[NR] We Will Go Tomorrow - Chapter 654

The four of them sat around the fire pit, Jason idly petting Lily as the group takes their time thinking. Jason sighs, “I’ve never really looked into hobbies. Or rather, I guess it would be more appropriate to say that my focus has always been on what people irl saw as hobbies.

“I wasn’t in the military or some security firm and so martial arts, especially unarmed, was the ‘fun’ thing I did in everyone’s eyes. Which isn’t wrong, but also means I never was pushed to try other things.”

Courtney nods, “Understandable. Though even if they did, I suspect it wouldn’t be of much help now. Most irl hobbies tend towards things you have to do irl. Even martial arts fall under that category to some extent. After all, you can’t build up your body by playing NeoRealm. Even the fancy features in the capsules have a limit after which it just prevents most backsliding.”

Rosha, “So, what are some in-game hobbies?”

Jason shrugs, “The setting isn’t really one to have random hobbies just out and about. I’m sure people have hobbies. Hell, we stayed with that couple where both of them based their jobs around their hobbies. Except, that isn’t what you want for me. Otherwise, I could just do katas over and over.”

Courtney nods, “Many hobbies tend towards being job adjacent. I don’t figure this would be your style, but a common one I know of is crocheting. Well, any form of clothier work.

“While towns will have shops where most people get their clothes at, smaller places will instead tend to make their own clothes. Combine that with a seamstress nearby to perfect the fit and that does the job for most. Adventures, of course, fall outside of that paradigm, whether local or player.”

Rosha sighs, “And it is exactly that which makes this difficult. I’m sure regular people, those who never get to ten, have all kinds of hobbies. You have to. While I wouldn’t call it subsistence farming, that is simply because even a basic boost to stats and some skill levels allow people to manage so much more. And that just means they have more time than a farmer would normally have.”

Courtney nods, “A bit of extra strength and stamina, plus even just a skill to improve accuracy of their work does amazing things. Nevermind the fact that basic Mana and Qi techniques are relatively widespread. Sure, they aren’t going to be throwing fireballs around, but they can bring in a gentle rain or pull rocks out of the soil with a gesture.”

Rosha, “Actually, since they do have basic magic, what about sculpting? That or wood carving. They wouldn’t be able to treat rock like putty or anything, but just a minor buff could make the act so much easier. Not that they would need a buff to whittle. That is kind of a classic hobby.”

Jason, “That isn’t wrong, but it sort of already falls into my current responsibilities. After all, I’m the guy who made all these wooden buildings.”

Rosha shakes her head, “It isn’t the same thing. Well, I guess if you went and used carving during the construction, but you haven’t. I figure even if you do use carvings as decoration, it would feel different enough.”

Courtney sighs, “It really is a shame your farming went too far. Even in a world like this, people have hobby gardens or window boxes. Sure, many grow herbs and such, but flowers are just as popular.”

Jason shrugs, “Yeah, farming has sort of been a core part of my build since the start.”

Rosha pouts, “At this point, it honestly feels like you’re just being difficult to be difficult. Not that I think you are, but it feels like it! We will find you a hobby!”

Jason looks down, “I might just not be a hobby sort of person.”

Rosha rolls her eyes, “A hobby can be anything. Honestly, it wouldn’t be wrong to look at things like your martial arts and farming as hobbies. What you need isn’t just something else to do, but something you can relieve stress with and for some reason, you don’t strike me as the sort to drink your stress away.”

Jason sticks his tongue out, “Bleh, I can enjoy a good drink with the best of them, but only for the flavor. Not to look down on people who enjoy it more than me. I just don’t like what it does to my senses.”

Courtney, “I hate to say it, but we might need to put this off until we’re in town again. A place like that fortress against the Deep Wilds must have a ton of random hobbies kicking about. You don’t have enough guards to manage a situation like that and not provide them with something to do in their down time. You’re just asking for disaster if you don’t.”

Rosha frowns, “That doesn’t help us now.”

Courtney pats her on the shoulder, “Sometimes that’s how life works out. Though don’t think I’m saying we put this off till the next time we head into town. Rather, we can head out to town early tomorrow. There isn’t anything that says we can’t. We just wanted to get out and explore after being kept around base for so long.”

Jason nods, “We could certainly make a trip to town. Not that we’re out of anything, but it never hurts to top up on preserved foods that have been used up. While in theory, food isn’t scarce out here, it's hard to make sure something isn’t bad for us. Besides, since I’ve stuck around the clearing, I’ve been eating the preserved veg and fruit. Animals might wander in often enough, but I’m not going carnivore.”

Courtney claps her hands, “Then it is decided. Tomorrow, we will head into town as a group to restock on food and hopefully find Jason a hobby of some sort. And don’t either of you dare turn down a suggestion just because it was already made here. If someone in the town can make a good argument, take it!”