Gallery 20 - Dumpster

I Gained a Gallery in the Wild - Eps 20 Owlbear (1)

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Title: A Strong and Good Morning!

(Photo of a thumbs-up)

If anyone asks, I'm Grils!

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ㄴ HeavenlyDemon) Thous is awake. . Was there anything during the night?

ㄴ WildGrills) Yes. Slept like a log. Did you sleep well, HeavenlyDemon?

ㄴ HeavenlyDemon) Mine cultivation is what it is. This One have no need for sleep.

ㄴ WildGrills) Ah, yes...

Even if interesting things happened while I was sleeping, my task remained the same.

A survival report. It's a post that announces the start of my day.

HeavenlyDemon and other familiar fixed nicknames left their greetings.

Not only fixed nicknames, but quite a few anonymous users left comments as well.

ㄴ Grills. You see the posts from dawn??

ㄴ WildGrills) What post?

ㄴ The ones about buying mature mandrakes from you. There were tons.

ㄴ WildGrills) Ah, yeah, I saw that yeye. I got a lot of trade requests.

ㄴ Are you going to sell?

Well. Like I said earlier, I’ve got no luxury for that.

I’m not lacking money, and there’s nothing in particular I need.

Most things can be bought at the auction house anyway.

Up to now, the people I traded with were those who helped me purely out of goodwill, so I had no problem trading with them.

[xxx requested a trade.]

[@@@ requested a trade.]

[ㅇㅇ requested a trade.]

Not long after, numerous trade requests flew in.

I looked at those trade requests and searched the nicknames.

Nearly all were accounts with no posts and even had recent creation dates.

Seems like they're trying to get mature mandrakes from me.

'Reject all for now.'

I need to make a post first.

I don't want to ignore them and get even more annoying problem later.

I also wanted to let the mod see how things were going.

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Title: For those who requested trades

Author: WildGrills

You all seem to want a mature mandrake, but I’m not planning to trade right now.

My situation is what it is, plus I don’t know what item you would offer in return.

So please post what items you would trade in a post.

I'll check it out and decide whether to initiate a trade.

And please avoid asking for regular trades if possible.

I might die tomorrow for all I know.

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ㄴ What? So the rumor was true?

ㄴ Makes sense if the mature mandrake is real

ㄴ But ‘I might die tomorrow’ lmaoo

ㄴ Dude’s self-awareness is chef’s kiss lololol

ㄴ Everyone will understand with that

ㄴ LongLiveTheSun) If you ever plan to sell it for money, talk to me. I’ll outbid anyone else lol

ㄴ Wow Whales 〣( ºΔº )〣

ㄴ Look at that confidence lolol

ㄴ a wealthy Dark Elf bro 〜(＞＜)〜

ㄴ DontAbandonTheHero) Hmm! I think I get what’s going on. I’ll keep watch!

ㄴ WildGrills) Thank you. Mod-nim, you need a mandrake too?"

ㄴ DontAbandonTheHero) Eek! I've never helped Grills!

ㄴ WildGrills) Bribe hehe

ㄴ DontAbandonTheHero) No way!

ㄴ lmaooo

ㄴ Bribing so confidently lmao

Having mostly sorted things out, I started my daily routine.

Sitting cross-legged to increase my body's flexibility.

Three days ago, I felt like my whole body was twisting, but now it’s slowly feeling better.

'I can learn from HeavenlyDemon soon.'

Internal energy technique or mana cultivation method.

Learning those might help me grow stronger than I am now.

HeavenlyDemon won't teach me anything strange.

'Axe work and shoveling would also become easier, right?'

After working on traps, I glanced over at the cave entrance.

The entrance to the cave was just wide enough for a Mad Dog to squeeze through.

The Owlbear, which was as big as a mountain, couldn't easily pass through.

With traps laid at the entrance, I might get lucky and bag one.

'But it's better to know its range of activity first.'

I diligently shoveled and checked the depth of the pit.

Seems good enough. All that’s left is camouflage.

Why not put sharp, pointed weapons in the pit, you ask?

If I do that carelessly, I might fall into it myself.

It’s not even deep inside the cave. It’s right at the entrance, so it’s really just a last resort.

‘Is there anything at the auction that can serve as a tarp...’

I bought a tarp to cover the top.

Then I tightly secured the edges with stones and covered it with dirt.

And so, one trap is completed. I felt proud.

'....What am I feeling proud about.'

A sigh escaped at my own situation.

It’s too soon to be happy about finishing just one.

The hardest part that’s logging remained.

Even just thinking about it made the future look bleak.

Rustle—

I suddenly heard the sound of bushes rustling near my ears.

I flinched in surprise and hunched my body.

Soon, I stared in the direction of the sound with caution.

"....."

Is it just my imagination? Nothing happened even when I glared at the bushes.

I exhaled in relief and entered the cave.

On the way in, I jumped carefully so I wouldn’t fall into my own trap.

‘Maybe I should put down a board or something?’

Having to jump each time could lead to accidents when in a hurry.

Guess I’ll learn through trial and error like this.

I hoisted the logging axe onto my shoulder and headed out.

‘I suddenly feel a new respect for lumberjacks.’

How did they manage so many trees in an era with no chainsaws?

They even built ships and houses with it.

Every day, I’m reminded of how magnificent civilization is.

As time passes, that feeling will only grow stronger.

‘Could I ask the dwarf to make a chainsaw…?’

A useless thought came to mind, but I dropped it almost immediately.

He’s probably still groaning from last night’s drinking.

Besides, I’m more concerned about how StarlightPrincess is doing.

Thump! Thump!

I started on the half-felled tree from yesterday.

A tree too thick to be cut with a saw.

But as they say, no tree won't fall after ten strikes, so it should fell if I cut it hard enough.

'I should make it fall toward the cave, right?'

For that, I needed to chop the opposite side too.

I took a short breath and walked to the other side.

Rustle—

Again, the crisp sound of rustling grass pierced my ears.

This time, I heard it for sure. I tensed up and slowly turned my body.

Rustle— Rustle—

It wasn’t my imagination. The bushes were definitely shaking.

The noise grew louder, so it was clear that they were coming my way whatever it was.

I slowly backed away, ready to flee to the cave at any moment.

Swoosh!

Finally, the source of the noise crawled out of the thick bushes.

I couldn’t help but gasp for breath as soon as I saw its face.

Sharp and piercing golden eyes. A fierce beak characteristic of a bird.

And finally, a body as large as a house.

“Kreung?”

“.....”

It’s an Owlbear. My body froze stiff with tension.

Luckily, the Owlbear didn’t attack right away.

Maybe it was its first time seeing a human in the Forest of Four Seasons.

It seemed to be sizing me up. I slowly stepped back.

“Grrrr...”

"Hoo...."

I glanced behind and estimated the distance to the cave.

Needlessly provoking the owl bear could lead to not just bleeding but death.

Thankfully, its massive build meant it probably couldn’t fit inside the cave.

'Something to divert its attention...'

I rummaged in my pocket and felt something round.

It was the byeokgokdan I had brought as emergency food.

I wondered if I could get its attention with this.

Carefully, I rolled the grain ball toward the Owlbear.

“Sniff. Sniff.”

"...."

The Owlbear began sniffing the fasting pill that had fallen to the ground.

I was able to reach the entrance while taking advantage of the gap.

Then, apparently deciding the smell was safe, the Owlbear picked it up in its beak.

"Nyam."

"...."

“Chew. Chomp-chomp.”

After savoring the taste for a while.

“Gwek! Gweeeh! Kieeehk!”

It shrieked at the byeokgokdan’s distinct bitterness.

The moment I heard that scream, I realized one thing.

If I don’t get inside the cave right now, I’ll be torn limb from limb.

'Doesn't it recognize by smell? I thought bears had a good sense of smell!'

I ran all the while murderous intent directed at me.

So this is what bloodlust feels like. My knees were going weak.

Tadat!

I recognized the trap set at the entrance of the cave and tried to dive in.

My legs and knees would get quite scraped, but it would be dangerous not to do this.

Kuung!

"Kyaaaaaaak!"

As if to prove it, a huge crash echoed from behind.

Plus with the rough roar of the Owlbear.

I felt my hair stand on end all over as I scrambled to my feet.

“Huff... huff...”

"Kyaaaaak! Kyaaaaak!"

Chwak! Chwaak!

The Owlbear's sharp claws scraped the ground. I watched the scene while catching my breath.

Its gigantic body was about halfway through the entrance. In other words, it got stuck.

Had the cave opening been slightly larger, it would've made it through.

And thanks to the trap, the bear’s characteristic short legs didn’t reach the ground.

'N- Now's my chance.'

There was no time to stand there watching. I immediately grabbed a different weapon other than the axe.

It was the crossbow I had obtained from PassingDwarf.

I loaded it with a regular arrow rather than a harpoon.

Even a normal arrow should be enough with dwarven craftsmanship.

Fwip! Thunk!

No need for precise aiming. Just shooting would hit its face.

"Kyaaaaah!"

The arrow embedded in its eye, sending the Owlbear into a frenzy.

Its strength was so intense it shook the cave itself.

My relief lasted only a moment before I realized part of the cave entrance was starting to collapse under its tremendous power.

'I'm fucked...!'

The moment the entrance collapses, my life is over.

Thunk! Crack! Snap!

I wasted no time firing the crossbow repeatedly.

The more arrows stuck in its face, the more the owl bear went berserk, showing no signs of calming down.

'Does this bastard brainless?'

I fired not only arrows but even the harpoon.

The final harpoon pierced its remaining eye. With this, Owlbear lost his sight.

But it was trashing around so violently that I couldn’t approach.

'Spear! Right. Buy a spear!'

I hurriedly opened the gallery and bought a spear at the auction house.

No time for reviews or price checks. A spear would suffice.

Looking at the still-rampaging Owlbear, I gripped the spear with both hands.

"Haaah!"

Boom!

And drove the spear straight into its forehead.

Whether by luck or not, the spear blade lodged precisely in the center of its forehead.

I pressed down with all my strength before the Owlbear could go any crazier.

"Kiieeeeeek!"

Ttuduk!

But a spear is still just a spear. The metal head might hold, but the shaft is made of wood.

The spear shaft broke against the Owlbear's swinging claws.

I almost lost my balance but managed to catch myself.

Rumble!

"Ooohhh?"

What I was worried happened. The cave entrance almost completely collapsed.

In my moment of panic, the Owlbear managed to force itself further inside.

Fucked. I'm absolutely fucked.

Even as I thought this, I drew HeavenlyDemon's sword and the golden shield.

The worst-case scenario is here, but the Owlbear is on death's doorstep.

If I timed it right, I still stood a chance.

“Kyaaaah!”

Kuung!

With arrows and a spearhead still embedded in its face, the Owlbear charged at me.

I was startled and hurriedly protected myself with the shield.

SwordMaster's words came to mind in that instant and allowed me to prepare.

Kkwang!

"Guh!"

But even with the shield, there was no way to fully stop an Owlbear’s charge.

Not only is there a weight difference, but I am just a weak human and the damned Owlbear is a bear.

Wham!

I was sent flying with both feet off the ground.

Fortunately, I just fell and didn't slam into the cave wall.

But it's too early to feel relieved. I kept my eyes fixed on the Owlbear.

"Kyaaaak!"

The Owlbear rushed toward me as I lay on the ground.

It could guess my location by sound even while being blind.

The accuracy bound to be low. I had to stay focused.

'...Left paw!'

The Owlbear’s left paw rose into the air.

All that remained was to figure out where it would strike.

I watched the bastard’s attack with my eyes wide open.

The descending paw aimed squarely for my left shoulder.

Bam!

I barely shifted my body aside in time.

But the deafening impact left my ears in tinnitus regardless.

Not that I cared much, since I already had tinnitus anyway.

What mattered was the counterattack that followed.

"Raaah!"

I shouted and stabbed HeavenlyDemon’s sword at the Owlbear’s jaw.

I desperately hoped this attack would be the final one.

Squelch!

As expected HeavenlyDemon’s sword. It pierced through the Owlbear’s jaw and all the way up into its head.

Owlbear merely trembled when its brain was precisely hit.

Its brain was so thoroughly destroyed that its body couldn't receive signals.

Kuung!

"Eok!"

Its massive body collapsed on top of me. Disgustingly heavy.

Groaning, I wriggled free from underneath the Owlbear.

As I did, I checked the state of my legs.

'Completely scraped.'

Is it thanks to that survival dive just now? My knees were badly scraped.

Simply saying that they were scraped isn't enough.

The wounds were deep enough to almost expose muscle.

Just a bit more and something white would have been visible.

"Ouch...."

As the adrenaline faded, pain flared across my body.

One dive had caused injuries all over my body, especially my knees.

If I hadn’t been wearing clothes, I would probably have a huge cut across my upper body.

'First, elixir... oh, there isn't any.'

I should buy a potion then. Originally, I would have traded with the StarlightPrincess for an elixir.

But right now, there’s been no survival post from them.

I also can’t send any trade requests because the cooldown’s still active.

Drip—

"Agh..."

I bought a potion at a reasonable price at the auction house and applied it to my wound.

True to being a potion, its red color is characteristic. I could expect a disinfecting effect.

Next, I wrapped the separate cloth I had purchased as a substitute for bandages.

With so many injuries, I ended up covering every limb.

'What's left is dealing with the Owlbear's remains.'

An Owlbear with countless arrows stuck in its face, and particularly with an arrow and harpoon each lodged in its eyes.

Just looking at the corpse makes me feel sorry for it, but it’s the bastard that tried to kill me.

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Title: Caught an Owlbear

Author: WildGrills

(Photo of an Owlbear corpse)

I really thought I was going to die catching this ;;

Will put it up at the auction house soon, so do whatever you want

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ㄴ Wow. How’d you catch it?

ㄴ WildGrills) The cave entrance was narrow so I lured it there. Then I wrecked its face with a crossbow

ㄴ lmao Look at his face. It has arrows and harpoons instead of eyes

ㄴ Are you really just an ordinary person?

ㄴ Caught an owl bear as an ordinary person (O_O)

ㄴ HeavenlyDemon) Are thou hurt anywhere?

ㄴ WildGrills) Other than a bunch of scrapes I'm not hurt

ㄴ HeavenlyDemon) That’s a relief. Every time This One see posts like this, This One get the impression that thy basic combat skills are exceptional. Is it mine imagination?

ㄴ WildGrills) Without the sword you gave me finishing it off would have been difficult.

ㄴ HeavenlyDemon) Hearing such words makes This One feel good. Is there any weapon thou need?

A weapon I need. I think I'll definitely need a spear.

But I have no intention of asking HeavenlyDemon.

As I've said many times, relying too much on someone isn't good.

ㄴ WildGrills) Not now. Ah I’m getting used to sitting cross-legged, could you teach me an internal energy technique?

ㄴ HeavenlyDemon) That’s a welcome request. This One will organize it in a way that’s easy for thou to understand.

ㄴ WildGrills) Thanks.

ㄴ SwordMaster) That's amazing. You said you lured me to the cave entrance?

ㄴ WildGrills) Yes.

ㄴ SwordMaster) You're surprisingly quick-witted then.

ㄴ WildGrills) Haha thanks.

ㄴ SwordMaster) Someday you'll be able to face one proudly one-on-one.

ㄴ WildGrills) Do you have a method to deal with Owlbears?

ㄴ SwordMaster) It is quite easy. Owlbears mainly use their claws, so just cut off their legs. You slice them when they raise their front paws to strike. Easy right?

ㄴ WildGrills) (⇀‸↼‶)

Easy for them maybe. How could an ordinary person grasp a genius?

I skimmed through the gallery reactions then dealt with the Owlbear first.

As soon as I put it up in the auction house, the Owlbear’s corpse disappeared immediately.

Then the bidding began. The bidding period is 24 hours.

'Will it be expensive?'

I don't know until then. What I need now is rest.

But first I should check the traps. The Owlbear broke them so they'll need repairs.

"Huh?"

"?"

But as soon as I went outside the cave, I came face to face with something strange.

Bright, round golden eyes. A bird's characteristic beak.

The size of a medium dog and a face full of curiosity.

"Kyuu?"

A baby Owlbear tilted its head at me.

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