I Died from Overwork, Reborn as a Gorilla (2)
I'd reincarnated into a wild survival scenario, stupidly pulling all-nighters for three straight days, spinning like a top without rest, only to croak from my chronic overwork—then woke up as some random gorilla smack in the middle of an unfamiliar forest.
So, how do you think I felt right then?
What else? On the verge of shock-induced collapse.
"Kiieeeek...."
In my confusion, I spent ages groping my face and body with my small, black hands.
Maybe someone had shoved a costume on me? But no, it was pointless.
No matter how much I felt around, it was unmistakably the body of a juvenile gorilla.
Ah, I really have become a gorilla.
"Kii...."
My vocal cords weren't human anymore, so I couldn't even speak properly. All that came out was a thin, high-pitched cry.
Even in my shock, old habits from my job kicked in—I assessed my body.
A juvenile gorilla, maybe five years old, fairly developed. At least I'd been weaned, so no need to hunt for mom.
While I was freaking out and making all that noise, no mother showed up. For a social creature like a gorilla, that was impossible.
Which meant I was alone.
Surviving solo in a non-adult body, lost in some unknown forest? Tough odds.
How was I supposed to live?
As I mulled that over, I suddenly remembered my colleague—always chuckling at his phone, devouring web novels whenever he had downtime.
The guy lived for them, constantly pushing me to read, even though I had zero interest.
I was too busy; I'd rather rest than waste time on that stuff. Always turned him down.
Still, from the scraps he'd shared, I clocked it: my situation screamed isekai reincarnation.
But usually, you get reborn as some trash noble with cheat powers, surrounded by girls. Or a gender-bender twist.
So why'd I end up like this?
Well, better than suddenly turning into a girl, I guess?
Come to think of it, he mentioned there's a classic first word for these scenarios.
What was it... sta, status window?
"Grrruu, kiieee...."
I couldn't say it out loud, but I shouted it in my mind.
......
Surprisingly, nothing happened.
What the hell? Don't they say every isekai gives you a status window as a basic rule?
Looks like I don't qualify. So, not the protagonist, huh?
No, don't jump to conclusions.
I don't even know what this world is like.
Can't decide yet. It could be medieval, modern, or even sci-fi.
If modern, I'd have to dodge poachers. Beyond that... hell if I know. I'd need to see another reincarnation story first.
For now, prioritize gathering info and survival.
Gorilla or not, this juvenile body wouldn't last against a predator.
So, to live, I got moving right away.
First: mask my scent. Most predators have killer noses, so cover mine.
I roamed the forest, sniffing out damp earth.
Jackpot—between the roots of a massive tree, a strong whiff of mud and water.
I slathered myself head to toe in the wet muck, like finger-painting my body. Thick earth smell now; no tracking me by scent.
Good. First step forward.
Even if it's my first time, stay cautious like this, and I'll definitely survive.
I wandered the dense forest packed with towering trees, hunting for any signs of civilization.
Nothing.
Instead, plenty of ominous predator tracks: wolf prints in the dirt, bear claw marks gouged into bark. Unknown ones too.
Key point: all fresh.
This is... dangerous. Way more than I thought.
Normal predators avoid overlapping territories; this many in one spot? Near impossible.
Means this forest crawls with deadly things.
Lucky I didn't scream my head off earlier. A bit unluckier, and a predator would've come running.
At least I confirmed one thing: no civilization nearby.
No sane person lives where beasts leave trails like this. Slim info, but I get the gist—this place is a death trap.
Time to prep for survival.
Haa, where to even start?
As I pondered, a chill shot up my spine. My fur bristled all over.
Instinct screamed in my ear: Hide now, or you're dead.
I scanned for cover. A rotting fallen log—perfect. I bolted, crammed my small body inside, pinched my nose to stifle breathing.
My instincts were spot on. Heavy footsteps approached. Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump.
Quadruped, from the gait. What animal? What do they even look like here?
Curiosity built, overriding survival instinct. I peeked through a knothole.
It was a bear-bodied beast with an owl head. Fresh blood caked its beak and paws—post-meal glow.
Pure fantasy: an owlbear. I stared, dumbfounded.
Luckily, it didn't spot me. It sniffed around, then turned and lumbered off.
Grizzly body, owl head! Heart-pounding stuff. Terrifying too.
Those massive paws and razor beak could've ended me. Legs still jelly.
But I couldn't hide my fascination. Is this why zoologists brave the wilds?
I emerged only after the owlbear vanished and my survival instincts quieted.
Owlbear confirmed it: definitely a fantasy world.
Dangerous beasts like that, probably worse monsters too.
So, adapt and survive accordingly.
**
First off, survival basics: clothing, food, shelter.
Clothes? Fur covers me—skipped.
Food? No worries. Forest full of it.
People think gorillas mainline veggies and fruit, but nah—leaves, stems, bark, roots mostly.
Still juvenile, so pick the tender stuff. Food's secure.
Though, never actually tried it... a bit nervous.
No time like the present. Instinct will guide what's safe.
I scouted for edible trees—healthy, no poison, no disease.
Animal senses, huh? Getting weirder by the minute.
I gripped my chosen tree and climbed.
"Hoo hoo ho!"
Like a fish to water—smooth, swift ascent. Unexpected.
Knew apes climb well, but this proficient? Almost uncanny.
And fun as hell.
Like a kid at the playground, I whooped around branches, plucking tender leaves to munch.
Nom... nom...
Gorilla taste buds? Grass flavor, but decent. Like plain rice, sorta.
No fruit side dishes nearby—bummer. Oh well, eventually.
High up now. More leaves to fill the tank. Undressed salad binge.
Belly full, I descended. Food: check.
Next: water, the big one.
Wilderness water sources are risky.
Essential for life, so every animal flocks there—predators included.
And fantasy world? Who knows what freaks lurk.
Haa... gotta find some to live.
Prepped for trouble—more mud camouflage, stealth mode. Roamed till...
Faint water scent in my nose, trickle in my ears. Found it.
Crawled through brush to a forest-crossing stream.
Decent size, unlikely to dry up. Crystal clear—safe to drink.
Tranced toward it—then threat vibes hit again.
Snapped alert. Beast musk on the wind, low growling rumble.
Wolves ambushed in the underbrush, eyes gleaming from shadows. Staring me down. Shit.
One sip from doom. Shook off paralysis, bolted for the nearest tree.
"Grroooaaargh!!"
Pack gave chase—hard. Distance closing fast. Hot wolf breath on my tail.
Terror-fueled sprint, finally grabbed the trunk. Climbed for my life.
Alpha wolf—bigger than a man—crouched, leaped, jaws wide.
Snapped shut inches from my toes. Thud!
Just made it—safe height. J-jeez, that was too close.
Terror and tension soaked my fur damp, paws sweaty. But alive. Relief.
Grrrrowl...
Frustrated pack glared up forever, then vanished.
Spotted a pregnant one—they hunted for survival, to protect the pack. Got it.
Worked at a zoo, knew the food chain intellectually. Not like this.
Now, firsthand? Indescribable emotion. Rage? Triumph? Beyond the usual feels.
I'll feel it plenty more. Better adapt quick.
...Alright, water sorted.
Shelter next. Spotted sturdy branches that'd hold against jumps and shakes.
No longer human—why ground-dwell? Trees are safer.
Adapt. Accept.
And live.
In this absurd new world,
Even if it's tough sometimes...
Hey, smiles will come eventually.