Chapter 6

First, I chose a tree as a reference point and made a mark at its base by stacking a few stones. Since I don't have a map or a compass, I think this kind of thing will be important.

Next, I tried to detect magic. There doesn't seem to be any moving magic within my range, so there are probably no monsters or people around. I need to do this regularly.

Now, let's start gathering!

I looked around the ground for dead wood. Then, I used appraisal on the plants that caught my attention. After walking a bit, I started finding herbs and spices. It would be bad to let them rot, so I'll stop gathering when I have a decent amount.

By the way, does the item box stop time or does it age the items? I'll put some herbs in and see what happens.

As I entered the forest, I started seeing more dead wood. If they don't get wet, they won't rot, so I'll put a lot in the item box.

Focusing on gathering firewood, I realized I had gone quite far into the forest. I could no longer see the edge of the forest.

I hurried back the way I came and managed to avoid getting lost. ...By the way, I forgot to do the magic detection...

This time, I'll limit my movement to where I can still see the edge of the forest. Of course, I won't forget to do the detection.

I must have been gathering for about an hour and managed to collect a decent amount.

I moved to the edge of the forest to take a break. It's probably around noon. Unlike usual, I've been moving around a lot today, so I'm starting to feel hungry. In the afternoon, I'll try to find some food!

I thought about what I could gather in the forest.

Of course, there are fruits and nuts, and maybe some mushrooms? There might also be leafy vegetables or yams.

After my break, I returned to the reference tree. This time, I plan to go deeper into the forest. I didn't find anything at the edge. I'll do the detection while I go, and mark the trees with stones. It's dangerous to go too deep, so if I don't find anything after a certain point, I'll return to the reference tree, make a new reference point in a different spot, and go deeper into the forest again.

After repeating this a few times, I found some fruit on a tree! After appraising it, it seems to be edible. It looks like an apple but is pink. I climbed the tree and picked one to try. It's a bit sour but sweet and delicious. After eating it, I harvested about 20 for the orphanage and about 20 for the item box. I didn't take all of them because animals might eat them, and they might rot in the item box.

I returned to the reference tree and made a mark where I found the fruit. I thought it would be nice to gather a little more the next time I come.

After a few more trips between the reference tree and deeper into the forest, I found some tubers. They look like yams and potatoes. I've seen potatoes on the table many times, but this is the first time I've seen yams. Could I use these as seed potatoes to grow them at the orphanage?

Finally, I found some orange-like fruit.

After confirming it was edible with appraisal and trying it, it tasted like an orange. I decided to gather more of these and end my exploration of the forest. I got carried away and stayed out too late. Oh no!!

I made a mark at the orange tree and hurried back.

On the way back, I was passed by the carriage several times, but it was getting dark, so it was easier to hide than in the morning.

By the time I reached the town, it was already dark, and I could hear many voices calling for me from the orphanage.

Thanks to everyone, my work "Orphanage Tamer" has won the "HJ Net Novel Award 2018." As a result, it will be published in book form in 2019. Thank you for your support!

On Friday, May 24, 2019

"Orphanage Tamer"

has been decided to be published by HJ Novels.

Thank you all for your support.