The farm didn't like the transaction.
Ryo felt it immediately.
A shift.
Subtle.
But present.
"…No."
System Warning
External Influence Increasing
Balance Adjustment Initiated
"…Balance?"
"…You don't balance."
The ground trembled.
Slightly.
thmp
The crops moved.
Not harvesting.
Not organizing.
Waiting.
"…Why are you all stopping?"
The adventurer stepped back.
"…Something changed."
"…Yes."
"…I don't like it."
"…Same."
A fruit dropped.
Didn't roll.
Didn't move.
Just sat there.
thump
Louder than before.
"…That's not normal."
"…That's new."
Another one dropped.
THUMP
"…That's worse."
The air felt heavier.
The field—
Was watching.
"…No."
System Update
Trait Evolved: Farm Presence → Field Awareness
"…Awareness?"
"…No."
"…We're not doing awareness."
The crops shifted.
Slowly.
All at once.
Facing the same direction.
Toward the new expanded field.
"…Don't do that."
thump… thump…
Something moved there.
Not like crops.
Not like before.
The adventurer placed a hand on his weapon.
"…That's not vegetation."
"…I'm going inside."
"…That's not the time—"
"…It's always the time."
Ryo walked away.
"…If I don't see it, it's not happening."
Behind him—
THUMP