Sylas stepped out of the shed, gazing up at the bright blue sky. It was a week since Hollow Roots had started, and things were running smoothly. The shed was being extended, the tools were installed, and his first crop sales were better than expected. The next step was clear, however: expansion.
He required more workers.
Mira had been spreading the word, and a few villagers had shown interest in working for him. He hadn't yet been able to hire anyone, but the interest was there. There were a few people, like Garen, who were hesitant. They were afraid growing too quickly would lead to problems down the road. But Sylas was not one to turn back. He was ready for the next step.
The soft crunch of footsteps on ground caught his attention. Mira walked towards him with a smile, a basket full of vegetables hung over her arm. She was proficient at bringing in the fresh vegetables from the village, and Sylas admired it.
"Morning, Sylas," she said, showing him the basket. "I brought you the harvest of the last round."
Sylas picked up the basket, looking inside. It contained onions, carrots, and some foreign-looking herbs he'd never seen. "These are great, Mira. The last batch of onions sold right out, but we're running short and need more to cover demand."
She gestured in agreement. "I've noticed the same. It's good, though. Folks are starting to take notice of your business. It's picking up every day.".
"That's the plan," Sylas smiled, shuffling over towards the shed he worked in. He looked over at the work he still had to do. Most of it, and he knew it wasn't going to get any easier. But with that said, something about him didn't quite feel wrong. Something about him didn't feel wrong at all, in fact.".
As they circled the shed, talking about what to do next, the clanging of a hammer came from the other end of the village. Garen was tinkering on something, as always. Sylas had grown accustomed to Garen's unorthodox method of solving things. The man wasn't only a blacksmith; he had an eye for machines, as well.
I'll have to call in more to work here sooner or later," said Sylas to Mira. "There's too much to get done and the crop is running faster than I can handle it."
Mira smiled. "I know some people who could really help out. They're skilled, but they're hesitant. I'll talk to them.".
Thanks," Sylas said, feeling grateful. "I'm also looking at expanding into new crops. The ones we have currently are good, but we want to have diversity if we're going to keep folks interested."
Mira raised an eyebrow. "Like what?"
"Something that has more demand. Maybe grains or even fruit. If we can build a reputation for quality, folks might come from farther away to buy.".
You're thinking big," she said, her voice warm and approving. "But it's a good idea. If we can get a regular supply, you'll be able to raise the prices, and you could even start a barter system with other villages."
Sylas nodded gravely. That was exactly the kind of plan he required. He had to keep growing, but in a way that would lead to long-term success.
They walked into the village center, where the farmers had already started gathering to discuss the harvest. There were some familiar faces there. Some of the village's older farmers, as well as a few of the newer ones who had expressed recent interest in farming.
"Hi, Sylas!" one of the younger men greeted him as he approached. "I heard you're hiring. I can help with the crops, particularly irrigation."
Sylas grinned. "I could definitely use an irrigation specialist. What's your name?"
"Erik," said the young man. "I've worked on farms before, and I can set out the pipes and deal with the water systems. And I can also help with planting, too."
Mira frowned. "You've got a good record for working the soil, Erik. Sylas, I'd trust him."
Sylas extended his hand. "Welcome, Erik. We'll have need of all hands. I'll show you around later."
A grin spread over Erik's face. "Thank you, Sylas! I won't let you down.".
With that, his first employee had been locked in. It wasn't much, but it was a start. Sylas knew there would be others to come. Bit by bit, Hollow Roots was expanding beyond a shed and some crops—it was expanding into a business, one with possibilities.
That night, after having spent the whole day working, Sylas glanced out at work he'd done. The shed was near enough complete. The garden itself, however, flourished and seemed to show indication of the village looking to him for ever greater amounts of produce. His company, which in the beginning was merely an idea, was developing slowly but steadily.
He glanced down at the small book he'd started keeping track of orders and sales in. Things were opening up, like the crops. But not yet. Not even a long way yet. Sylas had big ideas, and the sweat was only just beginning.
New Quest: Expanding Horizons
Task: Expand the business by hiring more workers and planting new crops.
Reward: 200 XP, 50 Copper
Sylas smiled at the system prompt, a thrill of excitement coursing through him. He'd been going great so far, but now things were getting serious.
He couldn't wait to see where this adventure took him.
Stats:
Class: Warden of the Hollow
Level: 9
XP: 580/1000
Gold: 30 Copper, 2 Silver
Skills:
High Roller: Doubles profit from sales.
Water's Blessing: Watering crops requires less resources and is faster.
Greenthumb: Increases crop harvest.
Farmhand: Accelerates planting and harvesting.
Quests:
Fields of Progress: Add more automatic farm equipment.
Growing Horizons: Expand your business by hiring more staff and farming more crops.