Let's get into survival mode

Alright, let's get into survival mode. Since my conversation with the 'Expert' has calmed down, I'll focus on my original goal.

"Well, can't we eat this forest rat snake?"

Looking closer, this forest rat snake lacks side ridges and its body is soft rather than muscular. While forest rat snake are usually inedible due to their smell and bitterness, this one seems more eel-like than snake-like.

"Sage-san, can we eat this?"

Since it's a creature from another world, I figured asking someone who might know was the best approach.

<Understood. Use the skill 'Recognition.'>

A rather blunt response. But even if I don't know how to use 'Recognition,' this is what happens.

"Erm, I'll exercise 'Recognition.'"

For now, I'll try it out by looking at the forest rat snake and muttering the words. Immediately, information about its internal structure, organ functions, habitat, etc., pops into my head. Interestingly, since I had been calling it a forest rat snake, that's what it became in my mind. Unlike actual forest rat snake, this one doesn't climb trees but lives on the ground. Its main diet consists of fruits and insects. The poison is a weak neurotoxin meant to defend against predators, and for humans, it would only cause temporary paralysis. Plus, the venom glands are concentrated around the neck, so if we remove the head, it should be safe to eat.

"Hmm, not as smelly as I expected?"

It's already past 11 a.m., so I'll go ahead and try eating it for lunch. If this doesn't work, there are calorie dense blocks, so I can rely on those instead. Skipping breakfast and starting survival mode is just too tough.

"Maybe we should set up camp near the riverbank where I saw it earlier."

I decide to move toward the river to gather stones for a makeshift stove. Along the way, I collect small branches that could serve as firewood, walking for about 20 minutes.

"The water level's pretty high."

From what I could see from above, I thought it was just a small stream suitable for playing in, but the actual depth and volume of the water give it a completely different vibe.

"There might be big fish here, but I don't think we can catch them with wooden spears."

Giving up on fishing for now, I gather river stones to build my stove. Piling them up and leaving an opening at the top, I start preparing the forest rat snake by gutting it from the belly, peeling off its scales and skin. Surprisingly, the flesh underneath is bright white. Washing away the blood and organs, I use a knife to scrape off the small bones. Cutting the meat into eel-like portions for grilling, I skewer them with thin wooden sticks.

"Good thing I kept my lighter even after quitting smoking."

Thanks to my old habit of carrying lighters everywhere, I'm prepared now.

"While the fire is strong, I'll quickly sear the surface and then rotate it evenly over the flames."

Thinking back to when I used to catch eels with my grandfather, I grill them slowly, savoring the memories. In this world, the fat seems to be well-seasoned, and as each piece falls into the fire, it sizzles with a smoky aroma.

"Almost there?"

The caramelized flesh with bits of charred oil looks irresistibly delicious.

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

Using 'Recognition' once more to confirm there's no poison, I find out it's safe to eat.

"Pity there's no sauce or salt, but let's dig in."

The moment I take a bite, the crispy outer layer gives way to tender, flaky flesh that melts in my mouth.

"Not much flavor, but it's delicious. The sweetness of the oil and the softness of the meat are more than enough."

The smell I was worried about is almost nonexistent, and it has its own unique taste different from eels. At 150 cm long, this snake provides a substantial amount of edible meat.

"I'm full now."

Even though I have a bit of a belly, I can't eat that much. My metabolism must be slow because the fat seems to accumulate quickly. There was a time when I didn't eat or drink anything and still stayed overweight, making me wonder if I was eating without realizing it in this world.

"So, thank you for the meal. It was delicious."

My first meal in this new world turned out to be snake meat, which is pretty exotic, but since it made me happy, I'll call it a success.