Chapter 7

Well, it's survival time.

Now that the conversation with "The Scholar" has settled down, I'm going to focus on my original goal.

"By the way, can't I eat this Aodaijyu Modoki?"

Upon closer inspection, this Aodaijyu Modoki doesn't have lateral lines, and its body is soft rather than muscular.

Aodaijyu is supposed to be inedible due to its smell and bitterness, but this one seems more like an eel than a snake.

"Mr. Scholar, can I eat this?"

Since it's a creature from another world, it's best to ask someone who seems to know about such things.

<Answer: Use the skill 'Recognition'.>

A rather cold response. I don't even know how to use 'Recognition', and now I'm being treated like this.

"Um, I'm using 'Recognition'."

I try it out, muttering while looking at the Aodaijyu Modoki.

Then, information about its internal structure, the functions of its organs, and its habitat floats into my mind.

Incidentally, since I called it Aodaijyu Modoki, it's still called that.

Basically, unlike Aodaijyu, it doesn't climb trees and lives on the ground.

Its main diet consists of tree fruits and insects.

The poison is a weak neurotoxin used to defend against predators, and for a human-sized being, it only causes short-term paralysis.

Most importantly, the poison glands are concentrated around the neck, so if the head is removed, it should be harmless and edible.

"Is it not smelly because it's not a carnivore?"

It's already past 11, so I decide to try it as lunch.

If it doesn't work out, I can rely on the calorie supplement blocks.

Survival is too tough on an empty stomach.

"Should I set up a temporary camp near the river I checked earlier?"

To build a simple stove, river stones are easier to use, so I decide to move to the river.

I pick up small branches and twigs that could be used as firewood while moving for about 20 minutes.

"There's quite a bit of water."

From the trees, I thought it was a small stream suitable for playing in, but the water volume and depth make it feel completely different.

"There might be some big fish, but I doubt I can catch them with a wooden spear."

I give up on the fish for now and start gathering river stones to prepare the stove.

I stack the stones and leave an opening at the top.

I gut the Aodaijyu Modoki from the belly, and when I peel off the scales and skin, surprisingly white flesh comes out.

I wash the blood and internal organs, and scrape off the small bones with a knife.

I cut the flesh into large pieces like grilled eel and skewer them with thin sticks.

"I'm glad I still have a lighter, even though I quit smoking."

I used to keep lighters in all my storage places as a habit from my smoking days, and it's paying off now.

"While the fire is strong, I should quickly sear the surface and then evenly distribute the heat."

I recall how my grandfather and I used to grill eels and proceed with the cooking.

In this world, perhaps because it's autumn, the fat is well-distributed, and every time the fat drips onto the fire, it sizzles and releases a fragrant aroma.

"Is it almost done?"

The flesh, now a deep fox color, looks incredibly delicious with some parts slightly charred.

"Just to be safe, I'll use 'Recognition' again."

I use 'Recognition' to check for any toxins, but there are none.

It seems I can eat it without any worries.

"It's a shame there's no sauce or salt, but let's dig in."

The moment I bite into it, the crispy surface gives way, and the oil oozes out, followed by the tender white flesh dancing in my mouth.

"This is mild but delicious. The sweetness of the oil and the soft, tender texture are more than enough."

The smell I was worried about is almost non-existent, and I can enjoy a different kind of deliciousness compared to eels.

Since it's a 150cm snake, the edible parts are quite substantial.

"I'm full."

Actually, even though I'm considered overweight, I can't eat that much.

Because my metabolism is too efficient, I feel like fat is accumulating in my stomach.

At one point, I was getting fat even without eating or drinking, and I thought I was eating something in the mist.

"In any case, thank you for the meal. It was delicious."

My first meal in this other world was an exotic dish, but it was a happy experience, so I'll take it as a good start.