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I Killed an Academy Player Chapter 46: King of Iron Mountain (2)

Chapter 46: King of Iron Mountain (2)

– Kwaang! Kwagang!

The⁠⁠‌ trees of the‌ forest were being​ swept away by​‍‌ the birchwood club​‌⁠ of the infuriated​ ogre.

Nature⁠⁠ was being destroyed.‌ The green remains⁠⁠​ scattering everywhere made⁠‌ its onlookers realize​ that humans weren’t‍​‍ the only cause⁠‌ of the destruction‌⁠ of nature.

“What​⁠⁠ a tough bloke.”​​

Twin-headed⁠​⁠ ogre.

It‌ was a conjoined‍‍​ twin ogre that‌‌⁠ had two heads.‍ Normal conjoined twins‍​ were said to‍​‌ have under-performing immune⁠⁠​ systems and a high metabolism rate‍​‍ which shortened their​​​ life span, but‌ for some reason,‌ conjoined twin demonic‍‌ beasts had more‌‌‌ than double the​ power of their‍ originals as if‍ they drank the‌ blood of godzilla.​‍

How⁠ is this even‍‍ possible though? Does​‌⁠ it make sense​ for them to⁠‍​ get stronger just​ by gaining a head?

“A‌ birchwood club huh…”‍

“What‍‌ about it?”

In​ a corner of​​ the forest, Old‌ Man Haman was⁠ hiding at the⁠‍ same place as‍⁠ me but unlike‍ myself, he wasn’t​⁠⁠ even carrying a weapon. Despite coming⁠‌⁠ all the way‍‍ here, he seemed​‍​ to have no⁠⁠ plans on helping‍ me.

“Back​⁠ when I was‌ in middle school,‌‌ the teacher used‍ to smack me⁠ on my bum‌ a few times‌‍ with a similar​⁠ stick.”

Of⁠⁠ course, the stick​‌ from then was‍⁠ far from being⁠‍‍ taller than my​ height, though.

“Oh.​‌ I guess you⁠‍ weren’t a good‌ student then.”

“Personally,⁠‍ I do think​​‌ I used to​‍⁠ be one of‌​ the model students‌‍ though.”

Did⁠‌ I bash kids⁠⁠ up or smoke⁠‍⁠ cigarettes or what?‍ Aside from having​‌ bad grades, I was a great​‌ student.

“Well.‍‍‌ Anyway… When are⁠ you going to⁠⁠ kill that?”

“Let⁠⁠ me just wait​‌‍ until that guy​​​ uses up more‌ power. Ehew. Seriously,‌‌ he’s very strong​⁠⁠ isn’t he?”

“…”‌‌

Old​ Man Haman silently‌‌‌ agreed to my‍⁠ decision with a grin.

A few days ago,‌⁠ we discovered the⁠‌⁠ cave that was‍ being inhabited by⁠​ the twin-headed ogre,‍​‍ but I had‍ no plans of​‍ running in like‍​⁠ a fool.

Old​ Man Haman and⁠​​ the people from​​‌ the Alliance were​​⁠ only here as​⁠ support in case‌​ things turned south.​ Even though they⁠ would help me‍⁠ if there was​‌‍ a serious risk⁠‍‌ to my safety,​⁠‍ that would mark‍‍‌ an immediate end​‌‍ to my grading⁠ test.

Firstly,‌‌​ I started off​​ by investigating the⁠‍ area around the‌‌‍ twin-headed ogre’s cave,‍​ and on the‌‍⁠ presence of other⁠​‌ demonic beasts nearby​ and what the‍ ecosystem was in‍​ this forest.

“Report‌ what you have‍⁠‌ discovered from your⁠‌ investigations. Korin Lork.”‍‌​

“From​​‍ the surrounding footsteps,‍ I have found​‌⁠ traces of the⁠ ogre moving together​​​ with long hounds.‌ That pretty much‍⁠​ confirms their cohabitation.”‌​⁠

“How⁠‍‌ many long hounds⁠‍ are there?”

“It’s​ three.”

“Hooh?‌⁠ There are only⁠​​ two sets of​ footsteps of four-legged⁠ animals following around‌‌ the ogre though?”‌​‌

“It’s⁠⁠ because one is‍‍ a female that⁠ is pregnant.”

In‍​ response, Old Man​⁠ Haman floated a smile while the‍​ evaluating guardians of‍⁠ the Alliance started⁠‌​ writing things down‍‌‍ on their notes.‌​

“You⁠‍​ look like you⁠​​ know the answer​ already, but give‍ us an explanation.”⁠‌‌

“Aside‍​ from the footsteps,⁠ there is also⁠‍⁠ a trace of⁠ a dragged beast.‍⁠‌ That means instead‍⁠ of eating the⁠​ hunted animal there,‌‌​ they dragged it‌‌ all the way⁠ back to the‍​ cave.”

Although‍‌ the twin-headed ogre​​ and the long‌‌ hounds were in‌‌⁠ a symbiotic relationship,​‍ hunting was mainly​‌‍ up to the‍ hounds. The ogre‌ was just a deterrent to stop‌‌‌ other enemies and​ its job was⁠‌ to protect the​‌​ long hounds from‌⁠ other demonic beasts.​​​

“Both​‌ the ogre and​‌ the long hounds​⁠ aren’t the types‍‌ to store food.‍‌⁠ That means they‌ have a kindred​ that cannot move,‌ whom they are⁠⁠ bringing the food⁠‍ for.”

“Magnificent.”‍

– Scribble!

I could hear my⁠⁠ evaluation of the‍​ Alliance members rising.​

“Now,​‍​ Korin Lork. How​​ are you going​‌ to hunt the‌‍​ young semi-Grade 1 twin-headed ogre and⁠‌⁠ Grade 3 long‌‌ hounds?”

“Firstly,‍ I will separate⁠⁠‍ the ogre from⁠ the hounds.”

“How?”⁠‌⁠

“Since⁠ we’re humans, we‌‍ have to use⁠‍ our brains.”

Unfortunately​ for them, I was a professional‌‌ at things like⁠⁠‌ this.

****⁠‌⁠

Humans‌⁠⁠ broadened their borders,​‌⁠ founded cities and‌⁠ created highways to‌ increase the number​‍ of man-made structures​ in the continent,​​ but most of‌⁠‍ the world was‌⁠‍ still being occupied‍⁠ by naturally-made ones.‌‍​

No​‌ matter how many⁠‍​ trees were cut‍ down by humans;​​​ no matter how⁠⁠ many forests were‌​‍ to be broken⁠‍‍ down to turn‍​ into farms and⁠ no matter how‍ many animals were​⁠‍ to become extinct,‌‍‍ the demonic existences⁠‌ were still imposingly​​‍ standing in place,​ threatening humanity.

The‌⁠ ruler of this‍​​ forest was one⁠‌ of them.

This‌ forest with little​‍ passersby was like‍⁠ a kingdom to‌ the twin-headed ogre‌ who was reigning‍ as a dictator.‌⁠

– Woof! Woof woof!​​​

The‍​‍ prey hunted by‌​​ the hunting dogs‍ today was another‌ source of delight.‍‌‍ A deer as⁠​​ large as this⁠‍ was enough for​‌⁠ both the tyrant​ and the hunting​ dogs to have‌⁠ their fill.

The‍‍⁠ hunting dogs grabbed‌⁠⁠ on the remaining​​ leg of the⁠‌ deer and started​ dragging it behind⁠‌ them, as the‌​ tyrant leisurely followed‍​⁠ them through the‍‌ foggy forest for​⁠​ a stroll. Even⁠ though it wasn’t​‍​ even an adult‍⁠ yet, the ogre‍⁠‍ still reached 4 meters in height‍‍ and had to⁠ break the branches​‌ while walking through‍​ the woods.

Even⁠ though it considered‍ itself the ruler‍‍‍ of this forest,​ its scope of​ activity wasn’t very​​​ big. Despite the⁠⁠ mist, there was​‍‌ no way it⁠‌‍ would get lost​ while returning to⁠ its habitat.

– Woof! Woof!

The⁠⁠ hunting dogs were​‍‍ the first to‍‌ notice a change.​ They were very⁠ sensitive to the‍⁠ foreign scent that⁠‌​ had infiltrated into⁠ their base because‍​⁠ a pregnant female‍‍‍ was by itself‌‍ inside the cave.⁠‌

They⁠‍‍ had been careless‌⁠ because no-one had‍​ dared to trespass​‍ their territory ever‌‌⁠ since they became​ the ruler of‌ the forest.

“Grrrh…!”​‌

The​​​ ogre commanded the​ dogs as the‍ hunting dogs then⁠⁠⁠ hurriedly searched through‌‌ the cave.

It‍‍‍ wasn’t there.

The‌​‍ female with a baby that should‍ have trouble moving‌​ was nowhere to⁠ be seen.

– Woof! Woof woof!‌

Hearing‌​ the call of‍‍‌ its friend, the‍ other hound raced​ towards where the‌ sound was coming‌⁠‌ from. There, they⁠‍​ came across the⁠​‌ sign of something‌ that had been​⁠‍ dragged outside.

Even‌​ though it might⁠‍ be the trace⁠⁠ that was created‍‍​ when they were⁠‍​ dragging some meat‍⁠ inside, the smell⁠​‍ was different.

The‍⁠ infiltrator had dragged‍‍​ the female out​​ of the cave.‍‌

– Guwoooooo…!

– Awooooooo…!

The⁠⁠ hunting dogs roared⁠‍​ in fury. After⁠⁠ realizing that their‍ kindred, the female‌⁠ of the group⁠⁠⁠ and their baby⁠⁠ had been kidnapped,‌‍‍ they expressed their‍⁠ pure bestial fury.‌‌

The⁠⁠ infuriated scream of⁠​ the ruler of⁠⁠ the forest and​‌‌ its subjects made​‍‍ the entire forest‍ tremble.

– Woof! Woof woof!⁠‌⁠

– Woof woof woof!⁠‍

Blinded‍⁠ by fury, the⁠⁠‍ two male dogs⁠ pressed their king​‍‍ in dissonance. They‌⁠⁠ had to go‍ after the trace.‌ They had to⁠‍‌ save their female​‍‍ kindred.

The‌⁠ ogre responded to‍​‍ that suggestion without‌‌‌ any hesitation. In⁠​‍ a symbiotic relationship⁠‌‌ that was there⁠​⁠ to supplement each⁠⁠⁠ other’s weaknesses through‌‌‌ the hardships of⁠⁠ nature, both sides⁠ had rights and⁠ duties.

Action‌ was mandatory. The⁠ owners of the‌‌ forest moved with⁠ a clear purpose‍‌‌ in mind.

The⁠​ hounds dashed after‍‌ the smell of‍‍ their female kindred​‍ as the ogre​ chased from behind.⁠ The two hunting⁠ dogs raced across‍​ the foggy forest​ to where the‌​ smell led them.‌​

– Woof!

They​​​ looked at each‍​⁠ other in the‌ middle of their⁠​ sprint. The smell⁠​​ of their female‍ kindred was becoming‍ denser over time‍ and along with​⁠​ that was the​ deepening scent of⁠⁠ the infiltrator who‌​​ had snatched the‍‍​ female from them.‍‌⁠

As‍​ expected,

There​​⁠ was nothing in⁠‍​ this forest that‍​⁠ could shake them‍‍ off.

This‍‌‍ forest was where​⁠‌ they were born,​ and they knew‍⁠​ this place like‍‌⁠ the back of⁠ their paws. Using⁠⁠⁠ their tough four⁠ legs, the demonic⁠ beasts kicked off‌​‌ the dirt and‌ jumped over the​​⁠ thick tree roots.‌

Now,⁠​ the foolish trespasser‍‌​ will receive its​ due punishment for‌‌⁠ messing with the‌ ruler of the‌‌ forest.

– Woof…

“…!!”⁠

“…!!”‌

At​‌ the end of‌‌ their sprint, they​​‍ came across their‌ kindred that was‌‌‌ wailing on the‍⁠ ground.

“Woof!”​‍⁠

“Kii…‌‌‍ Iiii…”

The‍​​ female dog groaned​ while staying on‌ the ground. Unable‍‌​ to hold itself‍ back anymore, one⁠ of the two​‍ male dogs dashed‍​⁠ forward. It was‍​ the father of‍⁠ the baby inside‍​​ the female’s belly.‍

“Woof!‌ Woof woof!”

While‌​ rubbing its nose​ on the body‍ of its spouse,‌​​ the dog confirmed​‌‍ its safety. Right⁠ as it was‍​‌ about to support‍⁠‌ the female to⁠ stand up on‍⁠ its legs…

– Click!

Right⁠⁠‍ when the female‍​‍ moved its body,‌‌ a click echoed⁠‌⁠ across the forest⁠⁠‌ as a rope‍⁠⁠ made with vines‍​ tightened itself.

At​ the same time…‌‍⁠ A log that‍‍⁠ appeared to have⁠ been discarded in​‌​ the forest suddenly⁠⁠‍ started to soar​‍‌ up.

“Woof?”‌

The‍​ log flew towards​⁠ the sky as‍​ the other logs‍ that were connected​​ to it began‍ to fall. The​ male was in‌‍‌ the middle of‌‍ supporting the female‌‍ dog and couldn’t‌⁠ react in time​ and—

– Slam!

Its​ face was blown‌⁠‌ away by one⁠‍ of the flying‍​ logs.

“Woof!⁠⁠ Woof woof!”

The​⁠ remaining male hound⁠ somehow managed to‌ dodge the flying‍⁠⁠ logs. It was​⁠​ looking around in‌​ extreme wariness when⁠‌ its ears sensed‍⁠ something ominous.

– Shiiiiiik!

Something‍ was falling down‌​‌ the air. The‌‌ hound immediately rolled​​ to the front‌​‍ as sharp stakes‍​ of wood fell‌‌ on where it⁠ was standing.

“Woof!⁠ Woof woof!”

Thinking‌ of how one​‍‌ of those stakes‍‍ could have pierced​ through its head​‍⁠ and the spine​⁠‍ made its hairs‍​‍ stand on its‍ end. However, there‌ were more.

A bunch of stakes​‍⁠ that had been‍ installed on the​⁠ branches started falling‍‌ all at once.‌⁠

– Pabak! Pababak!

Leaving​ behind its kindred⁠⁠‍ that were still‌ under the downpour‌ of stakes, the​ remaining hound started​ another sprint but‍​⁠ this time, it⁠‌ was for survival​‌‌ instead of a pursuit.

“Grrrhh…!”⁠⁠​

Despite‍​⁠ starting off from​‍ a non-ideal posture,‍‌⁠ the hound still‍‍​ reached the speed⁠ of 70 kilometers‍ per hour. After⁠‌ racing at a speed faster than‌‍⁠ the falling stakes,⁠⁠ the dog turned⁠ around to confirm‌ its safety.

…The​‍‍ stakes were no‍‌​ longer falling down.​⁠⁠

The​ dog relaxed itself​ a little.

And⁠‍⁠ because it was​⁠ relaxed… It was‍​ too late by​‍⁠ the time it‌‍ noticed that something‌ was sparkling beneath​​ it.

[ᚲ]⁠⁠ – Kenaz

ᚲ ᚲ ᚲ ᚲ ᚲ ᚲ ᚲ ᚲ ᚲ ᚲ ᚲ ᚲ ᚲ ᚲ ᚲ ᚲ ᚲ

But‍‌‌ even if it​ did notice them,​ it was questionable⁠ whether that would‍‍​ have changed anything​⁠‍ or not. The​‌ letters of flame​‌ covering the ground​‌⁠ were too enormous‌‍ and dense for‌‍‍ it to escape⁠‍ at the speed‌⁠‌ of 70 km​‍⁠ per hour.

– Hwaruk!

The‍ hound’s fate was‍‍ decided the moment​ it was swallowed​‍ by the flames‌⁠‌ blazing from the‌ ground.

– Kung! Kung! Kung!⁠

By‍​ the time the⁠ ruler of the‌‍‌ forest and the‌ owner of the‍ hounds arrived at‍ the scene, the‌ dogs had already⁠ been killed.

The‍‌‍ couple had been‌‌⁠ pierced by wooden‌‌ stakes while the‍ other one was⁠‍⁠ scorched by the​⁠‍ blazing flames that​ were still burning⁠⁠ the trees nearby.‍

“KUWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH…!!”‍

The‍ two heads shared‌ the same emotions⁠‍ as they roared‌‍ together.

The‍ roar of the⁠ tyrant reverberated sonorously.​‌‍

It‌⁠​ was truly what‌ one would expect‌​ from the so-called‍​‌ ruler of the⁠ forest but the‌‍​ ogre did not‌​‍ even have the​ time to dwell⁠⁠​ in its sorrow.‍‌‌ One of the⁠⁠ devices it accidentally‌​‌ stepped on ended​​ up triggering another‌‌ trap.

Logs​ started flying towards‍‍‌ it, but the‌ two-headed ogre was‌‍ able to notice​‍ them ahead of‌‍ time due to‌‌ its wide vision.‍​

– Vuung!

Without⁠‌​ even moving its​‌ feet, the two-headed​​ giant swung the‍‌ club in its‍⁠ right hand.

– Kwaang!

The⁠‌ logs were shattered‍ by the birchwood‌‌ club. There were⁠ still a few​‌‌ more traps that‍‌⁠ hadn’t been activated,‌ but none of‍ them would be‌‍ able to serve​ as a threat‍‌‌ against the wide​‌‍ vision of the⁠ twin-headed ogre and⁠‌⁠ its monstrous strength.‍

However,⁠‍ what the tyrant‌⁠ did not know‍ was that this‌​ was just the​​ beginning of the​‌ hunt.

****‌

As‍ the ruler of‍‌‌ the forest, the‌‌ twin-headed ogre was​ also an innate​‍ hunter.

The⁠‌‍ 1st head was‍ very perceptive with‌⁠⁠ its eyes while⁠‍‍ the 2nd head‌‌​ had a good‌ sense of smell.‌⁠ Through cooperation, the‍⁠⁠ two heads tried‍‍ to avenge the‍​ hounds and in⁠⁠​ fact, chasing after​ its prey was​⁠‍ quite simple.

In‌‌ fact, there were​ so many traces⁠​⁠ that it was​‌ ridiculous. The enemy​​ couldn’t even hide‍ their scent or‌‌ their footsteps, and​⁠‍ it was a shame how the‍‌‍ hounds had been​‍‍ defeated by someone‌ of this caliber.​‍‍

Of⁠‌ course, the journey​ wasn’t that easy‌‍‍ because there were‍‍ all sorts of‌ traps that were‍ trying to deter‍​ the ogre from‌⁠ advancing forward.

But‍‍ although the twin-headed⁠​ ogre was not​⁠ a full-grown adult,⁠​ it was still‌​‌ a semi-Grade 1 demonic beast. The⁠​‍ traps that could⁠‍​ barely defeat some⁠ dogs were easily​⁠ swept away by​‌ the massive birchwood‍‍ club in its‍‌ hand.

A few sharp stakes​ did land straight⁠⁠ at its body,‌ but they could⁠ only create some⁠​ tiny wounds after‍ coming into contact‌​ with its thick​​ skin.

However,​​ unlike what it‍ expected, the ogre‌‍‌ could not find‌​ the prey on‌​​ the first day.‌‍​

There‍‌​ were definitely a lot of traces​‍​ and it was​​‌ stubbornly chasing after‍ them but for‍ some reason, the‌‍‍ ogre just couldn’t‌‌‌ find its prey.⁠‍⁠ It felt like‌‌ they were so​ close yet so‍⁠‍ far.

Despite‍‌ feeling discontent by‌‍ it, the ogre⁠⁠ decided to rest‌​​ for the night,‍ but it was‍​⁠ that very night‌‌ that something attacked‍⁠ it.

[ᚺ]‌⁠ – Hagalaz

It⁠ wouldn’t have been‌​ able to respond‌ in time if‍ not for one​‌ of the two​ heads being awake⁠⁠‍ the whole time.‌​⁠ A hail fell​ from the sky⁠‍⁠ as the sleeping‍ head of the⁠ twin-headed ogre also​​‍ woke up.

The⁠ hail itself wasn’t‍ much. A few‍ pieces of stones​⁠​ had fallen on‌​ the body of‌‍ the ogre from‌‍ the sky and‍‍‍ the damage was‍⁠ very miniscule.

However,​⁠ it was still⁠⁠ true that its‍⁠ sleep had been‍ disturbed. The ogre​‌​ crushed all the‌​ trees nearby to​ express its fury.​‍‌

Similar⁠‌ things continued happening‌‍‍ after that. A hail fell from​​ the sky whenever​‍​ it was about⁠‍ to go to⁠‍⁠ sleep. If the‌​ ogre decided to‌⁠​ ignore it after​​⁠ thinking that it‍⁠⁠ would be the​⁠ same thing again,‍‌‌ the falling stones‍‌​ would then have​ flames surrounding it‍​​ as they scorched‌‍‌ the surrounding land.⁠‌​

The‌​⁠ ogre destroyed the​‍⁠ surrounding forest in​ a midnight pursuit‍⁠ but the prey‌⁠‌ continued leaving vague‍‍ traces without revealing‌​ itself.

After​ that repeated for‍​‍ three days,

The‍​​ ogre realized that‍​ itself was the​ one that was‌‌‌ being hunted.

With⁠ countless wounds around⁠‌‍ its body that‌​‍ were caused by‍‍ Rune Magic and⁠‍‍ natural traps, the‌⁠​ ogre couldn’t even⁠⁠ fall asleep for‌ the past few⁠ days and was‍⁠⁠ thus exhausted both‍ physically and psychologically.​​​

All‌ it could do​‍⁠ in retaliation while⁠ limping with innumerable‍‌ burns and scratches⁠​⁠ on its body⁠‍‍ was to crush⁠‍‍ everything in its‍​⁠ sight.

The​ role of the‌‍​ hunter and the‌‌ prey had been‌‍ reversed. At last⁠ after realizing that​ it had fallen​​⁠ to becoming the⁠​ prey, the ogre‍ felt grief and‍⁠​ fury.

“Hi‍‌⁠ there.”

On‍ the afternoon of‌​ the third day,⁠ the hunter finally‌‌ revealed himself.

“Huaahm~.‌‍ Why do we​ all have to​‌ go through so⁠‍ much trouble just‌‌⁠ to kill you?‌​‌ Let’s hurry up‌‌ and end this.”​⁠‍

After⁠ harassing it on‍ repeat, the hunter‍‍​ confronted the ogre​​​ while provoking it.​

“Kuwaaaaaaaaaah…!”⁠⁠

The⁠‍ ogre let out‌‌‌ a scream as⁠⁠ Korin likewise lowered‌‌ his body.

Like⁠​‌ sprinters waiting for‌‍ the sound of‍‍‍ the flare gun,⁠ the two of‌ them gazed at⁠ each other in‌⁠ silence.

1 second,

The​⁠‍ ogre ran.

And⁠​ so did Korin.⁠‍

Dashing‍‌‍ towards the large‍‍ ogre like a gust, the spear-bearer​​ used the forward‍‍⁠ momentum to kick‍⁠ off the ground.​​‍

His‍‌​ body soared into​⁠⁠ the air. Noticing‌ the huge mistake‌ made by the​​ hunter at the‍‍‍ very last second,⁠ the ogre’s lips⁠​​ curled into a crescent.

As‌ soon as it⁠ landed, the ogre⁠ would use the​ 2-meter long birchwood‌⁠​ club to strike‌ his tiny body.​‍⁠ Even though that‌ was its plan,‌ the ogre couldn’t​⁠ see it through.‍​

「Crumbling⁠ Mountain: Secret Arts」‌​

「One‍ Strike One Shot,⁠‍ Thunderous Strike」

Jumping‌​ into the air,‌ the spearman readied‌ himself to throw‌​ the spear.

This‍​​ was the innate‌ purpose and use⁠⁠ of the spear.⁠​ It was the​‍⁠ single most powerful​‍​ strike that humans⁠‍ could pull off‍⁠‌ with a spear.‍‌

– Gwaaaaaannngg!!

The⁠​ spear pounced at⁠⁠ the ogre through​​ the air. When⁠​ the ogre subconsciously​‌⁠ raised its club,‌​‌ the two weapons​ collided and… A crack appeared on​‌⁠ the club that⁠​‌ used to break‌‌ everything without fail‌ during the past​‍⁠ 3 days.

– Kwang!

The‌‍ top half of​​ the birchwood club​‌‌ was now nowhere‍‍ to be seen.⁠⁠ In addition, the⁠​⁠ ogre’s right shoulder‍‍‍ was also gone​ along with an‌ incomprehensible tempest.

“Kuwaaahh?!”⁠​⁠

Landing‍‌⁠ back on the⁠ ground after the‌‌ abominable javelin toss,‍ the spearman dashed⁠⁠‌ forward without killing‍‍ his momentum. Even‌​ though the ogre​​‍ was shrieking from​ the pain, its​⁠ two heads were‍‌‌ still able to‌ perceive the world.​

It​ reached its arms‌ forward at the‍‌ dashing Korin but‍‌ it was too​ late – he​‌ was already right⁠‍‍ in front of‍ its chest.

「Eight‍​‌ Trigrams, Mixed Origin」‍

– Kajik!

The⁠‍⁠ palm strike landed‌ directly on the​ ogre’s chest. A compression of inner‌‌ energy was sent⁠⁠ from Korin’s dantian⁠⁠‍ to the ogre’s‌⁠ body. As expected‍ of one of‍‌ the three most​‍ powerful strikes of‍ Eight Trigrams, the‌ energy sent from​‍⁠ Korin’s palm rooted‍‌ up the innards‌‌ of the ogre.‍⁠‌

– Kung!

The​ twin-headed ogre soon‌ fell on its‍⁠ knees. Due to‍ the explosion that⁠ occurred inside its⁠⁠​ body, the demonic​‍⁠ beast was bleeding​‍ profusely through its⁠ two mouths.

“What⁠⁠ the heck… Why‌​‍ did I bother‌​ filling up my‌ Aura Core…? I didn’t even get‍⁠ a chance to​‌‍ use it.”

This​⁠ appeared to be‌ the limit of⁠​ a semi-Grade 1 demonic beast that‍​ couldn’t even reach⁠ Grade 1.

Due‍‌​ to spending the​ past few days​‌‍ putting all of‍ his aura into​⁠‌ the Aura Core​ in preparation for‌⁠ a decisive battle,‍ Korin had a dispirited look on‌ his face after⁠‌ the underwhelming outcome​​‍ of the fight.​⁠‌

****‍​‍

At⁠‌​ the underground laboratory‌⁠⁠ of Merkarva Academy,‌‍ there were countless⁠​ test subjects. This‌‌‍ was the biggest⁠ reason why the‍‍ professors of the‌ Magic Department rejected​ the offers of​⁠​ the Tower and⁠‌⁠ stayed at the‍ Academy.

Golden‌‌ Miss, Professor Deina,​​⁠ who had been‍⁠​ working at the‌ Academy for 15​ years, put on⁠⁠​ a thicker layer‌​⁠ of makeup and​⁠​ a stronger perfume‍‍ than usual. That‍ meant that she‌​‍ had gained problems⁠‍ on her skin​⁠ and a bad‍‍⁠ odor due to‍‍ the repetitive late​‍⁠ night research.

“Professor⁠‌ Deina.”

“Ohh.⁠‍ Student Marie. You’re⁠⁠ here!”

Marie,​ who had been⁠⁠​ helping her with​ the experiments as‌⁠ a volunteer for‌​ the past few​ days, assisted her‍​‍ with the same⁠‌ face as usual.​

‘Wow…‌‌​ Look at how⁠⁠⁠ soft her skin⁠‍ is. Is this‌‍‍ youth…?’

Professor​‌‍ Deina’s skin wasn’t‍⁠ bad by any‍‌​ means. In fact,‌​​ she looked younger‌⁠ than others of⁠‌‌ her age due‍ to being a mage, but she‍‍ obviously did not‍⁠⁠ want to stand⁠⁠ side-by-side next to⁠ someone with real⁠​ baby-skin.

Look‌‍ at how white​‍ and moist her‌‍‍ skin was, as⁠‍ well as its‍​‌ softness that could​ probably swallow a finger like a mochi!

Marie‌‌⁠ had the youthful⁠​ appearance of a girl her age‌ but the reason⁠‍​ Professor Deina couldn’t⁠⁠⁠ help but question⁠ the fairness of​ this world was‌⁠‍ because Marie had⁠ also been working​⁠​ late overnight just​⁠⁠ like herself.

“Student​‍ Marie… You’ve been‌⁠ helping me a lot these past‍⁠‍ few days right?”‍​​

“Nnn~.⁠​‌ I guess?”

Professor​‍⁠ Deina knew herself‌‍⁠ that even though​⁠ Marie was the⁠​ one who volunteered​‍‌ for the task,​‌⁠ making a student​⁠ work three days​​ overnight had been⁠⁠‍ questionable as an‍⁠​ educator.

But‌ surprisingly, Marie was‍‌ showing off her‍ incredible stamina by​‌‌ doing more work‌ than Professor Deina‌‌​ herself.

It​⁠‌ should be normal‍‌ for her to⁠​​ gain some dark‍ circles under her​​‌ eyes and yet⁠ she was still‌‌⁠ lively like always.‌​⁠

‘Is‌ it because she’s⁠​ a vampire?’

After‍⁠​ recently awakening into⁠ a vampire, Marie‍ became the hot‍‍‍ potato of the​​‌ Magic Department. How‌‍ many professors had⁠​‌ joined the fray⁠‍⁠ just to prove‌‍ that she was‍​ safe and rational‌ enough?

Normal⁠‍‍ vampires had pale‍​ skin and were‌‌⁠ weakened under sunlight,​ but Marie was⁠​ proven to be‍ at the level​ of an elder-rank‌⁠ vampire that was‍⁠ at least 100​ years old.

As⁠ for vampires, the⁠​ elder was right‍⁠‌ beneath the lord‌‌⁠ rank, and yet⁠‌​ Vampire Elders were​‍‌ already in the⁠​⁠ Unique Grade… in​⁠‍ other words, Vampire⁠​ Elders were already​‌​ unmeasurably strong so⁠ how strong would⁠⁠ the legendary Vampire‍ Lords be?

That​ question aroused her‍ inquisitive mind as​ a scholar but‍⁠ that wasn’t the‍​⁠ important matter at‍‍ hand.

“Student⁠‍ Marie. What is⁠ the state with‌ the demonic beasts‍‍ that will be⁠‍ used for the‌ experiment with ‘King‍⁠ of Iron Mountain’?”‌​

“Ah‌‌ yes. They’ve all​‍ been isolated.”

“We⁠⁠ will be able‍ to carry out‌‌ a more detailed‌‌‍ experiment thanks to​‍ your help, Student⁠ Marie. The demonic⁠⁠ boar of Dingle⁠ Peninsula and a Unique Grade vampire…⁠‍ It will lead‍‌ to a huge⁠​ progression of the​⁠⁠ magic industry!”

“Haha…”​⁠‍

Marie⁠ gave an awkward‍ smile which was‍⁠ a very rare⁠ sight. Seeing that​‌‍ smile, Deina immediately‌⁠ noticed that she⁠⁠ had made a mistake.

“Ahh,‍‍ that’s not what⁠ I meant. Of‍ course it’s a huge misfortune that⁠‌ you ended up​ awakening into a vampire. My apologies.⁠ I shouldn’t have⁠ said that.”

“No,‌ it’s okay.”

“Are‍ you sure?”

“It⁠⁠‍ probably doesn’t matter⁠⁠​ to him whether​ I’m a vampire⁠ or not.”

“Nnn?”‍‌⁠

“Oh​ right! I forgot⁠⁠ to give food‍ to the demonic‌‍ beasts! Sorry. I’m‍‌ a bit all‌ over the place!”⁠

“Hmm…‌​‌ There’s no need​ for you to​⁠‌ do that much‍‌ though.”

“I’m​‍‍ fine! And it’s​​‌ safer for me⁠ to go as​​​ well!”

“Mhmm…”‍

Professor‍​ Deina couldn’t refute‍⁠ those words.

It‌ was just the‍ day before yesterday‍​​ when one of⁠‌⁠ the staff members‌‍‍ had been greatly‍⁠​ hurt while feeding⁠ the demonic beasts.​⁠ She had to⁠‌ pay hospital fees​⁠​ and compensation for​⁠ both physical and⁠ emotional distress.

They‌‌ were running low​‌‍ on budget due​ to buying Grade⁠⁠​ 1 demonic beasts⁠⁠​ like the King‍​ Tyrant and the​​ Melting Dragon. What⁠‍ would happen if‌‍‍ there were to‍‌ be another casualty?⁠‍‍

Let‍⁠ alone the screams‌ of the budget‍ team, their research‌ might also be‌​ forced to a stop due to⁠‍‌ safety reasons.

“C,​⁠‌ could you please‍ take care of‌​⁠ that then?”

“Sure~”‌​⁠

By‍​​ making use of‍ their budget problem‌‌ as an excuse,‍​ Marie organized the​​ visit to the​ demonic beasts while​ carrying food.

– Oink! Oink!

– Oink oink!!

Echoing⁠‍‍ all the way​ to the corridor​⁠⁠ from one of‍‍‍ the rooms at​‍‌ a corner of‍ the 2nd basement⁠⁠‌ floor of the‍‌‍ laboratory building were‍⁠⁠ the disharmonious grunts⁠ of pigs. They‌⁠ were the Grade‍‌ 4 demonic beasts,‌‌‌ Fang Boars, that‍‌‌ were screaming due⁠⁠‌ to the distressful⁠ experience of having‌‌​ to live in‌ a small fenced-up‍⁠‌ area.

There⁠​​ had been a huge increase in​ their numbers due⁠‌⁠ to their recent⁠ breeding season and⁠‌‌ Professor Deina ended​‍ up buying a whole bunch of‍‍ them out of​‌ greed.

Although⁠‍ their individual prices‌⁠ had gone down,‌ buying hundreds of‍‌‌ Grade 4 demonic‍ beasts in one‍ go might make⁠⁠ others question the‍ financial senses of​ mages, but Marie⁠ found nothing wrong‌ with that.

– Oink oink!?

– Oinkkk?

– Oin…

– O…

– Kiii.

The⁠⁠ sudden howling voices​‌⁠ of the beasts⁠ from the echoing‍⁠ sound of footsteps​‍‌ rapidly started to‍ dwindle back down.​‌

Clomp‍ clomp.

When‌ Marie’s beautiful white⁠ boots stepped across‌ the stone floor,⁠​‌ their changes became⁠‍ all the more​ apparent.

– Kung!

Her​⁠​ tiny hand landed‌‍​ on the door‌‍⁠ of the iron‌​‍ fences that had‍​ at least hundreds‌⁠ of fang boars​‍ inside but what‌​ came back was⁠ a deathly silence.⁠‌⁠

……‍⁠

……‍‍‍

……‌

Even‌⁠ though the Fang‍‌ Boars were extremely‌‍ savage beasts, they⁠‍‍ became nervous after​ sensing Marie’s approach.‍⁠ Some of them​‌ were even squeaking‌ while driving their‌ heads into the​​ bums of their⁠‌​ friends to hide​​‍ themselves.

– Kung!

Normal​‌ staff members would‍⁠⁠ have thrown the​​‌ food inside from​​​ outside the fence⁠ but Marie opened‌⁠‌ the gates and‌ walked into the​ cage like a madman.

Those​‌ Fang Boars that​​‍ used to threaten⁠​⁠ every staff that‌ threw the food‍⁠ from outside the⁠ doors by pouncing‍ at them were​ silent and still⁠ as if the‌‍⁠ world stopped.

“Time‌​ to have some​‌‌ food.”

Overwhelmed‍ by the demonic⁠⁠ aura that was​ being emanated out​ of her voice,​ gaze, and scent.⁠‌‌ The Fang Boars‍⁠ shivered heavily but​ still queued up‌​⁠ in front of​‌​ her in a line.

Marie​‍‍ gave the trembling‍ monsters a piece​‍‌ of chicken alongside⁠‍ some small pebbles.‍‍​ Those pebbles that​​ were mixed with⁠​⁠ the meat weren’t‍ a part of‍ the meal that​‍ she had received‌‍ from the staff.⁠‌​

– Munch munch!

It‌​ was when the‍​‍ Fang Boar that⁠⁠ was hurriedly trying⁠‍ to finish its​ food accidentally crunched‌ on the pebble.​​

– Crack!

– Kki?!

Like‌‌ a fiend, Marie​ moved in an‍ instant to grip​ on the beast’s⁠ fang. While holding⁠​⁠ onto the fang⁠⁠‌ that was several​ times bigger than​‌‌ her hands, Marie​‍ raised the animal​​ up with her‌‍ monstrous strength.

The⁠⁠ Fang Boar floundered‌ in the air​⁠ but it was‍‍ unable to escape‍⁠ from her grip‍⁠‌ with its body‍⁠ that weighed only‌ 400 kilograms.

– Crack! Crackkk!

Her‌‍​ otherworldly grip started‍‍⁠ causing cracks on‌ the sharp fangs‌⁠ of the demonic‌ beast.

“That’s‍ weird.”

The​‌ golden eyes of‌ the amicable girl‌⁠ with water-colored hair⁠‍ started being tainted​‌​ in red. With‌ their instincts, the‌ beasts sensed the‌ demonic aura of⁠⁠ the monster that⁠‌ was wearing the⁠ skin of a harmless girl.

– Quak…

– Kiii…

Only‍⁠‌ one of them‌‍ was caught and‌⁠‍ yet all the‍‌ Fang Boars froze‌​⁠ stiff. The one​‌‌ that was being‌​ held by Marie⁠‍ was in a worse state, and‌ was even peeing‍⁠ itself.

“Did⁠‍ I not tell​ you?”

Yellow‍ liquid was dripping​‌ down its shivering⁠‍ rear legs. Despite⁠‌ the puddle of‍ smelly liquid, the⁠​ girl from a family of farmers,‍ who was used​‌​ to the smell⁠ of feces, did​‌‍ not even spare‌ a glance.

“Do‌ not bite on⁠‍‌ the rock. Swallow⁠​ it.”

Her⁠​ eyes that were‍‍ now tainted in⁠⁠​ a deep crimson​‌ color oppressed the‌ beasts.

Soon,​⁠​ the hundreds of⁠⁠ Fang Boars started​ hurriedly swallowing all⁠‌‌ the rocks and‍⁠ pebbles they saw​‍‌ as if it⁠ was a competition.‌

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