Chapter 166 Treasure Chest

On the 8th day of the third chapter, in the early morning, the pitter-patter of light rain could be heard. Ming prepared breakfast and, after satiating himself, proceeded to feed and fertilize flora and fauna on his hillside. He gently caressed the head of the small crab, saying, "Guard our home well, and upon my return, I shall bring you the firmest of nuts for you."

The little crab clutched a coconut in its pincers, crunching away contentedly. Ming felt it understood his words as he gently patted the two froglets in his pocket and opened the teleportation function for the 10-20 level area map.

"Teleportation failed. Reason: level exceeds 30."

Ming was crestfallen. Why ruin such a heartwarming moment like this? Then he realized that he had already reached level 33. He selected a map for the 20-30 level range and attempted to teleport again.

A bright light enveloped him, and he disappeared from his rooftop. As he landed, the sweet aroma of the air filled his nostrils, and he opened his eyes to a bounty of fruits of all colors dotting the hills and valleys around him.

"This is amazing!" Ming exclaimed as he tossed the two froglets aside. "You two can go on your adventure. Don't get in the way of me and my fruit picking."

"Your froglets are looking at you. You used to place them on the ground gently, but now you throw them. Though we may be resilient, we still require tender care."

"Foodie looked up at the fruit hanging from a nearby tree. It decided to eat it before going on its adventure. It looked at you, hoping you would peel it as it lacked teeth. However, as soon as Foodie swallowed the peeled fruit, its eyes bulged, and it immediately spat it out, exclaiming that it was too sour."

Ming held Foodie in his palm and decided to try another fruit.

"Foodie saw your curious expression and quickly jumped out of your palm and scurried into the bushes to find Da Vinci. "

Ming smiled and picked a green fruit, biting into it, chewing, and spitting it out. Foodie was right - it was incredibly sour.

He immediately used his "Hawkeye" ability to investigate:

"Three-Star Wild Mountain Pear: The acidity level of this fruit is so high that even mutated lemons wouldn't dare call themselves the sourest. However, after being frozen and turned into frozen pears, the juice becomes clear, refreshing, and sweet, which helps to stimulate the mind."

"I see, so it needs to be turned into frozen pears,"  He remembered that there were several ice-elemental mages in the area who could assist him. He could give them a few pears as a reward for their help.

He began picking the fruit while taking in the scent of the surrounding area. Luckily, he hadn't detected the smell of any wild animals within a hundred meters. As he gazed upon the rolling hillsides, all filled with the sweet aroma of fruit, he felt it would be a comfortable place to settle down.

Amidst the rustling of leaves and flowing water, he sighed. Unfortunately, after 24 hours within the map, he would be automatically teleported back.

"Since it's impossible to live here," Ming gazed at the small fruit trees around him. "I'll just bring you all back with me."

As a practical person, Ming worked quickly. He continued to pick the fruit, unable to reach the ones growing too high, so he put away his chainsaw and instead used a pine branch spear to fly them down.

"Your froglets were hopping and jumping through various fruit orchards as Da Vinci pointed to a small tree laden with red fruits and gave Foodie a knowing look."

"Your Foodie's fighting spirit was ignited and revved towards the red fruit tree. Da Vinci looked up and opened his mouth, waiting. As Foodie charged towards the tree, it collided with it and fell to the ground, dizzy with its white belly facing up."

"Da Vinci choked on the fruit that had fallen into his mouth and stretched out his legs in a spasm."

Ming continued picking fruit, paying no attention to the two silly creatures. He knew Foodie's charging ability better than anyone else; it dared to charge even at the king-level zombies, yet it was knocked unconscious by a small tree? As for Da Vinci, A small fruit wasn't much of a disturbance.

"Foodie, still dizzy, turned over and saw Da Vinci with a fruit stuck in his mouth. It immediately rushed to help and was about to stick its tongue out to retrieve the fruit when Da Vinci jumped up and swallowed it whole."

"Da Vinci patted Foodie. 'Did you think I wouldn't notice? Would you like to take advantage of me?' Foodie looked sad, 'Do you think I wanted to do that?'"

"Indeed, these two become increasingly silly as they level up," Ming continued poking the pear tree with his spear. Today, he had just 24 hours to spend here to pick as many fruits as possible.

"Your froglets continued hopping forward until they reached a clear stream and found a pool of clean water. Da Vinci and Foodie accelerated and leaped into the water together."

"Da Vinci looked at the underwater vegetation and beautiful pebbles, feeling that the pond in his home was too small. He thought that you should understand by now. Foodie saw a school of fish swimming beneath the surface and grinned."

"Your Foodie crawled towards the fish with a friendly expression on its face, lying on the sand at the bottom of the water, and licked its harmless lips. Froglets and fish are good friends, and you should know that."

"Fish?" Ming looked at the few fruit trees he had already picked, feeling he should wash his face and grab some fish by the small stream and pond.

"Your Da Vinci saw a shrimp caught in the cracks of the rocks at the bottom of the stream and wanted to help it. It stuck out its tongue, rolled the shrimp's head, and pulled hard. The shrimp's head separated from its body."

"Da Vinci looked at the shrimp's body caught in the cracks of the rocks, understanding that it wasn't as robust as it had appeared. I thought that a healthy shrimp wouldn't have gotten stuck like that. Da Vinci swallowed the shrimp's head and then swallowed the rest of the body. As a good froglet, it never wastes food."

[Your Foodie pounces forward, and the school of fish immediately swims away, entering a cave within the pond. Foodie follows in pursuit, with Da Vinci following closely behind, scanning the crevices of the rocks. It swears to itself that it will rescue at least one shrimp today.]

Ming felt content as he crouched by the stream, watching the two froglings in the water below. He used his eagle eye to check the water quality: "Top Quality Natural Mineral Water: a small stream formed by the convergence of natural mountain springs. Ideal for making soup, brewing tea, and cooking rice. Take a sip for a refreshing and invigorating experience."

[Da Vinci spots another shrimp and decides to be more careful this time.]

[Your Foodie follows the school of fish into the cave and discovers a small space with a golden glowing treasure chest in the middle. It decides to catch some fish first and swim toward the cave.]

[Da Vinci swallows the shrimp and enters the cave, successfully collecting the treasure chest with its ability. It spots a family of shrimp living under the sand below the chest...]

"That treasure chest is pretty good." Ming cups the water in his hands and takes another sip, enjoying the refreshing taste.