I Got a Gallery in the Wild - Chapter 277

How long would it take an ordinary martial artist to master an Aura Blade (Sword Gang) without any fortunate encounters or spiritual medicines?

Though it varies greatly from person to person, according to the information gathered so far, it takes an average of twenty-five to thirty years.

That is the case when one has not consumed spiritual medicine from a young age or learned under a great master like nobles do.

Even for nobles who over-invest, the fact that it takes at least fifteen years remains unchanged.

Those lacking talent might barely master it only after even more time passes, but either way, it isn’t impossible.

However, this is merely the baseline condition; wielding it ’at will’ takes far longer.

Reaching the stage of using it freely is what is commonly referred to in martial arts as entering the ’Transcendent Realm’.

The difference in power between using it as naturally as breathing versus using it with intense focus needs no further explanation.

Therefore, considering that those who have entered the Transcendent Realm are extremely few, I am a very exceptional case.

A case where the amount of mana skyrocketed due to steadily consuming mini inner cores, and ultimately forced a forced Body Metamorphosis because my physical body couldn’t withstand it.

The same goes for the Aura Blade. It wasn’t something I honed technically on my own; it was closer to my body clumping energy together on its own for the sake of ’efficiency’.

Roughly the same principle as internal organs like the heart, liver, and lungs functioning regardless of my conscious will.

In terms of mind, body, and qi, my ’mind’ and ’body’ are reasonably high, but my ’qi’ is totally broken. Ludwig was the one who explained this to me.

That’s why I’m struggling to control aura, and it showed signs of becoming a chronic issue.

In any case, excluding cases like mine, an Aura Blade is something that can only be obtained after long years of training.

"Kuoool!"

That goblin over there is somewhat similar. It merely drank a potion, yet everything changed.

Transforming into a hobgoblin was also close to a form of Body Metamorphosis.

Above all, enlightenment is more important than technique when it comes to an Aura Blade.

I, too, gained a bit of enlightenment through the mnemonic formula Heavenly Demon taught me.

But seeing those guys act like super soldiers just because they drank a potion brought absurdity before shock.

’Is it temporary?’

I wondered if it boosted their strength to the absolute limit for a set duration like a stimulant.

"Wooool!"

"Kaaaa!"

Wuuung!

Until the other hobgoblins each raised their weapons and unleashed Aura Blades of their own.

With this, I realized that the Aura Blade could be used permanently. That made it even more absurd.

Monsters that enhance their bodies with mana are few, and monsters that can manifest aura are an extreme minority.

If a monster manifested an Aura Blade, it would be enough to cause uproar across the world, yet here they were scattered everywhere you looked.

In a world where an individual’s martial prowess directly translates into military power, the military strength of these goblins was at an astonishing level.

[It’s fortunate these creatures are trapped in here. It would have been horrific had they stepped outside.]

It was to the point that even Cain evaluated them like that in a stiffened voice.

But the far bigger problem was their ’easy mass-cultivation’.

Whatever the principle was, they mass-produced Aura Blade users with a single concoction.

An Aura Blade is something that those without talent can only obtain after spending long years.

Having lightly shattered that common sense, the gravity of the situation hit differently in many ways.

’At this rate, the balance is totally ruined... Wait, maybe not.’

I checked the count, including the hobgoblin that was just born.

The number of hobgoblins manifesting Aura Blades was five in total.

An endlessly deficient number. Those hobgoblins were practically the ones protecting this settlement.

Moreover, even if it’s easy mass-cultivation, there is definitely a side effect to that drug. Otherwise, they would have produced them indiscriminately.

Crucially, could those hobgoblins beat the chieftain gorilla?

’Probably not. They might just have high pure physical stats like me.’

The chieftain gorilla possessed ’martial arts’—something neither those hobgoblins nor I properly possessed. And his level was remarkably high.

He was a direct disciple of Wi Ho-chang and had protected his own territory for years.

Martial arts were developed so that ’I don’t get hit while hitting the opponent,’ and this gap was massive.

’I need to investigate further.’

In what manner does that drug intentionally create mutants?

And by what mechanism does it awaken an Aura Blade?

If possible, I’d like to get my hands on the drug’s ingredients as well. It’s highly likely to be the flower worshipped by the goblins.

"Ahjussi, you’re curious about what that is too, right?"

I quietly asked Ludwig, who was making an extremely serious expression.

Hearing my question, he glanced at me and nodded in affirmation.

"Do you happen to have a potion like that? Not permanent, but something that gives temporary strength."

"There is."

Surprisingly, he said a similar drug existed. I was slightly surprised, but thinking it over, it wasn’t strange.

Because he was a knight—a soldier. An occupation that fought not just monsters, but people as well.

He must have faced life-or-death situations far more often than others.

"What about side effects?"

"Relatively light."

Relatively light, huh. I mulled over his words.

Though things have entered a stable phase now, my life could be in danger at any moment.

Preemptively crafting a stimulant to overcome such a situation wasn’t a bad option.

"If they’re light, what are they?"

"Insomnia. Seizures. Hallucinations. Impulses. Tremors."

"...."

That’s light? Every single one of those is dangerous!

I wondered if I should rather use the Innate Primordial Qi Heavenly Demon mentioned before.

But Innate Primordial Qi is a form of life essence, so using it up meant absolute death.

No, from the moment you use it, you suffer permanent disabilities.

Considering a situation where life is hanging by a thread, those might indeed be relatively ’light’ side effects.

Unlike drawing upon Innate Primordial Qi, there’s a high chance of curing them.

"You can’t get an Aura Blade like that drug does, right?"

"Indeed. That part is unusual. And intriguing."

Ludwig also expressed great interest in the goblin drug.

As mentioned before, the difference between regular aura and an Aura Blade is like heaven and earth.

He must have taken note of not just the Aura Blade, but the Body Metamorphosis as well.

[Do you perhaps intend to drink that concoction?]

"Only in a crisis? Before that, I’ll ask someone else first."

I still don’t know what side effects it has. I can’t just drink it blindly.

It was a judgment made because the number of hobgoblins was severely low.

Just in time as the ritual concluded, I stealthily approached Ggambu.

"Is the ingredient for that potion by any chance a flower?"

"Ggrak."

I forgot to bring Cain along.

But Ggambu nodded, seemingly understanding my words at least roughly.

Placing Cain on my shoulder, I spoke.

"Are there no side effects?"

[Are there no side effects?]

"Oo-ack. Karak-kura."Follow the newest chapters on novelping(.)com.

[If an unqualified warrior drinks it, they die.]

"...."

If you lack qualification, you die. I expected it, but the side effect was beyond imagination.

In that case, I needed to find out what that qualification was.

"Could you tell me what that qualification is?"

[Could you tell me what that qualification is?]

"Ggrook. Karaka. Knarihuna."

[A sturdy body and willpower. And one who can wield the Blessing.]

"Blessing?"

[If I were to guess, I suspect it refers to aura.]

Aura. I nodded in understanding.

Categorizing mana and aura is simple. Does it remain inside the body, or can it manifest outside?

While an apprentice knight merely circulates mana inside their body, even a low-rank knight can coat their weapon with aura.

’How did these guys manifest aura? Has this village been established for a really long time?’

Humanity’s strength stems from records. Hundreds of years of records and know-how established a definitive ’theory’.

Even in Zhongyuan, where one must comprehend poetic formulas to reach higher realms, terms like the Conception and Governing Vessels were widely known by everyone.

Well, myths say the two disciples of Aris traveled West and East respectively to impart teachings.

But one should view this as simply the theoretical establishment process passed down orally in myth form; it is rational to think that before then, it was manifested solely through sheer will.

’If there’s no established theory... just as Cain said, it might have reacted to the will to survive.’

Just like distant humanity—more precisely, human beings—did in the past.

Didn’t my own mana react first and foremost to the will to survive?

Though I learned theory from Heavenly Demon and Sword Matstar, I couldn’t use it immediately.

And only when the instinct to survive kicked in did I finally manifest it.

Since aura could only be awakened with that level of resolve, perhaps that is why they call it a ’Blessing’.

"If it’s a Blessing, is it something like this?"

Wuuung—

I drew the Sword of the Heavenly Demon and exposed my Aura Blade.

Ggambu’s eyes were stolen by the Sword of the Heavenly Demon, and his mouth fell open at the big, beautiful Aura Blade.

The hobgoblin’s Aura Blade was surprising, but since this was the Forest of the Four Seasons, I let that slide.

It wasn’t a bad idea to clearly signal that a mutant in the true sense of the word was standing right here.

"Kuwa!"

"Kira!"

"Kaobeu korak!"

As I raised the sword carrying the Aura Blade into the sky, the other goblins couldn’t contain their astonishment either.

Awe and so forth. Though their expressions differed, I could easily discern the emotions contained within them.

"Bakeu... Binas..."

[So big... so beautiful...]

You didn’t need to translate that part.

Anyway, after retracting my Aura Blade, I called Ludwig over.

What I needed to get from him was a Mythricon sword. I intended to win their favor to figure out the flower they worship.

"Chieftain-nim. Do you see this? Do you know what this is?"

"Kiruk?"

"It’s a Mythricon sword, a truly magnificent weapon. If you’d like, I can gift you one for the sake of our mutual exchange."

All of these words were delivered as Cain translated.

Ggambu carefully inspected the Mythricon sword, then glanced at my expression.

It was a look asking if he could touch it once. I willingly granted permission and offered him the sword.

"Ooh..."

An exclamation leaked from Ggambu’s mouth. Given the huge size difference and his role as a shaman, he didn’t swing it directly.

Though dull gray on the outside, it was actual ’metal’. It was bound to be on a completely different level from a stone axe.

Wuuuuung!

"Oooooh!"

And what about the aura? It possessed an amplification effect, allowing it to output several times more power.

The hobgoblin summoned by Ggambu showed a reaction bordering on deep emotion the moment he channeled aura into the Mythricon sword.

Even if their civilization level was low, a ’warrior’ was still a warrior. He must have recognized the true value of this blade.

"Kwak! Karak-u! Vinakanreu!"

[He says this sword must be acquired at all costs.]

"I know. I can see his eyes rolling back in excitement."

The hobgoblin warrior passionately expressed his opinion to Ggambu.

Meanwhile, the other hobgoblin warriors tested the performance of the Mythricon sword one by one.

Every single one of them shouted in awe, even going so far as to make requests to Ggambu.

Ggambu was equally covetous, as he asked me:

"Uraka bir?"

[Is there something you desire?]

"What I want is simple. The potion that warrior drank just now. Give me the ingredients for that potion. You don’t need to give me all of it; just a small portion is fine."

If I had proposed this without any conditions, he would have definitely refused.

Because the potion the goblin drank was basically their life’s blood and core asset.

However, there was a specific reason I deliberately chose the Mythricon sword as the trade item.

’A steady supply is possible. And...’

I glanced at the hobgoblins who were completely smitten with the Mythricon sword.

They knew best. With a Mythricon sword, they could protect the settlement far more safely.

The hobgoblins were the main force protecting this settlement. In other words, their ’voice’ carried tremendous weight.

’A civilization—no, any group possessing reason—will inevitably involve politics, whether they like it or not.’

I was subtly targeting that exact dynamic.

Ggambu was quick-witted, so he would realize the implication soon enough.

"Mmm..."

As expected, Ggambu fell into deep thought.

Would it be right to reveal their core asset, or would it be right to receive the Mythricon sword?

I predicted he would lean toward the former. This was why I saved Ggansu’s life instead of killing him.

In a place where even surviving day by day is harsh, gaining a reliable ally?

It was a win-win situation. I could also boost my chances of escape even a little bit.

’As long as I’m just one person, wandering all over the place will only consume time.’

Gather information through them, and raise the escape probability based on that information.

That was the plan I formulated. Relations with the gorillas were ruined, and a Blood Cultist had even moved in.

I needed to make at least the goblins my allies. Making any more enemies would be dangerous.

"Barakak. Kuwaki."

[He says it would be best to consult with his father.]

"Sounds good."

Ggambu seemed to judge that he couldn’t make the decision alone.

And understandably so; that drug was the foundational power sustaining the goblin settlement.

Even with a Mythricon sword, it would be difficult to hand that power over to an outsider carelessly.

Still, rather than refusing outright, he left room for negotiation, which was fortunate.This story is hosted at no⁠velping.com.

"Could you give that back? I need to take it with me."

"Kuh..."

I asked the hobgoblin to return the Mythricon sword.

The hobgoblin looked back and forth between the Mythricon sword and me, then handed it over carefully.

His trembling hands clearly projected how much he hated giving it up.

’This is mine, you guys.’

At least they recognize good quality. Chuckling inwardly, I took back the sword.

Following Ggambu, I stepped into the mud hut where Gganmar resided.

"Oh..."

The heavily bearded Gganmar gasped in awe. The Mythricon sword was placed across his knees.

Gganmar gently stroked the blade’s surface and flicked his fingers against it, testing its various properties.

"Bikara. Krina Ark Kaveuno."

"Ark?"

Even without Cain translating, I could guess what he was saying. He was likely reporting everything that had happened so far.

Upon hearing those words, Gganmar stared intently at me. I bowed my head slightly to pay my respects.

"Hrm... Duko."

"Pardon?"

"Duko kan kro."

[He wants to see your sword.]

Why the Sword of the Heavenly Demon now?

Feeling a bit reluctant, I nonetheless fulfilled his wish.

Soon, Gganmar examined the Sword of the Heavenly Demon from top to bottom, bringing his finger close to the edge of the blade.

"Ah, be careful..."

Before my words could fully come out, blood beaded up on Gganmar’s finger.

When it came to sharpness, the Sword of the Heavenly Demon was second to none.

Simply touching a finger to it was guaranteed to cut.

"Hoo... Bikra aneuk."

[I covet this sword even more than the Mythricon sword.]

"That is absolutely out of the question."

It was the sword Heavenly Demon gave me. There was no way I could part with it.

When I spoke firmly, Gganmar let out a belly laugh and handed it back.

"Kira tonabi rakuronaka."

[Just as it is for you, the same goes for us. It is difficult to give you the flower.]

"Not even a tiny bit?"

[Is it not possible to give even a small portion?]

At my words, Gganmar shook his head side to side. A firm answer.

I had expected it, but the disappointment remained. As mentioned earlier, to them, the flower was their lifeblood and source of survival.

It was like the Sword of the Heavenly Demon—no, the Gallery—was to me. Unless under extraordinary conditions, it would be difficult to hand over.

’I should just give the Mythricon sword as a token of goodwill.’

Forming an alliance and exchanging information is plenty.

Putting my disappointment behind me, I was about to accept it and step back when:

"Kau ka jineukuro Ark nanak."

[If you truly desire the ’Ark’, prepare to face death.]

"...Prepare to face death?"

To obtain the flower, I had to be prepared for death. That was a bit flustering.

I knew that flower was tremendously important to the goblins.

If someone asked me to wager the Gallery, I would have prepared for death as well.

’Is it to the extent of threatening their right to survival?’

As I tilted my head in confusion, Gganmar spoke.

"Kiru kkiakura?"

[How do you wish to die?]

"How... do I wish to die?"

Gganmar suddenly brought up a completely out-of-the-blue topic.

As I blinked in bewilderment, Gganmar gently stroked his beard and spoke.

"Kuwa kan ku. Kara ggan ku. Bakeunu ma ku."

[Those devoured by beasts. Those afflicted by sickness. Those who failed the trials.]

"Sekuna bakaneura reuha."

[In this place, various forms of death exist.]

"Birak..."

[However...]

Gganmar imparted the single most important truth of this forest.

"Kuwa kineul bakra. Rikanu."

[We do not wish to die. We wish to live.]

"...."

In the wild, every single moment is peril.

You could be devoured by wild beasts, or bitten by insects and catch diseases.

And that’s relatively minor. Dying of thirst after failing to drink water for three straight days, drowning in a swamp, and so on.

Depending on the circumstances, you might die slowly or perish while suffering agonizing pain.

If ordinary wilderness is this dangerous, how much more so for the Forest of the Four Seasons? Their very survival was the more miraculous thing.

"Ark ikeuru jameuna kkiku. Rireukan kkuwa kineuru."

[The Ark is a power built upon death. We cannot carelessly grant it to another.]

Power obtained through the sacrifices of their ancestors—he meant they couldn’t just hand it over to an outsider.

Though it was a rigid tradition, it was a point I could fully understand.

When people don’t even like showing homework they struggled to complete, how much more so for that?

Unless you’re friends, giving it away to someone you met for the first time would be weirder.

"Yes. Well... since you put it that way, it can’t be helped."

This issue seemed to be something I needed to approach slowly.

Building intimacy by consistently interacting with them in the future should do it.

"Then can I at least look at it? Please just let me see what kind of flower it is."

Aside from that, I wanted to satisfy my curiosity.

Taking it wasn’t allowed, but surely looking at it would be fine, right?

Gganmar nodded in agreement, as if that much was no problem.

"Ggan, mureukan gareunako dagra."

[However, you must prove your strength.]

"Why suddenly prove my strength?"

To which Gganmar’s reply was:

"Ark kaneurona kneureu."

[Because the Ark devours life.]

It made me realize why he said it was built upon death.

’...Was I trying to get something for free too easily?’

I reflected on myself.