19 - CHAPTER XVII SOIL IMPROVEMENT OPERATION

I watch over Belle and Rain as they play in the completed fountain and think about the future. What will I do with the rest of my time?

"Yuta. What's wrong with your difficult face after the completion of the fountain?

"Oh no. I'm just wondering what we're going to do. We've got water and food, and it's more efficient to level up at night. I could get up later in the morning and spend more time leveling up, but I was wondering what I could do during the day.

"You said you were going to adjust your living environment, so why don't you fix the areas you're not happy with?"

Complaints. My biggest complaint is the variety of food, but I can't find a solution for that. I would like to have a bath, but it consumes a lot of precious wood to boil water. It is not urgent that we want to have a bath eventually, since we can use it for cleaning.

"Hmmm, hey Sylphy. Since we have plenty of water, can't we plow the fields while watering the ground and ask the spirits of the forest to come and grow plants all at once?"

"...... think that would be difficult. It is true that forest spirits can make plants grow all at once, but I have heard that the ground must be well nourished. In the land of the dead, you can't even grow plants normally without a lot of soil improvement.

"I see. It's not easy to improve the soil.

"I'm not a soil spirit, so I don't know the details, but rich soil is the result of a combination of various natural factors. It would be difficult to achieve it with just water and soil."

Rich soil. I've heard that farming starts with making the soil in the field. That's the first step.

"Can't we ask the spirit of the soil to enrich the earth?"

"Hmm. If we could do such a thing, there wouldn't be a dead land. Spirits are only assistants of nature. They are not gods.

It's not like the genie's power is going to make things all right. The soil is undernourished. I'd hate to see a field covered in human bones.

I don't know why, but I've heard of ash being spread on fields. Why not just spread the ashes from burning wood for fuel on the fields?　And I've heard they used small fish as fertilizer to grow cotton in the old days. Fertilize seafood?

...... would rot if left as it is, maybe dry it and crush it into small pieces?　I don't have anything to do, maybe you can give it a try. And seaweed is a plant if it is washed and dried well, so it might be good.

"Sylphy. In my world, we use dried small fish as fertilizer in our fields.　If it seems to work, can you call up the spirit of the soil?"

"You're going to use small fish as fertilizer and sprinkle it on the fields?　I don't know, I've never heard of it, but if it takes some shape, I don't mind bringing it in."

I'll give it a try then. Small fish. Seaweed. Ashes. If we sprinkle it in small pieces, it might make a difference.

"Okay. I'll give it a try. We'll make a small field about five meters square for the experiment.

"Hmm. Good luck. But it's going to be dark soon, so why don't we do it tomorrow?

When I look up at the sky, the sun is already setting. We were making a fountain. It was long overdue. We should eat seafood and level up.

Belle and Rain eat it with relish, but Sylphy just looks at me like she's had enough. Let's add more dishes to the menu so that everyone can enjoy their meals.

The result of recent level-up.

Name: Yuta Morizono

Level 18　

Strength C　　

Magic D

Strength D

Intelligence C

Dexterity B

Luck B

Unique Skill

Language Comprehension

Pioneering Tools　

Skill

Life Magic

In the past few days, I have risen six levels. The pace of level increase is slowing down. Sylphy told me that if I have a hard time getting up to the next level, I can just plunge into a nest of zombies or skeletons. There are strong demons and they will raise the level. I'm scared.

My level has gone up six ranks and my strength has improved. I'd like to believe that my magical power is also increasing, but I'm not sure. ......

******

...... morning?　It's inconvenient to wake up and not be able to read the time without light coming on. When I wake up, oh, my body is much less sore.

The sand on my back is falling. But a bed of sand is better than sleeping on a rock. The disadvantage of the sand falling off is acceptable.

When you get up and wash all over your body, sand falls down. I put away the rocks blocking the bedroom and go out to the kitchen, where bright light shines through the window.

I think I'll make steamed fish this morning. I sit on the rock bench and put the steamed fish on a plate.

"Yuta. Good morning."

"Cue."　

"Oh, Belle. Rain. Good morning. You want some breakfast?

"I'll eat."

"Cue."

The three of them have breakfast together, with steamed fish also served in front of Belle and Rain. Belle sticks her fork in and bites clumsily. Raine takes a bite.

Should I teach Belle how to eat, but not Raine?　Since no one else can see them, I feel it's okay to let them eat as they please, but I don't know what to do.

After the meal, I went outside and Sylphy and Dine approached me.

"Yuta. Good morning."

"Yuta. Good morning."

Morning greetings with two beautiful women. I'm so happy.

"Sylphie. Deanne. Good morning."

"YUTA. Are you going to plant a garden right away?"

Yeah, I'm going to do that.

"Oh my. Yuta, are you going to plant a field?"

"Yes, I'm sure we'll use some water, right?"

"Yes. We have plenty of water. If you want to plant a field, my sister has some advice for you.

Did Deane like the phrase "big sister"?　It's a delicate thing to deal with.

"I'm a complete novice, so if you could give me some advice, that would be great."

"Mm-hmm. I can't help it. My sister's advice is to dig a deep hole and surround it with rocks, because the dead land sucks in water endlessly. Also, it's not a good idea to completely fill the hole with water, so make a few holes in the rocks.

A little irritating, but at least I got some useful advice. Amazing.

"I hadn't thought of that. Thank you, Deanne."

You're welcome.

Now, since we're sowing fish, I'm afraid of the smell. We need to get as far away from the spring and the dwellings as possible. I tell Belle and Rain to go play with their playmates and get to work.

I think five meters square is good for now. The depth of the hole should be five meters, since you said it would be better to dig a deeper hole. We need an extra 50 centimeters to make room for the rocks.

With the magic shovel we dig a hole quickly and easily. If we dig a hole with a normal shovel, it will take us days to do it. With a magic shovel and a magic bag, it takes less than 20 minutes. It's a simple task, but it's a real cheat.

After the digging is done, the rocks are placed in the hole. After that, change the hand auger to 3cm wide and drill a hole in the rock. Is this enough?

I was going to put the soil back in, but it would be better to mix in some fertilizer from the bottom anyway. I'll make fertilizer first.

I try to get out of the hole, but there is a high wall standing in my way. It would be easy to build a staircase, but it would be fun to have Bell take me out.

"Sylphie. Is Belle around?"

"He's playing in the fountain."

"Can you go get him for me?　I need Belle to get me out of this hole. This shouldn't be too much trouble, right?"

"Then, Yuta can summon Bell to come here with his heart. It won't be a burden if it doesn't take too long.

If it's not too much of a burden, good. Let's try the summoning.

Bel, come here.

Bell appeared in front of me with an almost onomatopoeic popping sound.

"What?"

Is it not a surprise to be called suddenly, it's normal.

"Bell. I need to get out of here. Can you carry me upstairs?"

"Yes, sir."

For some reason, Bell is in my arms. Whoa. My body floats up and I slowly ascend. It's fun. I escape slowly from the five-meter hole.

"Bell. Thank you. You saved my life."

I pat him on the head in gratitude.

"Whew!"

Oh, it flew away. Did I stroke him too much?　We're going to the beach now. When we tell her we're going to the beach, she says she'll stay at home. I head for the sea with Sylphy, Belle, and Rain.

**

"I want Belle and Rain to catch a lot of small fish this time, can you do it?"

Belle and Raine tilt their heads. What's wrong?

"Ninmu?"

Belle and Rain look at me with an expectant expression. You remember what happened last time: ....... What shall I do? d*mn ...... innocent look hurts me.

"Uh, gosh. Oh, gosh.　Agent Lane!　I have a big mission for you. You're going to go out to the ocean and get some small fish, can you do that?"

"Yee-ha ha!"

"Cu-cu-cu."

"Accomplish your mission without fail. Let's go!

Belle and Rain charge into the sea.

"Yuta. You're still going with that setup, aren't you?

"I kind of regret it, but I like Belle and Rain so much. We have to do it."

"You're surprisingly good with kids. Well, they're happy, so I guess it doesn't matter.

There is no denying that paternity is on the horizon. Sylphy can't decide if this is a good thing or a bad thing. Should I teach him to salute anyway?　We'll have to wait and see, since there's a chance he'll forget.

I'm going to go gather some seaweed."

A quick look at the beach reveals no driftwood. Driftwood may not drift this far unless the sea is rough. We put on trunks and enter the sea. I will probably get sunburned again.

Swimming in the sea is fun, but sunburn is a problem. I wish the spirit of life would come somehow.

I don't care if we can eat them or not, as long as we use them as fertilizers. Let's gather all the seaweed we can find. Hmm?　Do you think seaweed can be used as fuel if it is dried?　Let's try it later.

Let's collect lots of seaweed to make nutritious soil!