Chapter 28: Finding a Breakthrough
-You have used the Observation skill.
-The level of Observation (Active) has increased to 3.
◈ Native to the island. The flesh is firm and exceptionally delicious.
◈ Consuming it breaks down a certain amount of body fat.
◈ Processing it before consumption enhances the effect.
A grape with a somewhat uninspired name: Island Red Grapes. The important part was that it broke down body fat. In other words, wasn't this amazing for dieting? And not just losing weight indiscriminately—it targeted body fat specifically, so it had to be incredible for body management too.
"But with stuff this good popping up, selling it feels kinda iffy."
Of course, if he decided to sell it, it'd fly off the shelves. It seemed like the time had come to figure out a plan. He'd probably have to use Seon-woo for this.
The method: use Seon-woo.
"Seon-woo, let's make some money."
Seon-woo was a former hunter with his own store from his dad's business, so selling through him shouldn't be an issue. So far, they'd only sold watermelons, but now it looked like they'd need to sell watermelons, grapes, pineapples, and black bean tofu all together.
There happened to be an empty shop next to his dad's store, so taking that over could be an option.
"But what do I even need money for?"
Thinking about it, that was a problem too. He didn't urgently need cash, nor did he have any big plans that required earning a ton. His family wasn't struggling financially either. Sure, more money was always better, but if grinding in the gate just for cash started feeling like labor, that'd be kinda ridiculous.
His work was something he did because he wanted to. Growing things was genuinely enjoyable.
"Yeah, let's earn some to give the kids a better environment. And who knows, learning new stuff might cost money too, so stockpiling won't hurt. Seon-woo's been looking bored lately anyway."
He decided to think positively. It was way better than letting things pile up and rot.
"Speaking of which, red grapes. Wonder what they taste like?"
He plucked a bunch and took a big bite. Personally, he ate the skins and swallowed the seeds whole—didn't chew them, just gulped.
Anyway, these grapes were surprisingly delicious. They filled his mouth with a rich, full-bodied flavor like fine wine.
"Wine?"
Wine wasn't really produced in Korea. Was it a lack of technology? He doubted that—Korea was world-renowned for its tech. He'd heard it was because the grapes here just weren't suited for it.
"Then what about these?"
These Island Red Grapes gave a deep, wine-like richness even raw. What kind of wine would they make?
He stepped out briefly to search up winemaking methods, then returned. Making wine was like tofu—time- and effort-intensive. But inside here, aging happened fast. The time dilation was obvious, and ripening itself accelerated, just like how plants grew quicker than on Earth.
"So these vines probably grew without me noticing. Just what is this island?"
Suddenly, he wondered about the island's true nature. His space with its barrier, the vast Barrier Forest he suspected lay beyond, and that massive tree. The island seemed full of secrets.
People who'd entered other gates wrote travelogues, mostly like wilderness adventures. Nothing about special worlds like this. He was a bookworm who'd read pretty much everything, yet he'd never seen records like his gate. Either they didn't exist, or they were hidden.
But since most accounts were similar, other gates were probably very different from his.
Nyaang!
Hoya nudged him, demanding snacks.
Snack time already, huh?
"Yeah, I don't have to uncover the island's secrets. As long as it's comfy and fun, that's enough, right?"
Nyaang nyaang!
"Quit yapping and hand over the snacks? Yes, ma'am."
He showered Hoya with her favorite salty treats. The funny thing was, these were basically liquid, yet Hoya devoured them like ripping into meat—dead serious expression, no chewing or tearing needed. Watching that face was hilarious.
"Pfft!"
Nyaang!
"Got it, won't tease."
Nyawoong nyawoong nyawoong. Hoya glared at him mid-munch. Her passive cuteness made even that adorable and lovable. Good thing she ignored the grapes—cats and dogs could die from them, kidney issues or something. Humans really were omnivores; they handled anything. Chocolate was poison for cats and dogs too. Grapes were strictly off-limits. Lucky she showed no interest. Cats weren't big fruit eaters anyway.
"Time to prep for winemaking, and check on the tofu."
The tofu was firming up nicely. Soon he'd taste the finished product.
"Making tofu makes me wanna do kimchi too."
He'd helped his mom with kimjang plenty and made it at home before. All the ingredients were here, so no big deal. Might as well.
"But then I'll need pork. Tell an island boar to drop by? Where'd they go anyway?"
Baekya and Kkamangi still weren't back after hours. Starting to worry.
Mooo!
"Cows!"
A familiar bellow. He grabbed his bow, thinking minotaur maybe. But out of the forest came three cows—looked like the arrowroot breed from photos, not solid brown or black, but mottled.
◈ Cheonggak cattle native to the island.
◈ Exceptional marbling, tender meat that melts in your mouth.
◈ First consumption: +5 Strength.
◈ Subsequent regular intake: +1 Strength per set amount consumed.
Yep, Cheonggak cattle. Why'd the system sound like it was drooling? Usually it was just "very delicious," but "melts in your mouth"? Had it tried them?
"Good job, Kkamangi!"
Kkamangi had herded them in. He rewarded her with awakening tonic, watermelon, carrots—a feast.
Hiiing!
While she happily ate, he inspected the cows. Observation showed two females, one male. Perfect for breeding.
Then another bellow.
Moooo!
"Baekya!"
Baekya finally arrived... with a herd of cows. A real herd, mixed breeds. Cheonggak among them, plus spotted ones—dairy cows, per Observation. Meat was average, but milk was highly digestible, tasty, nutrient-rich. No stat boosts.
Roughly twenty, herded by Baekya.
"Nice one."
The cows were terrified of the white tiger Baekya. They barely noticed him approaching.
"Let's round 'em up."
Total: twenty-five. Twenty Cheonggak, five dairy. Females dominated. Matriarchal society? Anyway, time for a barn. And lots of cowbells to expand farming...
"What is this? Why am I constantly thinking about work? Am I a gate lord or a farmer?"
Identity crisis. But nah—his core identity was Hoya's dad. Don't forget.
"Still gotta do it. Heh, it's fun."
He'd never thought stuff like this could be enjoyable before. If the gate weren't yielding huge returns for his effort, it'd still be the same. The payoff made it fun.
After hustling in the gate, reading, lounging, he returned to Earth. The hazy air welcomed him.
"Seriously wanna just live in the gate. Right, Hoya?"
Nyaang.
Hoya looked indifferent. She hopped straight to her beloved cat tower and settled in, knowing he'd head to work. Probably wouldn't wake till he got back.
"Got pineapple jam and grape jam packed. Grab some watermelons for Seon-woo's on the way. Eggs too."
All set, he headed to work, handing Seon-woo the watermelon and telling him to think about opening shop. At the office, female coworkers greeted him warmly.
What's up?
He wasn't popular. His personality wasn't super sociable. Not enemies, but this warmth meant they wanted something.
"Team Leader Choi!"
"Team Leader Choi!"
The fuss dazed him momentarily.
"Yes, what is it?"
"That pineapple..."
They all wanted the same: pineapple. Skin care was precious.
Problem: rumors spreading meant his gate ownership would leak eventually.
"Sorry, my friend brings them from the gate—no stock right now."
"Aw."
"Can't get more?"
They looked desperate. He thought.
"My friend's opening a shop soon. I'll let you know."
"Really?!"
"Yeah. Good for his business, good for you getting what you want."
"Please! Tell us for sure."
"Will do."
He escaped to his desk. Seon-woo needed to open fast.
Overheard a coworker on the phone: "Diet pet food doesn't make them lose weight instantly."
Diet pet food—huge demand. Pets can't be forced to exercise.
Sudden thought: grapes. But toxic to cats/dogs.
What about similar effects from other foods? Probably.
Issue: hard to sell gate produce directly to people.
But as pet food? A way to offload gate stuff clicked.