Chapter Nine: The Daily Grind

The next morning.

Lin Feng, who had risen early, was led by Tinali to stand before a group of forest rangers. Tinali publicly announced that this fourteen-year-old boy was about to become one of them.

To Lin Feng’s surprise, his new colleagues greeted the news with great enthusiasm, much like those chosen beasts in his previous life who had to shoulder the entire team’s workload alone, their expressions when a newcomer was tricked into joining.

Lin Feng felt a subtle unease.

Noticing Lin Feng’s confusion, Tinali smiled and explained, “Although forest rangers are officially staffed public servants, because they deal with the rainforest, the environment, wild beasts, and monsters are challenges they must face every day. So there has always been a shortage of personnel.”

“Few are willing to join when recruitment opens. Your coming here is truly a help to everyone, so don’t feel burdened,” Tinali said, patting Lin Feng on the head.

“No need to encourage me like that. Don’t worry, the rainforest isn’t dangerous to me,” Lin Feng replied, brushing off Tinali’s hand.

Though Tinali’s words were meant to ease his mind, Lin Feng knew it was just to prevent him from feeling overwhelmed. After all, if being a forest ranger were truly that dreadful, so many young people wouldn’t be eager to join.

Still, Lin Feng didn’t point this out; he had enough social tact for that.

...

On his first day of work, Lin Feng was tasked only with inspecting the roadside lamps—a kind of lighting made from bioluminescent plants. It was a revelation, a pure and pollution-free marvel that pushed the boundaries of natural technology.

After checking the lamps, he inspected the rain shelters scattered throughout the forest. Thus, his day’s duties were completed smoothly.

It was worth noting that Lin Feng’s exceptional stamina and nimbleness astonished his fellow rangers. Some of the young men who considered themselves physically fit began to question their own capabilities.

...

At dusk,

After work, as promised, Tinali tutored Lin Feng in literacy.

Lin Feng, who had expected a difficult learning process, was surprised to find his memory and comprehension remarkably sharp. Perhaps his younger age had enhanced his capacity to learn, and his progress was quite steady.

...

“All right, that concludes today’s lesson,”

Tinali sighed and closed the textbooks.

“By the way, have you ever considered joining the Academy as a scholar? If I hadn’t confirmed that you initially knew nothing, I’d have thought you were joking with me.”

“Even within the Academy, your learning pace would be considered genius.”

Tinali did not hold back on praise.

“But what’s with this grammar? Is it a Liyue specialty?”

Looking at his student’s phrasing and syntax, imbued with an ‘exotic flair,’ Tinali mused that even geniuses had their quirks.

Lin Feng: “...” Because he had enjoyed learning so much, he had inadvertently applied Chinese-style expressions. The language in Genshin Impact, which he was drawing from, was more akin to Western script in form.

In his early attempts, Lin Feng’s sentences bore a certain ‘Chinglish’ charm.

After tidying up the materials, Tinali left. Lin Feng washed up and prepared for bed.

...

Early the next morning, just after finishing his morning routine, a knock sounded at the door.

Opening it, Lin Feng found Nasrin, a fellow forest ranger who had accompanied him the previous day to inspect lamps and forest facilities. She appeared about twenty years old and, except for her soft voice, was like a fresh graduate.

Lin Feng invited her inside. Nasrin glanced at his neat bed and room, surprised.

“Your room is so tidy. I thought kids my brother’s age never liked making their beds.”

Lin Feng, exasperated: “I’m not a kid anymore. I know how to keep my space orderly.”

Nasrin stuck out her tongue and smiled sheepishly. “Sorry, sorry. You just remind me so much of my brother. I wish he were as capable as you.”

Nasrin wasn’t there just to chat. She placed several books she carried onto the table and explained her visit.

“Tinali said your learning progress is beyond expectations, so I brought you some essential books for forest rangers ahead of time.”

Lin Feng was aware that rangers needed to study extensively. He recalled the “Rainforest Survival Guide” often mentioned by NPCs in the game but had never actually found it in-game.

Nasrin pushed the books toward Lin Feng, who noticed the top volume bore the title “Rainforest Survival Guide.”

“Keep these books. They’re essential tools for rangers. Please take good care of them. If you lose any, you can apply to me for replacements,” Nasrin said with a smile.

...

“Yesterday was just to give you a taste of the work atmosphere. Now, let me introduce our main duties as forest rangers.”

“It’s not complicated. I’ll explain it as simply as possible,” Nasrin said with a gentle smile.

“For ordinary rangers like us, daily tasks include inspecting road conditions, maintaining forest facilities, eliminating fire hazards, and assisting travelers and residents. Although somewhat tedious, these duties aren’t highly dangerous.”

Lin Feng understood; it was basically the forest police work from his previous life. Considering his current physical condition and learning ability, these tasks didn’t seem challenging.

“As for Tinali, he often handles the dangerous areas of the rainforest. He’s basically responsible for that. Unfortunately, none of us have a Vision, so we can’t share his burden,” Nasrin said with a hint of regret.

“So, what will I be mainly responsible for?” Lin Feng asked, confident that he could handle all tasks—even dealing with the rare Dead Zones, if necessary. Worst case, he could let Little White deal with demolition.

But Nasrin surprised him.

“We still lack a hazard scout in our team.”

“This role involves exploring where new Hilichurl camps have appeared or where dangerous monsters have emerged and then reporting the intelligence to Tinali for action.”

“You’ve seen it yourself—most of us aren’t even as fit as you. Facing monsters is still too risky,” Nasrin said with a helpless look.

“Of course, such work is too perilous. We wouldn’t assign it to a kid like you. You’ll work alongside me maintaining the rainforest’s facilities,” Nasrin explained.

Having said this, Nasrin stood to leave. Lin Feng rose to see her out. She turned back and said,

“There’s no work scheduled for you today. You can spend time reading those books or just explore around.”

“By the way, the deep rainforest is dangerous. Try not to go there unless necessary,” she warned.

Having barely escaped the rainforest once before, Lin Feng had no intention of wandering recklessly, but he thanked Nasrin for her concern.

“Thanks, I understand.”

Nasrin left.

Granted a day off on his very first day, Lin Feng picked up Little White and stepped outside his room.