Chapter 1: Awakening in the Depths
The soft, pulsing hum of magic vibrated through the air, a melody of the earth's embrace that soothed Haru Yukishiro's weary soul. It was a sound he had never really appreciated in his old life, but now, it wrapped around him like a warm blanket, inviting him to awaken from the depths of slumber.
As consciousness stirred, Haru felt an unfamiliar weight pressing down on him. It wasn't the familiar heaviness of fatigue from working endless hours at his desk. This was different—lighter, yet somehow more substantial. He opened his eyes, but what greeted him was not the familiar sight of his small apartment or the comforting glow of his computer screen. Instead, he found himself in a dimly lit cavern, the walls glistening with moisture, and vibrant streaks of luminescent greenery creeping up the stone.
"Where am I?" he muttered, his voice echoing softly against the walls.
Then, like a sudden flash of lightning amidst a thunderstorm, memories surged back—fragmented images of a life spent buried under spreadsheets, deadlines, and an unyielding sense of ambition. Haru had succumbed to exhaustion, pushed beyond his limits by an unforgiving work culture. Yet, instead of meeting his end in a blaze of glory or tragedy, he had found himself here, unceremoniously reborn as something wholly unexpected: the Dungeon Core of a collapsing Rank-F dungeon.
A flicker of realization washed over him. "I'm… the Dungeon Core?"
His thoughts raced like a wild river. The Dungeon Core—a concept he had only encountered in video games and light novels—was meant to create and control a labyrinthine realm filled with monsters and traps. But as he took in the surroundings, he noticed something peculiar: the cavern was not menacing, nor did it resemble the ominous dungeons he had read about. Instead, it showed promise.
"Gentle Domain," he recalled, recalling the unique skill that came with this new existence. It was a skill that allowed him to reshape the dungeon, not into a treacherous maze, but into something peaceful—a sanctuary.
Haru smiled to himself, feeling a warm surge of determination. Rather than crafting a deadly lair for adventurers to navigate, he could create a thriving ecosystem beneath the earth. He envisioned fields of lush vegetables, sparkling streams, and perhaps even fruit trees that glowed like stars. It was a dream that resonated with his true desires long buried beneath the pressures of his previous life.
With newfound resolve, Haru began to explore his domain. As he concentrated on the vibrant energy thrumming through the dungeon, he felt an instinctive connection to the earth. The magic within flowed through him like blood in his veins, granting him access to wondrous abilities.
"Let's start small," he murmured to himself. He focused on a patch of dry ground, envisioning it transformed into fertile soil. With a gentle wave of his hand, he activated his skill: [Gentle Domain].
A soothing light enveloped the area, and the earth responded instantly. The dry soil cracked open, revealing rich, dark earth beneath. Sprouts began to emerge, tiny green shoots stretching toward the warm glow above. Haru watched in awe as the transformation unfolded before his eyes.
"Wow… that's incredible!" he exclaimed, excitement bubbling within him. He knelt down, brushing his fingers through the cool soil, feeling a connection to the land that was both foreign and familiar.
As he continued to practice his skill, the cavern began to change around him. More patches of land sprouted life; little clusters of vegetables popped up in neat rows. Carrots, radishes, and herbs began to flourish, each contributing to an underlying tapestry of color and texture. The glow from above intensified, casting a warm ambiance throughout the space.
Hours melted away as he lost himself in the task of nurturing the earth. With each seed he planted, he felt not only a sense of achievement but also a deep-rooted satisfaction that had eluded him in life. In this new role, he was not just managing; he was creating, cultivating life in a way that mattered.
Suddenly, a thought struck him—he needed water. The moisture-laden air hinted at hidden springs nearby, but he would have to find a way to bring that water into his newly formed garden. A wave of concentration coursed through him once more, and he activated another facet of [Gentle Domain], willing the earth to reveal its secrets.
Before him, the stone shifted, and a small stream of clear water began to bubble up from the ground. It flowed gently, meandering toward the vegetable patches he had worked so hard to cultivate. Haru watched in delight as the water nourished the plants, their roots eagerly drinking in the life-giving liquid.
"This is amazing! I can actually do this!" He couldn't help grinning as he observed the flourishing greenery around him. It was a feeling unlike any other—the sheer joy of creation.
As night fell in the cavern, the ambient glow from the bioluminescent plants illuminated the space, casting whimsical shadows against the walls. Haru took a moment to appreciate his surroundings. The modest garden was now alive with color, and he felt a sense of pride swell within him.
But it wasn't merely about planting seeds; it was about forming a home. A sanctuary where he could exist in peace away from the relentless grind of modern life. He could already picture a future filled with vibrant crops, perhaps even a place where travelers could rest and share tales.
Feeling weary but contented after hours of work, Haru made his way to a small nook in the cavern where he could rest. As he settled down against a mossy wall, he felt a deep sense of ease wash over him. The soft hum of magic and the gentle trickle of water lulled him into a tranquil state.
In this moment, Haru realized he had finally escaped the demands of his previous life. Here in this mystical dungeon, he had the chance to forge a new identity—one centered around nurturing rather than demanding, creating rather than consuming.
With eyes growing heavy, he succumbed to sleep, dreaming of sun-kissed fields and flourishing gardens, unaware of how this new life would soon bring unexpected challenges—and perhaps companions—into his world.
The first rays of dawn filtered softly through the cavern, illuminating the lush greenery that had taken root overnight. Haru woke with renewed vigor, refreshed and ready to continue his work. As he stretched and surveyed his small farm, he couldn't help but marvel at his progress.
"Let's see what else we can grow today," he mused, hopping to his feet and brushing off bits of moss from his clothing. He decided to expand his garden further, imagining rows of colorful vegetables and fragrant herbs that could sustain him in this enchanted underworld.
With every seed sown and every plant nurtured, Haru felt a connection to this place deepen. He was no longer just an observer; he was part of its rhythm and flow—a caretaker of life in a world filled with magic and possibility.
And so began Haru's journey as the Dungeon Farmer—a journey filled with hope, creativity, and the promise of brighter days ahead.