Territory (2)
Ovens boast a pretty long history as cooking tools. You don't have to go far to see that without one, even the staple of Western cuisine—bread—couldn't be made. The oven was invented to take fire-roasted grilling to the next level. Well, the real next level might be boiling stuff in a pot, but let's skip that. Point is, the presence or absence of an oven has a huge impact on my quality of life.
"Kyaah."
I let out a sigh of admiration at the appetizingly cooked fish roast. Even this makeshift oven did a stellar job—perfectly even cooking all around. When I grilled it on an iron pan, some parts were underdone or burnt. But with the oven, heat comes from all sides, so it can't help but cook evenly.
Maybe I could even make bread if I get the chance?
I carefully transferred the mouthwatering fish roast, making sure not to burn myself—I didn't forget the gloves. I bought new kitchen ones from the auction house just for today.
Nom nom—
"Mmm!"
Just as expected. That's why it's so damn good. Even grilled, the fish had a meaty flavor, but now it's straight-up meat taste. Like the pork belly I splurged on back when I was scraping by alone. Not exactly the same, of course—especially the texture. Still, the flavor itself was every bit as good as pork belly.
Even the parts that look charred are tender inside.
I'll definitely be using this oven a lot from now on. I enjoyed my meal with a happy heart, not forgetting to share a piece with the high-nics in between. This time it was Cheonma and PassingDwarf. They both tried the oven-cooked fish and gave rave reviews. Objectively delicious.
How did people even invent the oven?
I eyed the oven while munching on fish. The bonfire had burned down to charcoal, with thin smoke rising from the chimney. The oven, with its monumental contribution to human cooking. No oven, no bread.
Could I make pizza with it? Nah, that's luxury. Not unless I'm growing my own flour and getting eggs. For now, baked fish is plenty. It'll be handy for reheating smoked meat too, not just fish.
"Lalala~"
With my quality of life up, my morale naturally soared too. Higher morale means higher combat power. As I praised the oven, I planned my afternoon.
Gotta confirm where the gorilla troop's territory is.
The last scribe of the Vulcan Kingdom, Rice Kraone, died by suicide. But he'd already been infected beyond hope, so the gorillas were effectively the cause. Knowing their territory exactly would keep threats away from me.
But I need to start with their habits...
I don't know how gorillas adapted to the Four Seasons Forest. Meaning their original habits might have changed too. Still better than knowing nothing. I messaged the perfect guy for this.
Olfather. You there?
Olfather What's up?
Just wanted to ask about gorilla habits.
Olfather Gorillas? Ah, so you've figured out how the book's owner died.
Info from SaryeongSul-eun Sarang-ida. Looks like it was legit.
Does that mean you're admitting he's the Immortal King? Nah. He's just a smart guy LARPing. Even if he really is, it doesn't matter much.
Yeah. Heard they have a territory. I have a vague idea where too.
Olfather Gorillas have the lowest aggression and hostility among primates, including humans. Varies by subspecies, but generally.
So they're safe?
Olfather Not quite. If they've shown themselves, it means you've encroached on their territory, Grills. And considering how the book's owner died, no room for complacency.
Guess caution's the way. I'll avoid their territory if possible.
But I have zero clue where it starts and ends. Animals usually mark territory with scat. Gotta watch for that carefully.
Only option is to bring Wonmo.
Her nose is sharp; finding scat should be easy. Perfect timing—she's bouncing around instead of napping.
I typed a thank-you to Olfather.
Olfather By the way, something's nagging at me about the gorillas.
What's that?
Olfather The book says they acted almost human-like.
Like humans how?
Olfather First, they used 'tools.' Held a beast bone like a club. ;;
Planet of the Apes or what? Even smart gorillas wouldn't go that far. Scary story.
That bone could crack my skull. Add aggression? The troop could gang up on me.
...Maybe I shouldn't go?
Olfather's words deflated my resolve. But I shook my head hard. Times like this, you gotta take risks. Info makes a huge difference.
Just pinpoint the territory. That's it.
Goal set: confirm territory and bail. Even if there's a legendary herb, ignore it.
Thanks for the advice. I'll be careful.
Olfather Even out of curiosity, better not invade. Curiosity killed the cat, basically.
Just checking the borders and heading back.
Olfather Got it. Understood.
Chat with Olfather done, I prepped for scouting. Smart to prepare for accidentally entering their turf.
Gorillas are herbivores, right?
Olfather said so. They eat tree bark. Crazy strong for a bark diet—strongest among primates. Kinda jealous, but whatever. Humans have superior brains.
I packed some Wall Valley Pills as a friendly gesture. If they're tense, bribe 'em to win favor.
Ppareumbo ate 'em fine; gorillas should too.
Or buy a banana? Gorillas scream bananas. Shaking off dumb thoughts, I got fully ready. Ppareumbo on my back, Wonmo urging me on. Ready to head out...
Gurgle!
"Ah."
Gotta delay a bit.
*****
Only after Grills cleared out his gut did he set off on his scouting trip. The cave he left behind was silent, devoid of any presence. Just the occasional crackle of the bonfire.
Rustle!
Rustle!
That's when it happened. Not the path Grills took, but toward the river. The thick bushes lining both sides of the trail started shaking. At first just a little, then enough to notice.
Swish—
Finally, something burst through the bushes. Not fully—just a face peeking out. Humanoid overall, but flat nose, pitch-black skin. And fur all over the face screamed ape.
"...Oo! Oo!"
The ape circled Grills's shelter for a while, then gave a soft cry. The bushes shook even harder in response.
"Ooo!"
"Oo! Ooo-oo!"
A troop of apes—Grills's wary gorillas. They seemed to communicate with their signature hoots, then crept into the shelter.
They looked like regular gorillas at a glance, but closer inspection showed differences. The presumed leader held nothing, but his followers gripped clubs. Bones, wood, even crudely made stone axes—varied, but proof they weren't ordinary apes.
"Ooo-oo."
"Ooo."
They thoroughly checked Grills's shelter. Iron barrel full of fish first, then the charcoal bin. Even the oven.
"Okeeaak!!"
"Ooo?!"
One gorilla screamed. The others rushed over. He was rolling, clutching his hand. Grills's new oven stood before him—clearly burned himself sticking it in before it cooled. Curiosity-induced accident.
The leader rushed up, checked him out.
"Ooo!"
Leader pointed at the fish barrel—like, water in there, cool it off quick. Burned gorilla plunged his hand in.
Splash!
Instant relief on his face. Fish inside freaked out splashing, but ignored.
Leader relaxed briefly, then eyed the oven closely. Sniffed the delicious aroma inside? Stuck his nose to the entrance, sniffing away. But didn't get the purpose— just tilted his head.
Soon lost interest, looked elsewhere.
"Ooo!"
One pointed at the fish barrel—Grills's precious food stock. Leader shook his head no—heavy to carry. Gorilla disappointed but accepted.
Leader scanned elsewhere, spotted laundry on the line.
"Oo."
Stared intently, then tugged slowly. Makeshift pole couldn't handle gorilla strength—collapsed. Leader eyed ChangguPrincess's gifted uniform, then tossed it aside. No interest.
"Ooooh!"
"Oo! Ooo-oo!"
Gorillas scouting the cave dashed out—not screams like the burned one, but cheers. Leader curious, they dropped what they brought: sack of Wall Valley Pills, Ppareumbo's staple.
"Hmmm...."
"Ooo! Ooo-oo!"
Urging leader's decision. But he was cautious. Grabbed one pill, popped it in.
Chewed thoroughly soon after.
"Ooooh?! Ooooh?!"
Leader's eyes bulged, hoot of delight. Obvious "delicious" face—like tasting the world's finest.
Others followed, popping pills.
"Ooo-oo?!"
"Ooooh?!"
"Oooook!!"
Like leader, massive reactions. Emergency rations bitter to some, but gourmet to gorillas.
"Ooo-oo!"
"Ooo!"
Ate a few more, then quietly lifted the sack. Can't hog this—share with the troop. Leader agreed, grabbed it without hesitation.
"Ooo!"
"Ooo-oo!"
With that, the gorilla troop left Grills's shelter. No elixirs or inner cores touched—Grills's treasures safe—but the loss was still huge.
"Ooo!"
"Ooo!"
Whatever. The troop returned joyfully.