I Got a Gallery in the Wild - Chapter 306

A monster wave that had threatened to grow into a terrifying inferno.

Thanks to the valiant efforts of the Sword Master, Ash, a situation on the brink of tragedy was defused.

However, this was merely putting out the immediate blaze; completely extinguishing it required meticulous follow-up work.

Thus, after slaying the Orc Champion, Ash reduced the monster count as much as possible.

Seeing their leader effortlessly killed in an instant, the monsters’ morale collapsed, and they scrambled to flee.

After some time passed and the situation was largely brought under control, Ash returned to Cantata.

"Wooooaaaah!"

"Ash! Ash! Ash!"

Word had already spread; the moment she stepped into Cantata, thunderous cheers erupted.

As if accustomed to such applause, Ash gave a casual wave of her hand and walked forward.

As she walked on, the regional commander was waiting for her, having already received the news.

"C-Countess Menethil! Are you injured anywhere...!"

"I am fine. More importantly, are the follow-up measures being handled?"

"I heard from my subordinates that you had arrived, Countess. They should be taking care of it right now."

Ash nodded. For having neglected a predictable disaster initially, their response now was fairly neat.

Of course, that initial neglect deserved a closer look.

The Cantata region was famous for frequent personnel rotations.

’Perhaps that’s why they failed to notice the monsters’ unusual movements.’

Something new to report to Arnold. Ash chuckled internally.

Even after resigning from military service, old habits die hard.

"Rather than that, I would like to wash up. Ah, and could you have this uniform thoroughly washed? I will need to leave shortly."

"Of course! Right this way...!"

The commander bowed deferentially as he guided Ash.

Though Ash had retired, her fame reverberated across the entire continent.

To the commander, she was a savior who had averted catastrophe, so trying to get on her good side was beyond reproach.

"Ah, Commander."

"Yes, Countess. Please go ahead."

"I obtained this weapon from their leader. Word has it that it’s suspected to be a relic-tier weapon..."

Ash displayed the sword she had taken from the Orc Champion.

Unlike when it shimmered like a green galaxy, the blade was currently a dull, dreary gray.

While the edge was finely honed, its overall appearance was quite plain.

"Ah. That sword naturally belongs to you, Countess Menethil. If you require an appraisal..."

"An appraisal won’t be necessary."

At best, the Orc Champion’s skill was equivalent to a senior knight.

While a senior knight possessed impressive combat power, it meant nothing to Ash.

’Besides, relying on this blade prevented him from showing his true potential.’

A case of blindly trusting one’s weapon and suffering defeat. It was a common story.

However, a creature of the Orc Champion’s caliber normally wouldn’t rely solely on a weapon.

Battle-hardened Orc Champions were famous for never letting their guard down.

’The weapon was simply too good—that was the problem.’

Its terrifying specs intoxicated the user, clouding their judgment.

A kind of ’demonic sword’—a corrupted blade that seduced even skilled combatants into reliance.

This was precisely why Revolution, the symbol of the Hero, was dubbed a ’Holy Sword.’

Because depending on the wielder’s mindset, Revolution could degrade into an ordinary blade or amplify power tenfold.

’It was likely using that power that the Cain statue was summoned.’

Following the commander, Ash inspected the sword carefully.

She had already tested its features on her way back to the city.

First, the effect of amplifying Aura.

This exact function allowed the Orc Champion to become a literal walking calamity and toy with the raid team.

Second, the volume and property of mana stored within the blade itself.

Ash focused far more on the second property than the first.

’For some reason, it contains the inherent property of an Aura Blade. That must be how the Orc Champion used an Aura Blade so effortlessly.’

Though speculative, anyone wielding this sword could likely manifest an Aura Blade.

Even better, the activation condition was astonishingly low—simply channeling mana into the sword would trigger it.

To emphasize: not ’Aura’, but ’mana.’ Meaning even ordinary people could use it.

A weapon that made the strong stronger, and granted power to the powerless.

Since living beings easily fell prey to the temptation of power, calling it a demonic sword was entirely apt.

’Part of me wants to explore the place where this blade was found... What a shame.’

When was the last time she felt such curiosity? Ash let out a soft smile.

She would need to complete her current duties first, then investigate the origin of this sword.

There was a high probability it was deeply tied to ancient ruins.

’Ah. Come to think of it...’

Recalling something, Ash turned to the commander.

"Commander. Isn’t the Forest of the Four Seasons located near the Cantata region?"

"The Forest of the Four Seasons? There is a sector bordering it quite closely, yes... Why do you ask?"

"No reason. Just curious."

So it really is nearby. Ash nodded.

Because people shunned even approaching the Forest of the Four Seasons, numerous unexplored areas surrounded its borders.

The Orcs likely stumbled upon this relic while foraging near that zone.

Ash took a short break at the temporary lodgings arranged by the commander.

Though labeled temporary, it was practically a top-tier luxury suite.

"Please leave the laundry to me."

"Thank you. Leave the sword as it is."

Handing her uniform over to the maid, Ash immediately took a bath.

Caked in blood from head to toe, a quick shower wouldn’t suffice; a long soak was necessary.

"Phew~"

Satisfying. Stepping into the warm tub, Ash wore a serene smile.

Though she had fought an unexpected battle, loosening her muscles after a long while felt refreshing.

The aftermath and rescue of hostages would be handled by the commander’s forces. Once clean, she simply needed to return to the Iris Kingdom.

’Come to think of it, I wonder if any posts went up on the Gallery?’This chapter is updated first at novelp⁠ing.com.

Wearing a pleasant smile, Ash accessed the Gallery.

She recalled how the fleeing adventurers had stopped in their tracks to watch her battle after she intervened.

With so many people present, surely someone had taken photos or videos.

[Ash spotted in the Cantata region]

[Ash butchering monsters holy shit]

[Ash vs Orc Champion]

"Heh..."

Just as expected. Quite a few posts had reached Recommended Posts.

Unlike a certain someone, she wasn’t starved for attention, yet every time this happened, a subtle thrill washed over her.

Not as the fixed handle Sword Matstar, but honor as the Sword Master Ash.

Times like this made her understand why nobles constantly babbled about honor, honor, honor.

’I wonder if Grylls-ssi was impressed too?’

Praise directed purely at Ash, not Sword Matstar. She was curious about his reaction.

Grylls in particular harbored a unique admiration for skilled powerhouses.

She checked the post with the highest number of upvotes among the Recommended Posts.

Title) Ash butchering monsters holy shit

(Video 1 of Ash butchering monsters)

(Video 2 of Ash butchering monsters)

(Video 3 of Ash butchering monsters)

Re) How the hell does she slice through three or four monsters every single swing lol

Re) You think someone becomes a Sword Master for nothing?

Re) Seriously fucking strong holy shit

Re) But why is she taking them out one by one? Showboating?

Re) You think it’s showboating? That’s literally where adventurers were brawling with monsters just a second ago;;

Re) Plus there might be captives dragged to the rear, so using AoE skills is a big no-no;;

Re) By the way, how was this video filmed? It looks like it’s taken from the sky.

Re) Orbs like that do exist. Used to monitor battlefield conditions from the sky. But usually those are military supplies, so getting one must be ridiculously hard.

Re) They’ve been popping up on the open market lately. Pricey, but not impossible to buy.

Re) Also hard to control, so I heard mages usually operate them yeah.

A long list of comments that brought a satisfying smile lined the screen.

Praises poured upon her real-world self, not her gallery handle. A smile spread across her face.

While anonymous praise was great, there was one response that pleased her most of all.

Re) Wild Grylls) Wow. Fucking badass. I wish I could fight like that too.

Re) Give up lol Even other people can barely fight like that hahaha

Re) It’s only possible because it’s Ash.

Re) Wild Grylls) Wouldn’t hard work make it possible?

Re) She became Commander of the Royal Guard at 25, what fucking hard work lol

Re) Hey Grylls. How old are you?

Re) Wild Grylls) 25.

Re) While you were suffering in the forest, she was already Commander of the Royal Guard lol

Re) Wild Grylls) Fuck, did I live in the forest because I wanted to? Man, that hurts my feelings so bad TT

Re) That’s a bit harsh;;

Re) He’s a poor guy, don’t say stuff like that;;

Re) Uh... sorry;; I apologize.

"Ahem..."

When the topic of age suddenly came up, Ash cleared her throat.

A ten-year age gap wasn’t easy, but it wasn’t impossible either.

Besides, age to her right now was merely a number, considering how far removed she was from aging.

’He has plenty of talent, too. Besides, becoming strong through a different path isn’t a bad thing.’

Just as Ash was muttering to herself...

Even in posts overflowing with praise, trolls were bound to appear.

Re) Heavenly Demon) Making such a fuss over nothing. How laughable.

Among them appeared a troll that even Ash couldn’t ignore.

The fixed handle Heavenly Demon, who clashed with Ash at every turn.

Though rumors suggested she was the real Heavenly Demon, her usual behavior strongly suggested otherwise.

’This person shows up wherever Grylls is. Is she a stalker?’

What was even more shocking was that she left the first comment every single time Grylls posted.

Ash had tried hard to beat her, but she had always been forced into second place.

Lately, Ash had managed to comment first a few times, but before that, she had lost every single time.

Re) Hey Heavenly Demon. In times like this, you just say "That’s fucking insane";;

Re) Leave her be. It’s not like she’s doing this for the first time lol

Re) Heavenly Demon) This seat merely spoke the truth. Her sword technique and battle vision are not bad, but her martial realm is low.

Re) Is that a compliment or an insult?

Re) Isn’t she basically praising herself?

Re) Heavenly Demon) Precisely. This seat is the most supreme.

"Ha. Hilarious. Truly."

She wasn’t particularly angry—just utterly dumbfounded.

It wasn’t even pure slander against others, but rather self-aggrandizement at the end of the day.

Besides, reaching a high realm didn’t magically solve everything.

In her past, she had almost suffered catastrophic failure more than once by acting cocky based on raw talent alone.

’Like Ludwig back then.’

A Paladin who was weaker than her in every metric, both subjectively and objectively.

Yet when they actually clashed, she had struggled immensely.

Though she didn’t lose, it left a lasting impression—bordering on shock.

’Even if his skill meant winning once out of ten battles... the existence of that possibility was what mattered. Because it meant his victory could become reality.’

In a life-or-death battle, there was no next chance.

There was a reason people said it wasn’t the strong who survived, but the survivor who was strong.

Possessing transcendent martial power meant nothing if you ended up dead.This chapter was taken from novelpin‌g.com without permission.

Heavenly Demon, too, would face a day when she bitterly regretted her arrogance. Or so Ash believed.

’Of course, that’s assuming this person is actually the Heavenly Demon.’

Offering some advice as a gentle warning didn’t seem like a bad idea.

As evidenced by the posts Heavenly Demon usually spewed out, her insight wasn’t shallow.

What appeared to others as random shitposts were, in Ash’s eyes, sentences of profound depth.

Re) Sword Matstar) Relying solely on the depth of your well might end up with you falling right into it.

Re) Heavenly Demon) Art thou speaking of Qi Deviation? Once, this seat suffered the same. Had it not been for my benefactor, this seat would have vainly perished.

Re) Sword Matstar) That’s part of it, but widening the well is equally important. Just as the ocean must be vast for diverse creatures to live in it.

Re) Heavenly Demon) Worry not, for this seat possesses a realm vast as the sea and deeper than the abyss.

Re) Sword Matstar) Wow, the attitude on this one;;

Re) Heavenly Demon) Speak if thou art envious. This seat shall be understanding.

Re) Sword Matstar) Wow. I’m. So. Freaking. Jealous.

Re) Heavenly Demon) Heh. Praise me further. This seat can accept it.

"I seriously want to punch her in the face."

Ash let out a hollow laugh.

If someone like this existed in reality, dealing with her would be exhausting in more ways than one.

’I should definitely never become like her.’

She closed the Gallery app and thoroughly washed the grime off her skin.

Stepping out, she noticed her casual clothes neatly folded by the maid.

Since laundering her uniform would take time, she could just wait until then.

’Should I examine the sword a bit more?’

She decided to inspect the blade in the meantime. Ash examined the dull, gray sword.

Unimpressive to look at, yet its performance exceeded imagination.

’If I had obtained it secretly, I could’ve posted it on the Gallery to show off.’

Word had already spread, so posting it would immediately expose her fixed handle.

Since she had to return to the Magic Tower anyway, she planned to get a proper appraisal done there.

Kadir and Starlight Lady would surely be able to appraise it thoroughly. She was already looking forward to it.

Knock, knock-

[Countess Menethil. Your uniform has been laundered.]

Perfect timing—the uniform was ready.

It was time to head back to the Magic Tower.

"Woah..."

I marvelled while reading the post listed under Recommended Posts.

The martial mastery of the Sword Master, Ash, whom I had previously assumed was famous in name only.

Her breathtaking looks paired with martial prowess that resembled a dance left me gasping in admiration.

’Each movement is concise, yet seamlessly flows together like water—that’s why it looks like a dance.’

Zero stiffness whatsoever—an absolute pinnacle of swordsmanship.

Even while dual-wielding a blade in each hand, her motions flowed without a single hitch.

How much effort must one dedicate to reach that level? I’d probably fail even if I spent my whole life trying.

’Wait, but this sword...’

However, there was something else that caught my eye even more.

Namely, the clash between Ash and the Orc Champion.

Though a swift, anticlimactic duel ending in just a single exchange, the Orc Champion’s weapon stood out.

’No matter how I look at it, isn’t that a Mythricon sword?’

The weapon held by the Orc Champion bore a striking resemblance to a Mythricon sword.

No—aside from being outside the forest, it was practically identical.

Yet because it was discovered outside the Forest of the Four Seasons, I couldn’t jump to conclusions easily.

’The Mythricon sword that shot into the sky and exploded actually flew outside? Does that even make sense?’

The probability was lower than getting struck by lightning.

Not impossible, but certainly not a one-in-a-million chance you bet on right away.

It could just be a different weapon with similar specs.

’Until another fixed handle sees it in person, it’ll be hard to tell...’

There was nothing I could do. I just had to sit tight.

Even if it was indeed a Mythricon sword, someone of Ash’s character wouldn’t use it for ill intent.

’Still, she really is awesome.’

Heavenly Demon’s battles were... how should I put it? So overwhelmingly absurd that I couldn’t even tell what happened.

She just swept past, and boom—everything was over.

On the other hand, watching Ash handle each enemy individually was a treat for the eyes.

However, there was someone who didn’t appreciate my enthusiasm.

[Heavenly Demon: Art thou fond of flashy things?]

[Wild Grylls: Well, I guess it’s because it’s something I can never have?]

It was Heavenly Demon.

She sent me a DM right after I left a few comments.

[Wild Grylls: But you’re super cool too, Heavenly Demon-nim. Even if your moves are too fast to see.]

[Heavenly Demon: Speed visible to the eye... I understand what thou meanest. It shall be done as thou desirest.]

[Wild Grylls: No;; You don’t have to do that. You’re awesome just being yourself, Heavenly Demon-nim.]

[Heavenly Demon: Thou hast my thanks. Thy judgment is indeed sound.]

I barely managed to talk her down before she went off causing some crazy scene in real life.

Carrying a potted plant everywhere was eccentric enough as it was; if she pulled something weird here, I’d end up feeling guilty by association.

More importantly...

"Tyranno."

"Pbiik?"

"Do you shed your skin too?"

I had to do something about the shed skin Tyranno had left behind.

I glanced back and forth between Tyranno—who had grown bigger than before—and the shed skin lying beneath him.

’Is it because he’s fundamentally a reptile? Might be best to give this to Allfather, right?’

All sorts of crazy things were happening today.