The field calmed down.
Not completely.
But enough.
The creature remained.
Contained.
Restricted to the expansion zone.
Ryo stood at the edge.
"…You stay there."
It didn't respond.
But it didn't move either.
"…Good."
The adventurer relaxed slightly.
"…We should report this."
"…No."
"…This is serious."
"…This is local."
"…This could spread."
Ryo paused.
"…No."
He looked at the field.
Then at the creature.
Then back at the system.
Status Check
Level: 5
Farm State: Controlled Chaos
Anomaly Count: 1
Control Level: Partial
"…One is manageable."
"…One is already too much."
Kiro arrived.
Of course he did.
Right on time.
"…I heard there's a new product."
"…No."
"…I see it."
He looked at the creature.
Eyes lighting up.
"…That's rare."
"…That's a problem."
"…That's profit."
"…That's staying there."
Kiro stepped closer.
The crops shifted immediately.
Blocking him.
"…Ah."
"…Restricted access."
"…Good system."
Ryo crossed his arms.
"…You're not selling that."
"…Not yet."
"…Not ever."
"…We'll negotiate."
"…No."
The creature pulsed slightly.
thump
Kiro smiled.
"…It reacts."
"…Everything reacts."
"…That's value."
Ryo looked at the field.
At the crops.
At the creature.
Then back at Kiro.
"…This started with farming."
"…Yes."
"…Now it's this."
"…Better."
"…Worse."
thump…
Ryo sighed.
"…I'm still not working."