The Maelstrom of Stardew
Year 1 (Spring)
Chapter 6 – A Beginning's End and an End's Beginning
Monday, the 1st of Spring, 2017
[Quest Announcement] - Gamer Ability/Notification
[LOAD GAME]
…
[GAME LOADED. WELCOME BACK!]
Taeko and Leah had gone their separate ways off to continue their task. Next up was Marnie's Ranch, and Taeko casually walked in entering the ranch. Marnie was idly at the counter and Taeko had mildly surprised by her. Marnie was certainly a mature woman reminding Taeko of those Takasugi Kou mangas he and Leah used to sneak peeks at back in the old days. She had the body for it with lightly sun-kissed skin, partly braided chestnut hair, and hazel eyes. She wore her regular green dress and took note of his appearance.
[Observe] hit like a sledgehammer.
[Pelican Town Villager – Marnie Sanford – Relationship Level: 0/10 – Marnie runs the ranch and acts as your supplier of feed and animals for your farm. Despite appearing conservative, she's quite wild in her down time. She was formerly an athlete in her late teens before retiring early to run the family ranch. She and Lewis have had a rather secret physical relationship for 20 years, but Marnie yearns for a real romantic one. She worries a lot about Shane and Jas being quite protective of both of them. Marnie adores diamonds, farmer's lunch, pink cake, pumpkin pie, and rabbit's foot.]
If Taeko did not have a reason to mildly dislike Lewis, this was the reason. Taeko was wondering how old Marnie was, and the Game gave him his answer, 35, which caused him to cringe. Before Taeko could question that any further, Marnie snapped her fingers snapping him out of her daze. Taeko noticed a book in her hand, one that Taeko had the displeasure of reading himself.
"You must be the Maelstrom kid. I'm Marnie Sanford of the Sanford Ranch." She said sweetly.
"Taeko." Taeko said curtly. "I'm surprised that all the way out here, I would meet a Massai reader."
Marnie seemed spooked.
"You're a reader of the Shinobi Sensual books?" Marnie asked. "I did not think I'd meet an avid fan of such fine literature."
"It's smut." Taeko said rather bluntly.
Marnie rolled her eyes and asked who his favorite character is, and they conserved a bit. Honestly, Taeko hated Massai's work due to most of the main crew being unlikeable save for about three out of the large cast. You know you messed up when out of your three main protagonists, only one is likeable. Ironic, that Marnie's favorite pair was Maya and Tatsu or maybe that was Game setting things up. Before Taeko could respond, the world went gray.
"Seems I got another choice to make." Taeko remarked as the text box pinged up.
[Karmic Choice]
[Lewis and Marnie are at a stalemate in their relationship. Do you destroy it, save it, or take advantage of the situation? Once again, your choice will have gains and downsides.]
Destroy It. – Help Marnie to realize that this relationship between Lewis is not working and help her to move on. [Marnie becomes an available marriage candidate if you succeed] and [Friendship with Lewis won't go past 4 Hearts as he will secretly grew to dislike you] [Bonus Scenes with Marnie, but Scenes with Mayor Will Falter] [Loss of Chance at one of the Achievements] (+3 Hearts to Marnie now) (Your morality level drops)
Take Advantage – Be Marnie's comfort and confidant, while of course using her friendship to your advantage of their stalemate to reap benefits. [Marnie is more open to you.] [Potential Optional Quest to advance or break Lewis/Marnie relationship whenever you want.] [Bonus Scenes with Marnie] (+1 Heart to Marnie now) (Your morality level won't move.)
Save It. – Help Lewis to realize he can't continue this relationship like it and make things right. [If completed, friendship with them is maxed out.] [You will get away with breaking a few rules due to Mayor's Favor.] [Massive discounts from Marine's Ranch.] [1,000,000 Gold if completed] (Your morality goes up)
Taeko would have picked Save It, but he already had a big cash reward promised in the form of dealing Maru and Sebastian. Secondly, he really felt Lewis was being a bit of a turd by giving her the roundabout for twenty years. However, he did not want to choose to Break It. As much as he disliked Lewis's choice of stalling her, he wanted to know more about why. As for benefits, Taeko thought Take Advantage was more practical as while he gained, he could make the choice later down the line. If anything, Taeko wanted to learn more before making a judgment. So, he selected Take Advantage and world returned. So, the conversation ended with Taeko admitting he rather dislikes her favorite pair being a bit earnest of their character flaws. Somehow, he got a Heart for his honesty. He'd leave rather unsure and completely unaware of exactly what kind of bonus scenes he was walking into. Of course, the Game tended to be a rather cruel and impish engine at times. Three more to do, and Taeko saw it was getting close to three in the afternoon. He was lost in thought after what to do next before Leah came up asking Taeko if he wanted to join her for beachcombing to which he agreed to. As they walked down the sword, Leah inquired about Eclipse.
"Planning on being a monster slayer like Gil and Marlon?" Leah asked.
"Yup. I'm just wanting for those two to come back into town and things to clear up. Besides, farming is my main for now." Taeko said. "If you need food, I'll sell you some at a good discount."
"You don't have to. I can afford it." Leah insisted.
"Leah, we're friends. Plus, it's the least I could do." Taeko remarked.
"I could pay for it another way, T. I'll help out if you need it. Besides, your land is full of materials." Leah said with a small smile.
The two arrived at the beach where a new face was taking the sea air. A young man a little older than Taeko and a proud head of long brunt orange hair flowing and lush. He dressed as a traditional American gentleman. [Observe] was automatic.
[Pelican Town Villager – Elliot von Holton – Relationship Level: 0/10 – Elliot is the town's starving author. The man can write but has occasional troubles in his work that hamper them. He hails from the von Holton family which are all mildly famous poets and authors. He lives out the ideals of a true gentleman, being a rather gentle soul. He's crazy about hair. Harvey loves Crab Cakes, Duck Feather, Lobster, Pomegranate, Prismatic Shard, Rabbit's Foot, and Tom Kha Soup. (He is one of the six eligible bachelors.)]
Taeko was inwardly twitching over the fact that Game was telling him he was a dateable bachelor. He had a theory that this Game was open-ended for boys and girls, or Kyu was messing with him. Elliot turned around and greeted Leah.
"And who's this rogue ruffian?" Elliot said a bit dramatically.
"Maelstrom. Taeko Maelstrom." Taeko said calmly. "I'm an old friend of Leah's."
"Oh, you're that Taeko." Elliot remarked kindly. "Leah talked rather highly of you."
"Heh, Leah and I were tight." Taeko said sheepishly. "It's nice meeting you."
"If you come by the Saloon later at the night, we can get properly acquainted." Elliot said shaking Taeko's hand.
Elliot returned to his cabin and Taeko and Leah would spend some foraging around the beach. Taeko had given most of what he had found to Leah as he knew she needed the shells more than he did at the moment. What caught his interest was a second part of the beach that was cut off due to a broken bridge. The Game told him he'd need 300 [Wood] and bring it there to repair it.
"Of course, it is." Taeko said to himself rolling his eyes and drinking another Joja Cola.
He could eye the collectables from here and was just tempted to jump over there.
"Times like this, I wish I could use the Six Powers." Taeko remarked before thinking about it for a moment. "Or can I?"
"Hey, Taeko! Check this out." Leah said coming up to him. "I found this book."
Leah showed him a book that his Game automatically turned on [Observe].
[Skill Book – Ansatsuken – Want to learn how to fire Hadoukens and preform Shoryukens? This book covers the ancient fighting times. As it was written by Gouken, this is based around not killing people like Akuma. This book will teach you discipline and what you need to truly become a better martial artist.]
Taeko took up the book in his hand.
[Would you like to learn [Ansatsuken]? Yes/No]
Taeko hit yes and the book broke out into blue flames all over his body. Taeko ran around screaming like a howler monkey about how he was on fire with Leah confused on what to do. Before Taeko could realize he should jump in the water, the flames died out.
[You now know [Ansatsuken] techniques!]
Taeko facepalmed forgetting that the Game would do that, but he was at least glad he had new skills. He knew he had to level them up, but it was worth having it either way.
"[Shoryuken!]" Taeko said performing a jumping uppercut.
He spun upwards with some horizontal movement as well like he always knew how to and even Leah was impressed.
"Whoa, did you absorb that book through magic or something?" Leah asked.
Taeko shrugged claiming he was not really sure. Leah and Taeko left their separate ways with Taeko returning home. It was barely four in the afternoon. Looking at the plot of land, he figured why not get started farming. Before that, he saw that giant tub next to his home.
"If I remember correct, Lewis and the Game told me that I could put items in there to sell." Taeko said as he opened it up.
A text box came up asking what items he wanted to toss in, and he selected the Treasure Chest and five Clams before leaving it.
"Now for the fence, according to the crafting menu, I need 2 Wood for 1 piece of fence. I'll need 60 Wood to cover the field and I'll have to make a gate too. That's 10 more wood. Plus, I'll need to deal with the Coop too. Must as well, huff it!" Taeko said taking out his [Axe] out of his [Inventory].
Taeko started hacking at a maple tree near the farmhouse with the basic Axe and it took a few swings before it came down. The fallen tree burst into neat chunks of [Wood] and a maple seed which Taeko had to walk over for it to go into his [Inventory]. Annoyed with the Axe, he stabbed it in the stump of it turning to the oak tree behind him.
"The book did say I could fire Hadoukens!" Taeko said excitedly focusing energy through his palms. "[Hadouken]!"
Taeko thrusted his palms outwards towards the oak and a surging dark blue energy wave is expelled that blows up the tree sending chips of wood at his face leaving the items and a smoking stump. Taeko's face could be compared to the face of someone who was told they won the lottery. However, the game had to spoil this good moment by showing him his energy rating.
[Energy: 175/300]
It had cost a bit of energy, but on the bright side, Taeko discovered that he could increase his energy levels through training. So, Taeko did the logical thing. Punch and kicks trees to train abusing the [Gamer's Body] ability to his advantage. It did burn down his health for a while until his body adjusted. Eventually, he got several trees down his bare hands and the axe, gaining a level in Foraging in the process which he would get in Cindersap Forest
[You've gained a level in Foraging! You are now Level 4, +1 to wild berry harvesting gained, Charcoal Kin crafting recipe in craft menu added, and Wild Seeds (Summer) crafting recipe added.]
Taeko's energy was now at zero and his muscles screamed in agony. Downing a Muscle Remedy had fixed the [Exhaustion] debuff. The afternoon was slowly becoming evening and Taeko trudged to his farm following his "path of destruction". Seeing the Sanford Ranch, Taeko turned to go in to find Marnie doing push-ups with one hand with a sweatband on her head.
"Oh, hey Taeko." Marnie said effortlessly hoisting herself up with one hand to tumble on her feet.
"Impressive." Taeko admitted.
"I was actually in the 1996 Olympics for Judo." Marnie said with a wink. "Won the Gold."
"Didn't pitch you for a fighter. I happen to be a bit of a martial artist myself. My family had its own style they passed down to me." Taeko said garnering Marnie's interest.
"Your grandpa can kick ass even when he was old." Marnie said with a mirthful chuckle. "I wanted to learn the style, but he would not teach me. Family style and all that business."
"He taught me directly before he got sick." Taeko said remembering the good times. "But I shouldn't waste time. I'm here to buy a chicken and some hay for the coop."
"Well, aren't you rather productive. First day here, and you're already asking. Well, I suppose I can give your first chicken for half-off and I'll supply 40 bales of hay to make it an even 800 gold." Marnie said kindly.
"Sold." Taeko said producing the gold.
Taeko paid up and gold the hay and chicken. Marnie was carrying a young chicken in her arms as they walked back to Shadow Farm. Using the crafting menu, Taeko had made a fence for the crops, silo, and coop with gates to pass through one. At least the small pond saved him having to use all the wood as it serves a natural fence. The two entered the gate where Marnie gently put the chicken down and a text box came up for Taeko.
[Animal Care – Coops]
[Right now, you have a basic coop. Upgrading later on will add more space, an incubator to hatch eggs, enable care for ducks and dinosaurs (yes, you can incubate those), and an autofeed system. The cost for them will be available if you go to Robin at her home to talk upgrades. At maximum, your coop can hold four chickens. Remember to feed your animals and refill the feeding station. Use the hay hopper to gain Hay out of your Silo to lay down for your animals. Animals here can be named by you and cared for by you. The more hearts an animal has, the higher quality the eggs. Chickens can be sold or make into a meal if you so desire. Happy ranching!]
Taeko read it as he looked down at the brown chick exploring the coop and decided to name it, Reiju. Reiju flitted around pecking at the feed on the feeder as the two left. Taeko felt the coop door open because he felt it was safe for Reiju to wander thanks to the fence. Taeko made sure to put the rest of the hay into the silo.
"Well, I've be taking my leave. You should head to the saloon and get yourself properly acquainted to the town." Marnie said. "I'll even buy you a drink."
"Thanks, Marnie." Taeko said with a warm smile. "I'll make sure to bring some of Reiju's eggs when it grows."
Marnie waved goodbye and took to leaving for home. Taeko still had work to do. After crafting a [Field Snack], he used the rest of his common tree seeds to plant to regrow tree in the same spots around the farm he chopped down. Then he went inside to put the several [Largemouth Basses] in the freezer before cracking open another cold Joja Cola.
"Whew. Now, I need torches." Taeko said crafting one to use as light.
Walking out of the farmhouse, he stuck the torch on the left end of the gate leading to the area for crop growing. Making another, he stuck it on the right side. The Game made it so Taeko could keep them on indefinitely and turn them off and on.
"Finally, time for planting the seeds." Taeko said with a grin.
[BGM Triggered: Nujabes – Hikari]
Taeko's grin widened at the fact the Game had BGMs. With a pep in his step, he returned inside to get out the seeds (except the Blue Jazz ones) and the fertilizer. Planning on planting twenty seeds, he put thirty-tree of the Wild Seeds in the storage chest. Sauntering outside, he got to farming. He planted them all using the fertilizers on most of the first column. The process was not hard as Taeko thought, but it was still energy draining. It's only the Game making it easier for him to keep going. They were all planted and watered with the watering can (which he had to refill twice to finish the job). Planting was an arduous task, and he gained a level.
[You gained a level in farming! You are now on Level 1. Crafting recipes for Basic Fertilizer and Scarecrow are in your menu now. +1 Watering Can and Hoe Proficiency]
"Whew, what an evening." Taeko remarked checking the time. "6:45 already. Time for a shower…"
Taeko went inside to put his gear down and have a nice hot bath. It was nice to get the dirt off of him and it restored his health and energy. Of course, Taeko was hungry and eating and [Field Snack] would only starve off hunger for so long. A knock on the door brought Taeko out of enjoying his jazz and the BGM had changed.
[BGM Change: Black Lagoon OST 13 – Tadpole Dance]
"That's a random choice." Taeko thought. "Oh well, it's a good song."
Taeko got out of the shower clad in a towel around his waist and a smaller one for his hair to answer the door to find it was Abigail and Sebastian at the door. Abigail's face was red as she sputtered, inwardly thanking Yoba for the sight.
"Hey Taeko, Abigail wanted to come and get you to drag you to the saloon." Sebastian said. "And really? A towel on your head."
"My hair requires its own towel." Taeko muttered. "Come in. You can wait on my couch."
Abigail and Sebastian sat on the couch as Taeko strode back into his room to get some clothes on. Abigail was gleefully watching Taeko's behind as he entered his room. Sebastian was asking about Taeko's game consoles and technical equipment. Abigail was eyeing that Huniepop Poster Taeko had on the wall. Taeko had come out wearing a black tracksuit and sneakers.
"Well, I'm ready." Taeko said, gathering his gear. "Shall we?"
The three friends departed from the Farmhouse arriving at the Stardrop Saloon as the time hit seven. They entered, and it seemed most of the town was in tonight except for George, Evelyn, Maru, Demetrius, Linus, and the kids.
"Well, if it isn't Taeko?" Lewis remarked. "I see you were able to make it."
"Yeah, I wouldn't miss celebrating my first day. It feels like months already." Taeko said, earning a few laughs.
Taeko noticed one guy at the bar wearing a worn JojaMart jacket, and Taeko used [Observe] on him.
[Pelican Town Villager – Shane Sanford – Relationship Level: 0/10 – If Tom Cat were reincarnated into a person, it would be Shane. The man is a sharp one but screwed over by life itself. Joja works him like a slave, and he drinks every night. He's rather distrustful of most people and bitter to a fault where he may be depressed. There is a nice guy in there, but you'll have to dig deep. Shane's an animal lover and wishes to be a biologist someday. The best gift for him is beer, pizza, hot peppers, or pepper poppers. (He is one of the six eligible bachelors.)]
Ignoring the last sentence, Taeko approached Shane. Shane turned to see the newcomer.
"So, you're the new guy everyone's been talking about?" Shane said dryly.
"Cosette, I'd like two pizzas, one of them for him." Taeko said to Cosette.
[You gain half a heart with Shane!]
"Well, you got taste." Shane said perking up. "Good to meet you."
"Pizza on the house for tonight." Cosette said setting two pans of pizza for him and Taeko.
Taeko devoured his plate like food was going out of style. He savored the pepperoni and cheesy goodness. Leah shook her head at this, but chuckled as he offered Penny a slice. She gladly took up on it. When he finished his pizza, he joined Abigail and Sebastian in the arcade area of the saloon.
"Taeko, this is Sam." Abigail said introducing the blonde mischievous teenager with spiky hair. "Sam, this is Taeko."
[Pelican Town Villager – Samson Knight – Relationship Level: 0/10 – Sam is an outgoing, friendly guy who is brimming with youthful energy. He plays guitar and drums and wants to start a band with Sebastian as soon as he has enough songs together. However, he does have a habit of starting ambitious projects and not finishing them. He wants to be a musician in the future and digs many different tunes. Best gifts for him are pizza, tigerseye, maple bars, and cactus fruits. He's one of the only villagers to actually like Joja Cola. (He is one of the six eligible bachelors.)]
"Sup, Sam. Care for a Cola?" Taeko said offering one.
"Hell's yeah." Sam said, gleefully taking it to crack it open.
"Ugh, you drink that slag." Sebastian remarked that Taeko drank one as well.
"It's a guilty pleasure. I used to work for Joja and that drink was a good way to kick stress down while working late." Taeko said sheepishly.
"You used to work as Joja?" Sam said curiously. "What branch?"
"Zuzu. I was one of guys in corporate until…." Taeko spoke before the sound of Shane going to a spit take interrupted him.
Shane rushed over to Taeko.
"You're the same guy Morris was talking about. The one who survived Souamil. You're a legend among the employees all over the county!" Shane said a bit excited. "You have to give me details!"
"Well, yeah. That was me, and I rather not talk about Souamil. I'm not comfortable enough to talk about it." Taeko remarked before muttering, "I'd need to be drunk for that horror."
"Wait, Souamil? I thought the scandal was all heresy. That's why you quit?" Sam asked with a raised eyebrow.
"No. I went back to work after that. I quit due to my boss being a royal asshole, and I made sure to jab a knife in Joja's operations before I left." Taeko said. "But enough of that, how about we play some Turtles in Time? Dibs on Leonardo."
"Michelangelo's mine." Sam said heading over to the arcade machine.
"I usually main Leo. Guess, I can use Donatello this time." Abigail said.
Sebastian took up as Raphael and they all put a gold coin in the machine. Shane had returned to the counter and the four played to their heart's content. While, yes, he did prefer the SNES version, being able to play with three friends made it all the sweeter.
"Hey, Penny. You should join us." Taeko said as he tossed Foot Ninja at the screen. "I'll cover for you in case one of us dies."
Penny was a bit hesitant, but, seeing her mother down another beer, she decided to join them. It would be the Metalhead boss on the second that Michelangelo died leading to Sam having to give up. Taeko put in another gold coin to pay for Penny for her to join. It would be two hours of busted baddies before the group had to mostly split up. Sam had work tomorrow, and Sebastian was drained. The two guys lumbered out of the saloon leaving Abigail, Taeko, and Penny. Much to Taeko's relief, paying for Penny to play and encouraging her to join them lead to his friendship meter increasing to gain a heart. He also gained a heart with Sam and a quarter heart with Abigail and Sebastian. Remembering the heart event, Taeko excused himself to trigger it. As he entered the cold night air and looked around. He noticed George armed with a crossbow of all things.
[BGM Change: Pokémon DPPT: Pastoria City / Solaceon Town - Jazz Cover || insaneintherainmusic]
"Damn raccons were rustling in my trash." George said annoyed. "Hey Taeko, I need your help. Think you could take care of the damn coons raiding my trash?"
"Sure, why not?" Taeko said with a shrug as Geroge returned inside to his home.
Taeko immediately went inside the garbage can and got a pair of [Quartz]. The game explained its many uses, but Taeko knew he had to give one of them to Gunter.
"Who throws away raw materials like this?" Taeko questioned.
"Who indeed?" Linus said as Taeko faced him. "I see you scavenge too."
"Eh, considering I'm low on cash. It's a living. Plus, aside from trash, I find neat stuff. I actually found several things of value aside from food in them." Taeko admitted.
"Nice to meet a man who thinks alike." Linus said warmly.
"You look hungry, but I suggest you check the Saloon first." Taeko warned. "George's armed with a crossbow."
Linus took the advice and snook over to the trashcan of the Saloon only to be found by Cosette and Gus. Linus looked awkward, but Cosette only gave him a smile.
"No need to fret. Can't have any villager here go hungry." Gus said.
"I'll get a to-go plate. We have leftover zucchini rolls and fish tacos." Cosette said returning inside.
Taeko came up offering a Joja Cola.
"Yes, I know the drink isn't the most appealing, but I figured I'd get you something to wash it all down." Taeko said as Linus graciously accepted it.
"I hate the stuff, but the thought counts. Joja Cola actually makes good for making sap to catch mosquitos." Linus said to Taeko's surprise.
"I need to seriously consider getting a new drink to sponge on." Taeko thought.
As Linus left, Taeko got a text box saying Linus will be sending him mail once in a while and his friendship ratio will increase the frequency of him doing so. Abigail came out of the saloon and was glad to see Taeko.
"Well Taeko, how was your first day?" Abigail remarked.
"Made some friends, and I may make some enemies. All I can say, it's a hell of a lot better than working for those fucktarded people at Joja." Taeko said. "I mean, I went from white collar corporate to boss of my own land. I always thought that the most I'd own was an apartment and an okay car. Now I own that sack of land and a pretty big farmhouse. Sure, money's tight, but I'll get there."
"Well said, Taeko. I must be going home." Abigail said. "Good night."
"Night." Taeko said as Abigail went home.
Right then, a stressed-out Pam came out with Leah.
"Let me guess, Pam's drunk off her ass." Taeko said dryly.
"Yeah. Penny tends to stay over at my place. I swear to Yoba and God that Pam makes Shane look like a saint!" Leah said bitterly.
She and Penny left for the direction of the cabin over for a buzzed Shane to come out after Marnie, who rushed out with Lewis.
"Hey Taeko, Marnie says you've already started raising chickens on your farm. That true?" Shane asked.
"Yeah, I just got Reiju earlier." Taeko remarked.
Shane seemed impassive only saying to care for the chicken well before chiding Taeko for the name. Taeko rolled his eyes getting a snicker out of the drunk. He went on his way, and Taeko was about to leave for home.
"Taeko!" Cosette called out.
Taeko turned to see her with a hammered Pam.
"Oh no." Taeko thought.
"Penny seemed to have left her mother. Could you be a dear and help her home?" Cosette asked.
Taeko was given a choice.
[Yes, I'll do it. – (1/4 Heart Increase with Gus (and Cosette)), (+1 Friendship Heart with Pam),(Bonus Pam Scene Unlock), and (Future Quests Unlocked)]
[No, I can't. – (Friendship with Gus (and Cosette) will not increase for a while)]
"Ugh, and Cosette has those big brown eyes!" Taeko thought, being flustered.
Cosette was too nice for her own good to be aiding Pam and Taeko gave her a dry stance.
"Fine, I'll do it. But only because of you are too nice for her." Taeko remarked putting his arm around Pam. "Seriously, she needs to lay off the booze."
"I can…hadel mysetf…damn it..." Pam slurred.
"Cosette. If you weren't the sweet natured chef, I'll say no to your face. You are damn lucky that you and Gus are alright people." Taeko muttered.
That smile on her face confirmed she got him and Taeko could feel it. As Taeko walked away with Pam, Cosette could not make the swears out in Japanese Taeko muttered. Pam kept slurring her words to Taeko's annoyance as they got to her trailer. Taeko opened the door and "helped" Pam inside. Pam stumbled onto the couch and Taeko was glad it was only drool on his shoulder. He was about to leave only to notice Pam reaching for a bottle of beer. Taeko snagged it away from Pam.
"Oh no, you don't. Like I'll let you have more of this." Taeko said coldly. "No more of this."
Taeko was not doing this as an act of kindness, but more of payback. Penny would not be the type to do this, but Taeko was. He had little tolerance for Pam already, only knowing her for two days.
"Come…on…please…" Pam pleaded slurring. "I don't really…have…more cash to pay, but come on."
"Yeah, not happening." Taeko remarked.
He kept note of the messy condition of the trailer and Taeko could wager half of his land that Penny's room is probably the only clean place. It repulsed Taeko and made it less willing to even give Pam a sip. Pam was a mood swinger when drunk, mostly aggressive or jovial. However, the GAME threw Taeko in for a loop for what happened.
"Wait, I could pay another way, you too. You are a young man after all." Pam said roughly.
Once again, Taeko was given from the Game a choice to stay to hear her out or leave. Taeko would have chosen to leave, but he remembered the earlier choice. It said bonus scenes with Pam, and Taeko was curious. So, Taeko selected to stay to hear her out and was not surprised to hear she'd do anything for that beer. The options were plenty, but ultimately decided to give the woman the beer. It was the first day, and Taeko wanted to end on a high note. Pam ended up passing out before she could even drink said beer, knocking over a laundry basket. He picked up one of Penny's underwear and one of Pam's before they disappeared.
[4/11 Panties collected!]
"Huh, I guess doing the right got me a neat reward." Taeko said tossing Pam on the couch.
Taeko took up that beer to put in his [Inventory] and went home. As he entered his home, he got another text box.
[Story Quest: Introductions (COMPLETE)]
It would be a nice gesture to introduce yourself around town. Some people might be anxious to meet the new farmer.
People Met: 28/28
This quest is mandatory.
Reward: 2/5 Friendship Heart (100 Friendship Points) with Everyone
Bonus Objective: Do it all in less than 3 days. (Did it in One!) Reward: 1,500 Gold
Taeko fist pumped at the gained and was told he'd have more quests to do tomorrow morning. Locking the door, he trudged off to bed ready for sleep to take over. He'd survived the first day and was looking forward to the days ahead.
[STATS]
Taeko Kiba Maelstrom
Occupation: Farmer/Freelancer Ronin
Age: 20 years
HP: 550/550
Energy: 350/350
Overall Level: Bumpkin
Farming Skill Level: 1
Mining Skill Level: 0
Foraging Skill Level: 4
Fishing Skill Level: 0
Combat Skill Level: 10
Gold: 2748
Total Amount Earned: 0 Gold
Taeko is a former employee of the corrupt Joja Corporation. Screwing it over, he got away with it free to chase his dreams and ambitions. An anti-hero and a roughneck, he won't take crap from no-one. Now he's the head farmer of Shadow Farm along with being essentially a ronin. His favorite food is pepperoni pizza. His favorite gifts tend to center around gaming, manga, and combat.
[Taeko's Perks]
The Gamer's Mind – Allows the user to calmly and logically think things through. Allows peaceful state of Mind. Immunity to Psychological Mass Effect and Hypnotism.
The Gamer's Body – Grants the user a body to live life like a video game, Immunity to Physical Damage, but not the pain. Sleeping in a bed fully restores HP/Energy, Sleeping in a tent restores HP/Energy by 75% of total amount, and sleeping on an improvised surface (a couch, the ground) restores HP/Energy by 50% of maximum amount.
Made of Iron – You can survive your HP going down to zero, and you only need four hours and ten minutes of sleep to function perfectly. (Downside, you have to bed before 2 A.M. or else you pass out.)
Fighter – All attacks deal 10% more damage. (+15 HP) (Augmented by Anasatsuken fighting style)
Brute – Damage is increased by 15%
[Relationships]
Sandy – 4.40/10 Hearts – 1100 Friendship Points
Pam – 1.4/10 Hearts – 350 Friendship Points
Lewis – 1.4/10 Hearts – 350 Friendship Points
Pierre – 1.4/10 Hearts – 350 Friendship Points
Robin – 0.4/10 Hearts – 100 Friendship Points
Abigail – 3.25/10 Hearts – 812.5 Friendship Points
Caroline – .40/10 Hearts – 100 Friendship Points
George – 1.4/10 Hearts – 350 Friendship Points
Evelyn – 1.4/10 Hearts – 350 Friendship Points
Alex – .40/10 Hearts – 100 Friendship Points
Harvey – 1.4/10 Hearts – 350 Friendship Points
Maru – 1.4/10 Hearts – 350 Friendship Points
Linus – 1.4/10 Hearts – 350 Friendship Points
Gus (and Cosette) – 2.4/10 Hearts – 600 Friendship Points
Sebastian – 2.25/10 Hearts – 562.5 Friendship Points
Haley – .40/10 Hearts – 100 Friendship Points
Emily – 0.25/10 – 62.5 Friendship Points
Penny – 1.4/10 – 350 Friendship Points
Jas – .40/10 Hearts – 100 Friendship Points
Vincent – .40/10 Hearts – 100 Friendship Points
Demetrius – .40/10 Hearts – 100 Friendship Points
Clint – .40/10 Hearts – 100 Friendship Points
Willy – .40/10 Hearts – 100 Friendship Points
Leah – 10/10 Hearts – 2500 Friendship Points
Marnie – 1.4/10 Hearts – 350 Friendship Points
Elliot – 0.4/10 Hearts – 100 Friendship Points
Shane – 0.9/10 Hearts – 225 Friendship Points
Sam – 1.4/10 Hearts – 350 Friendship Points
(Status of the Farm)
Column 1:
Row 1) Parnsip (Basic Fertilizer)
Row 2) Parnsip (Basic Fertilizer)
Row 3) Parnsip (Basic Fertilizer)
Row 4) Parnsip (Basic Fertilizer)
Row 5) Parnsip (Basic Fertilizer)
Row 6) Wild Seeds (SP) (Speed-Gro)
Row 7) Wild Seeds (SP) (Speed-Gro)
Row 8) Wild Seeds (SP) (Speed-Gro)
Row 9) Rhubarb (Speed-Gro)
Row 10) Rhubarb (Speed-Gro)
Row 11) Parnsip
Row 12) Parnsip
Column 2:
Row 1) Parnsip
Row 2) Parnsip
Row 3) Parnsip
Row 4) Rhubarb
Row 5) Wild Seeds (SP)
Row 6) Wild Seeds (SP)
Row 7) Wild Seeds (SP)
Row 8) Wild Seeds (SP)
Column 3:
[Empty]
Column 4:
[Empty]
(Day 1 Total Profits: 5,310)
[SAVE GAME]
….
[GAME SAVED]
(A/N: Finally, Day 1 is done and two days before Christmas. Merriest of Christmas and holiday tidings to all of you. Man, this chapter was exhausting. I'll be expanded more on the "bonus scenes" later on, but I'm curious to wonder if you all would be interested in omakes for this series later down the scene. Either way, I fixed the math calculations for the friendship points which is why older chapters were re-edited and the numbers are so jagged. As you can see, you'll all be getting a lot of details and stats. It's all being micromanaged by me. Oh right, and his training increased his health and energy slightly this time around.)
(Remastered A/N: Yeah, I'm going to alter the status screen to make it easier to read. This one had a lot of grammatical errors to fix. Thankfully, no plot holes or anything like that.)