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Chapter 12 - Something to eat

Here's your passage, revised for clarity, flow, and emotional punch, while keeping Yuji's voice distinctly "Asian protagonist"—practical, a little self-deprecating, and quietly funny. I've grouped actions and dialogue, made transitions smooth, and let internal monologue breathe. Rules are clear and numbered, and the system update is woven in naturally.

 

"You will give me a name? I will have my own name?" Bojo's ears perked up, tail flicking with hope. His whole body leaned forward, tension melting away as he waited for Yuji's answer.

 

Yuji looked out across the meadow, feeling the sun on his face and the breeze ruffle his fur. Sparrows swooped low, their song bright and clear. Inspiration struck. "How about Bojo? It sounds strong, and a little mischievous. I think it suits you," he said, smiling. No hard feelings, kid. Hope you never blame me for this. Like I said, I'm bad at naming.

 

The yearling stared at him, eyes wide. Then, slowly, a real, unguarded smile lit up his whole face. His ears stood tall, tail wagging with excitement. He let out a shaky breath, like a weight had been lifted. "Bojo," he whispered, voice trembling with joy. "I'm Bojo. That's my name?"

 

Yuji nodded, grinning back. "Yes. Bojo. Your very own name." Not bad, Yuji. You actually named someone. And he likes it. Naming is easy—why was I nervous? I could think of a hundred more, but let's not ruin this happy moment for the kid.

 

Even while naming someone, Yuji didn't forget his true mission: make a friend, and find food. Curious, he opened the mission panel. He wasn't expecting what he saw:

 

 

[Mission Update: Make a Friend]─────────────────────────────Completion Rate: 41%

Main Objectives (1/3 Complete):

Stay together for at least two days

Go through a dangerous situation together and come out stronger as friends

Additional Objectives (3/5 Complete):

Share a meal and spend time talking with your new friend

Stand up for your friend in trouble

─────────────────────────────Complete all Main Objectives to finish the mission. Additional Objectives will improve your final reward.

 

Yuji squinted at the floating text, the sterile blue glow flickering over his fur. The system, as usual, sounded like a bored HR manager reading off a checklist. Forty-one percent. Not even halfway, and it already feels like I've run a marathon on broken legs. At least make the percentage look good—45 or 50% would be nice.

 

So, let's get this straight… I've convinced one goat not to hate me, shared a meal, swapped a few sob stories, and I'm still not even close to done? Great. Just need to avoid getting ditched for two days, survive something "dangerous" with my new buddy, and—oh, right—make a promise. Because nothing says "goat friendship" like a solemn vow over a pile of weeds.

 

He let out a long, slow breath. You better give me a medal with the reward, and it should say: Thanks for all the hard work. He glanced at Bojo, who was busy gnawing a vine, blissfully unaware of Yuji's existential grumbling. Well, kid, looks like you're stuck with me. Here's hoping I don't screw it up before we even get to the dangerous part.

 

Since it's 41%, it won't be long before this is completed. Now, let's get started with the next part of the mission: finding the best grass.

 

"Did you like the name?" Yuji asked as he slowly stood up, legs trembling.

 

"Yes, it's so good! I love it." Bojo's eyes stayed on Yuji. Seeing Yuji stand, he scrambled up too. "Why are you standing? Is something wrong?"

 

"Bojo, my friend, I'm about to tell you the third rule of friendship. Listen carefully, because I'll only say this once." Yuji tried to sound serious.

 

Bojo tensed up, eyes wide with determination. He tossed aside his vine, focusing on Yuji like he was about to hear the secret to life.

 

Yuji couldn't help but chuckle. That's good. At least he takes rules seriously.

 

He looked at the sky, took a deep breath, stepped back, then forward, and let it out slowly. There was no real reason for the theatrics—he just wanted to make it look dramatic.

"The third and one of the most valuable rules: help your friend find the best grass. Never hide a good grazing spot." Yuji felt his time was running out. He needed to find food before he collapsed.

 

I'm really hungry. I need to eat something good. Bojo might know a place. "Do you know where I can find good food?" Yuji asked, trying not to sound desperate. Not much time left. I have no idea where to go. This kid's almost a yearling—he should know something. On a farm, even the young ones have to figure out survival fast.

 

"Good food? This is good food," said Bojo, pointing at the vines.

 

Yuji glanced at the vine. If I could eat it, I wouldn't have asked. I'd have already finished it. "I can't eat it. I'm on a diet."

 

"Diet? Is that something to eat?" Bojo tilted his head, confused.

 

Oh, come on. Why are you dodging the question? Just answer. Yuji didn't say it out loud. He needed that system reward. "It's something I can't eat for now."

 

"Why can't you eat?"

 

"Stop. Don't ask more. Here's the fourth rule—this one's important: don't ask too many questions," Yuji said, frustration leaking into his voice. "Now answer mine. Do you know any place with good food?"

 

Bojo nodded, finally understanding.

 

Relief flickered across Yuji's face. Finally, something to eat. He glanced at the timer. Thirty-five minutes left. His body wasn't reacting as badly as the system warned, but he didn't want to risk it. Who knows when the system would suddenly decide he was too weak and drop him to the ground?

 

Bojo nodded, finally understanding.

 

Relief flickered across Yuji's face. Finally, something to eat. He glanced at the timer—thirty-five minutes left. His body wasn't reacting as badly as the system warned, but he didn't want to risk it. Who knew when the system would suddenly decide he was too weak and drop him to the ground? "Where is it? Can you lead the way?"

 

Bojo hesitated for a moment, but then started walking. Yuji followed, both of them slipping out of the grove—Bojo leading, Yuji trailing behind. Before leaving, Yuji paused and sniffed the vine leaves one last time. Still not for me. Maybe someday.

 

Once outside, Yuji scanned his surroundings. In the distance, he noticed goats gathering near the pen. The strange aura in the air was growing stronger, tugging at him, pulling his attention toward the pen. What is that? Why do I feel like something's calling me?

 

Just then, a voice reached his ears. "Yuji, what are you doing there?"

 

He looked back, but Bojo had already walked away. Yuji didn't hesitate—he cleared his head and hurried after Bojo, heading in the opposite direction from the pen.

"How far is it?" Yuji called.

 

"Not that far," Bojo replied.

 

Soon they reached their destination. From the outside, it looked like a small jungle—lush grass all around, green vines covering everything. Yuji, feeling the timer ticking down, didn't hesitate for a second. He walked straight toward the grass. With every step, the ground under his hooves grew softer.

 

He didn't go any deeper than he had to. Instead, he started searching for the best patch. As he looked, he noticed some grass had already been nibbled and was slowly recovering. No big deal. This is goat land, after all.

 

Yuji closed his eyes and lowered his head, checking the grass. A sweet, honey-like scent hit his nose, mixed with something he couldn't name. It was fresh and invigorating. Without a second thought, he took a bite. The grass was unbelievably tender, chewy, sweet, and melting in his mouth.

 

Why is this so good? he wondered, savoring the taste. Is grass always like this, or am I just starving?

 

He kept eating. As he did, he suddenly noticed something odd: he could sense four separate storage areas in his body. Huh. Not surprised. Goat anatomy is wild. Animals really are built different.

 

Even as he thought this, he didn't stop eating. Bite after bite, he kept going until a familiar notification popped up:

 

──────────────[Mission Complete]─────────────────────────────

Mission: First Bite

Status: Complete

Reward: 

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