Chapter Sixty-two: As We Delve Deeper, The Meat Haul Grows
I cower and hold my breath inside the manifested Camping Car. Even though I know in my head that the enemy cannot see me, I cannot help but tense up when I see the gigantic cow-like monster scraping the ground with its hooves and heading toward me.
Descending the stairs leading down, we emerged into vast grassland. Truly living up to its reputation as a "realm secluded from reality," this was a place that defied various natural laws, as I was made keenly aware. In this vast open space, where I could even see the horizon, there was nowhere for me to hide, so I was made to promise to immediately retreat into the Camping Car if anything happened.
And now, having sensed the approach of that giant cow, I’ve taken refuge inside Campy.
…No, but seriously, it’s huge… Even its crescent moon-curved horns alone are gigantic, you know? Which is why to support those horns, its head and body are equally gigantic, you know? It seems quite aggressive, too; if it charges, I don’t think anyone will come out unscathed…!
According to Survival, its name is the straightforward "Wild Ox," but “The meat has a good balance of lean and fat, and it’s very tender and delicious!” Despite its size, the meat is tender and very tasty! I repeat it because it’s important!
I really hope it drops some of that meat… though… Survival also mentioned "its horns and hide can be used as materials for crafting weapons and armor," so it’ll probably drop those too along with the meat.
Please let it drop meat…! I’ll do anything for it to drop meat…! Above all, I pray the party members facing off against such a massive, horned behemoth emerge unscathed…!
“…Give me back my sincere prayers…!”
“Hm? What are you talking about?”
“It’s nothing! I mean, that monster looked so strong, but you guys defeated it so easily! I’m glad no one got hurt, but still!”
The massive ox’s bloodshot eyes glinted menacingly, and then it charged straight at the party… and was torn apart… Yup. That "What are you talking about?" look hurts, but that’s exactly what happened!
Looking closely, Ms. Aria’s threads were woven into a spider web-like net, which the ox charged straight into and exploded into scattered chunks. Yup. I thought she’d ensnare and immobilize it in that net for a beating, but I never expected the net itself to be the weapon…!
…I mean… witnessing such grotesque carnage does leave an impression, you know! Even if the remains instantly vanish to dust, it’s still a gruesome sight! The last thing one needs to see!
Ms. Aria proudly puffing out her voluptuous chest is a blessed sight, but still…!
“Hmm? I don’t quite understand, but sorry? Anyway, look at this, Rin!”
“Wh-Whooooaaaa! M-Meat! Prime wild ox meat! And two pieces!?”
“It might be because the body was massive, so… Multiple drops!”
“Th-This… The balance of lean and marbling is exquisite…! This is guaranteed to be delicious!”
What Mr. Ville gleefully presented were a log-like chunk of meat and a thick, bone-in cut.
The chunk of meat had a window displaying “Wild Ox/Rump (Aged)” and the thick cut was “Wild Ox/T-Bone (Aged)”! Aged means it’s already ready to be enjoyed deliciously as it is, right?!
But how is it that, even though it just dropped, it’s as cold as if it just came out of the fridge…?
The chunk of meat has a perfect mix of dense red meat and white marbling, making it look delicious. The texture is just right, with a good amount of bounce, suggesting it wouldn’t get tough even when cooked. As for the bone-in, it’s so thick you could call it a "meat board"—I’d wager over 5cm thick. This single T-bone cut contains both the tender filet and the exquisitely marbled strip loin. Since the filet is quite large, does that make it a special "porterhouse" cut?
Oh, my heart’s been going crazy with all the surprises and joys since we came down here! I hope I’m not shortening my lifespan!?
The T-bone is definitely for steaks, while the rump could make a nice roast beef. The marbling in that red meat will melt with heat, making it tender and juicy!
“…! Mr. Ville!!!”
“Yes!”
‘GiIIiii GyaaaAAAAaaAAAAA!!!!’
What pulled me back from my daydreams was, of course, Survival’s alert. Not from the front or rear, but suddenly swooping down from above… Mr. Ville’s name instinctively burst from my lips.
The blade of his greatsword, swung without hesitation, deflected what looked like a massive bird big enough to have a wingspan rivaling an adult human. Its sharp talons and beak marked it as a predator. Though the force of that earlier blow seemed to have injured it, leaving it flailing helplessly on the ground and not very threatening as an apex predator…
With heavy strides towards the downed bird, Mr. Ville nonchalantly snaps its neck like breaking a twig, and it disintegrates to dust.
“Good eye, Rin. The momentum of its dive was really strong. If it hit the wrong spot, could’ve been more than just an injury.”
“I guess the Survival Skill really does activate for emergencies even if it’s not in my vision… I didn’t notice before since there were no surprise attacks.”
“Oh, right, good point. We’ve only encountered proactive battles so far. Well, most importantly, no one got hurt.”
“Thank you again for saving me! Look forward to the next meal!”
While I was appreciating the usefulness of Survival, Mr. Ville patted my back. I only remained unharmed because our leader reacted instantly just from me calling his name in a pinch!
When I clenched my fist in resolve, Mr. Ville’s stern expression melted into a smile. I think this meat will be delicious no matter how I cook it! And I’ll give it my all too!
Ah! I can’t wait to cook!
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