Chapter 18: New Species of Wheat

New Species of Wheat

Even on the following day, I tried to somehow create Drought-resistant Wheat, but I couldn’t successfully improve the Wheat breed with the Production Skill. As I was struggling with it that day, it became noon, so I went to the Dining Hall.

Father and Mother were out on errands, so lunch was just Sophie and me. “Hello, Nii-sama.” “Hello, Sophie.”

Sophie, who is usually energetic, looked a little tired. “You seem tired, Sophie.” “Please listen! The amount of studying I have to do has suddenly increased recently.”

I had heard from Mother that Sophie had recently begun to show her intelligence remarkably, and her tutor was enthusiastically ramping up the lessons. Since Sophie is a serious and obedient child, she seemed to be working hard at her studies even while complaining.

“I heard from Mother that because you are so talented, your teacher is also eager. What did you study today?” “Today, I studied living things. I was taught how the characteristics of parents are passed down to their children, but it was quite difficult.” Oh, Mendel’s laws of inheritance. So it’s known in this world, too.

Huh? Inheritance (Iden)? Come to think of it, what determines the characteristics of Wheat is its genes. Perhaps genes are important for creating new species of Plants.

“Nii-sama, is something wrong?” “Oh, sorry. I was struggling with my crafting, but I was thinking that your words might be the hint I needed.”

After lunch, I returned to my room and lined up the Wild Grass and the Wheat. This time, I decided to try visualizing the Drought-resistant genes from the Wild Grass being incorporated into the Wheat‘s genes. I strongly conjured the image of manipulating genes and activated the Production Skill. After the warm light faded, the Wheat appeared.

Up to this point, it was the same as always. But this time, I felt I had a solid result. I hoped it had worked this time. I Appraised it with a feeling of prayer. The result was: “Winter Wheat (New Species): Highly Resistant to Drought.” I did it! It is resistant to Drought!

To confirm it wasn’t a fluke, I used the Wild Grass seeds and Wheat seeds to activate the Production Skill one more time. Yes, it’s fine. I was able to create the same new species of Wheat. It was difficult for a while, but I finally created Drought-resistant Wheat!

Overjoyed, I rushed out of the room. I went to Sophie‘s room and knocked on the door. “Nii-sama, what’s wrong?” “Sophie, I’ve managed to create a new Drought-resistant Wheat with my Production Skill! It wasn’t going well at all, but I had the idea thanks to you!”

I took Sophie‘s hand and started spinning her around. “Hehe, I don’t really understand, but I’m glad.” Even so, it’s incredible that the Production Skill can perform gene recombination even though I don’t know the gene sequence.

I took the new Wheat and visited Father‘s office. “Oh, what’s wrong? It’s rare for Will to come to the office on his own.” “I apologize for bothering you while you are busy, Father. There’s something I need to report urgently.”

I explained to Father that I had created a Drought-resistant Wheat with the Production Skill. “Oh, you’ve managed to create Drought-resistant Wheat? Will‘s Production Skill is amazing! Thank you, I can imagine the joy of the farmers suffering from the Drought.” Father was extremely pleased.

“I would certainly like to plant Will‘s new Wheat throughout the domain. I’d like to sow the seeds around next month, but how much do you think you can make?” “Let’s see, I didn’t feel like I used that much Mana. If I go to the Sea of Trees to gather more of the Wild Grass to secure the Materials, I think I can make a considerable amount.” “That is reassuring. I know it will be a lot of work, but I’m counting on you.”

The next day, I went to the Sea of Trees to collect the rumored Wild Grass. Knights’ Order Captain Liam and several Knights accompanied me again. I didn’t remember exactly where I had harvested it in the Sea of Trees, but I found it right away when I looked. Fortunately, there was a lot growing, so I was able to bring back a large quantity using Storage Magic.

After that, I relentlessly created Drought-resistant Wheat. I had Theo and the Workshop artisans try to create the new species of Wheat, but they couldn’t seem to visualize it properly and couldn’t create it. Perhaps visualizing the combination of genes is difficult for people in this world.

In the end, I had no choice but to do it all by myself. I left the Workshop to Theo and the artisans and spent every day crafting until I was nearly out of Mana. After about a month of hard work, I was able to create enough for distribution throughout the domain. I might have even made a little too much.

Looking at the mountain of cloth bags filled with the new species of Wheat, I realized I had worked hard. But I was extremely tired. I don’t want to push myself this hard again. It’s really not good to overwork. I’ll take a leisurely rest for a while.