters. Monsters!” Brom hops up and down, arms trembling. Dahlia’s eyes widen. Clara flash