Gallery 9 - Dumpster

I Gained a Gallery in the Wild - Eps 9 Forest of the Four Seasons (4)

I have no thoughts.

Because I have absolutely no thoughts at all.

After returning to the cave, I just sat there zoning out.

I can’t believe the reality I’m in right now. I desperately wish it were just a dream.

But time passes, and nothing changes. This godforsaken place is the Forest of Four Seasons, and I woke up here.

I couldn't help but lose my mind. Thanks to that, I spent the entire day writing gloomy, despair-filled shitposts on the Gallery.

---

Title: Real-time Five Stages of Death

[Stop freaking out. Let me look a bit more.]

Denial

[Why me? Damn it, what the fuck did I do wrong?]

Anger

[Will someone come get me? I'll be your slave for life.]

Bargaining

[Send me home. I want to eat the leftover kimchi stew from yesterday.]

Depression

Those are the titles of posts Grills wrote in real-time, yea yea

Now only Acceptance remains

---

ㄴ Lmaooo

ㄴ Lmfao

ㄴ This is science lolol

ㄴ What’s kimchi stew?

ㄴ Dunno?

ㄴ StarlightPrincess) How sad.... Terminal like me....

ㄴ Not really terminal

ㄴ Starlight Princess) Really?

ㄴ More like a fly’s lifespan?

ㄴ Lmaoo

ㄴ That's accurate lol

ㄴ StarlightPrincess) You’re really mean

Some user kindly recorded even the timeline. Seeing that made me chuckle.

In truth, I was thinking about moving into the acceptance stage soon. No point in staying stuck in place crying.

I don’t know why I’m stuck doing this, but I can’t always run from reality.

‘There must be some way out... right? There has to be.’

The gallery told me. The entire Forest of Four Seasons region is a barrier.

Even if you break through one barrier, another appears, and the broken barrier somehow repairs itself with a different pattern at some point.

This applies not only to the ground but also to the underground and the sky. This is why you can never come out once you enter.

‘First, I need to figure out the extent of this forest I’m in.’

On the off chance I have to settle, I should thoroughly check out the area around me.

It would be the height of absurdity to lose my way when the cave is right in front of me.

Problem is, that kind of tragedy apparently happens a lot here, so I need to be careful.

'Let’s head to the river first. I should check if the water is drinkable.'

I was too mentally broken yesterday to check. I was so upset I wanted to cry.

Forest water should generally be drinkable. What I want to check is what lives in that water.

In a place teeming with monstrous creatures like anaconda-sized snakes and bear-sized owls, can the waterside be safe?

Wouldn’t be shocking if there were fish that eat people. I could die just trying to drink.

'If it's just drinkable, I could make this cave my home.'

Two days have passed, and apart from the original owner, the Mad Dog, no one has come.

Sure, an Owl Bear passed by, but let’s forget that. I ran away quickly.

Moreover, this place is suitable for defense, so I’ll probably stay here for a while.

'Would it be better to eat Byeokgokdan and endure it?'

This was a bit worrying. I thought about it and got up from my seat.

For now, I’m planning to head to the river first. I’ll think about the rest after I come back.

Or maybe I’ll put up a poll on the gallery. By the way, I’ll set it so only fixed nickname can vote.

There are simply too many people with the ‘who cares if it's not my business?’ attitude. It's not collective intelligence; it's collective ignorance.

Wheeeeng—

"Wow. What is this?"

As soon as I arrived at the stream I had been eyeing yesterday, I couldn’t help but marvel.

Are there dangerous beasts? No.

Are there man-eating fish? Nope, not that either.

Not because of anything else, but because of the scenery across the stream. It was definitely just a desert until yesterday.

---

Title: Hey guys. Look at this.

Author: WildGrills

(Photo of a snow-covered mountain visible across the stream)

Yesterday it was a desert, but today it’s snowy mountains.

What will it be tomorrow? Hehe

---

ㄴ Forest of the Four Seasons confirmed! Ding ding!

ㄴ No ;; What is this? ;;

ㄴ Wow.... What should one say at times like this?

ㄴ StarlightPrincess) Just cheer them on, that's all

ㄴ SwordMaster) Excuse me, but you're not a criminal, are you?

ㄴ WildGrills) I once took money from my mom’s wallet?

ㄴ SwordMaster) Didn’t you say you were an orphan?

ㄴ WildGrills) I had one a long time ago....

ㄴ SwordMaster) (ᵕ—ᴗ—) I'm sorry

ㄴ WildGrills) is ok, is ok, I'm used to it

ㄴ SwordMaster) I've also taken money from my mother’s wallets before haha ;;

ㄴ WildGrills) Why aren’t you coming to get me already?

ㄴ SwordMaster) I’m busy with work

ㄴ WildGrills) What work?

ㄴ SwordMaster) I'm a home security guard haha

ㄴ Just say you're freeloader lolol

ㄴ Lolololol

ㄴ What should we do with Grills for real?

ㄴ I don’t even know anymore lol

ㄴ Just let them survive on their own

ㄴ Shouldn't we give them disaster relief funds? lolol

ㄴ HeavenlyDemon) The mountain is beautiful

ㄴ ChengguPrincess) Indeed~. Just like my face haha

ㄴ HeavenlyDemon)?

ㄴ ?

ㄴ ?

ㄴ ?

ㄴ ChengguPrincess) Fuck you, if you don’t like it let’s fight it out~

ㄴ HeavenlyDemon) Where do you live?

Now they’re even stamping their approval. I let out a hollow laugh.

The area across the stream that was a desert until yesterday is now a snow-covered mountain today. And not just any mountains—ones covered in pure white snow.

For a moment, I wondered if I had come to the wrong place, but that didn’t make sense either. A snowy mountain right next to a desert?

The boundary is super clear. It wasn’t a gradual change; the environment itself was completely different on either side of the stream.

'Is someone messing with me?'

I sighed and approached the stream. Seeing the many minnows, the water quality seems good.

At least that’s a silver lining. I should bring the water bottle HeavenlyDemon gave me later.

Still, I need to check first, just in case. I started by checking the depth.

Splash—

As soon as I put my hand in, questions arose before the refreshing coolness registered. For a moment, I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me.

But the deeper I pushed my arm, the deeper it went. I couldn’t feel the bottom.

The water was so crystal clear that it was much deeper than it looks.

'This should be enough.'

It’s not super deep though. It's a depth one could cross if needed.

Of course, there's no reason to cross since there's a snow mountain on the other side. Unless I'm thinking of suicide, that is.

“Ribbit.”

"Huh?"

It happened right after I pulled my arm out of the river. I heard a weird sound near my ear.

Judging by how close it sounded, it must be right around here. I turned my head in the direction of the sound.

"Ribbit."

"...F rog?"

A frog, and a golden one at that. The frog was perched on a rock in the middle of the river.

Even if I don’t know much else, the fact that its entire body is shimmering gold makes it feel even more dangerous.

Creatures with such vivid colors usually carry some kind of ‘poison’.

I should probably distance myself. Above all else, I should absolutely avoid poison.

Even if it's not poisonous, its size is about that of a small dog, which makes it creepy.

"Croaaakkkkk!"

"Huh? Huuuh?"

Just as I was about to leave, the golden frog pulled a sudden move.

Not only did it stand proudly on its long legs, but it also tilted its head back.

In that position, it made a sound like a human clearing their throat, and then its tilted head snapped forward.

“Ptooey!!”

Pew!

A sticky liquid was fired like a bullet from the frog's mouth. Straight at my face.

I was so startled that I barely managed to move. The sticky golden liquid grazed past me by a hair's breadth.

Soon, the golden liquid hit the center of a tree behind me.

Tssssssss!!

"Wow. Holy crap."

I was amazed at the sight of the tree melting. So it wasn't deadly poison but acid?

But there was no time to be amazed. The frog was already reloading, throwing its head back again.

Getting away from here is the priority now. I hurriedly fled before it could spit again.

“Ptoo!”

"Ugh!"

I narrowly missed this time too. If I hadn’t ducked, it would’ve hit the back of my head.

Fortunately, the frog didn't pursue me. It seemed to recognize the river as its territory.

"Huff... Huff..."

After desperately making it back to the cave, I caught my breath. I don't know what kind of suffering this is.

I finally found clean water, only to be blocked by a frog. It's absurd.

‘And the river’s too deep to approach easily…’

It would be great if I had a bow, but that’s out of the question. I don’t even know how to use one.

It definitely wasn’t there yesterday. Maybe it showed up because I put my hand in the water today.

Now I’m not even sure if I can drink safely. Worst case, that thing might spit into the river itself.

---

Title: Hey guys, I found a golden frog.

Author: WildGrills

No photo since I was running away

This bastard spits acid. Anyone know what it is?

---

ㄴ A frog that spits acid? What kind of frog is that lol

ㄴ This Four Seasons Forest tall tale is getting out of hand lol

ㄴ Looking at the lack of photos, it's 99% a lie, ye ye

ㄴ AllFather) Did you find that in the river by any chance?

While useless questions were piling up, one fixed nickname asked a question. It was AllFather.

AllFather’s the type who only occasionally comments and then disappears. He doesn't post much.

If they do, it’s usually about magic or alchemy. Most of their posts are filled with technical jargon, so I ignored them.

He's kind of like a professor. He usually speaks formally, so I was polite to him too.

ㄴ WildGrills) Yes, found it at the river. The moment I put my hand in, it spat at me.

ㄴ AllFather) How big was it?

ㄴ WildGrills) About the size of a small dog.

ㄴ AllFather) I suppose it grew larger due to being in the Forest of Four Seasons. They're normally about the size of a finger joint.

ㄴ WildGrills) Do you know what it is?

ㄴ AllFather) Yes. Its official scientific is the Golden Poison Frog. It’s a rare species that only appears in clean water, and its poison is so potent that many people have died trying to capture it. Be careful.

ㄴ WildGrills) So it’s not acid but poison? ;;

ㄴ AllFather) Its poison is so strong that it has a similar effect.

There really are all kinds of animals out there. A frog that spits poison so powerful it's comparable to acid.

Not to mention, the entire river is like a natural fortress for that thing.

It’s like an archer firing from atop a castle wall.

'No matter what, I just want to drink water safely....'

If I keep showing my face, that frog might just camp out waiting for me. This is quite a pain.

While I was agonizing over what to do, notifications kept blowing up. These days, I feel like all sorts of comments appear whenever I post.

ㄴ AllFather) If you catch the Golden Poison Frog, I'll give you 20,000 gold. I'd like to research it.

ㄴ Are you just politely telling them to die?

ㄴ For real lol

ㄴ If you catch that thing, I'll give you 50,000 gold lolol

ㄴ WildGrills) I kinda do have to catch it…. Otherwise I can’t drink water…. Any other advice?

ㄴ AllFather) I’m sorry, but it’s such a rare species that there’s little known about it in the academic world. I only know that it's primarily active in the morning. You might need an antidote.

ㄴ Then I guess you can go in the evening to drink water, ye ye

ㄴ WildGrills) Evening is more dangerous ;;

ㄴ Something shows up?

ㄴ WildGrills) It's dangerous precisely because I don't know what might come out

There’s no clear strategy for this situation. In the end, I’ll have to figure it out myself.

It’s a gateway to securing drinking water. To do that, I need to make thorough preparations.

'But I should return the compasses first.'

I plan to return all of them to their original owners, except for the one HeavenlyDemon gave me.

First, I posted publicly so everyone could see, then five minutes later I initiated trades.

I first sent a trade request to a fixed nickname called StarlightPrincess.

Perhaps because they lives on the gallery all day, they accepted immediately after I sent the request.

[WildGrills: Hello. I requested a trade to return your compass.]

[StarlightPrincess: Ah. Yes! You didn't have to return it...]

[WildGrills: The one HeavenlyDemon gave me is enough. The rest are hard to carry around.]

[StarlightPrincess: I understand. Let's both stay strong.]

[WildGrills: Thank you. I wish you a speedy recovery.]

They really do seem to be sick. They have a kind personality too.

Next is LongLivetheSun. A fixed nickname presumed to be a Dark Elf.

[WildGrills: Hello. I initiated this trade to return your compass.]

[LongLivetheSun: You keep it.]

[WildGrills: But I have a conscience, so I should return it.]

[LongLivetheSun: I don't accept pocket money?]

[WildGrills: (ᵕ—ᴗ—)]

So cool it's embarrassing. But since they helped me, it’s only right to repay the favor.

When I said I would repay the kindness if I obtained something good later, a peculiar reply came.

[LongLivetheSun: I like you. Do you need anything else? Looks like you need a shield.]

[WildGrills: I do need one, but I’ll buy it with money. I sold that Iron Scale Snake or whatever.]

[LongLivetheSun: I won't accept pocket money.]

[WildGrills: No ;; You're a Dark Elf, right?]

[LongLivetheSun: Yeah]

[WildGrills: Are all Dark Elves rich?]

The Dark Elves I know are a race that stands in opposition to the Elves. Same roots, but totally different tendencies.

Unlike Elves, who love peace, Dark Elves don’t shy away from dirty tactics, but they don’t cross the line either.

Their philosophy is closer to cultivate strength for the sake of peace. Perhaps because of this, they're somewhat lacking in sociability.

Of course, that’s just what I know. I shouldn’t apply my knowledge to this world.

Even the Elves here are far from peaceful. They’re steeped in imperialism.

[LongLivetheSun: There are many wealthy ones, yeah? Sethan produces abundant gold and resources. Isn't that common knowledge, no?]

[WildGrills: I don't know much since I came from another world.]

[LongLivetheSun: That wasn’t just your ‘concept?’]

[WildGrills: It's real though...]

Believe it or not, it doesn't matter. I’m stuck in this forest where I can’t meet anyone anyway, so origin doesn’t matter.

LongLivetheSun must’ve realized that and just went along.

[LongLivetheSun: Anyway, Dark Elves are nicer and gentler than those crazy boomer Elves. Got it?]

[WildGrills: Sounds like you’re emphasizing that. Was it different in the past?]

[LongLivetheSun: We used to be the opposite. But after we settled in the desert and got loaded, people became more generous. In the old days, we only faced discrimination, so our temperament was nasty.]

[WildGrills: That's realistic.]

[LongLivetheSun: Still, don't look down on us. Having survived in the desert, we're exceptionally good at combat, if nothing else.]

[WildGrills: I don’t plan to. Is there anything else I should be careful about?]

[LongLivetheSun: Call us ‘Darkies’ and you're dead. No, I'll curse you to death.]

It’s kind of like the position of Black people on Earth. People who are usually cheerful, but they can become terrifying if you provoke them.

Since discrimination here goes beyond race to entire species, I need to be careful.

‘Guess I’ll take it slow and see.’

Even though it's anonymous, making openly discriminatory remarks against species doesn't align with my character.

Moreover, since I need to build goodwill, accumulating only ill will would ultimately hurt me.

[LongLivetheSun has registered a trade item.]

[LongLivetheSun: I'll give you this, so give me something good for the body if you have it. I don't have time, so accept quickly.]

[WildGrills: Thank you. I won’t forget this favor.]

[LongLivetheSun: Cool. Take care of yourself.]

Is it that only kind people are on the gallery? Or is it just the fixed nickname who are kind?

I ended the connection with LongLivetheSun. As soon as I did, I checked the item sent to me.

"....?"

I couldn’t help but be stunned. The item they sent was dazzlingly shiny.

It looked roughly like a shield, but its surface was completely covered in gold.

Literally a golden shield. Just how filthy rich is this guy to be sending me something like this?

‘…Will it perform well?'

I examined the gleaming golden shield from various angles and then put it on.

It was lighter than I thought, so it was comfortable, but I thought it would be good to test how durable it is.

Though I don't plan on using HeavenlyDemon’s Sword. It might just get damaged for no reason.

'Next is ChengguPrincess, right?'

What a unique name. Judging by the nickname alone, they seem to be female.

But 90% of people who live on the gallery are, well, abnormal. Wonder what this one’s like?

[WildGrills: Hello. I requested a trade to return your compass.]

[ChengguPrincess: Hello~. You just keep that~.]

A response similar to LongLivetheSun’s came back. They said they don’t need the compass.

I wondered if there really are only kind people, but thinking about it, this might be natural.

These are the people who willingly gave me the compass as soon as I posted. That’s why it’s even more important to build relationships.

[WildGrills: I have a conscience, so I should return it. It's just that I have nothing to give you right now.]

[ChengguPrincess: Then cheer for our Chaeyu team~. That's enough~.]

[WildGrills: I don't know much about this world, but what kind of team is Chaeyu?]

I know there are sports-like activities in this world, but I don’t really know the details of each one.

It’s a completely different world with diverse species. It’s bound to be entirely different from what I’m used to.

[ChengguPrincess: Oh my! You don't know Chaeyu, the most famous and authentic team in Mephisto~?! You've missed out on half of life~!]

[WildGrills: That remaining life is hanging by a thread.]

[ChengguPrincess: Ah! I'm sorry~! You have a mayfly's lifespan~!]

It’s true that I have mayfly's lifespan, but hearing it so bluntly is sad. Why did my life turn out like this?

Just when I started feeling a bit down from ChengguPrincess’s bluntness.

[ChengguPrincess has registered a trade item.]

[ChengguPrincess: I'll give you this, and from now on, you're a Chaeyu stan~.]

[WildGrills: What did you give me?]

[ChengguPrincess: The most famous Neves and Vanir uniforms ~! The material is great, so wear them around ~. I’ll send you two sets each for home and away games ~.]

[WildGrills: Ah. Yes...]

I felt a little nervous. Fortunately, I did need clothes right about now.

I planned to pay for soap anyway, but I still need a second set of clothes while the other’s drying.

It's manageable for now, but the necessity for clothes will increase as time passes.

[ChengguPrincess: Chaemes United is a team boasting a 200-year history. I can guarantee Mr. Grills will be completely immersed in it soon~.]

[WildGrills: First, I need to check if it’s a sport I know. It might be different from what I’m used to. Anyway, thank you so much for the clothes.]

[ChengguPrincess: Don't mention it~. But I have one favor to ask~.]

[WildGrills: What is it?]

[ChengguPrincess: There’s a knockoff team called Chaemes City, but please ignore them! They’re bankrolled by Sethan’s filthy gold money. They lack authenticity~, authenticity.]

"...."

Why does a stranger give off such a familiar vibe? I couldn’t help but let out a hollow laugh.

ChengguPrincess said she would post some special videos later and told me to watch them to calm my mind before ending the conversation.

After ending the conversation, I could check the clothes she sent me, which turned out to be uniforms with names emblazoned on them.

'I can't tell what language this is.'

No clue what the names say. Did they say the gallery has an automatic translation function?

Anyway, the emblem on the chest looks kinda cool. As ChengguPrincess said, it gives off an authentic feeling.

Not just the design, but the color mix of white and blue is actually really pretty.

Might not blend into the wild too well, but clothes are clothes, and I need them.

'The material’s good too?'

It's also a material with excellent elasticity. I think it'll be useful in many ways.

My smile was short-lived as I immediately went to the gallery to check posts.

ChengguPrincess said they would post something soon, so I planned to leave a thank-you comment.

[Chaemes United Special Collection]

I clicked on that post without delay.

"Huh?"

I couldn’t help but widen my eyes as I watched the video they posted.

'This is football, isn't it?'

Why is football here?

'Then is there baseball too?'

Sometimes psychos would appear—could that be why?



|Note

Yep, can confirm those people is either mentally ill or just psychos. Not everyone of course. I don’t know if it’s another country, but mine is. Also, I think the author used Manchester city and Manchester united as reference. I’m not a football person so I don’t know the detail. As much as I want to say I like their passion about sport, sometimes they just take it too far.