Chapter 72
Chapter 72
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 72
Chapter Title: Beastkin Tribe
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'Gasp! W-what the hell is that?'
A 6th-circle spell unfurled the instant they arrived.
It was already too late to rush in and block it, so I just stared blankly at the cave.
But amazingly, survivors of the 6th-circle magic staggered out of the cave.
Even with the lingering magical flames, they emerged with twisted expressions.
'Beastkin!'
Incredibly, they were the Beastkin, a race thought long extinct.
They usually resembled humans almost perfectly, but in battle, their bodies sprouted fur, and they revealed steel-like claws.
Among the demi-humans, the Beastkin possessed the strongest combat abilities.
After over a thousand years, this was the moment they reappeared before the world.
'Mages? Beastkin?'
Even more shocking were the spells they'd cast to defend against the 6th-circle magic.
No humans in sight—only five Beastkin, all appearing to be mages.
'Hah, so those are Idal's mages from the Magic Tower?'
I didn't want to believe it, but the thought flashed through my mind.
I let out a long sigh.
"Well, well, the Beastkin are still alive! Hahaha. Jackpot today!"
"Surrender! Anyone who moves will be slaughtered!"
'What the fuck is that prick?'
A young shithead decked out in high-grade mithril armor and a tacky golden cape that screamed bad fashion sense.
His hair was golden too—probably parents who loved the stuff.
Knights protected the haughty little bastard.
No ordinary fighters.
Not Master-class, but they exuded fierce mana.
'A 6th-circle mage protected by elite guards, owner of a gold wyvern... That fucker's from the Raviter Empire's imperial family?'
I pieced it together from the clues.
"Humans... kill...."
Beastkin with cat-like tails.
The one in the center, a 2-meter-tall Beastkin, growled with murderous intent.
"Protect His Highness!"
'His Highness?'
As the Beastkin radiated killing intent, the mage barked orders at the knights.
Shiiiiiik.
Puhbuhbuhbuk.
Sky knights flying overhead swooped low and hurled spears at the Beastkin.
A silent warning.
The Beastkin were a battle race, but the odds were stacked against them.
"Kneel! I am Crown Prince Alskane of the Great Raviter Empire. Kneel and greet me, and I'll spare your lives!"
The blond punk declared himself the Raviter Empire's crown prince.
His arrogant face already oozed the leisure of certain victory.
"Grraaang!"
Paat!
Then the enraged Beastkin launched themselves with a tiger's roar.
"You bastards!"
"Where do you think you're—!"
Five knights charged to meet them, as if they'd been waiting.
'Whoa! Not even a circus act!'
Incredible movements.
A scene confirming the Beastkin's legendary status as combat monsters.
They leaped nearly 3 meters high, hurtling forward at arrow speed.
"Hold!"
Two mages cast Hold spells at the charging Beastkin, right on cue.
Paaat.
The Beastkin, racing like sports cars, froze mid-stride.
Kagang.
The knights seized the moment, swinging blades-infused swords.
The Beastkin countered with 30-centimeter black claws.
Kagagagang.
Chajajajajang.
Sparks flew.
Incredibly, their developed muscles and nerves parried the knights' blades.
These elite guards were clear, yet the Beastkin held their own.
'Hoo, not bad.'
I'd thought the blades would take them out, but those claws were damn tough.
The knights' blades could slice plate armor, yet the black claws stayed intact.
Shiiiiiiik.
Pueok!
"Graaaaaang!"
A sky knight diving from 10 meters up impaled a Beastkin's back with a blessed spear.
"Stop! Move again, and you all die!"
The Raviter bastards attacked from behind in the midst of the knights' fight.
Pathetic for imperial guards, the empire's pride.
"Grrraang!"
"Grrrrrr!"
As their comrade took a grievous wound, the Beastkin growled and fell back.
'No human mages around?'
In a situation like this, anyone left alive in the cave would come out—but no more presences.
★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
"Surrender. No more chances. Looks like you're the last Beastkin on the continent. Obey, or face extinction."
"Grrrrrrrrrr."
The Beastkin supported their wounded comrade, snarling.
Puhbuhbuhbak.
Threatening spears thudded deep into the ground before them.
A despicable, perfect noose.
"....."
"Oho! The Beastkin legends are true! They look just like humans normally!"
'What the hell? Beastkin are kitsune types?'
I nearly facepalmed at the prince's exclamation.
Seeming to accept extinction and surrender, the Beastkin released their battle aura.
Fur vanished instantly, tails coiled away, claws retracted.
Five humans emerged.
Three burly men and two voluptuous women.
'Kheuk!'
Most shocking: they were buck naked, full 19+ rating.
My eyes bulged; nosebleed incoming.
No matter they're Beastkin—their current form was pure human.
"Your Highness, congratulations. You've captured Beastkin after a millennium."
"Haha, thank you, Sir Dorbit. I'll not forget this."
"No, Your Highness. My part was nothing. Surely a gift from the gods for you."
With the Beastkin surrendered, the prince and mage slathered on the ass-kissing.
One Beastkin was on death's door, spewing blood from the spear through his back—no sign of healing.
"Separate the females and males, bind them apart."
"Yes, sir!"
The prince's eyes locked on the Beastkin women.
Two in their early twenties, fantasy-level bodies.
Like South American beauties: curves in all the right places, generous where it counted.
Porn mag cover models paled in comparison.
Gulp.
Dry swallow escaped me.
No shame.
They bared their mature bodies freely, unlike humans.
Just leather panties down below.
Untouched by magical flames—probably monster hide.
'But what to do with these fuckers.'
Calling Bebeto wasn't ideal.
Ten-plus wyverns patrolled warily in flight.
Ground forces no pushovers either.
About 20 meters from my hiding spot in the woods to them.
Even a full sprint might get spotted.
"Kneel!"
Pueok!
Knights approached the Beastkin, who'd given up resistance at the extinction threat.
They kicked the still-murderous Beastkin without mercy.
"Guk!"
Chalkak chalkak.
Elite guards swiftly bound their hands behind with mana-control bracelets.
"Your Highness, I'll check the cave for remaining stragglers."
"I'll go too."
"No, Your Highness. Let us knights scout first and confirm safety."
The mage firmly blocked the prince.
"Very well. Hurry back."
'Good!'
While I pondered, the mage solved it himself.
"Sirs Porfin and Edbaine, escort him."
"Yes, sir!"
Imperial guards obeyed only emperor and family.
Two knights moved to the mage at the prince's order.
The trio vanished into the massive cave.
"Quite the beauties for Beastkin sluts. Lots of uses."
'That fresh-faced fucker!'
Mage gone, the prince approached the bound women.
His lecherous grin matched 40-something pervs ogling skirts.
'Chance!'
As he neared the female Beastkin, knights dropped close guard.
Mana bracelets meant no fight left; keeping knightly dignity too.
'Go! Wind Missile!'
3rd-circle spells now cast chantless, by will alone.
Targets: dozing gold cockatoos in the clearing.
Puhbuhbuhbuhbuhbuhbuk.
Kueeeeeeeeek!
Kaaaaaaaak!
Ten wyverns shrieked earth-shatteringly as spells hit their heads mid-nap.
Pat!
All eyes on wyverns, I bolted at the prince like wind.
"Ambush!"
"Huh!"
'Too late, slugs!'
Mana Step: 20-meter full sprint.
No—flew right beside him.
Before anyone reacted, my sword rested on his pale neck.
Wiiiiing.
Blade blazed blue; swordtip quivered.
"....."
Not freeze tag, but all froze solid.
Guards and mage 5 meters off gawked at my sword and me.
"Haha, greetings, folks."
Helmed, they couldn't ID me.
Waved my free left hand cheerily.
No one spoke.
Too busy grasping what this meant.
"Y-Your Highness!"
Knights twitched instinctively.
"Stay put, yeah? Unless you wanna see this fine prince's head roll."
"Kuh!"
Knights trembled in rage.
Imperial guards: loyal to the core.
Threatening their prince's head? I'd look like the devil.
"W-who the hell are you?"
Sword near touching, prince played tough for pride.
Puk!
Fist flew at his yap unbidden.
"Your Highness!!!!!"
"Guk!"
Knights' anguished screams mixed with prince's.
"Can't read the room yet? Speak properly when I talk nice. Unless you wanna die. Heh heh heh."
'Psycho streak in me?'
Murderous vibe no victim laughs at—yet I grinned like a villain.
Shocked even myself.
"Do you know who he is?! Release His Highness! We won't punish you!"
Mage bellowed in shock.
"Hey, mage. That head above mine look stone? Fuck, kidding? Think I'm joking?"
Wiiing!
Poured more mana; blade burned brighter blue.
All shut up.
'These fuckers playing games.'
Sensed cave knights and mage stirring.
"Hey! You cave rats, crawl out! Or this pretty face gets scarred!"
Warned the cave.
"And you sky knights! Gonna flutter down or what?"
Yelled at mana-flaring sky knights eyeing chances.
"D-do as ordered. Hurry!"
Prince, nosebleeding rivers, commanded fearfully.
"One knight, free the Beastkin. Hey, friends, heal with this."
Tossed potion flask from belt to Beastkin.
'O! Sis, cover those just a bit, please.'
Beastkin blinked confused at sudden shift.
Bouncy tits on the women burned my face.
"Knights, drop swords, line up single file! Execute!"
"....."
Knights dithered at my orders.
Puk!
"Guk!"
Smashed prince's face again.
"D-do as ordered! Now!"
Prince clutched swollen left eye, screaming.
Well-bred types hate violence—who said that?
First taste for him today.
Chajajak.
"Good, getting it now."
At heaven-sent prince's command, knights lined up fast.
One dashed, unlocked Beastkin's bracelets.
Kiiiingooo.
Kiuuuu.
Sky knights clutching spears landed hastily.
"Cave mage and knights, get out! Execute!"
Tadadak.
Three burst out right away.
"One wrong move, watch this prince say bye to the world. Obey well, might end nice."
Chiiiiiik.
'Hoo, insane vitality and regen.'
Normal human? Spear through = instant death or coma.
Yet this Beastkin lived, casually yanked spear, poured holy water on wound.
Not a whimper.
Just brief grimace.
"What do you want? Name it—we'll grant what we can. Free His Highness and us."
Knights lined long behind.
Mage in line spouted nonsense again.
Movie trope: weaken, release—they bite back.
These fucks no different.
Guards bullied Beastkin relying on numbers.
Now tasting it themselves.
Pueok!
"Kraaak!"
No words needed.
Fist nailed prince's quivering right eye.
"Dorbit, you trying to kill me?!!!!!!!!!!!"
Prince screamed, valuing his life over others'.
Hudadak.
Dorbit the mage paled, slotted behind knights.
"You sky knights ain't knights? Hustle!"
"Y-yes, sir!"
My roar sent wyvern riders scrambling down, lining behind knights.
Shouting "sir" in total chaos.
'Heh heh. Drill sergeant material?'
No army, but TV-taught 21st-century kid drill play.
Fit me perfect.
'What to do with 'em.'
Unexpected scenario.
Beastkin peril led here—no prep.
Sparkle sparkle.
Imperial guards' gleaming air plate armor caught my eye.
'Heh heh heh....'
Ding ding.
'Acquired top-tier full-set air plate armor worn by imperial guards!'
Not all air plates equal.
Imperial sky knights': mithril-heavy.
'Wyverns too?'
Spotted wyverns cowering beside knights.
'Possible?'
Too many. One or two doable—twenty overwhelming.
'Fuck it, can't eat? Still gold!'
Dad's friend-watched 48-martial-arts flicks line.
Turn down served feast? No right to live.
"Strip!"
Peak summer sun blazed the land.
Deep mountains cooler, but heat lingered.
One line nuked it.
'Fuckers, happiness ends, suffering starts.'
".....?"
Knights eyed me puzzled.
"Take off those air plates, you idiots!"
No answer needed.
Prince, dodging hits, eyed me then bellowed.
At his own lifelong guards: calling 'em idiots.
Chalkak chalkak.
Guards stripped humiliated.
"You too, strip."
One line to awkwardly grinning prince.
Chalkak chalkak.
Fully automatic.
No business before the hawk—prince proved it.
Stripped faster than knights.
"Mages! What're you waiting for? Off with those magic robes!"
Devil mode full throttle.
High mages' robes: top magic gear with waterproof, cold/heat resist.
'Kuh, fresh undies time.'
Mages hesitated, then stripped like knights.
Knights had spandex undies under; mages just grimy briefs.
White turned yellow—how long unwashed?
'All style, no hygiene—beats beggar scum.'
High-circle mages: noses high, acting classy.
Eyefucked 'em again in disbelief.
'Ashamed? Cute.'
Mages bowed heads at my gaze.
Old fucks knew shame.
"First and second rightmost knights, grab all mana bracelets, bind knights' hands behind! Execute!"
"E-execute!"
Prince ordered absolute obey; knights echoed.
Chalkak chalkak.
Scraped wyvern extras, slapped on knights.
"This fucker too."
"....."
Pointed at prince; ordered knight.
Knights hesitated.
"What! Bind him!"
Prince bulged eyes, raged.
"Quit? Then guards won't die for you later? I'd stab your back instead."
Buru buru.
Prince shook.
Knights' faces hardened.
'Rift talent too? Kek.'
Future foes for sure.
Neighbor empire across Kovir Mountains.
Internal strife better for me.
Chalkak.
One knight bound prince's hands.
"Drop keys on ground, cuff each other."
Cheolpeok, chalkak chalkak.
Mana keys dropped; knights mutual-cuffed.
Resignation crushed their spirits.
'Magic tech's wild.'
Earth handcuffs-like, but superior.
Locked with mana key? Even Master couldn't open sans key.
"Thanks for obeying this drill sergeant. Final order! Single file into open cave on my cadence! Execute!"
"Execute!"
"One, left foot! Two, right! One! Two! One! Two!"
Near-naked, they marched cadence into cave.
Prime guard bods: great builds, swinging balls vanished inside.
'Tsk tsk. That fitness?'
Mages lagged, steps scattering.
Like 21st-century nerds: booksmart, trash stamina.
"W-what about me?"
Prince's bold start gone: both eyes black-and-blue, puffy.
Handsome face? Now squinting pufferfish.
"Good work. Dash in hard."
"Th-thank you!"
Thanked for sparing, bowed.
Tadadak.
Sword off neck, bolted caveward.
"Slow down. Don't trip. Tsk tsk."
Prince fled like kid chased by mutt—hands bound, still speedy.
"Weak mind for prince. Raviter's future's dim."
Shook head, impartially fretted empire's fate.
"Servant, come forth."
Summoned mid-tier earth spirit.
Seureureuk.
Elf village style.
Earth rumbled; 2-meter dirt golem popped up.
"Bury that cave. Pack tight."
Surook surook.
Golem shuffled.
Kwarurururur.
Soon, massive cave vanished.
Sealed tight per order.
"Thanks, human."
'Hoo, clear speech.'
Unlike battle mode, precise human pronunciation from Beastkin.
Turned from cave to them.
'Thanks my ass—all for me.'
Unclear details, but from prince-mage chatter: first Beastkin sighting in millennium.
Why use Gandalf Master's spells? Curious.
"I'm Kai."
"Taiton Tribe chief, Hashipot."
'Hongmani hyung level.'
Spear-victim near death—now perfectly healed.
Top potion or not, needs troll+ regen.
"Beastkin serve life-savers as master. Sadly, we can't serve you."
Unexpected from Hashipot.
"Our tribe was saved 100 years ago, serves that one since. Ask not life, but other."
100 years? Master's ghost again.
Hidden century in Kaliyan Continent, yet legend lives.
"Master named Idal?"
"Gasp! H-how know Master's name!"
'Sigh. Knew it.'
No clue why Master collected Beastkin, but tied to them.
No shock left.
Lived diligently, but Master's shadow dwarfed expectations.
"Master cast like this?"
Showed Master's signature formula.
".....!!"
Five Beastkin couldn't hide awe.
'Battle mages! Yes! Train 'em—game over!'
Battle mage idea hit seeing Beastkin.
Better than magic swordsmen: bodies, instincts.
Add magic? One-man armies.
Kauuuuuuu!
Kurrrrrrrr!
'Those birdbrains!'
Owners gone, wyverns sensed doom, freaked.
"Bebeto!!!!!!"
Mana-boosted roar skyward.
Kuo ooooooo!
Bebeto rounded peak on cue.
Parak parak pararak.
Months free: bulked up huge.
Wings and body 1.5x average wyvern—impressive.
Kauuuuuuuu!
Bebeto out, males flapped irritably.
Females eyed his muscles drooly.
Shiaaaaaak.
No more talk needed.
Bebeto dove, claws first.
Puhbuhbuhbuk.
Kueeeeee kueeeeee!
Merciless beatdown.
Feathers snowed like chicken-plucker machine.
Gold ones extra plentiful.
"Haha, it'll take time—let's chat unfinished business. About your master, my teacher, history's sole archmage, golden-eyed reaper: great Idal."
Beastkin entranced by Bebeto's lesson.
Idal named, all eyes on me.
Grin spread nice.
Another jackpot fanfared me.
Battle mage Beastkin, 22 wyverns, flawless top air plates.
'Umahahahahaha!'
Laughter volcanoed inside.
Great Kai's path.
All yield.
Or curse of shakedown awaits.