The foundation of that jungle lay behind the Ammunition Battalion, in the mountains.
However, these mountains did not seem to possess much magical power from the beginning.
It was hard to believe they could support such an enormous jungle.
As a result,
“Alraune is suffering from malnutrition.”
In simpler human terms, it was much like dying from hunger.
Unless there were other complex issues involved, the situation boiled down to being merely starvation.
“Surely I can help with that.”
I have to prepare a meal suitable for plants.
“Cough, I never thought I’d find myself in a position to teach my superiors.”
Park Cheol-wook sighed, his expression one of complexity.
But his discontent was short-lived, and his demeanor shifted to one of solemnity.
“Since I’ve agreed to teach you, it means you’re now my student, Commander.”
“That’s right.”
“You must follow my instructions without fail.”
I could understand his worry.
Back when I was just a cook, it didn’t matter. However, among the guild members, my position was absolute.
He was probably worried I would disregard his instructions.
But I could assure him,
“You don’t need to worry about that.”
Not long ago, I was merely a cook.
Wasn’t following orders the essence of being a soldier in the Republic of Korea?
“Then let’s start with the ingredients.”
“Ah.”
I had intended to make fertilizer to address this issue. However, my exposure to fertilizer-making was limited to a scene from a movie.
The knowledge I learned in school, including the knowledge learned from movies came back rushing.
“Um, do we need something like human waste?”
The thought of using such unsanitary inputs in cooking, which was all about hygiene, seemed jarring.
“No, no! That’s ancient history.”
Cheol-wook waved his hand dismissively at my suggestion.
“The idea of using human waste to create fertilizer is from the past. Even rural farms nowadays have moved past that. Unless it’s a hobby for someone.”
“Oh.”
That was a surprising revelation in its own right.
“What do we use, then?”
“Basically, anything can be a raw material. Plants themselves can be utilized, and chemical fertilizers can include nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium… many options. Realistically, what we can use now includes…”
Cheol-wook opened a bag stored in the shed near the field.
“Animal fertilizer.”
Fertilizer made from animal carcasses.
Given that monsters abound in this world, our unit was overflowing with their remains.
[Carefully prepared Novice Farmer’s Alarune Fertilizer]
“I created this fertilizer using monster carcasses I acquired after joining the military.”
“Impressive.”
“The magical properties of the monsters significantly enhanced its quality. It’s probably far superior to ordinary high-grade chemical fertilizers.”
That much was evident.
Even with my [Ingredient Identification] skill, it was clear this was no ordinary fertilizer.
“I’m not sure why we need it, but does it have to be made by you, Commander?”
“Hmm?”
“Your profession is cooking, while mine is farming.”
Cheol-wook scratched his cheek, considering.
“If we’re breaking down who’s better at making fertilizer, wouldn’t I be more qualified?”
“Well, that’s a fair point.”
In all honesty, it was a no-brainer.
Cooks and farmers.
Most cooks likely wouldn’t have any knowledge about fertilizer-making at all.
But,
That’s true only for ordinary cooks.
‘After all, I’ve already prepared materials,’ I thought, recalling how there was once no concept of feeding plants.
The [Steel-Eating Mac], who only consumes metals… After preparing a meal for it, my perception of cooking had expanded without limits.
Fertilizer was just another form of cuisine designed to nourish plants.
Therefore, when it came to cooking…
“This falls right within my expertise.”
—
“Phew… Is it really safe?”
“I’ve already been once. Safety checks are complete.”
“You did the safety checks with your own eyes!”
Lee Sang-ah let out another sigh.
As I took my leave, the rest of the members saw me off as I stepped back into the jungle.
It was a path I had traversed once before.
The second hike was far easier than the first.
“Phew!”
Finally making it to the heart of the jungle, I halted before a solitary tree standing at the center.
A face was embedded within its trunk, blinking at me.
Swoosh…
Upon seeing me, it closed its eyes once more.