I Got a Gallery in the Wild - Chapter 119

There is an impulse that men can never resist.

Something that looks stupid as fuck, but incredibly fun. Pure entertainment that speaks to male instinct.

Most of these idiot antics lead to disasters, but one cannot always choose the safe path.

Besides, what if the success rate looks ridiculously high? What if there are so many chances that even failure can be laughed off?

A bulldozer unafraid of failure is born.

An endeavor that is fun yet guaranteed to perform. An act that captures both romance and practical utility at the same time.

Absolutely irresistible. Passing Dwarf prioritized romance, while I prioritized utility—a match made in heaven.

[Passing Dwarf: I’ll give you heat-resistant bricks, so build it with these.]

Coat the outside with clay yourself.

Okay, anything else?

Like a crucible to hold the molten metal?

[Passing Dwarf: I’ll give you that too.]

But it’s fucking heavy, so be careful.

Pouring molten metal is something even experts mess up often.

[Wild Grylls: How do I install the bellows?]

[Passing Dwarf: Since you’re just melting it, punching a hole in the side should do.]

Make the hole a bit long, though.

I obtained the materials and building instructions for a makeshift blast furnace from Passing Dwarf one by one.

While Passing Dwarf provided most of the materials, installation was my responsibility.

In truth, the installation itself was much easier than the oven.

After all, I didn’t have to refine anything separately; melting was all it took.

I stacked the bricks received from Passing Dwarf into a square shape and slathered clay all over the exterior.

I didn’t forget to leave a hole so the bellows could be used.

The size was roughly 50 cm wide and deep. The height came up slightly past my knees.

However, it had to taper narrower toward the top, naturally to trap as much heat as possible.

Lastly, a crucible to hold the Mithril and Orichalcum, and tongs to move it.

I thought this was the end, but Passing Dwarf had given me more.

What is this blue powder?

[Wild Grylls: Don’t tell me it’s drugs?]

[Passing Dwarf: Snort it deeply through your nose.]

Then you can ascend straight to heaven.

Sorry;;

[Wild Grylls: Do I put it in the liquid metal?]

[Passing Dwarf: Yeah. Since a Mithril and Orichalcum alloy is a first, just in case.]

.

If you add that powder, it’ll mix well.

Impurities might float up too, so skim them off well.

Passing Dwarf said it was finely ground and processed Mana Stone.

He explained that it helps facilitate the alloying process.

For me, having something like this was great, so I willingly accepted it.

’I got the mold, too.’

Finally, I received the mold. It actually came with a lid.

It seemed you pour the liquid metal into the hole right in the center of the lid.

Kki-ik—

Opening it carefully revealed the shape of a longsword stamped inside like a cast.

Since it’s a mold used by dwarves, I shouldn’t have to worry about it melting from liquid metal.

I closed the lid back up while listening to Passing Dwarf’s warnings.

[Passing Dwarf: I emphasize this: if you spill the liquid metal?]

Just run far away.

That’s your best option.

[Wild Grylls: Because it might splatter everywhere?]

[Passing Dwarf: That too, but mostly because I don’t even know what will happen.]

Besides that, he said liquid metal can splatter like hot oil, so I must wear safety gear.

I considered wearing a helmet if necessary, but excluded it thinking it would only obstruct my vision.

So I received goggles from Passing Dwarf as well. They were a spare pair.

Some might say I’m taking too much from him, but it’s fine.

If Passing Dwarf wants, I intend to craft more alloy, and I’ll be giving him the crab soon anyway.

[Passing Dwarf: Re-emphasizing this: always be careful with liquid metal.]

I’m serious.

Okay okay, got it.

[Passing Dwarf: If you get hurt, I won’t get to lay hands on a Mithril-Orichalcum alloy.]

Hey, you bastard lol

I couldn’t tell if he was being sincere or joking. Even more so because he’s a dwarf.

At any rate, all preparations are done, so now it’s just a matter of execution.

’He said an 8-to-2 ratio is best, right?’

That’s the ratio recommended by Passing Dwarf. Naturally, there’s more Mithril.

Because Orichalcum is mana-sensitive, not hard and durable like Mithril.

Chwareureuk—

I dumped about half of the charcoal I had gathered so far into the makeshift furnace.

It was painful enough to bring tears to my eyes, but for the sake of the sword, I could willingly endure it.

’I should build a kiln dedicated to making charcoal, too.’

Making one thing just creates a need for another.

Moreover, charcoal is a versatile, jack-of-all-trades material that can be used anywhere.

I looked at the charcoal inside the furnace, decided this was enough, and moved on to the next step.

’It really is pretty heavy, just like Passing Dwarf said.’

A crucible capable of enduring intense heat. It was quite thick with a wide diameter.

It was heavy enough to lift normally, but holding it with tongs for safety reasons made it feel twice as heavy.

Praying that the ores inside would melt smoothly, I lowered the crucible into the blast furnace.

’Now if I light the fire...’

Hwareureuk!

I threw a burning branch into the pile of charcoal.

A moment later, the charcoal began to glow red, and heat gradually radiated outward.New chapters come out on nоvelping.com first.

"Ah. Wait a second."

Come to think of it, I could have lit a fire at the bottom first and then added the charcoal. I got the order reversed.

I blamed my own stupidity anew, but what could I do? The fire was already tossed.

While the charcoal flared hotter, I checked if I had missed anything.

"Bbareumbo. Take Wonmo further away."

"...."

"Kkyu-u?"

Just in case, I asked Bbareumbo to take Wonmo and head off to a safe distance.

Now came the time to concentrate. As the furnace gradually grew hotter, I grabbed the bellows with both hands.

It is basic common sense that fire burns much stronger when combined with oxygen.

Pwooshhhhh—

I slowly drew the bellows open to let air inside.

Hwoo-oong!

Then I forced the air directly into the furnace.

Hwareureureuk!!

The fire inside the furnace flared significantly stronger than before. You could tell just from the sound.

I worked the bellows vigorously so the charcoal could emit even higher heat.

Pwoo-oong! Pwoo-oo!

The more air entered, the wilder the flames inside the furnace roared.

However, it wasn’t enough yet. I didn’t stop pumping the bellows until the color of the flames shifted to white.

I threw in more charcoal periodically to boost the intensity even slightly. Since it was my first time, I felt a bit anxious that I might fail.

Hwareureureureuk!

As time passed, the charcoal ignited completely, creating a fierce blaze.

The color seemed to flicker back and forth between yellow and white.

This should be enough. I stopped pumping the bellows and wiped away my sweat.

Despite keeping my distance, an immense heat radiated outward.

I felt hesitant to step close, but checking the condition of the ores left me with no choice.

Hwareureureureuk!!

"Ugh..."

I winced. Getting even a little closer made my face sting.

Still, I had to verify if they were melting properly. Patiently, I inspected the interior.

’The crucible is fine... and the size looks like it shrunk a bit?’

Their volume had noticeably decreased. In particular, the change in the Orichalcum was striking.

Liquid trickled down the surface of the Mithril as if it were sweating.

The minerals were melting. The fruits of my hard work were showing.

’Let’s toss in a bit more charcoal and pump the bellows again.’

Now that I’ve observed the minerals melting, all that’s left is maintaining the flame.

After pumping the bellows furiously, I slowly stepped back.

I hadn’t done much physical activity, but sweat poured like rain due to the heat.

’This dwarf guy did this every single day?’

And mine is just a makeshift furnace. Passing Dwarf must have worked in environments far harsher than this.

Indeed, nothing in life comes easy. Especially work tied to the foundations of civilization.

Others had been doing the hard work on my behalf, and I lived without ever knowing gratitude for it.

’Let’s sprinkle some of this powder in here, too.’

I sprinkled the blue powder as Passing Dwarf had instructed.

The ores were now about half-melted, turning soft and mushy.

I stirred them with the tongs so they’d melt better, then sent a message to Passing Dwarf.

(Video of melting minerals attached)

It’s almost all melted.

[Wild Grylls: Sweating my fucking ass off;;]

[Passing Dwarf: Tough, isn’t it?]

[Wild Grylls: How the hell did you do this every day?]

[Passing Dwarf: You get used to it.]

Experts can even drink molten metal lol

[Wild Grylls: Wanna drink some?]

[Passing Dwarf: I prefer booze over molten metal.]

Figures. I chuckled.

[Wild Grylls: Since even the Mithril is melting, keeping you updated in real time isn’t a bad idea.]

[Passing Dwarf: Ah. Right.]

You need to quench it too, almost forgot.

Quenching?

[Wild Grylls: I’ve heard of it, but do I really have to do that?]

[Passing Dwarf: It’s a weapon, so of course you do.]

I’ll give you oil, so get a suitable iron tub and submerge it.

[Wild Grylls: Why oil instead of water?]

[Passing Dwarf: If you use water, it might snap if you mess up.]

Using oil is better.

[Wild Grylls: Okay.]

[Passing Dwarf: Even if it catches fire, it’s normal, so don’t panic.]

An expert really is different. To share detailed pro tips like this.

However, tips aside, it was still all work that I had to do myself.

After preparing the oil for quenching, I looked inside the blast furnace.

Bugeul-bugeul-bugeul—

The Mithril and Orichalcum were completely melted, gently bubbling away.

Things that looked like impurities were floating on top, so I skimmed them off immediately.

How did I skim them? I used tools provided by Passing Dwarf for that too.

Perhaps because of the blue powder, the impurities were filtered out easily, leaving behind pure liquid metal.

’Now I just pour this into the mold.’

This was the most critical moment. Gulping down my saliva, I clamped the tongs onto the crucible.

It was heavy even when empty, but filled with molten metal, it felt exponentially heavier.

Circulating the mana within my body just in case, I slowly moved it toward the mold.New chapters come out on NovelPing first.

Aligning the crucible with the small hole in the center of the mold, I tilted it slowly.

Jol-jol-jol-jol-jol—

Stop when the molten metal overflows the hole—that was the method Passing Dwarf taught me.

However, you mustn’t pause mid-pour, because molten metal cools quickly.

I poured all my concentration into staring intently at the hole.

I felt a strain growing on my forearms, but I bore it stubbornly.

Jol-jol-jol— Kwalkwal!

Now. The moment even the hole could hold no more molten metal, I stopped immediately.

Even if a little liquid metal remained in the crucible, it didn’t matter. I had plenty of materials anyway.

Setting down the crucible, I slightly tilted the mold.

The liquid metal filling the hole then trickled out.

This step was mandatory, as the molten metal must not permanently seal the opening.

"Phew."

I let out my breath. The first attempt went fairly well.

Now I just need to wait for the metal to solidify somewhat.

(Video of the filled mold attached)

Almost done now.

[Passing Dwarf: Haak. Haak.]

;;

Just how excited was he to be panting instead of speaking like a human being?

I smirked and waited for the molten metal to solidify.

I heard that liquid metal takes about 10 to 15 minutes on average to harden.

Until then, I could clean up. First, the blast furnace.

’I have no choice but to wait until all the charcoal burns out.’

Most of the charcoal was no longer black, but ash-gray.

It would extinguish itself even if I didn’t put it out manually.

’I guess I’m pretty lucky amidst misfortune.’

I wiped away the streaming sweat with a towel as I thought.

If the minerals hadn’t been solid raw chunks, I would have suffered far worse than this.

Since I’ll need to craft a dagger and a backup sword later, it looks like there’s plenty of hard work ahead.

’Should be about ready by now?’

As time passed, I slowly opened the mold’s lid.

And there, a beautifully shaped sword caught my eye.

An alloy of green Mithril and dark-purple Orichalcum.

’Surprisingly dull color.’

It didn’t feel pretty at all. Just plain... dull.

Neither green nor dark purple, just ordinary silver. Dark silver, even.

I felt a little disappointed, but as long as its performance is good, that’s what matters.

I almost reached out to grab the sword unconsciously before flinching.

’That was almost a disaster.’

I thought it had cooled down, but bringing my hand close revealed it was scorching hot.

So I tapped it with the tongs provided by Passing Dwarf to test its hardness, then picked it up carefully.

Now, I just submerge this slowly into the tub of oil for quenching, and it’s done.

Chiiiii-ik! Hwareureuk!

Just as Passing Dwarf said, flames erupted the moment it hit the oil.

However, since he assured me accidents rarely happen, I continued quenching with peace of mind.

After repeating it a few times, the oil no longer caught fire.

And just like that, my very first sword was completed.

"Hwoo."

Looking at the sword wafting wisps of smoke, I let out a breath.

Seeing it finished like this filled me with pride. A tool crafted by my own hands.

Part of me wanted to sharpen the edge myself, but I should defer to Passing Dwarf.

Passing Dwarf had practically begged me to just let him hold it, saying sharpening the edge was more than enough.

(Photo of completed sword attached)

Finished.

[Wild Grylls: It’s cooled down, should I send it over now?]

[Passing Dwarf: Please, just let me sharpen the blade...]

I-I’ll give it to you;;

He sounded so desperate that I couldn’t even bring myself to tease him.

I handed the longsword over to Passing Dwarf.

’Besides sweating buckets, it wasn’t particularly hard.’

After hydrating quickly, I checked the time.

There was still plenty of time left. I could do what needed to be done with the remaining hours.

’Wonmo is... sleeping.’

Just in time, Wonmo was taking an afternoon nap.

It seemed a good time to go catch the crab for Passing Dwarf.

With that, I hung the CCTV orb received from Princess Chaenggu above the entrance of the cave.

How did I hang it? Literally like a block of meju. Of course, I didn’t forget to secure it so it wouldn’t sway.

"Bbareumbo. I’ll be back in a bit."

"...."

Saying goodbye to Bbareumbo, I left the Shelter.

Around the same time, the situation of Gareth, to whom Grylls had handed the sword.

"Kiyaa...!"

He marveled with a gasp of awe as he stared at the sword Grylls had given him.

A sword with a dull edge and an unworked hilt. That very sword was held in Gareth’s hands.

However, the state of the sword was a bit strange. When Grylls crafted it, the color was close to dull grey.

Shaaa-a-a-a—

Yet the blade held by Gareth was no longer dull. He gazed at the sword glowing with a luminous green light.

Embedded across the green-glowing blade’s surface were dark-purple starlights.

A sword that looked as though it held a glowing green galaxy within its blade.

"This is so fucking badass."

Gareth muttered in sheer ecstasy.