Wilderness Survival with Druid System

Chapter 808: Chapter 150: The ’Monster’ Saltwater Crocodile

"These animals..."

The indigenous people’s eyes widened in confusion as they looked behind Chen Wen. At first, they only saw the wild horse and assumed it was rented or bought by Chen Wen from a local ranch.

But as they came ashore, the Taipan Snake on the horse’s back, the Australian Wild Dog named Dahuang beside them, and the Screaming Kite that had just landed had all come together.

These animals made the indigenous person feel a bit dizzy.

How were these animals gathered together?

He looked at the animals bewildered, then instinctively cast his gaze towards the crocodile in the river.

At this moment, he finally got a clear view of the crocodile.

Seeing the red hole on top of the crocodile’s head, the indigenous person realized that what Chen Wen said was true: this was a dead crocodile.

And the cause of its death...

The indigenous person shifted his gaze to Chen Wen.

Seeing Chen Wen carrying that long spear, the indigenous person swallowed his saliva nervously and backed up two steps: "Um, can you put the spear on the ground first? I need to make sure you’re not a threat to us."

Hearing this, Chen Wen hesitated for a moment.

But after considering the dagger at his waist, he felt a bit more at ease.

So, Chen Wen opened his hands and placed the spear on the ground, indicating he was friendly.

Only then did the indigenous person feel relieved.

He also placed the machete from his waist on the canoe and raised his hands as he approached Chen Wen.

Once in front of Chen Wen, the indigenous person sensed that distinct smell of the wilderness about him.

"Hello!"

The indigenous person extended his hand, trying his best to show a friendly smile: "My name is Talis, you can just call me Tata."

Tata said, extending his hand to introduce his companions: "They are Darren and Wuge, my cousin and uncle. We are hunters."

Darren looked like a young man sitting at the back of the canoe.

And Wuge seemed older, standing in the middle of the canoe, holding an almost two-meter-long steel fish spear.

"Chen Wen."

Chen Wen extended his hand and shook hands with Tata: "As you can see, I’m an adventurer who just crossed the Kimberley Plateau."

"Besides, you don’t need to be nervous. I have no ill intentions, and these animals are friendly too."

While speaking, Chen Wen indicated for the Taipan Snake to crawl into his backpack.

He could feel that Tata seemed quite afraid of snakes, as his gaze kept drifting toward the Taipan Snake.

And his body was clearly leaning away from the snake.

Once the Taipan Snake had coiled into the backpack, Tata’s expression noticeably relaxed.

Chen Wen then continued: "I was previously accomplishing a challenge to cross the Kimberley Plateau, and now that it’s completed, I’ve lost contact with my team. If you can take me to the nearest city, I will pay you a commission."

"Although I currently don’t have a penny on me, I assure you that if I can reach my team, the commission I offer will definitely be tempting, my friend."

As he spoke, Chen Wen looked quite sincere.

Tata nodded slightly.

But he didn’t communicate directly with Chen Wen; instead, he turned to speak to his uncle and cousin in their native language.

Soon, Wuge slowly put the fish spear away.

It seemed Tata was explaining his identity.

Chen Wen thought.

Tata then said: "We will help you, and you don’t need to pay any commission. I collaborate with the local government, and I provide free assistance to adventurers in need."

Tata’s English wasn’t very fluent, but Chen Wen could guess what he meant.

Chen Wen nodded gratefully, about to express thanks.

But Tata continued: "But friend, there are two things I must clear up for you."

Chen Wen immediately nodded at the words.

Tata then continued: "First, we can’t take your horse in the canoe. If you wish to keep it, you’ll need to move on land, but we will guide you from the water. Of course, if you release it, we can take you directly."

Hearing this, Chen Wen hesitated briefly.

However, taking into account that the mare was obedient and had carried supplies for such a long distance for him.

It would be quite difficult for her to find a new herd.

Therefore, Chen Wen decided not to abandon the mare in the wild, planning to take her along.

Upon informing Tata of his decision, Tata didn’t object.

Rather, he saw Chen Wen’s choice not to abandon the horse as a sign of loyalty, which relaxed his caution towards Chen Wen even more.

This somewhat surprised Chen Wen.

"And then there’s the second issue."

Tata said seriously: "We came here to hunt an animal!"

Hearing this, Chen Wen was startled: "What animal?"

Tata pointed to the crocodile’s carcass by the riverbank: "This one, the crocodile!"

"The crocodile? What’s wrong with them?"

Chen Wen asked in surprise.

After all, in Australia, crocodiles are protected animals, and the protection of crocodiles in Australia and Papua New Guinea is quite renowned worldwide.

But Tata quickly addressed Chen Wen’s confusion.

Tata said: "The crocodiles originally never bothered us. They lived in the gulf, and we lived our lives on the land."

"But two weeks ago, a small town downstream was attacked by a crocodile. During the attack, someone sighted a huge crocodile. According to the locals, that terrifying beast was seven meters long!"

Seven meters!

Chen Wen was shocked by the length.

Unless the locals misjudged in panic, or fear magnified the crocodile’s length.

A crocodile of this length is near the size limit for its species!

Tata was pleased with Chen Wen’s reaction. He continued to explain: "This dreadful monster caused two gruesome incidents in the town! It killed a young man and devoured him. It also killed two livestock, leaving their bodies discarded in the town."

"It caused extreme panic, so as hunters collaborating with the government, we tracked the monster’s trail to scout its movements."

"Our task is solely reconnaissance. Once its location is confirmed, more hunters will come to kill this man-eating beast!"

"Thus, before we complete our reconnaissance mission, we can’t take you downstream to seek help, and you’ll need to wait for about three days, or even longer. But during these days, if you stay with us, we’ll provide you with food and shelter."

Listening to Tata, Chen Wen wasn’t worried about running out of time or surviving these few days.

On the contrary, he became intrigued by Tata’s mention of the ’monster’ crocodile.