The next morning, sunlight poured through the window, warm and golden.Ren stretched and yawned. For the first time in years, he'd actually slept well. No deadlines. No alarm clocks. Just the sound of birds and the smell of fresh bread.
He sat up and smiled."This is it. My new life starts today."
When he stepped outside, Lindale Village was already awake. Farmers were plowing fields, merchants were setting up stalls, and kids ran around chasing chickens. Everything looked peaceful… simple… perfect.
"Morning!"The old woman from yesterday, Mirea, waved from her garden."Feeling better?"
"Much better, thank you," Ren said, bowing slightly.
"Good, good. If you're planning to stay, you should meet the village chief. He'll help you find work or a place to live."
Work. The word made him flinch for a second.But then he remembered—this was different work.No corporate meetings, no 80-hour weeks. Just honest labor.
He smiled. "Alright. I'll do that."
The village chief turned out to be a sturdy old man with a big beard and a kind face. His house smelled like firewood and herbs.
"So you've lost your memory, eh?" the chief said, stroking his beard. "That happens sometimes to folks the forest spits out. Don't worry, lad, we'll find you a place."
"Thank you," Ren said. "I'm fine with simple work. Maybe farming, or helping around the village."
The chief chuckled. "Not many your age would say that. Most young men want to be knights or adventurers."
Ren shook his head. "I just want peace and quiet."
That made the old man laugh louder. "Then you'll fit right in! We always need an extra hand on the farms. Head to the west fields after lunch—you can help with the soil."
By noon, Ren was standing in the fields under the bright blue sky.The earth smelled fresh, and the wind carried the scent of flowers.It was hard to believe he used to live surrounded by concrete and exhaust fumes.
A tall man named Gareth handed him a wooden hoe."Just till the soil like this," he said, demonstrating the motion. "Don't worry, we'll teach you."
Ren nodded. "Got it."
He dug the hoe into the ground—then froze.
The soil split open like butter, cleanly and perfectly, leaving a deep furrow that stretched halfway across the field.
Everyone stopped and stared.Gareth blinked. "...What in the gods' name?"
Ren looked down at the hoe, confused."Uh… did I do it too hard?"
The man burst out laughing. "Too hard!? You nearly dug the whole field in one swing!"
Ren scratched his head awkwardly. "Ahaha… beginner's luck?"
"Beginner's miracle, more like!" Gareth said, clapping him on the back. "You've got the strength of an ox, lad!"
Ren smiled nervously.He had tried to be gentle, but apparently, even that was overpowered.
By sunset, the fields were perfectly plowed—more than anyone expected.The villagers cheered and thanked him, offering bread and stew as payment.He didn't tell them that he barely broke a sweat.
That night, he sat by the river, watching fireflies drift over the water."I just wanted a slow life…" he sighed."...but I guess it's hard to stay low when you're this strong."
Still, he smiled.The stars were bright, the air cool, and for the first time, he felt free.
Then a soft voice echoed in his mind again.
[Hidden Quest Unlocked: Restore the Forgotten Land]
Ren groaned. "Nope. Not doing that."He stood up and headed home.If the world wanted a hero, it would have to wait—he had another nap planned for tomorrow.