From Blade To Spell

An hour later, Aaron took a bite of the roasted Orange Fish. The taste was sweet and rich, enhanced by the salt and spices rubbed into its skin. What surprised him most was the lack of fishy smell, a rarity among sea creatures.

He couldn't help but say,

"Garric, you were right. This fish is one of a kind. It tastes amazing."

As he spoke, he glanced at his stats panel, 30 experience points had been added. Each of the three Orange Fish he'd caught were Level 1, and killing them had earned him steady progress.

Six more days on this ship… plenty of time to fish and farm experience.

Garric chuckled,

"I'd only heard stories about its taste. Now I can brag to my friends, I've had Orange Fish."

Aaron smiled, and Elwood nodded in agreement.

"Indeed."

Edrin grinned and leaned forward.

"Aaron, how about letting me sell the extra Orange Fish? I'll get the best price, and I won't take a single coin from you."

Aaron replied between bites,

"Alright then. Sounds good."

-----

Four hours passed.

Aaron noticed the ship was treading carefully along the coastline, never drifting too far from land. The terrain beside them was dense with trees and shadows.

Garric approached and said,

"Let's take a break. We'll dock soon. If you need to relieve yourself, feel free, but be cautious. Wild animals roam the forest."

He turned and began giving orders to the crew.

Edrin, still watching Aaron with amazement, added,

"Aaron, you've got an incredible skill for fishing. Even when your luck seemed to run out, you still caught a Blue Fish, the most common in the Blue Sea."

Aaron simply smiled, knowing full well that it wasn't luck, it was his Map's hidden function. But for now, he'd keep that secret to himself.

Aaron checked his stats and couldn't help but smile—200 experience points gained in just four hours. He had caught 20 fish, all Level 1, each measuring nearly 100 centimeters and weighing between 3 to 4 kilograms.

Just then, Garric approached.

"Aaron, what are you planning to do with the fish?"

Aaron replied casually,

"I don't need them. You can use them however you like."

Garric smiled warmly.

"Hey, don't worry, I'll buy them from you."

Aaron shook his head.

"No need for modesty, Garric. Just bring more spices and salt next time you roast them."

Elwood and Edrin grinned, while Garric laughed.

"Alright, deal."

Then Garric turned to the crew and called out loudly,

"Everyone, we're having a feast! Thanks to Aaron, you all get to enjoy fresh fish!"

The crowd erupted in cheers.

-----

Aaron returned to his room and began preparing. He armed himself with his short sword, knife, bow, and quiver. After a moment's hesitation, he tucked a flint into his pocket, just in case.

Back on deck, he saw the boat had already docked at the shore. He was about to jump in and swim when Garric stopped him.

"Aaron, wait a minute."

He turned to the oarsmen.

"Come on, boys! Get the raft ready. Aaron's been fishing for you all day, this feast is thanks to him."

The oarsmen looked grateful. The lead crewman stepped forward.

"Thank you, Sir Aaron."

He lowered the raft into the water, climbed aboard, and said,

"Sir Aaron, please get on. I'll take you to the shore first."

Aaron nodded.

"Alright. Garric, Edrin, Elwood, I'll check the forest for fruits. Don't worry, I won't take long."

Garric's expression turned serious.

"Be careful, Aaron. The shore's usually quiet, but the forest is home to wild animals and venomous snakes. We'll be leaving once everyone's had their fill."

Aaron nodded and stepped onto the raft. As it glided toward the shore, a cool breeze brushed against his face. The sun hung high overhead, but the air was pleasant, not oppressive.

Five minutes later, he reached the shore.

"Thanks," he said to the oarsman, hopping off.

He opened his Map, scanning the terrain. A few red dots, hostile targets, were marked about 2000 meters deeper into the forest. The yellow dots were scattered everywhere: lizards, crabs, wild birds, and other harmless creatures.

Aaron had hoped to hunt something above Level 1 for better experience points, but most of the red dots were moving deeper into the woods. Only two or three lingered nearby.

He hesitated, then shook his head.

Not worth the risk right now.

Fishing was safer, and still gave him a steady experience.

Switching focus, he searched the map for fruit-bearing trees. He quickly spotted a cluster of wild coconut trees, along with a few coconut crabs nearby.

He picked up a stone, aimed, and hurled it at one of the trees.

Thud. Thud.

Two green coconuts dropped to the ground.

Just then, Garric arrived, looking puzzled.

"Aaron, what are you doing with those wild fruits? Don't you know they're useless?"

Elwood and Edrin joined him, wearing equally confused expressions.

Aaron blinked.

"Wait… you've never tried this fruit before?"

Garric shook his head.

"Nope. Nobles only eat soft-shelled fruits. Hard-shelled ones like these are considered useless. They've been discarded for generations."

Aaron was stunned.

This world really is primitive.

He grinned and said,

"Alright, Garric, Edrin, Elwood, how about a bet? I'll prove this fruit is delicious."

The three men exchanged skeptical glances. They'd never seen anyone eat such a thing.

Elwood smirked.

"Fine. If it's as good as you say, I'll bet two gold coins."

Edrin and Garric chimed in,

"Count us in."

Aaron chuckled.

"Great. Free coins are coming my way."

He took out his knife and peeled the outer shell with practiced ease.

Elwood frowned at the round, woody core.

"See? I told you, it's just wood. Nothing inside."

Edrin grinned.

"Looks like you lost the bet, Aaron. Ready to pay up?"

Garric remained silent, watching closely.

Aaron didn't flinch.

"I haven't lost."

Under their surprised gaze, he calmly punctured the top of the coconut and took a long sip.

The three men stared, stunned.