"Salutations, youngster!" A middle-aged woman greeted me.
Standing before me was a woman in her fifties—well, I assumed she was in her fifties. Her temples were streaked with gray, and she had a slightly plump figure. Looking closer, though, I noticed the faint wrinkles forming near her eyes. Maybe she was closer to forty than fifty, Ronald thought.
"I'm here to grant you a wish! Fufufufu~" A happy laugh bubbled from her lips.
Ronald blinked, confused. A wish?!
"Yes, a wish. I'm a god from another world—technically, a farming god. If you want to be specific, I'm from the Earth God faction."
As Ronald heard these words, he wondered if she'd gone mad.
"Not mad, young man. Perfectly sane," she said aloud.
"You… you can read my thoughts?!"
"Of course. Any god can. Mortals are very easy to read." She placed her hands on her hips and proclaimed it like an undeniable truth.
With a casual wave of her hand, a rolled parchment appeared in midair. She snatched it and began reading:
"Name: Ronald Alexander Roberts Jr.
Age of Death: 37
Cause of Death: Overworking—sleep deprivation, heart attack."
"There you go, youngster. You died, and now I'm taking you to another world."
Even though Ronald was shocked, he stayed composed. "So other worlds exist?"
"Of course they do, silly. Now, is there anything you want? As a god of farming, I can grant you some benefits."
"Are there any restrictions to what I can ask for?"
"Well, it depends. I am a farming god, so I can give you blessings in that area. But," she added with a sly smile, "I've saved up a few favors from other gods. I could ask them for a blessing, too."
Ronald thought for a moment. "Could I receive a healthy body—one that doesn't get sick and has unlimited stamina?"
"Hmmm. I believe I can manage that. People usually ask me for farming-related skills and talents, though."
"Oh? What kind of skills and talents?" Ronald couldn't help but ask.
"Some ask for better crop yields. Some for crops that can endure plagues. Others have requested things like a wheelbarrow with unlimited space or a watering can that never runs dry. If you can think of it, I can probably do it—as long as it's related to farming."
"I'm very fond of video games. Is there a chance I could receive… a system?"
"System?" She tilted her head. "Wait a second. Let me read your mind while you think about it."
After a pause, she nodded. "I see. You want a quantifiable way of tracking your progress, but also something to assist in your growth."
The god tapped her temple, clearly weighing her options. While Ronald watched her in anticipation, she rifled through his memories and judged whether he was worthy of such a favor.
Finally, she said, "I think it's possible. But I'll have to ask for favors from a few gods. You'll have to do something for me, though."
Ronald's eyes lit up. "Yes! As long as it's not dangerous!"
"Perfect!" She smiled warmly. "You're going to be a farmer—one that goes down in history as the greatest farmer ever. Fufufufu~"
"A farmer?" Ronald thought. "With a healthy body and unlimited stamina, I should be fine… and it won't be very dangerous."
"Yes. I'll even throw in a bonus—that'll be a surprise, though." She smiled again, this time with a hint of mystery.
"What do you need me to do?"
"Oh, nothing much. Just help feed people with your crops, have kids, and help the Gaians recover from war."Ronald raised an eyebrow. "That's… not too bad. Feed people, have kids, help the Gaians recover. That actually sounds… doable."
"Good, good," she said with a satisfied nod. "Now, let's get down to the root of the matter."
Ronald blinked. "The… root?"
"Yes, youngster. If I'm going to plant you in another world, we need to make sure your foundation is fertile. Can't expect a harvest without good soil, now can we?" She gave him a knowing wink.
"You're… really going to keep making farming jokes, aren't you?" Ronald muttered.
"Not jokes—truths, with a little flavor." She giggled, her shoulders shaking. "Now, about that system you want. I'll need to sow a few favors with the other gods, but I think I can cultivate something special for you."
Ronald leaned forward, suddenly eager. "Really?"
"Of course! It'll track your growth like a sprouting seed, water you with guidance when you're parched for answers, and even weed out some of your bad habits if you let it. But in return…" Her tone shifted, becoming more serious.
"In return?" Ronald asked cautiously.
"You mustn't let your life rot again. Overwork is a blight, and you've already harvested the consequences once. In this new world, you'll need balance. Work when the sun shines, rest when it sets. Understand?"
Ronald swallowed. "…Yes. I understand."
"Good lad." She clapped her hands together, and a small shimmer of light blossomed between her palms, growing into the shape of a glowing seed. She held it out to him, her expression soft.
"This seed holds your system. Once planted in your soul, it will sprout into the framework you desire."
Ronald reached out, hesitant. "That… small thing will become a system?"
"Don't underestimate seeds, youngster. From something so tiny, entire forests grow. You'll see."
He took it, and as soon as the seed touched his chest, it sank into him, dissolving into warmth that spread through his whole body. His breath caught. "W-what's happening?!"
"Ah, it's just germinating. Give it a moment. Every harvest takes time, after all." She grinned, clearly pleased with her own pun.
Ronald shook his head but couldn't hide a small smile. "You really enjoy this, don't you?"
"Why wouldn't I? Watching things grow, nurturing them, guiding them to bloom—it's what I do best." She tilted her head, her eyes suddenly sharp. "And now, youngster, I'm going to transplant you. A new field, a new life. Be sure to put down strong roots and don't let weeds of doubt choke you."
Her words echoed as the light around Ronald grew brighter, wrapping him like a cocoon.
"The greatest farmer, huh…" Ronald whispered as his body dissolved into radiance. "I'll give it my best shot."
"Atta boy!" she called out cheerfully. "Time to turn over a new leaf!"
And with one last laugh—fufufufu~—the goddess vanished with him into the light.