Chapter 3

"Sho, tree planting status...?"

"Mr. Woody can't bear the stress anymore and is finally talking nonsense, yoyo..."

There was no time to react to Ira, who was collapsing in tears (or rather, acting). A new string of text appeared in an oddly blocky font.

Tree Planting Level: 2

Number of Trees Planted: 0/5

Smile Points: 2 (1 tree per 4 points consumed)

Skills: None

A lot of things didn't make sense.

What exactly was going on here?

I've heard that there are many things in one's abilities that don't make sense...

[The 'Tree Planting' ability gains new powers as it levels up. We recommend that you plant many trees to level up as quickly as possible.]

New powers are gained as the level increases.

And this time, the power gained was the ability to understand what my 'Tree Planting' ability is.

That seems to be the case.

Thinking too deeply about this ability feels like a losing battle.

For now, I'll just follow the mysterious guide.

"How do I level up?"

[Leveling up occurs when the number of trees planted reaches a certain amount. To plant a tree, you need to consume Smile Points.]

What are Smile Points?

I don't want more confusing explanations to add to the things I don't understand, pfft.

[My apologies, I didn't expect the user to be so clueless.]

-- Wait, I don't understand, but is my ability insulting me, me!?

Why do I have to be insulted by my ability!

[It's a joke, a witty joke to lighten the mood.]

Just explain it quickly!

"Mr. Woody is finally talking to his imaginary friend... It's okay, Mr. Woody, I'll take care of you for life."

Before Ira, who had resolved herself with a solemn determination, a new string of text appeared. I wanted to read it clearly, so I leaned in closely.

[Smile Points are points that accumulate when people express positive feelings towards the user. For example, try squeezing Ira's hand in front of you. The key is to do it gently, as if touching something fragile.]

I don't understand, but I'll do as I'm told and squeeze Ira's hand.

"Mr. Woody...?"

[Yes, and stare into her eyes!]

Our gazes met.

"H-Huh!?"

Ira, who was suddenly brought closer, looked confused.

She doesn't seem to be rejecting it, so I'm relieved.

"W-What's the sudden...!?"

Ira loves to tease me, but she often gets flustered when I actually get close to her.

She's... kind of cute.

[Just tell her you like her.]

"I like you, Ira."

"......Psh~"

After hearing my words, Ira's face turned as red as a boiled lobster, and she let out a strange sound before collapsing.

I'm embarrassed too... Why did I have to do this? But the reason became clear when I looked at the tree planting status.

Tree Planting Level: 2

Number of Trees Planted: 0/5

Smile Points: 9 (1 tree per 4 points consumed)

Skills: None

"Smile Points increased by 7 all at once!"

[To accumulate Smile Points, you don't need to make the other person laugh. Making them blush, enjoy, or feel happy... as long as you can bring about a positive change, the points will accumulate. Incidentally, the amount of points is proportional to the strength of the feeling. Ira was that happy to hear you say you like her. You are loved, user.]

Ira likes me that much... That makes me happy.

I hope I can be someone she continues to like in the future.

For now, I can plant two trees with this.

I was about to do it right away when something changed again.

Tree Planting Level: 2

Number of Trees Planted: 0/5

Smile Points: 11 (1 tree per 4 points consumed)

Skills: None

...Huh?

Didn't you say Smile Points increase based on feelings towards me?

Ira fainted, so why are the points increasing?

[It seems that one of the trees you've already planted... one of the trees planted far away, has moved.]

I've only used my 'Tree Planting' ability once.

I was asked by a girl who was going to break our engagement to use it once.

So... Naja still... likes me?