Early next morning, Sylas arose early. A bite in the air, but not a cloud was in the sky. The trees were singing soft melodies sung by birds. He would start today constructing the Farmer's Shed.
He munched on a quick supper of boiled carrots and bread, then ventured out into the village with his pouch of coin. Asking here and there, he spotted Bram—the youth Mira had told him about. Bram stood a head taller than his years, with messy black hair and an inquisitive grin.
"Really you want to employ me?" Bram questioned, astounded.
"Half a day, just for now. I'll pay copper to start. I need assistance carting wood and digging."
Bram nodded. "Deal. My dad tells me I should work anyway. He won't care."
Sylas paid him 10 copper in advance. "Then let's get on with it."
They spent the morning cutting down a patch of land by Sylas's house. The grass was thick and the roots obstinate, but Bram toiled away without complaining. Perspiration glistened on his forehead as he swing the hoe repeatedly.
By noon, the area was free.
They headed to a nearby wood seller Mira had told them about. An old fellow with a cart full of wood welcomed them.
"Building something?"
"A shed," Sylas replied. "How much for enough to construct four walls and a roof?"
The fellow counted pieces. "That'll be 90 copper."
Sylas was reluctant. It was nearly all he had.
[Funds: 432 copper] [Transaction: -90 copper] [Remaining: 342 copper]
"Deal. Load it for me, Bram."
They pulled the wood back together.
By evening, the frame had gone up. They didn't get the roof done, but the walls were stable. Sylas gazed at it proudly.
[Quest Progress: Build a Farmer's Shed - 80%]
They would require more nails, a hammer, and a door.
That evening, Sylas sat among the stars, weary but satisfied. Bram had returned home after a plain meal. Sylas flexed his painful arms and smiled.
[The "Builder's Instinct" passive skill has been unlocked!] Get's extra stability and speed when building constructions.
He blinked, startled. He murmured, "I guess the system likes what I'm doing."
Finishing the shed, enlarging the field, and keep moving forward.