Chapter 3

As I advanced through the unfamiliar forest, using the power of Kago, I discovered a tree bearing fruit that resembled apples.

The shape was perfectly that of an apple, but the lower half was tinged with orange.

Although it was a fruit I had never seen before, the name "Gravel Apple" naturally came to mind.

It is a fruit that grows only in this area, edible, with a slight tartness and sweetness.

"...I should have no way of knowing this fruit."

Perhaps this is also thanks to the blessing of Elphira.

Even though it was a fruit I had never known, it felt as if I had known it all along.

I decided to test this by looking at an unknown plant growing in a different location.

【Tobihi】The red stem part is edible, but eating too much can cause diarrhea.

【Aono】If it is about ten centimeters in size, it can be eaten deliciously. If it grows larger, it loses its flavor. Boiling it to remove the bitterness makes it taste delicately sweet.

When I saw a grass with only the roots red and something that looked like small bamboo shoots, the knowledge came to me naturally.

Next, I stared at a swollen-bottomed ant walking on the ground.

However, no knowledge came to me as it did with plants.

It seems that the knowledge of plants is due to the blessing, but not so for living creatures.

In the current situation where I have to gather food from nature to survive, this power is very reliable.

With this, I won't die from eating poisonous plants and can distinguish edible ones clearly.

Believing in the blessing of Elphira, I picked a Gravel Apple and took a bite.

The taste in my mouth was a mix of the tartness of a cranberry and the sweetness of an apple.

"This is delicious."

Looking at the part I had bitten, the flesh was red. As I continued to eat, the flesh turned orange where the orange tint was.

Ordinary apples are usually white, but this was completely different. It was interesting how similar yet different it was.

The Gravel Apple was very juicy, and eating it alone quenched my thirst.

As I continued to eat, it quickly turned into just the core and seeds.

I stared at the dark seeds left in my palm.

Perhaps if I plant these, I can grow Gravel Apples.

Ars said that the blessing of Elphira also has the power to grow crops.

If that's the case, I might be able to grow them even if the soil isn't ideal. I'll take these seeds back and plant them.

I'll also gather some Gravel Apples for lunch and dinner today.

Finding a water source is a major goal, but food is also important.

However, carrying it would be cumbersome, so I decided to grow vines from the ground to make an impromptu backpack.

This way, I can gather food and move around easily.

I also put a few Aono into the basket and continued walking.

After gathering Gravel Apples and walking for about forty minutes, I heard the sound of water.

The faint sound of splashing water could be heard in the quiet forest.

Following the sound, I discovered a large lake.

"Beautiful."

It must be a very large lake. From where I am, I can't see how far it extends.

If I had gone straight, it would have taken about fifteen minutes.

If there is a water source so close, building a house at the place I first transferred to wasn't a bad choice.

I don't need to rebuild the house again.

Peering into the water, I saw my face reflected.

I have typical Japanese features with black hair and black eyes, and despite being twenty-four, I still look a bit young.

"There doesn't seem to be any change in my face."

My unremarkable face is not important; I need to check the water quality.

The lake water looks very clear. Scooping it up with my hand, there is no turbidity, strange smell, or noticeable dirt.

I took a small sip, and it tasted fine.

Swallowing it, it was a very refreshing and delicious water.

Ideally, it should be boiled, but for now, I'll just taste it. I'll hope my stomach doesn't hurt later.

Walking around the lake, I saw fish swimming in the water.

If I prepare fishing gear, I might be able to catch fish.

I tried to change my staff into a knife, and it quickly turned into a wooden fishing rod.

However, I don't have any fishing line, hook, or bait.

I feel the urge to fish immediately, but I'll do it another time.

It's not bad to keep it as a form of entertainment.

First, I need to check the surroundings and establish a base for living.

Well, I can say that the water problem is solved. This forest is richer in nature than I imagined. There are fruits, nuts, and mountain vegetables, so I won't starve for the time being.

There are still unexplored areas, so there must be various foods. I want to find such foods.

While thinking about this, something came into view.

"...What is it? A green deer?"

Thinking it might be a monster, I hid in the bushes and watched. A large deer with deep green fur and branches instead of antlers appeared.

It looked around cautiously and started to drink water.

If I want to act safely, I should leave quietly.

However, it seems more like a herbivore than a monster, similar to a deer.

If I can hunt it here, I can get valuable meat.

Although there are plenty of fruits and mountain vegetables, I still want meat for a satisfying meal.

My uncle, who lived near my hometown, was a hunter, and I helped him a few times, so I can handle the dissection.

If I get hit by such a large deer, I might get seriously injured, but I have the blessing.

I changed the staff back into a knife and grew vines at the deer's feet.

The deer tried to move away, but it was quickly restrained by the vines.

This power is also good for such restraints. I don't need to get close, and with this, I can hunt most prey. I can even defeat monsters.

All that's left is to finish it off.

I hesitate to kill a living creature, but for survival, it's necessary.

I increased the strength of the vines to keep the restrained deer from struggling.

Wishing for a spear, the staff transformed into a wooden spear.

I thrust it at the deer's heart.

The spear, as sharp as ever, pierced the heart with a thud.

The light in the deer's eyes faded, and after convulsing, it stopped moving.

I sighed in relief, having successfully hunted it.

Next, I need to bleed it, remove the organs, and soak it in water for a day.

I changed the spear back into a knife and started the initial processing of the deer.

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