After Surviving the Apocalypse, I Built a City in Another World - Chapter 154

Chapter 154: Elder of Agriculture
Eden National University, a month ago

Gru Beanman stood tall in front of the dais, his white hair combed back neatly, wearing a formal attire that exuded authority.

His fatherly eyes looked amongst the crowd composed of students and teachers, who had been listening aptly the past hour.

With a gentle but dignified smile, he opened his mouth to continue his speech, heading to its conclusion.

“Before I end this session, I would like to take time to express to everyone that it is an honor and privilege to stand before you, the next generation of thinkers.

“As I enter the last leg of my career, I feel extremely… happy to see and meet you—the hope of our field.”

He paused, not for effect, but because of the various memories that passed by his aging head. He could still remember when he was in their position as a student with great ideals.

He was lucky because, unlike many others, he had actually achieved his dreams to some degree.

“Let us work together to restore the species that had once flourished in our soil.” He uttered out after a deep breath.

“Let us not forget the mistakes of our ancestors, and of the biodiversity that we lost, so that we do not commit the same mistakes.”

He paused, “I will repeat this for the nth time today: Agriculture is the bedrock of civilization. We are one of the main proponents of our planet’s rejuvenation.

“We aim to fill up the gaps left by the species unfortunately lost in time and tragedy.

“Students of this noble discipline, you will stand in the forefront of change, tasked to heal the scars inflicted on our planet. Do not forget.

“Let us do our part in restoring the beauty of our planet and shape a future of hope.”

“Thank you.”

Applause echoed in the hall and he smiled, heart filled with hope, looking forward to the future.

Sadly, he never did get to see the planet’s plant life rejuvenation.

After all, a disaster still destroyed everything in the end.

____________________

Altera Village, Present

Amongst the sea of lush crops that would make anyone drool, a certain Old man was gaping at thin air, looking very stupid.

“Old man, what are you staring at?” A farmer asked, wiping his own sweat with his old towel.

Gru barely heard the question as he stared at the screen in front of him.

[Altera Village System determined you are eligible for the job of ‘Elder for Agricultural Development’.

Job Description:

1. Lead and oversee the research for crop improvements

2. Develop and implement strategic plans for agricultural growth and diversification

3. Lead the study and introduction of agricultural techniques, machinery, and technologies to improve crop yields.

4. Provide guidance and recommendations to renters of land on what to plant

5. Determine the overall crop needs of the territory

6. Oversee the responsible use of resources such as water and soil to ensure sustainability.

7. Manage crop rotations, pest control (if applicable), and irrigation systems to optimize yields.

8. Establish disaster procedures and insurance for the agricultural sector.

9. Make detailed daily reports of accomplishments and send them to the Village Center

10. Take charge of the agricultural education of the territory

Wage: 500 copper/day, free residency

100 contribution points/day

Do you accept?

YES | NO]

A good pie just suddenly fell down? Just like that?

5 silver a DAY?

Doing the things he loved all his life?!

“YES!” He exclaimed, startling everyone around him.

Dennis, one of the farmers for the wheat farm, couldn’t help but ask curiously. “What’s going on?”

Gru, who was still immersed in joy, was pulled back to the present. “I… the village system hired me for a job! The wage is very—very—good and there are contribution points every day!”

“Whoa!”

“Envy!”

Gru suddenly found himself surrounded by all the farmers in the field. They ran really fast.

“How?”

Gru was a bit shy, but also thinking of an answer. “Well, I assume it was because last night I got the occupation of Farmer.”

“And?”

“Not sure yet, all I know is that I have the ability to determine the Health of the crops. For rice and wheat, there’s a notification if the plant is lacking anything.”

“That’s amazing!”

“How do you trigger it? Aren’t we all farming?”

“Yes, yes, we even started at the same time!”

“Envy!!”

Gru paused, genuinely wondering about this. Thinking in retrospect, it likely had to do with his expertise and the effort to study.

“I’ve been trying to, well, improve some crops in my backyard. It seemed successful.”

A lot of them were enlightened. “It makes sense. Weren’t you a famous agriculture professor before?”

Gru was even shyer. “Oh please, I wasn’t THAT famous.”

Chatters of excitement followed after that, with a couple of offers here and there.

“Can I apply to be your assistant?”

“Yes, yes.” A few more nodded.

It was then that someone remembered something. “What about your current job?”

Cold water seemed to be thrown at his face.

Gru remembered his current job and he felt guilty. This job was highly sought after, with great benefits, and the boss had been kind to them.

What to do?? What was an old man to do?????

So…. when Althea got back home, she saw a very guilty-looking Gru outside her gate.

She led him to their now well-furnished living room, looked at his depressed and ashamed self, and patiently waited for him to speak.

She didn’t speak even after a while of silence, knowing what he was here for. She simply let him drink tea, hopefully, to calm his nerves.

It took him a while but he did speak out after a while.

“Boss…I… you are very good to us, and I am extremely, extremely, thankful for the opportunity you have provided me.

“Despite my age, I have also been learning a lot. From the job, from you, and for this I am forever thankful to you…”

Then he stopped, unable to say anything more.

Althea kept back her smile. “Just get to the point.”

“I…,” he coughed, “I received a job offer from the Territory. It… it wants me to be an elder—”

He gulped, “I may have to regretfully leave my current job.”

Althea almost laughed at his apologetic confession. “It’s fine. Just don’t forget to leak me some helpful information. I’m sure the system won’t mind.”

Gru was surprised at how easily this went. As expected of the famous Althea Witt. “Ah, yes, thank you!”

Althea grinned and stood up. “Since you’ve taken over the handling of crops… Come, let me show you something interesting.” She said, gesturing for him to follow her to the back.

Gru was a little puzzled, but he wordlessly followed her out anyway. They ended up in the verandah, heading towards the private gardens.

He didn’t know what to expect, but as soon as he exited the balcony and saw the garden, his eyes widened and his throat was blocked, shocked by what he was seeing.

The old man’s footsteps crunched gently on the gravel path below him, leading deeper into the unbelievably beautiful garden—an oasis of greenery and blossoms.

Rows upon rows of plants and flowers greeted his sights and greeted all his senses. The air was filled with a wonderful blend of scent and freshness, his skin greeted by the gentle breeze that felt nicer than it was outside.

Then as he entered a new section of the garden, his mouth was wide open in shock.

He whipped his head to Althea, who was following close behind with an enigmatic smile.

He shakily pointed at the special plot of land. “This!!!”

Terran plants! Over half of the field was with familiar plants!

He turned his head to the garden again, leaning down, looking carefully and touching so very gently.

Gru almost shed tears; It was as if he landed back home.