Living In Another World With A Farm Chapter 3

Zhao Hai slowly opened his eyes as the realization of his situation set in. With Adam’s memories fully integrated into his own, he understood that he had undergone a soul transmigration, possessing a new body in a different world.

Being an otaku, Zhao Hai was well-acquainted with the concept of transmigration, yet he never imagined he would actually experience it—especially not as such an unfortunate individual.

From the fragments of Adam’s past, Zhao Hai grasped his current circumstances. Although Adam had lost consciousness before leaving the capital, Zhao Hai realized he was no longer at the Buda family’s estate in the Aksu Empire’s capital. The surroundings he had glimpsed during his brief moments of consciousness earlier were entirely unfamiliar.

As soon as he opened his eyes, he sensed a presence nearby. Turning his head, he saw the same elderly man from before. Though the man wore a stern mask, his gaze was thick with concern.

This time, Zhao Hai recognized him. This was Grimm Buda, the loyal head butler of the Buda house. Grimm wasn’t a blood relative, but Adam’s great-grandfather had bestowed the family name upon him. He was the most devoted and reliable person the family had.

Adam, however, had despised Grimm. The former Young Master was a hedonistic playboy, while Grimm was a strict disciplinarian who constantly restricted his debauchery. Despite his hatred, Adam had been forced to tolerate him because of Grimm's immense seniority; even Adam’s father treated the butler with the utmost respect.

The newly awakened Zhao Hai was far more sensible than the foolish Adam. Having lived a difficult life and read countless webnovels, he possessed the maturity of an adult. He understood that a loyal butler like Grimm was an invaluable asset to whom he could entrust almost everything.

Furthermore, Adam’s memories revealed that Grimm’s personal strength surpassed even that of his father. In a world like this, such power was synonymous with survival.

Between his past life as a shut-in and Adam’s memories, Zhao Hai accepted his transmigration with little resistance, though he lacked any grand expectations. To him, it was merely a change of scenery. Only two things truly bothered him: the lack of a computer—since depriving an otaku of the internet was a fate worse than death—and the fact that he had consumed the Void Water. Being unable to practice magic or cultivate battle aura effectively crushed any dreams of world domination.

Zhao Hai hadn't noticed how seamlessly he had absorbed Adam’s memories. His lack of panic stemmed from a growing familiarity with this continent. His grievances reflected his dual nature: the loss of technology from Earth and the loss of potential in the Ark Continent.

Ultimately, he decided to make the best of it. Since he was stuck here, he would embrace his new life as Adam Buda.

A sense of relief washed over him as he accepted this new identity. With no family or close friends left on Earth, he had no lingering attachments to his old life. This was simply a fresh start in a new environment, and for the first time in a long while, he actually had people who cared for his well-being.

Noticing that the Young Master was awake, Grimm stepped toward the bedside. "Young Master, how do you feel? Is there any discomfort? Does your head still ache?"

The genuine concern in the old man's voice warmed Zhao Hai's heart, a feeling he hadn't experienced in years. He sat up, feeling physically sound, and shook his head. "I'm alright, Grandpa Grimm. Where are we currently?"

Grimm was visibly taken aback. The old Adam was never this polite. Though the sudden change in attitude was jarring, he quickly replied, "Young Master, we have reached the fief."

Zhao Hai paused for a second before nodding in understanding. "The Black Soil Wilderness?"

Though surprised by the Young Master's composure, Grimm confirmed, "Yes, this is indeed the Black Soil Wilderness."

Zhao Hai pressed further, "Where specifically are we staying? What is the current situation? Tell me about our population and the extent of our territory."

Adam’s memories of this place were vague, recalling only that it bordered the Carrion Swamp and consisted of barren land. Since this was to be his new home, Zhao Hai needed to understand the reality of his domain.

Grimm stared at him in disbelief. Had he not been watching over the boy the entire time, he would have suspected an impostor. This was certainly not the Adam he knew.

‘Could hardship truly cause such rapid growth?’ Grimm wondered. Despite his confusion, he didn't doubt the boy's identity, choosing to believe that Adam had finally matured.

Heartened by this change, Grimm explained, "Young Master, we are in the castle on the iron mountain within the Black Soil Wilderness. This mountain was once a dwarven mine. There is some arable land here. Please, Young Master, forgive my boldness, but I took the liberty of selling our previous assets to purchase vital supplies and a hundred slaves. We are left with only about a hundred gold coins. Aside from the slaves, only my wife, my granddaughter, Wood, and Rock remain with us. Everyone else has deserted."

Zhao Hai mentally cataloged their assets. They were in a wasteland, but they had a fortified residence and some land on the mountain. He had five loyal retainers and a hundred slaves.

“Grandpa Grimm, you made the right choice,” Zhao Hai said with a nod. “Gold is useless in a place like this; supplies are what will keep us alive. I feel much better now. Please, go and survey the mountain’s land to see what we can realistically cultivate. We need a sustainable food source.”

Grimm bowed. “Understood, Young Master. Please rest. I will send Meg to attend to you shortly.”

The name Meg stirred a memory of a delicate girl with green hair—Grimm’s granddaughter.

Zhao Hai winced inwardly. The previous Adam had frequently tried to harass her, but Meg was a level-six mage. Though she couldn't strike her master, she had fiercely protected herself by threatening suicide, which was the only thing that kept Adam at bay.

Cursing Adam’s past behavior, Zhao Hai realized how awkward an encounter with her would be. “That won't be necessary, Grandpa Grimm. I’d like to rest in private. Tell the others not to disturb me until dinner.”

“As you wish, Young Master. I shall take my leave,” Grimm said, bowing before exiting the room.

Zhao Hai sighed and climbed out of bed. Despite his long recovery, he felt surprisingly energetic, as if his body were brimming with strength. He walked to the window and pushed it open to survey his new world.

From his vantage point on the top floor of the Western-style castle, he could see a small courtyard and the surrounding defensive walls. Beyond that lay the vast, desolate Black Soil Wilderness. The earth was a dark, oily black that looked utterly devoid of life.

In the courtyard below, a group of people were busy sorting through piles of daily necessities.

These men and women wore tattered clothes. The men bore a distinct brand on their foreheads—the mark of the Buda family. They were the hundred slaves Grimm had mentioned.

Looking toward the slopes of the mountain, he saw only stunted, sickly trees and withered weeds struggling to grow. The entire landscape felt diseased.

He turned his attention back to the castle. It was large enough to house thousands, but it had clearly been neglected for years. Moss covered the stone, and weeds sprouted from every crevice. His own window had fresh paper, but many other rooms remained open to the elements.

Zhao Hai smiled wryly. The Buda family had fallen from the luxury of glass windows to primitive paper. The decline was staggering.

Yet, a spark of ambition ignited within him. Regardless of what others claimed about this dead land, it was his. He refused to believe this soil was useless. He would build a life here and prove his detractors wrong—if only to make amends for the life Adam had wasted.

Just then, a strange voice echoed in his mind…