Stardew Valley’s Farming Master

Chapter 195: The Fish Splits Open

After temporarily parting ways with Robin, Leon took out his fishing rod and headed to the Mountain Lake outside the Mines.

Instead of going to the Spring Legend Fish spot on the wooden bridge, he stood on the shore, attached red worms to his hook, and cast the line into the water.

The cool mountain breeze rippled the lake's surface, its golden sunlight reflections nearly blinding Leon. He shielded his eyes with one hand while gripping the rod with the other, squinting at the floating buoy.

Whether due to Stardew Valley's abundant fish population or divine favor, the buoy began bobbing within three seconds - clear signs of fish nibbling at the bait below.

Leon waited patiently until the fish committed, dragging the buoy completely underwater. With perfect timing, he jerked the rod upward and reeled in his catch.

The hooked fish struggled fiercely, but its resistance proved no match for Leon's strength. Applying the Great Strength Produces Miracles principle, he yanked the fish straight out of the water onto shore.

As the fish flopped on land, Leon promptly grabbed its gills and removed the hook, examining the silvery specimen with its blunt snout, wide mouth, and small scales. Even without system prompts, he recognized it immediately.

"Silver Carp (Fish): A common freshwater species notorious for its gluttonous nature."

Though familiar from his Eastern culinary experiences, silver carp held little appeal in Stardew Valley. Their numerous small bones and earthy flavor made them undesirable for local cooking methods.

Leon stored the fish in his backpack - worthless as a gift, but perfect for the Old Community Center offering bundle. The Mountain Lake hosted more than just carp, after all. His next catch might make better presents.The second bite came after forty seconds of waiting. This green-scaled fighter demonstrated more strength than the carp, though still no match for Leon's previous battles with giant catfish. After thirty seconds of careful reeling, he landed his prize.

"Largemouth Bass (Fish): A popular lake-dwelling species."

Leon nodded approvingly at the half-meter-long fish. While Robin might not appreciate it as gift, he reckoned she wouldn't refuse it as food. After catching another bass using his initial three-fish luck bonus, Leon selected the larger specimen and headed to Robin's house.

"That was quicker than expected," Robin remarked upon opening the door, waving dismissively at the bass. "Take it straight to Demetrius in the kitchen. I don't do fish."

"First visit here," Leon deadpanned. "Where's your kitchen?"

"Right, my mistake!" Robin chuckled awkwardly, leading him to the kitchen while calling out: "Honey, Leon's here with fresh catch. Should we add it to today's menu?"

"Leave it to me," Demetrius replied warmly. As Robin departed, his expression darkened. "You visit rather frequently, farmer."

"Gotta earn money," Leon shrugged. "Robin's the only carpenter in town. Can't avoid working with her." He bit back further comments - better not antagonize the man preparing his lunch.

"Lunch menu's already set," Demetrius grumbled. "Knock it out and toss it in the sink."

Leon pressed his thumb against the bass's skull. A sickening crunch echoed through the kitchen.

"Oops. Overdid it," Leon grimaced, observing the crushed cranium. "Guess we're filleting this immediately."

The scientist stared wide-eyed at the display of raw strength. Even knowing fish skull durability, witnessing its destruction by bare fingers made Demetrius speak softer: "Just... leave it there. I'll handle it."

"Need help?" Leon offered.

"Can you cook?"

"Nope."

"Then how?"

"Taste testing?" Leon said with complete seriousness. While partly his gluttony speaking, he genuinely worried about potential kitchen sabotage from the resentful scientist.

Demetrius promptly ejected him. "Wait in the dining room. Lunch will be ready soon."