Chapter 74: Sand Angler's Meat

With a look of disgust, Noah cautiously approached the motionless body of the Sand Angler. Once a formidable creature, it now lay deflated and lifeless. As he knelt down beside it, the metallic scent of blood mixed with the sweet fragrance of the oasis, creating a sickening combination.

Turning to the system, Noah inquired,

"System, what should I do next? Should I simply skin it and then cook it?"

A monotone response echoed in his mind,

[For the meat, yes, but for a greater effect on your mana, you must consume the gallbladder raw.]

Noah's stomach churned at the thought of eating a raw gallbladder. The mere idea brought a wave of nausea crashing over him.

For a moment, he contemplated defying the system's suggestion and leaving the creature to decay, seeking nourishment elsewhere. However, the memory of his past struggles and the constant need to become stronger and survive gnawed at him.

"Ugh!" Noah gagged, feeling the metallic taste of bile rise in his throat. But the opportunity to enhance his mana, a vital resource in this unforgiving world, was too tempting to ignore.

Summoning his resolve, he took a deep breath and said, "Alright, I'll do it."

He reached for a dagger, infusing mana into the blade to sharpen it to a surgical precision. Repulsion battled with grim determination as he began the process of skinning the creature. The once vibrant blue aura surrounding his blades now dimmed under the weight of this necessary brutality. He set aside some meat for barbecuing, finding solace in the prospect of a warm meal amidst this grim task.

The remainder he meticulously sliced, ensuring it would be dried and preserved for his journey ahead.

Finally, with the skin removed and the meat prepared, Noah stood before the exposed innards of the Sand Angler. His gaze fell upon the pulsating gallbladder, a sickly yellow sac that seemed to taunt him with its grotesque promise of power. Closing his eyes, he envisioned the oasis, the gentle whispers of life, and the fragile hope that blossomed within him.

Taking another deep breath, Noah extended his trembling hand, ready to claim the foul-smelling prize that was the raw gallbladder.

Gulp!

Despite forcing down the gelatinous and repulsive gallbladder, Noah was left feeling empty. There was no surge of power, no exhilarating boost to his mana pool. Instead, he was left with a lingering sense of violation and a sour aftertaste that clung to his tongue like a bad omen.

"It's quite fascinating, isn't it?" A humorless chuckle escaped Noah's lips, tinged with a hint of madness.

Suddenly, a flicker of warmth blossomed deep within his gut. At first, it was subtle, like a gentle ember. But then, with a sudden and agonizing rush, it exploded into a raging inferno. Horror filled Noah's widened eyes as his insides transformed into a crucible of molten fire.

''Grrr!"

A guttural scream tore through his throat, a primal howl that reverberated across the once-tranquil oasis. He writhed on the sand, his body convulsing as if possessed by an unseen demon.

The oasis, once a sanctuary, blurred around him. The soothing sounds of life—the chirping of birds, the rustling of leaves—were drowned out by the deafening roar of his own agony. His vision swam, the vibrant blue of the water twisting into a fiery red inferno. From Noah's perspective, the pain seemed to stretch on for an eternity, but in reality, only five minutes had passed.

''Huff! Huff! Damn, it hurts like a hell.'' Noah mumbled feeling sweaty.

[Mana+5]

The system's notification rang out rewarding Noah's effort.

Noah immediately summoned his status window.

■Status Window

Noah strolled towards the serene oasis, ready to purify his body and cleanse his garments in the pristine waters. It was time to rid himself of the impurities that clung to him, both physically and metaphorically.

As he reached the water's edge, Noah paused to take in the beauty of the oasis again. Lush greenery surrounded the pool, creating a sanctuary of tranquility. The gentle rustling of leaves and the distant chirping of birds added to the peaceful ambiance, soothing his troubled mind.

Noah slowly undressed, peeling away the layers that concealed his sculpted body.

''Ah!"

He took a deep breath before diving into the arduous chore of cleansing his attire. The stubborn grime clung to the fabric, hesitantly surrendering its grip and tinting the water a murky shade of brown. Internally chanting the mantra of "rinse and repeat," Noah demonstrated his remarkable adaptability through this seemingly simple task.

At last, as his garments hung lifelessly on the nearby rocks, their once vibrant colors bleached by the relentless desert sun, Noah knew it was time to immerse himself in the refreshing embrace of the water.

Noah stepped into the cool water, relishing the sensation as it enveloped his body. The gentle caress of the ripples against his skin brought a sense of purification and renewal. He closed his eyes, allowing the sounds of nature to fill his ears and the water to cleanse his soul.

As he submerged himself, Noah could feel the weight of his worries being washed away. The water embraced him like a loving embrace, soothing his aching muscles and revitalizing his spirit.

Emerging from the water, Noah felt reborn.

Dressing himself in fresh, clean garments, Noah smiled, it was the time for some Sand Angler's meat grilling.

Noah's attention was solely fixated on the task at hand - building a fire. With meticulous care, he collected an array of dry twigs and leaves, their familiar rustling easing the rapid pace of his mind. In no time, a small but vibrant fire emerged, its crackling sound creating mesmerizing shadows that danced upon the sandy expanse.

Impaling the succulent Sand Angler meat onto a makeshift skewer, Noah held it steady over the flames. The hissing and sizzling sounds transformed into a beautiful symphony, accompanied by the tantalizing aroma of the cooking flesh that danced on the desert breeze.

Noah was captivated as he watched the flames gracefully lick at the skewered meat, creating a mesmerizing display that momentarily erased the disturbing origins of the meal. The once repulsive scent now evolved into a savory essence that irresistibly tugged at his hunger pangs.

After what felt like an eternity, the meat announced its readiness with a satisfying sizzle. Noah cautiously brought a piece to his lips, but as he took a tentative bite, he was overcome with surprise. The Sand Angler meat was anything but repulsive. In fact, it was...delicious.

A burst of exotic flavors flooded his palate – a touch of smokiness from the desert fire, a hint of sweetness that defied logic, and a subtle savory undercurrent that left him yearning for more. He indulged himself to his heart's content.

Noah devoured the skewered meat with newfound appreciation.

[Strength+3]

A nice sound rang out inside his mind.

Having eating his fill, it was the time to move on to his next task.

He still had to make the robe.

There was no needle. Even if there were, it wouldn't fit the Sand Angler's massive skin.

After thinking for a while, Noah crafted a needle-like tool from one of the Sand Angler's bones. For the thread, he thinly sliced the Sand Angler's back shell.

Fortunately, he was very dexterous.

Undeterred by his previous failed attempt, he embarked on his second endeavor to fashion a robe. Though it took him a good half hour of perseverance, he eventually succeeded in producing something that bore a striking resemblance to his desired creation. With each attempt, he gained a little more experience, refining his skills in the art of robe-making.

He crafted this garment with the intention of battling the scorching heat during the day and the freezing cold at night. The hide of the Sand Angler possessed the remarkable ability to regulate temperature, providing warmth in the sweltering heat and heat in the bone-chilling nights.

"I must take a moment to rejuvenate in this tranquil spot before embarking on the next leg of my adventure."