The pavement was not comfortable.
Hari knew this because he had slept on it twice now. Once accidentally, once in denial.
As a former plantation heir, the concept of "outdoorsman sleeping" had been a romantic fantasy involving hammocks and tropical breezes. Not concrete slabs and the distant sound of someone arguing with a traffic cone.
He sat up, hair doing a rebellious dance, and rubbed his eyes. "Okay, system," he muttered. "I need to do something about my housing situation before I start smelling like disappointment."
DING!
The system, ever the dramatic lifesaver, materialized a golden scroll mid-air.
[New Quest Unlocked!]Title: "Home Mango Home"Objective: Acquire a place to stay.Reward: Mango Perk #3 – Mango Construction Magic!(Build small mango-themed structures instantly. Mango aesthetics mandatory.)Note: Buildings may smell slightly fruity.Bonus Reward: Mango Bed – Slightly sticky but oh-so-comfy.
Hari blinked at the glowing quest.
"…Wait. Construction magic?"
Yes. The system's voice echoed with casual confidence. You'll be able to summon mango-themed buildings. Modular. Portable. Even mildly earthquake-resistant.
"Is that even legal?"
You think this dimension has building codes? Go nuts.
Hari cracked his knuckles and hit "Accept" on the floating screen. "Fine. Let's build a home. A mango home."
Step One: Location, Location, Mangocation
He wandered to the edge of the city—past the glimmering high-rises, the food stalls, the confused camels—and found a quiet patch of desert. It was empty, peaceful, and most importantly, had no rent.
Hari stood triumphantly on the sand.
"System, give me the blueprint!"
Another scroll unfurled mid-air. On it: an elaborate design of what could only be described as a tropical fruit palace. Dome-shaped roof, leaf-shaped windows, and a front door carved like a peeled mango slice.
"Is this... too much?" Hari asked, tilting his head.
No. You're the Mango Chosen. Live like one.
Hari raised his hand and whispered, "Mango Construction Magic… initiate!"
Thirty Sparkles Later...
A small POOF! echoed across the desert.
Before him stood a dazzling, slightly glowing, one-bedroom mango hut. The walls were smooth, the windows tinted yellow, and the entire place smelled like a smoothie commercial.
A proud plaque above the entrance read:
"Hari's Humble Mango Hut" – Founded 1 Day into Multiversal Homelessness
Hari burst out laughing. "It's perfect."
He walked inside. The bed was soft, the temperature was tropical but not sweaty, and the system had even thrown in a decorative fruit bowl (tragically empty).
He flopped onto the mango bed and sighed happily.
DING![Quest Complete!]You may now build mango structures of slightly increasing complexity. Mango Skyscraper currently locked. Please do not attempt skyscraper without foundation upgrade. You've been warned.
Hari chuckled, rolling onto his side. "From plantation prince to mango magician…"
He looked out the window, the Dubai skyline twinkling in the distance.
"Let's make this world a little juicier."