Cherreads

Chapter 3 - Chapter 2 — The First Steps Toward Prosperity

The next morning, golden sunlight filtered softly through the thin curtains of Riven's modest farmhouse. The rhythmic chirping of Pidgey and the rustle of leaves stirred the stillness outside, signaling a new day full of opportunity.

Riven stretched, the lingering soreness from yesterday's battle reminding him of how fragile his body and Riolu's were. But that ache was the kind that fueled determination.

He rose and glanced immediately at the floating blue interface hovering in front of him — the Farmbound System.

[Farmbound System — Morning Update]

Time: 06:15 AM

Farm Level: 1

Farm Points (FP): 7

System Points (SP): 10

Pokémon Owned: 1 / 60

Daily Quest Available: YES

Weekly Quest Available: YES (Unlocks Tonight)

Yearly Quest: Active (Objective Unlocked After Farm Level 5)

Riven's heart beat faster at the mention of quests. The system was no ordinary companion — it was a guide, a mentor, and the blueprint for his dream.

[System Notification]

"Welcome back, Riven. It is time to begin your first quest, designed to develop your farming skills and build a sustainable business. These quests refresh daily, with higher rewards for weekly and yearly challenges."

A translucent text box popped up:

Daily Quest #1: Clear and Plant Oran Berry SeedsObjective: Clear 10 patches of weeds/rocks and plant 5 Oran Berry seeds.Rewards: 10 FP, 5 SP

Riven nodded, his gaze drifting toward the overgrown farmland.

"This sounds simple enough."

The system provided additional guidance:

[Quest Explanation]

"Clearing patches improves soil quality and prepares the land for crops."

"Oran Berries are basic, low-maintenance crops useful for beginner farming and Pokémon health restoration."

"FP earned through quests can be spent upgrading your farm and purchasing better tools or seeds."

"SP is your currency for System-related purchases, such as new abilities, expansion slots, or evolution stones."

Riven smiled faintly, feeling the weight of responsibility — but also the thrill of progress.

He opened the rusty shed again, grabbing the small hoe and watering can. Riolu stood close, his injured leg steadily improving.

Riolu's StatusLevel: 6Moves: Quick Attack, Counter, Endure, Vacuum WaveAbility: Inner FocusPotential: 3 Pank

Riolu's amber eyes gleamed with determination.

"Let's get to work."

The morning passed in a steady rhythm of clearing, planting, and watering. Riven's fingers grew calloused from digging up stubborn weeds, but the satisfaction was palpable.

Every patch of earth cleared, every seed planted felt like a small victory.

Riolu helped by carefully picking up small stones and tossing them aside, the fighting-type's aura flickering faintly whenever he exerted himself.

[System Update]

+3 FP for clearing 10 patches-5 FP for purchasing Oran Berry seeds (5 seeds)Quest Progress: 50% Complete

"Halfway there."

As the sun climbed higher, a faint buzzing sound approached from the edge of the forest. Riven turned to see a pair of Buneary hopping curiously near the fence.

Riolu growled lowly — not in hostility, but warning.

Riven shook his head. "Relax, Riolu. They're probably just curious."

He extended a hand. One of the Buneary twitched its nose, then cautiously accepted a berry from Riven's palm.

The system chimed.

[New Pokémon Encounter]"Wild Buneary detected. This Pokémon may be helpful on your farm."

Riven thought back to the list he'd seen in the system — Buneary was part of the Normal type group, with potential for agility and cheerfulness that could boost farm morale.

The system reminded him:

[Note]

"New Pokémon can be caught, befriended, or sometimes found abandoned. Treat all with care."

"Each Pokémon has unique abilities and roles — some excel in farm work, others in battle or exploration."

With gentle patience, Riven managed to befriend one of the Buneary, who soon followed him around, hopping excitedly near the tilled soil.

As afternoon waned, Riven finished planting the last Oran Berry seeds, watering them carefully.

[Quest Progress]100% Complete!

[Quest Rewards]

+10 FP

+5 SP

+500 XP to Riolu

Riolu barked happily, tail wagging as he nuzzled Riven's hand.

The system then displayed the Weekly Quest notification:

Weekly Quest: Improve Farm InfrastructureObjective: Build a basic watering system and clear a larger field for crop expansion.Rewards: 50 FP, 20 SP, Unlocks new seed types

And the Yearly Quest:

Yearly Quest: Become a Renowned Farm TycoonObjective: Reach Farm Level 10, own 30 Pokémon, and generate 10,000 FP income.Rewards: Unique System Abilities, Legendary Pokémon Egg, Access to Advanced Farming Tools

Riven's eyes gleamed. That was the ultimate goal, far away but perfectly clear.

Exhausted but exhilarated, he sat on the farmhouse porch as twilight painted the sky in violet and orange hues.

Riolu curled up beside him, resting his head on Riven's knee.

Riven whispered softly, "We're only just getting started, buddy. Tomorrow, more work… more growth."

The system flickered one last time before shutting down the interface for the night.

[Daily Summary]

Farm Level: 1

FP: 12

SP: 15

Pokémon: Riolu (Level 7), Buneary (Level 1)

Quests Completed: 1 Daily

Quests Available: Weekly (Unlocks tonight), Yearly (Active)

The peaceful night settled, but Riven's mind buzzed with plans and possibilities. A farm, a thriving Pokémon sanctuary, a business empire — all within reach if he stayed determined.

Tomorrow, the journey would take another step forward.

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