I Got a Gallery in the Wild - Chapter 60

Are you familiar with the medical term PTSD? Most people probably are.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder—in other words, the mental anguish that arises from experiencing something horrific.

Even if a person’s body is injured, it can fully recover.

However, the mind is far more fragile than the body.

It is quite common for seemingly trivial matters to inflict severe psychological trauma on someone.

Furthermore, there is no set cure or timeline for wounds inflicted upon the mind.

Sometimes, they don’t even heal into scars; they simply remain as open wounds.

"Ugh..."

I was no exception. I wiped my hand down my face.

The incident where the tiger ambushed me in the dead of night. That event had played out in my dreams.

Even though it was just a dream, it felt incredibly vivid. The beast’s piercing eyes and razor-sharp fangs.

Specifically, the moment my right shoulder was bitten, I jolted awake in sheer panic. The instant I woke up, I felt a damp chill.

Because of the nightmare, cold sweat was pouring down me like rain. I immediately checked my surroundings.

Fortunately, seeing Wonmo and Speed Sloth fast asleep, I tried to drift back to sleep, but it wasn’t easy.

I was terrified of when another predator like that tiger might ambush us. It was only natural that my sleep was ruined.

"Sigh..."

Even as morning dawned, my mind was in a daze. I wiped my face once more.

While circulating the Internal Cultivation Art allowed me to get by on less sleep, it didn’t mean I could skip sleep entirely.

Since I hadn’t met even the bare minimum requirements, fatigue was bound to accumulate.

’At least I can just circulate the mental cultivation method again...’

But even if I could relieve physical fatigue, could I relieve mental fatigue? I wasn’t sure.

I spaced out for a while before looking around.

Wonmo and Speed Sloth were still in dreamland.

’Must be nice.’

I didn’t know about Speed Sloth, but I was truly envious of Wonmo. He could sleep without a single care in the world.

But throwing a pity party like this was utterly pointless. Besides, once Wonmo grew up, he would assist with hunting.

I shook my head and quietly logged into the Gallery. I had woken up so early that I hadn’t even checked the time.

’It’s only 6:00 AM.’

I usually woke up around 8:00 AM. Today, I had woken up a whole two hours early.

Since that damn dream had ruined my sleep, there was nothing I could do about it.

It seemed better to spend the remaining time circulating my Internal Cultivation Art.

That way, I could at least start the day feeling a bit refreshed.

’Slowly, just as she taught me...’

I closed my eyes and circulated the mental cultivation method. As always, I guided the mana to flow through my body.

Normally, this would relieve my fatigue, but a certain memory kept tormenting me.

[Keuaaaa!]

The desperate struggle against the Saber-toothed Tiger in the dead of night.

Its height, towering far above my eye level, its massive forepaws, and its razor-sharp fangs.

Those images kept flashing in my mind, disrupting my focus. I couldn’t concentrate at all.

I could clearly feel my heart pounding wildly and cold sweat dripping down my skin.

"..."

In the end, I had no choice but to open my eyes and stop circulating the mental cultivation method.

How could I resolve this? I pondered for a moment before letting out a sigh.

’I have no choice but to ask Heavenly Demon-nim.’

I felt like I needed to seek advice from either Heavenly Demon or Sword Matstar.

When I logged into the Gallery, some time had already passed, and it was now 6:30 AM.

’If it’s 6:30... I wonder if she’s awake yet?’

I knew that elderly people didn’t sleep much. Still, I wondered if sending a message right now would be rude.

I thought about it, then chuckled. It was the Gallery anyway.

It wasn’t like she’d get an instant push notification, so there was no reason for it to be a nuisance. I was just leaving a message.

Heavenly Demon-nim. Are you there?

[Wild Grylls: If you’re around, please contact me.]

[Heavenly Demon: This lady is always waiting.]

You woke up early today.

But she replied the very instant I sent the message.

Don’t tell me she was on the Gallery all night? I couldn’t help but suspect it.

Or maybe it was just good timing. She probably woke up early and logged into the Gallery.

Pushing aside my mild bewilderment, I brought up the concern I had been harboring.

Actually, a concern has come up.

[Wild Grylls: I wanted to consult with you, Heavenly Demon-nim.]

[Heavenly Demon: A consultation from you? That sounds like quite a significant matter.]

It’s not a huge problem.

[Wild Grylls: It’s just that my concentration scatters every time I try to practice the Internal Cultivation Art.]

[Heavenly Demon: Your concentration scatters...? Surely you haven’t fallen into a Heart Demon?]

It’s not to that extent.

What happened is...

I explained the details to Heavenly Demon.

I had lost sleep because of a nightmare about the Saber-toothed Tiger’s ambush.

Putting the lack of sleep aside, that memory kept resurfacing every time I tried to circulate the mental cultivation method.

I tried to ignore it somehow, but I just couldn’t calm down, and so on.

Speaking so candidly made me feel much lighter.

However, feeling lighter and actually resolving the issue were two different things. I quietly awaited Heavenly Demon’s reply.

[Heavenly Demon: I see what the matter is.]

This lady once had a similar experience as well.

Whenever that memory surfaces, does your heart not race and cold sweat pour down?

Ah! Yes! That’s exactly it!

I hadn’t even mentioned that part, yet Heavenly Demon immediately pinpointed the symptoms.

An expert is truly an expert. My trust in Heavenly Demon skyrocketed.

[Heavenly Demon: It is because not just your mind, but your body also vividly remembers what happened back then.]Get faster updates on novelpin⁠g.com.

The fear of death has been engraved into your very flesh.

That’s rather abstract.

[Wild Grylls: Is there no solution?]

[Heavenly Demon: Of the mind and body, a wound inflicted upon the ’mind’ is difficult to heal.]

There is no choice but to overcome it, rather than heal it.

You just have to put in effoooooort. I let out a hollow laugh at Heavenly Demon’s response.

To be honest, I had expected this to some extent, but hearing even an expert say it made me feel empty inside.

It wasn’t a matter of anyone’s incompetence; it simply meant that healing a wound of the heart was just that difficult.

It’s tough.

[Wild Grylls: How did you overcome it, Heavenly Demon-nim?]

[Heavenly Demon: I ground my teeth, steeled my resolve, and overcame it by breaking that very existence.]

Have you not already broken the Saber-toothed Tiger?

Yes. But since it was a night ambush, it keeps coming back to me.

[Heavenly Demon]

If so, recall how you broke that tiger.

Visualize yourself standing proudly after breaking the tiger.

That will make things a bit easier for you.

Thank you for the advice.

[Heavenly Demon: Reciting the mnemonic this lady taught you while visualizing it will also serve as an excellent solution.]

This was Heavenly Demon, teaching me how to overcome rather than just heal. Now this was true advice.

I expressed my gratitude to her and did exactly as she instructed.

’I was ambushed by the tiger, yes, but overwrite that with the memory of breaking the bastard.’

The Saber-toothed Tiger was undoubtedly strong. Without Speed Sloth’s help, I would have died several times over.

But I broke it. Through countless hardships and tribulations, I broke the Mountain Lord.

Even though we collapsed together, I was the one who survived like this.

And the Saber-toothed Tiger left behind its hide and meat, turning into excellent sustenance.

The wild is not a place where the strong survive.

It is the survivor who is strong.

’Finally, if I recite the mnemonic Heavenly Demon taught me...’

I controlled my mind and body while reciting the mnemonic Heavenly Demon had taught me.

I visualized myself standing proudly, stepping on the back of the Saber-toothed Tiger.

Dugeun! Dugeun— dugeun—

My wildly pounding heart gradually settled, and the mana inside my body regained its stability.

Before I knew it, both my body and mind fell into a deep tranquility.

"..."

After a moment, I slowly opened my eyes.

My eyes, which had been fatigued from the ruined sleep, felt completely clear.

Not just my eyes, but all of my overall fatigue had vanished.

A refreshing sensation, as if I had just woken up from a deep, peaceful slumber.

I smiled at the indescribable freshness.

’As expected of Heavenly Demon. She’s truly someone I can rely on.’

My respect for her swelled up inside me.

I immediately logged into the Gallery to express my gratitude to Heavenly Demon.

’What? Two hours have already passed?’

I thought it had only been a brief moment, but time had flown by.

Though briefly startled by the illusion of lost time, I sent a message to Heavenly Demon.

[Wild Grylls: Heavenly Demon-nim, thank you so much. Thanks to you, my mind and body feel completely clear.]

[Heavenly Demon: It seems to have had an effect.]

Keep this in mind.

No matter how strong the opponent may be, only the one standing at the very end can reach the heavens.

I will keep that in mind.

[Wild Grylls: I will engrave those words into my heart.]

[Heavenly Demon: This lady cannot hide her joy at your growth.]

I hope you will rise to the same heights as this lady in the near future.

I’ll work hard for that.

Of course, simply working hard wouldn’t be enough. Besides, Heavenly Demon was far stronger than me.

Becoming as strong as her was nothing more than a pipe dream for now.

’But there’s no harm in getting stronger.’

In the wild, where all kinds of dangers lurked, strength was an absolute necessity.

I stepped outside with a body and mind far more refreshed than before.

As I stepped out, a breeze cooler than yesterday’s welcomed me.

’The weather is great, too.’

It was the perfect weather for exploring. I immediately posted a thread.

Title) A Vigorous and Strong Morning!

Wild Grylls

If anyone asks, I am Wild Grylls! Day 7 begins!

ㄴSword Matstar) Your posts are always so energetic. Nothing happened last night, right?

ㄴWild Grylls) I tossed and turned a bit because of a nightmare, but I’m fine.

ㄴSword Matstar) A nightmare?

ㄴWild Grylls) Yes. I dreamed that a tiger ambushed me. I’m okay now, though.

ㄴSword Matstar) I’m glad you’re okay. Keep working hard to get stronger today so we can get married soon.

ㄴWild Grylls) Excuse me?

ㄴHeavenly Demon) Hahaha. My stomach hurts from laughing.

ㄴSword Matstar) What’s with that ridicule? I’m being serious here.

ㄴHeavenly Demon) Hahahahaha.

ㄴSword Matstar) ㅡㅡ;;

ㄴPraise the Sun) You’re up. I’ll send a trade request in a bit, so accept it. I’m gonna give you an absolutely killer shield.

ㄴWild Grylls) Thank you. Should I give you a Mature Mandrake in return?Follow the newest chapters on novelpin⁠g.com.

ㄴPraise the Sun) Just give me one. I’ll give it to my son this time.

ㄴWild Grylls) You have a son too?

ㄴPraise the Sun) Young friend. I’m a Dark Elf over 500 years old.

ㄴWild Grylls) Ah, I see. Please wait a moment. I’ll give it to you right away.

ㄴPassing Dwarf) Hey. What about my drinking snacks? You’re giving them to me today, right?

ㄴWild Grylls) I’ll give them to you, so don’t worry. I’m leaving as soon as I get the shield.

ㄴPassing Dwarf) Ok

ㄴWild Grylls) But are you seriously planning to drink first thing in the morning?

ㄴPassing Dwarf) Why not?

ㄴWild Grylls) Your liver’s gonna give out at this rate, you punk;;

ㄴLeave him be. Dwarves are the kind of guys who’d keep drinking even if they got jaundice.

ㄴYeah, true. That’s why their average lifespan is similar to humans haha

ㄴDidn’t they say their life expectancy was 150 years?

ㄴProbably around that. But because of their livers, they end up dying around age 65.

ㄴAlcohol probably flows through their veins instead of blood;;

ㄴWild Grylls) Ah. Right. But because of the trade limit, I can only give it to you after lunch.

ㄴPassing Dwarf) Ah, shit, I forgot about that. Orange Badge, that son of a bitch.

ㄴDon’t Abandon the Hero) ?

ㄴPassing Dwarf) I was talking about the former-former-former-former Orange Badge who ran away after putting the limit on.

ㄴhahahaha

ㄴLook at him snapping to attention in front of authority lolol

Having finished chatting with the registered and anonymous users, I took care of breakfast first.

Breakfast was the smoked meat I made yesterday. Though salty, the taste was excellent.

"Wonmo. Eat this."

"Kkyuu!"

For Wonmo, I purchased a decently sized piece of meat from the auction house.

Since Speed Sloth’s meal was also taken care of with a Fasting Pill, only one thing remained: harvesting the Mature Mandrake.

’I should go and come back quickly.’

I made some quick preparations and set off.

I didn’t bring Speed Sloth along. Since I wasn’t going to catch Golden Frogs, there was no real need.

"Keep a good eye on the house while I’m gone."

"...."

As if understanding my words, Speed Sloth nodded.

If it was Bbareumbo, I could trust him completely.

’Wonmo will probably sleep, right?’

I glanced back at the cave before resuming my walk.

Whether human or beast, a fragile baby requires a great deal of care.

In particular, raising offspring is a difficult task for all animals, regardless of species.

So, what is the most important thing to watch out for when raising a child?

Healthy food? Protection? Or love?

While all of those are correct, the single most crucial thing is this: never take your eyes off the baby.

This is the alpha and omega of parenting, because it is impossible to predict what a baby might do.

Because babies must learn about the world, they are pure and full of curiosity. And curiosity often comes with numerous dangers.

The natural curiosity that any animal should possess can sometimes invite peril.

"Kkyuu."

Wonmo, a ball of fluff with impressively shaggy fur, opened his eyes wide and bright.

Normally, he should have been taking a nap, but today his eyes were sparkling with alertness.

Those bright, alert eyes were directed toward the outside of the cave.

Looking out at the exterior, which was far brighter than the inside of the cave, Wonmo grew curious.

Why was it so bright out there? What was outside?

Should he go out? Dad (Grylls) wasn’t around anyway.

Although his hyung (Speed Sloth) was there, it didn’t seem like he would bother to stop him.

"Kkyu."

With that, Wonmo began to crawl sluggishly toward the outside. He looked ready to head right out of the cave at any moment.

And Speed Sloth watched this scene unfold in real-time.

At first, he didn’t think much of it, but soon, an ominous feeling washed over him.

Where is that guy going? The meal ticket (Grylls) isn’t even here.

Speed Sloth’s movements were slow, but his thoughts were not.

In the first place, his cognitive speed was fast enough to snatch a fired arrow out of the air.

Seueuk—

Just before Wonmo could step outside, Speed Sloth extended his arm.

A gesture telling him not to go out. Wonmo stared blankly at Speed Sloth.

But Wonmo was a cub. And at an age when curiosity was at its peak.

"Kkyuuuuu."

"...."

Wonmo completely ignored Speed Sloth’s gesture and bypassed him.

Watching this action, Speed Sloth reacted, albeit slowly.

Teop—

His ferocious claws snagged on the uniform Wonmo was wearing.

Naturally, Speed Sloth ended up being dragged along.

To avoid getting hurt, Speed Sloth wriggled his body.

"Kkyu?"

"...."

Somehow, Speed Sloth ended up riding on Wonmo’s back.

Wonmo looked back at Speed Sloth in confusion, then started moving his legs again.

An absurd yet adorable situation unfolding in Grylls’s absence.

"Kkyuu!"

"...."

And so, the bizarre adventure of Wonmo and Speed Sloth began.