Leveling Up through Eating

Translator: ChubbyCheeks 

PR: MattForgenti

“Wait, what’s the seed?” 

Minhyuk wanted to get some answers on the vague item. There were a total of seven seeds that dropped out of the sweet potato men. And all of these seven seeds had a different color each.

“When you plant the seed, a fruit that corresponds to that seed will grow.”

“Oooooh!” 

Minhyuk was both in shock and in awe. 

Those seeds weren’t sweet potatoes, so it means that I can definitely get other fruits and vegetables! 

“But those aren’t yours, boy.”

“Please wait a moment. The one for you is different.” 

Bran went inside his hut after saying those words. 

But he still thought to himself… 

‘There’s no way that he will choose the seed.’ 

Minhyuk had achieved the final conditions and now Bran had to test him.

Bran opened a small jewel box in his hut. Placed inside the box was a ring that looked extremely expensive. The ring was a unique artifact called Mahava’s Double Ring. 

In addition, Mahava’s Double Ring was one of the great artifacts among the existing double rings. These kinds of artifacts could only be counted in one hand. 

‘It’s an artifact that increases the magical defensive power by +40 and has the special ability absorption skill attached to it.’ 

The absorption skill that was attached to the Mahava’s Double Ring has a 50% probability of absorption. It would definitely absorb anything as long as the opponents would not exceed a 100 level difference with the user. In addition, the skill that you have absorbed can be used once within 10 minutes after your absorption. 

It was a very valuable ring. 

Bran was going to present this ring to Minhyuk and would ask the seeds in exchange for it. 

This will be a trial for him. 

‘If he chooses Mahava’s Double Ring then he will only get the ring, and he will not get anything related to the seeds.’ 

This was the path to a Hidden Piece. And this was also a weak spot for this trial. 

‘Of course, everyone will think that Mahava’s Double Ring is more important than the seeds.’ 

In fact, even Bran himself looked more at Mahava’s Double Ring instead of the seed. 

A notification rang in Bran’s head. 

Let’s throw this seed as a bait, it’s just a seed that will grow a fruit or vegetable that’s much more delicious than a normal one. 

This was just to test the user if they could achieve the Hidden Piece which was the most perfect reward for the Farming Dungeon. 

He then walked back to where Minhyuk was. 

“Well, this is the final reward. Once you hand me the seeds then you will get notified that you have completed all of the quests in the dungeon, and I’ll give this as a reward to you.” 

[You can now acquire Mahava’s Double Ring.] 

“Then what happens if this seed grows into a fruit?!” 

“Eyyy, that’s nothing special. It will just produce a much more delicious fruit. Just give me the seeds, don’t you want to get this reward?” 

“Much more delicious?” 

“Yeah, much more delicious. Quickly give me the seeds, you won’t be able to complete the quest in a while! Don’t you want this ring?!” 

A thought passed through Bran’s mind as he spoke those words. 

This rascal, I quite like this boy. 

However, the final rewards would still not be possible. But then, he saw Minhyuk smile. 

“A delicious fruit. Wow!” 

“……?” 

Bran looked at him curiously. 

“Are you telling me that there will be seven delicious fruits?!” 

Minhyuk did not seem like he was interested in Mahava’s Double Ring. 

“Then I will not give you any seed at all. I will raise them and eat the delicious fruits!” 

“……Are you serious?” 

“Isn’t that obvious? Anyway, the seeds with the delicious fruits are much better. What important items! Are items much more important than eating?!” 

Minhyuk spoke as if it was the truth. 

“When you eat, the food gets absorbed in my body but an item is just an item.” 

His words were strangely persuasive but even if he heard that Bran’s nose twitched. 

“Boy. You’re just curious about what fruit the seed will bear, right?!” 

“…?” 

Minhyuk looked at him suspiciously. 

What’s this guy talking about? I just want to eat something delicious! 

Notifications suddenly poured in. 

[Bran’s favorability has increased.] 

[Bran’s favorability has increased.] 

[Bran’s favorability……] 

“Boy, you’re really qualified to become a true farmer! My world, you’re even wondering what kind of fruit the seed will bear!” 

“No, more delicious……” 

“Boy, you have inherited the blood of a natural farmer!” 

Misunderstandings could lead to delusions. 

In fact, it truly did not make any sense for a person to choose the seeds just so they could eat something much more delicious than the regular ones. In addition, Minhyuk was also someone who had worked hard to dig up sweet potatoes. 

Although he hid it secretly, didn’t you still love and care about farming?! 

“It’s my good fortune to have met you in this lifetime!” 

Minhyuk did not answer him. He just placed the seeds in his bosom and chuckled lightly. 

‘I’ll just sneak it away like this so this will be mine!’ 

“Well then, you can take this.” 

Minhyuk was shocked stiff. 

‘H, he still hasn’t given up?!’ 

“I, I don’t like it. No way! I won’t give this to you! I will never give these seeds to you!” 

Minhyuk denied him in a flurry. Bran laughed at him as he placed Mahava’s Double Ring on his hands. 

“No, you can have it. This Mahava’s Double Ring and even these seeds too. You are their true owner.” 

At that moment, a series of notifications rang in Minhyuk’s head. 

[You have achieved the Hidden Piece: He Who has the Disposition of a True Farmer.] 

[You can now cultivate the seeds.] 

[Beginner’s Farming has leveled up.] 

[Beginner’s Farming has leveled up.] 

[You have acquired Mahava’s Double Ring.] 

A hidden piece! 

Minhyuk looked curiously at his notifications. 

‘But it was only natural to choose the seeds?!’ 

How can it be a hidden piece? I can’t help but be confused? 

However, after he thought about it carefully he finally realized that other people might have chosen the ring instead of the seeds. Others would definitely do everything they could just so they could get items and become strong. 

“Can I check the seeds?” 

“Yeah.” 

Minhyuk quickly checked the seeds. Earlier, it was only labeled as ‘A Useless Seed’ so he wanted to check if there were any changes. 

(The Seed of Effort and Care.) 

Material Grade: ? 

Special Abilities: — ? 

Description: The seed of effort and care is a special seed that can only be acquired by a true and qualified farmer. Keep digging! The more you dig, the more you will fill the % of the ‘Seed’s Effort’. The fruits of the seed will vary depending on the % that you can achieve. In addition, if you give the seeds love and care the seeds will also react. The seeds can grow in exactly 2 weeks. 

Minhyuk smiled in satisfaction as he continued to check on the other things. 

(Mahava’s Double Ring) 

Class: Unique

Restrictions: 60 STR

Durability: 4,000 / 4,000

Defensive Power: 101

Special Abilities:

— +40 Magic Defensive Power

— Skill: Absorption 

He checked the attached skills right away. 

(Absorption) 

Artifact Skill 

Level: None

Mana Required: 70

Cooldown: 24 hours

Effects: The force of the Magical Attack or Physical Attack of an enemy with a 100Lv difference or below can be absorbed once by the wearer for 10 minutes. 

“Well, this isn’t bad.” 

As expected of a double ring. 

Minhyuk now had two double rings in his possession. 

He then checked his Beginner’s Farming skill. 

(Beginner’s Farming) 

Passive Skill 

Level: 7

Effects:

— Collecting and digging for materials and ingredients will be 21% faster. 

— 15% chance of acquiring a better sweet potato when digging. 

The Beginner’s Farming Skill did not change that much but he felt glad that it leveled up since his chances of getting a better sweet potato had increased. 

“Come here.” 

Bran made his way somewhere as Minhyuk followed his lead. 

They went somewhere near Bran’s hut. There was a door at the end where the firewoods were stacked. 

Minhyuk had seen this door when he borrowed some firewood for his roasted sweet potato. He had wondered back then what it was for but thought that it was quite rude to open it without Bran’s permission. 

When the door opened, it showed up… 

Minhyuk was both in shock and in awe! 

“Wow…… Wow…… Wow…… Waaaaaa!” 

Minhyuk let out sounds of admiration!

Bran looked at him proudly. 

“This time it’s potatoes!” 

“Uwaaaaaah!” 

Minhyuk’s awed voice grew louder. 

He quickly started digging potatoes. He also did not forget to plant his seeds. 

There were countless dishes that could be cooked with potatoes. 

French fries, potato salad or dishes like stir fried potatoes that were best served as side dishes for rice. 

From then on, he solely focused on digging potatoes.

For 24 hours in real life it was equivalent to about 96 hours in game. He only slept for about 2 hours each day in reality and spent the rest of his time digging potatoes. 

Sleep? 

Sleep couldn’t stop Minhyuk when there was something that he could eat in front of him. 

[Beginner’s Farming has leveled up.] 

[You have leveled up.] 

[You have gained 1 DEX.] 

[You have acquired Potatoes.] 

Minhyuk continuously dug potatoes. 

***

Two weeks have now passed inside the game. The competition was now just right around the corner. 

Minhyuk looked empty when he got out of the game. 

“Minhyukie, don’t you want to get some sleep?” 

“It’s fine. Hehe. I have already piled up a lot of potatoes!” 

Minhyuk made a big gesture to appease Lee Jinhwan’s worries. His face might have looked tired but he felt happy. 

Today was also the day. He had to check his weight right now. Everyone headed together towards the scales. 

Minhyuk took a deep breath as he slowly placed his heavy body on top of the weighing scale. 

The numbers started to change. 

Everyone was looking at the scales nervously. 

It was a bit unfortunate that his father was not able to come today since he had something urgent to attend to. 

Minhyuk had his eyes shut tightly. 

‘Heok……!’ 

‘Aack?!’ 

The people surrounding him started to voice out sounds of exclamations, however they tried their best to not make any sound. 

It was better for Minhyuk to see it personally. 

“Can I open my eyes now?!” 

“Y, yeah!” 

Minhyuk quietly opened his eyes as he looked towards the scales. 

The moment he looked at the weighing scale… 

172.7 kg. 

Minhyuk’s legs softened and he collapsed. There were 500g that were missing.

Clap, clap, clap, clap! 

Everyone applauded. 

“Congratulations, Minhyuk-ah!” 

Changwook placed his hands over his shoulder. 

“Minhyuk-ah, congratulations!” 

“Congratulations, Kang Minhyuk!” 

“I know you can do it!” 

Everyone spoke with bright expressions on their faces.

However, Minhyuk could not hear anything at all. He did not know when he would die. 

There’s no hope for me anymore. I’m going to die without even eating any delicious food. 

But, there’s a change right now. 

It was only 500g. Others might not care about this meager 500g. But for Minhyuk, it was something that he has anxiously longed for. He wanted this more than anybody else. 

Tears suddenly fell from his eyes.

“Hick,heuuung!” 

Minhyuk started to cry. He wept with both sadness and bitterness. 

Perhaps he could really have the figure that he had in the game. Maybe he could turn that into reality. 

“To be honest, we still have to observe you further Minhyukie. But there’s clearly a change and you’re definitely eating less right now.” 

Then, Jinhwan did not say anything after that. 

‘Perhaps we can expect some big changes in the future, when he can finally satisfy his tastes and appetite in the game.’ 

But it was still not the time to tell him that. 

“Heuk, heuk, heuk, heuk!” 

Minhyuk cried really pitifully. The people around him were at a loss. It might have felt good, but somehow it also felt sad. 

“Hey, hey. Why are you crying? This hurts your hyung’s heart.” 

“Heuuuuuuuuung!” 

“Hyung will buy you candies in Athenea, plop!” 

“……OMG?”

“Heok……” 

“Keok?!” 

Minhyuk, who was crying his heart out, suddenly stopped crying when he heard the word candy. 

He quickly wiped away the tears in his eyes, and as if he was not crying just now, he looked at Changwook. 

“You know that strawberry milk is really delicious, right?” 

“……” 

“…….” 

“……” 

He smiled widely, imagining its taste, as he looked forward to it. 

***

TL’s corner!!! 

Ngl, I was teary when Minhyuk cried. It must have been very hard thinking that he would die anytime if his condition did not improve. By the looks of it, even if he had a positive mindset, it still was weighing in his mind. Ahhh. Please get better and better Minhyuk!!! 

PR’s corner!

Go Minhyuk! I nearly let out a whoop of joy when I read this! Every little bit is so much! I can’t wait to continue to follow Minhyuk’s journey.

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