Chapter 17
Chapter 17
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 17
Chapter Title: I'm Still Not Dead!
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I'm still not dead!
I survived against three undead without a single scratch.
To take down two ghouls and a screamer using just a machete and magic.
If you had told the me from a month ago, I wouldn't have believed it was possible. It was a miracle.
"You're not hurt anywhere, right?"
"Quaak!"
I hugged Bingbing tight and rolled around inside the tent for a good while.
With the sun up, there wasn't a hint of the undead's presence anymore.
'But my mana recovery is still sluggish.'
The aftereffects of mana exhaustion had left me completely drained.
Times like this called for meat.
"Kkwek?"
"Meat. You want some too?"
"Kyaak!"
"No way. This is mine."
I pulled out a piece of steak I'd been saving.
Best not to think about what kind of creature this used to be.
Yeah, it's just beef. That's all.
"Quack quack!"
"Hey! I said no! I already gave you fruit. You trying to hog all the meat too, you little pig?!"
"Quaaak?!"
Bingbing pecked at the meat sizzling on the frying pan, as if asking if I really meant to keep it all.
The smell of grilling meat had turned its eyes completely wild.
If I didn't share, it might throw a real tantrum.
"Fine, fine. Quit squawking. I'll share a bit. Argh, you pig."
"Kkwek."
Still, thanks to Bingbing, I hadn't frozen to death last night, so a little reward seemed fair.
"Tasty?"
"Mmm..."
Bingbing wolfed down its share and eyed my portion.
Sorry, but that's all you're getting. I need to build my strength too.
"Keruk. Hey, Bingbing. This place doesn't seem fit for humans."
"Quack."
"You think so too, huh? Let's pack up then. Time to move out."
I farmed some usable materials from the ghoul and screamer corpses.
I wanted to run a summoning gacha on the undead bodies, but the situation wasn't ideal, so I held off.
Blindly increasing my summons without securing steady food would lead to poverty fast.
And last time, I'd used Cosmic Dust's item storage in my rush to escape, but this time, there was no need to flee in such a panic.
I found a decent handcart, transferred my gear, and left Uijeongbu behind.
This area had too many undead, and it felt too risky to set up a base with my current strength.
I needed to find somewhere quieter and more remote to hone my magic further.
'This must be Yangju.'
I passed Uijeongbu Comprehensive Sports Field and entered Yangju.
Yangju was completely new to me, so I had no clue about the roads.
In the end, I just plowed forward through the snow with Bingbing.
And while wandering aimlessly, I spotted a fallen road sign.
No one had taken it since it couldn't be burned for fuel.
The sign showed the local name.
"Yangju Eodun-dong. Reservoir nearby. Hey! Bingbing! There's a reservoir!"
"Kkwek?"
"Nambang Reservoir's gotta be close. Reservoirs have fish, right?"
"Quaak!"
Bingbing bounced around excitedly at the word "fish."
I hadn't had fresh fish in ages either. Perfect.
We hurried into Yangju Eodun-dong.
Most buildings had already collapsed under the snow.
Or they'd been torn apart for firewood, left in ruins.
Finding a roofed house suitable as a temporary shelter was no easy task.
The silver lining? No undead or raiders around.
It was a total backwater village with nothing but the reservoir, so no one had claimed Eodun-dong.
All the better. Perfect for hiding out and practicing magic.
"Whoa, Bingbing. See that building?"
"Kkwek!"
"Let's head to that warehouse. Right by the reservoir. We can crash there for a while."
I found a relatively intact warehouse next to the collapsed village hall.
Probably used for storing crops or something, but now it was empty inside—ideal for sheltering from the blizzard.
"I'll set up the tent and unpack. Bingbing, go check the reservoir."
"Quack!"
I moved our stuff inside and asked Bingbing to scout the reservoir.
It looked frozen solid from outside.
Hopefully, there were still edible fish left beneath.
Oh, and why so many gallery notifications?
Time to catch my breath and check the gallery.
Firepower Enthusiast had flooded me with messages.
Oh right, I forgot to say goodnight.
Too exhausted and scattered to remember.
Human Lover had dropped her usual playful tone.
She was genuinely worried about me, uncharacteristically serious.
Since my last message yesterday was a plea for help, everyone was worried sick.
Some gallers had even decided I was dead and started a memorial.
My disciple, who lived but a fleeting moment.
I, unaccustomed to farewells.
Mourned you with bitter tears.
May you greet a warm spring there.
Freed from this endless winter, find rest and peace.
You rode away on the northern winds,
Yet even after the ice stole your breath,
The warmth you left lingers here still.
Short life.
But one that shone brilliantly.
Until we meet again.
My one and only human disciple.
I'm still not dead?
No, why are they praying for my soul already!
And why is it so needlessly poetic and sentimental?
This is peak grief-posting!
Potion Addict's usually so cold and rational!
No... Newbie... Come back...
Come back and stir up trouble again...
I haven't passed on all my teachings yet...
Come back so we can bloom flowers and reclaim nature together...
Long-lived master awaits short-lived disciple. My neck's gonna snap from craning...
This place had turned into a full-on unity fest.
They were drumming up their own grief, licking each other's wounds?
This crazy troll!
She knew I was alive ages ago but didn't tell the gallers on purpose?
Just to enjoy their breakdowns?
She's a total demon!
Can't watch anymore.
This isn't a depression support gallery.
Everyone's unhinged. Gotta report I'm alive quick.
I'm alive!
Yesterday I collapsed from mana exhaustion, couldn't post.
This morning rushed to relocate, no time for gallery. Sorry for the late update!
My survival post blew up with comments.
So many people worried and waited for me.
My chest swelled with emotion and pride.
A warmth from people I hadn't felt in five years, right there in the gallery.
"Quaak! Quack quack!!"
"Whoa? Is that trout?! A big one too!? Nice! Good job, Bingbing!"
Right on cue, Bingbing returned from the reservoir, spitting out three trout.
It ate its fill and caught extra to share!
Good call sharing the grilled meat this morning.
Repaying the favor like this.
Reason enough to bond with summons.
"Awesome, Bingbing. You're the best."
"Quaak!"
"Of course. You're number one."
People worrying about me, a summon sharing food.
And three hefty trout for a full meal.
A truly heartwarming Ice Age evening.