I Got a Gallery in the Wild - Chapter 322

Since ancient times, civilizations recorded in history have grown alongside large ’rivers’.

This is because rivers provided drinking water, food, and various conveniences, and were especially crucial for ’farming’.

Not only that, but they also offered numerous advantages for transportation, such as launching boats on the river to trade.

And the importance of a river is felt not only in civilization but also in the wild.

If you follow a river, there is a high probability of finding a village where people live, and you can continuously replenish your water supply.

It wasn’t for nothing that I moved tirelessly to find a river from the very beginning. If you don’t drink water for three days, you die.

But I didn’t do something as foolish as building my Shelter right next to the river.

Because there would be beasts or monsters coming to drink water, not to mention the creatures that actually inhabit the river.

A prime example is the golden poison frog. I had quite a hard time because of that guy.

Fortunately, it seems to have relocated its habitat as it’s nowhere to be seen now, but even without the frog, threats are everywhere.

Especially since this place is the Forest of the Four Seasons, filled with baffling anomalies and monsters so dangerous that even the people of this world, who are well-accustomed to monsters, shake their heads in dismay.

"Keuaaaa!!!"

Pajijijik!

A crocodile emitting yellow electrical currents all over its body roared. It had dark gray skin, and red hair rising like a rooster’s comb on its tail and head.

Also, unlike ordinary crocodiles, its legs were all thick and long.

Perhaps because of that, instead of crawling slowly, it ran around like a normal quadrupedal animal.

It was quite agile, and occasionally used its tail like a whip.

’Did a crocodile evolve?’

Since this was the Forest of the Four Seasons, it was entirely possible. Whatever the case, it was definitely no ordinary creature.

But since it had trespassed into our Shelter, it wouldn’t be leaving alive.

"Kireureureuk!"

Kwaaang!

The crocodile let out a small roar and fired electrical energy from its mouth.

It was incredibly fast, and since it was an electrical attack of all things, I had no choice but to dodge.

If you were to ask how I figured out it was electricity, it was because of the sound.

’And there’s also the fact that electricity is blatantly flowing all over its body.’

It was tricky to deal with. To make matters worse, the electricity emitting from its entire body seeped into the ground.

Common sense dictates that electricity doesn’t flow through normal soil, but... unfortunately, that crocodile had planned ahead.

’No wonder it was shooting water cannons all over the place as soon as it came out...!’

It had blasted water cannons in all directions to create a terrain advantageous to itself.

To make matters worse, winter had just ended yesterday, so the ground was extremely wet.

The ground had only just thawed and hadn’t fully dried yet.

’And Mithril is a conductor, too...’

I turned my head and looked at Ludwig.

In times like this, his help would make things much easier, but his feet were made of Mithril.

He was highly vulnerable to electric currents. That was why he had evacuated to the roof of the house.

I had handed him a bow and arrows just in case, but it was hard to expect much help.

’At least I’m fine since I’m plastered in Body-Protecting Gangqi, but...’

Because the electric crocodile was so agile, it wasn’t easy to subdue.

Whenever I tried to land a hit, it would immediately leap backward, which was incredibly annoying.

[Hmm. I am not yet accustomed to this body. My apologies.]

Still, since Cain, who borrowed the body of the Dullahan, was here, it wasn’t the absolute worst.

Cain didn’t even flinch at the crocodile’s electrical attacks.

However, just as he said, he hadn’t fully adapted to the Dullahan’s body yet, so it seemed difficult for him to face the crocodile alone.

"It’s fine. I’ll subdue it somehow, so kill it immediately."

[What do you plan to do?]

"I’m going to exploit its characteristics as a crocodile."

Since Lackey was also bare-bodied, he couldn’t easily step forward. Only Cain and I moved.

I kept a close eye on the electric crocodile’s movements, waiting for it to pounce.

The electric crocodile was also cautious and didn’t approach recklessly, but in the end, it was still a beast.

"Kyaaa!!!"

The electric crocodile rushed at us, its jaws wide open.

I focused on the crocodile’s movements until the very end, then pivoted my body to the side.

The electric crocodile’s attack brushed past me by a hair’s breadth.

Would I attack like this? No. The river was right next to us.

If I injured it, it would likely tuck its tail and flee back into the river.

"Hup!!"

"Keu-euk?!"

Therefore, I discarded all my weapons and wrapped my arms around its snout.

With its snout forced shut, the electric crocodile panicked and thrashed violently.

Animals with long snouts like crocodiles may have incredibly strong ’bite force’, but their strength to actually open their mouths is weak.

This was a fact kindly taught to me by the very man who inspired my nickname.

Badung! Badung!

However, the electric crocodile was no pushover either.

Given its massive size, even enduring its thrashing strength was difficult.

Jjeojeojeok!

So, I froze it solid with cold energy.

Electricity? I could just ignore that with my Body-Protecting Gangqi.

Unless its output was strong enough to pierce through my Body-Protecting Gangqi, it would do nothing but flow along the surface.

Kwajik!

Once it was somewhat subdued by the cold, Cain plunged his sword straight into its head.

With its brain pierced, the electric crocodile trembled for a moment before suddenly going limp. It was dead.

The electricity flowing along its skin also gradually diminished and died out completely.

"Phew. We finally killed it."

[No matter how I look at it, that cold energy ability of yours seems quite excellent.]

"It’s my bread and butter."

I said so as I stared down at the limp electric crocodile.

I didn’t know if it was a species that only inhabited the Forest of the Four Seasons, or if it also existed in the outside world.

"Cain-ssi, do you know what kind of creature this is?"

[I know of a similar creature. However, it did not discharge electricity.]

"That similar creature might have evolved in the Forest of the Four Seasons. What is its name?"

[It is called a Draki.]

"I heard there’s also a monster called a Drake. Are they relatives?"

[It is a monster classified under the dragon-kin.]

Is it similar to classifying things by family and genus?

I let out a sigh and logged into the Gallery.

Although I couldn’t stream a video due to the sudden situation, I planned to at least post some photos.

Title) Caught a crocodile

Wild Grylls

(Photo of a massive Draki carcass)

(Photo comparing the Draki’s size with a sword placed next to it)Read this novel at novelping dot com for the best experience.

I was just trying to catch some fish in the river that formed at my Shelter, and then this crocodile popped out.

They say it’s a species called Draki, but do they usually shoot lightning and stuff?

ㄴHeavenly Demon) It is a massive crocodile. Since ancient times, crocodile leather has been famous for being expensive.

ㄴSword Matstar) A Draki? A specimen that large must be rare.

ㄴIt’s rare, sure, but he said it even shot lightning?

ㄴHow and why would a creature living in water use lightning?

ㄴPassing Dwarf) In cases like that, the hide is usually unique. It probably insulates against electricity, right?

ㄴPraise the Sun) I’m a bit tempted by that crocodile leather. Can you give it to me?

ㄴWild Grylls) Sorry. I think I’ll need to use it myself.

ㄴPraise the Sun) That’s a shame. Give me one if you catch another later.

ㄴWild Grylls) Will do.

I immediately began the butchering process. Given its massive size, even flipping its body over was a struggle.

Still, after somehow skinning the hide, I separated the edible parts.

I had heard somewhere that crocodile meat tastes similar to chicken.

It was highly satisfying, as if food had just rolled right in the moment spring began.

’Aside from that, the real issue is what to do about that river.’

I gazed at the river while butchering the crocodile with my companions.

I only wanted to catch some fish, but a crocodile suddenly popped out.

I’d prefer to live near a river if possible, but if things like this keep happening, it’ll be a massive headache.

’If this keeps up, the disruptor won’t mean much.’

For now, what I’m considering is a barricade—in other words, a wall.

Erecting a wall to protect the Shelter and block animals from entering.

Even if I just install a small entrance or a single gate, there shouldn’t be any major issues.

’Let’s just keep observing for now.’

It hasn’t been long since the river formed.

The Draki that suddenly popped out might have just strayed far from its original habitat.

Or, I could just consistently exterminate them until they go extinct here, just like I did with the golden poison frogs.

[Passing Dwarf: So you want me to make shoes out of this?]

[Wild Grylls: To be precise, can you make it in a way that overlays on top of the shoes?]

[Passing Dwarf: I get what you mean. Okay for now.]

[Wild Grylls: Thx thx. You can keep whatever is left over after making them.]

[Passing Dwarf: Just give me some World Tree fruit. I want to brew more alcohol.]

Is this guy really a blacksmith?

I chuckled and gifted the World Tree fruit as the dwarf wished.

It had been an eventful morning, but since things were mostly resolved, it was about time to eat breakfast.

’Shall we try some crocodile meat?’

Breakfast was the crocodile meat I had just butchered today.

To be precise, it was Draki meat, but since it was similar to a crocodile, let’s just call it crocodile meat.

The most delicious part of crocodile meat is the tail. That’s what they told me in the Gallery.

Since it was so massive, we could eat abundantly from the tail alone.

"Ppaeng..."

"....."

"Ppaeng... ppaeng..."

Except for Cheongseol.

Cheongseol stared at the golden-brown, grilled tail meat and pleaded with me.

Asking if she could have some too. Begging for just a single bite.

Cheongseol had already eaten World Tree roots. So her stomach should have been full by now.

It seemed her greed for food had simply been triggered by the sight of something delicious.

"No. You’ll get in trouble with your mom if you do."

"Ppaaaaeng..."

Cheongseol stared intently at me with wide, teary eyes.

I quietly locked eyes with her before turning my head away.

Wonmo and Tyranno were already happily devouring the tail meat.

Judging by their blissful expressions, the tail meat must be truly delicious.

"Mmm..."

"Ppaaaaeng..."

Cheongseol flailed one of her short front legs. She looked utterly pitiful.

I agonized over it internally before finally letting out a sigh.

’She already ate the World Tree roots, so a little snack should be fine.’

Considering Cheongseol’s appetite, this would literally be nothing more than a light snack.

But I had to warn her strictly. I cautioned her before handing over the tail meat.

"I’ll give you the meat. But you must absolutely never tell your mom, okay?"

"Ppaeng?"

"The moment your mom finds out, I’m dead."

This wasn’t a metaphor; I could literally die.

Regardless of my worries, Cheongseol smiled brightly upon seeing the mouth-wateringly cooked tail meat.

"Amnyamnyamnyam!"

She wagged her tail as she ate deliciously.

I patted Cheongseol’s head and shifted my gaze.

The river was flowing vigorously. I wondered what lay at the end of it.

’Judging by the direction, it doesn’t seem to be toward the lake.’

Now that winter had passed, it was time to explore in earnest. I began to prepare.

Although the number of companions had increased, I didn’t mind.

There was absolutely nothing bad about having more companions.

Cheolgeureok-

[I am ready.]

"Hey. Don’t just ride alone, how about giving me a lift too?"

After continuous practice, Cain had become able to ride a horse even in the Dullahan’s body.

Of course, if a complex situation like combat arose, only the Dullahan would move, but still.

[As I said before, you are already a horse. Do you not have a sloth riding on your back?]

"..."

I had nothing to say to that. I grumbled inwardly.

Soon, after making thorough preparations, we began to head down along the river.

At first, because the direction differed from the path leading down to the lake, I assumed the destination would be different.

However,

"Ah. What the. The end was the lake after all?"

It was entirely my misunderstanding. The end of the river was the all-too-familiar lake.

It seemed that since I didn’t have a compass, I hadn’t noticed that the direction had drifted.

However, there was also a difference compared to back then. Specifically, the creatures inhabiting the lake.

Before, there were only crabs, but now, crayfish were scattered everywhere.

It seemed that after a territorial battle between the crabs and the crayfish, the crayfish had emerged victorious.

"Since we’re already here, let’s gather some of these before we go."

"They look delicious."Follow the newest chapters on novelping dot com.

They are our excellent food source now.

I packed the crayfish into my backpack. It seemed there would be no food issues for the time being.

Once I felt we had gathered enough, I immediately prepared to head back.

It would be troublesome if we lingered too long and a giant crayfish appeared.

"Ppaek."

"Huh? Cheongseol?"

Just as we were about to head back, Cheongseol climbed down from my shoulder.

Since she had done nothing but lick my cheek all the way here, I felt puzzled.

Cheongseol looked around, then suddenly scurried off somewhere.

The moment I hurriedly followed her, wondering if she had found something.

Jjwaaaak!

As if proving that a Nidhogg is still a Nidhogg even as a hatchling, she ripped space wide open.

Visible beyond the torn space was a blue background. It was the World Tree roots.

Ssok!

Cheongseol slipped through the hole. Soon after, the space slowly mended itself.

I wondered if she had vanished all by herself, leaving us behind, but that wasn’t the case.

Jjwaaaaak!!!

Because a space far larger than before was ripped open.

It was a space large enough for Kirin and Largo to pass through easily.

"Keureureuk."

And inside, a giant-sized Cheongseol was waiting for us.

I stared blankly at that sight, then asked in a half-doubting voice,

"By any chance, are you telling us to come inside?"

"Keureureuk."

At that, she nodded with a bright smile.

Though I felt slightly taken aback for a moment, I stepped inside just as Cheongseol wanted.

The other companions also followed her inside with bewildered expressions.

"Oh..."

[What a beautiful sight.]

Ludwig and Cain, who were seeing the World Tree roots for the first time, reacted in turn.

Since I had already seen this scenery, instead of admiring it, I looked around and spotted a ’cave’ located right in front of us.

"Cheongseol. Is that by any chance..."

"Keureuk."

She nodded as if to say I was correct.

Filled with anticipation, I stepped inside the cave.

And then, the moment we passed through the cave, the scenery of the Shelter came into view.

I had harbored doubts, but with Cheongseol’s help, we had returned to the Shelter in an instant.

"Ppaaaaek."

As we passed through the cave, Cheongseol’s size naturally shrank back down.

I looked at her, then spoke with a deep smile.

"Is there anything else you want to eat?"

A true blessing had rolled right in.

While Grylls was marveling at Cheongseol’s ability,

the Demonic Cult was currently going through an incredibly busy time.

They were moving to keep the Imperial Court in check while simultaneously working toward the unification of the martial world.

To catch two rabbits at once, they had no choice but to move swiftly.

’I wonder if the Heaven is doing well?’

The busiest among them was, without a doubt, the Demonic Brain, Wi Seol-ak.

Although the master of the Demonic Cult was the Heavenly Demon, Yoo So-wol, the actual administrative power was held by Wi Seol-ak.

With a single command of his, the entire Demonic Cult moved.

’I just hope she doesn’t do anything strange.’

Currently, Yoo So-wol had set out for the unification of the martial world.

For Wi Seol-ak, whose sources of stress had decreased boundlessly, it was exceptionally peaceful.

Every single day, his insides had rotted away due to Yoo So-wol’s eccentricities, but not anymore.

Yoo So-wol, who had declared she would become the Heaven in earnest, was showing new strides every day.

Wi Seol-ak also received reports of her actions moment by moment and issued orders to his subordinates.

’Well, even so, the posts uploaded to the Gallery are probably faster.’

No matter how fast the reports were, they couldn’t beat the Gallery.

Moreover, Yoo So-wol was not only strong, but her appearance was also beautiful.

So much so that one of the aliases she obtained when she first emerged into the martial world had ’Flower’ attached to it.

Of course, it was a terrifying moniker: ’Yaksha Blood Flower’.

In any case, since she was famous for her beauty, news would spread quickly the moment she showed her face.

’If she wore a Satgat or a veil, it might be different, but...’

That would only draw attention in its own way.

Because of this, Wi Seol-ak browsed through the Gallery whenever he had a spare moment.

Just in case there was any story related to the Heavenly Demon, Yoo So-wol.

Title) What is up with this bastard?

(Photo of a woman carrying a flowerpot)

(Photo of a woman carrying a flowerpot 2)

Why the fuck is this bitch carrying a flowerpot around? Her roleplaying concept is fucking unique.

ㄴGo break that flowerpot and see what happens.

ㄴBut even though she covered her face with a veil, she looks like she’d be pretty.

ㄴI heard there are all kinds of weird people in the Central Plains, and it seems to be true.

...Wi Seol-ak’s assumption was correct. Even with a veil, she was drawing attention.

However, most of the reactions amounted to nothing more than treating Yoo So-wol as a weird person.

Wi Seol-ak decided to let this part slide. It wasn’t just once or twice that Yoo So-wol acted weird, after all.

’I heard she was heading to the region where the Martial Arts Tournament is being held this time, right?’

Yes. He had definitely heard so.

Even though she had declared it, the news had not yet spread widely across the Central Plains.

If she won the Martial Arts Tournament and then personally ’declared’ the unification of the martial world, there would be no better effect than that.

’Surely she won’t be holding a flowerpot in her hands when she participates there, right?’

Wi Seol-ak was swept with anxiety.

He prayed that Yoo So-wol would act with common sense, but...

"Excuse me... customer? Perhaps you should set down that flowerpot..."

"Do you dare command this lady?"

"It’s not that, but to participate in the tournament, you must also register your weapon."

"This is not a weapon. It is merely an object of this lady’s affection."

"Sigh..."

The day Yoo So-wol let go of her ’benefactor’s’ gift would absolutely never come.