Chapter 21
Chapter 21
“Kiiiaa!!”
Ssssh! Swaaaak!!
The lamia lunged at me with snake-like agility, slashing with the dangerous blades in both hands. As expected of a high-grade monster, its attacks were so fast that even an aura user would struggle to track them with their eyes.
The combat sense of a high-grade monster rivaled that of a high-ranking knight.
More importantly, monsters could also wield aura or mana like humans, and once they reached the level where they could freely control it, they became extremely troublesome and dangerous opponents.
Even a high-ranking knight could suffer serious injuries if they let their guard down.
The reason the Empire couldn’t easily conquer the Orc Kingdom bordering the western territory of Erengrad wasn’t just because of their overwhelming numbers and superior physical strength.
Clang! Clang clang!
“Kiiiaa!!”
“That scream is quite annoying.”
While maintaining the exchange, I memorized the lamia’s movements.
No matter how strong a monster was, repeated patterns always existed.
Especially for aggressive, warrior-type monsters like a lamia, habits were inevitable.
Unconscious habits that could become weaknesses.
Ssssh. Step!
“I see it!”
Among all of its attacks, one exploitable habit became clear.
Whenever it launched a powerful strike, it would pull back once before lunging in with a sudden body charge.
“Kiaaa—!!”
Swaaash!!
Then it would spread both swords wide like wings and prepare for a cross-shaped slash.
The preparation motion was larger than expected.
It was so fast that it was hard to notice at first, but through continuous exchanges, I figured it out.
‘The next time you try that… it’ll be your last, lamia.’
I continued the fierce clash, waiting for that moment.
And then—
It began the motion.
The instant it stepped back, I closed the distance.
Dash!
“Ki—!?”
“What? Surprised?”
“Kiiiaa!!”
Whooom!! Clang!!
“Ki, kiik!?”
The lamia’s twin blades, aimed at my neck, were deflected as if they had struck something invisible.
Of course they were.
I had already anticipated this and activated an artifact while stepping in.
A once-a-day lifesaving artifact that granted physical nullification magic.
“This is the end, lamia—!!”
Shiiiing!
I ignited the aura I had been conserving onto my blade.
The reason I held back until now was simple.
‘You’re next…’
Flash!
I had sensed a rat lurking nearby.
“Ki—!!”
Whoosh! Slice!!
Before it could even resist, my swift strike severed the lamia’s head.
Its long hair scattered through the air as the head rolled across the ground—toward the bushes on the left.
Where someone was hiding.
Whoosh. Swish!
I flicked the blood off my blade.
“Over there. …If you’re going to come out, then come out.”
Pointing my sword directly at the bushes, I made it clear I had known all along.
Rustle.
As if responding to my call, someone stepped out.
“Who are you? You look like an academy professor.”
“I’m the one asking questions, trespasser…”
I released killing intent at his audacity.
“Harsh. I was just passing by and got interested in your fight.”
He shrugged casually, acting unfazed.
A smooth liar.
But he overlooked one thing.
“Your lies won’t work against this artifact. You’re the one who released that lamia.”
Mercenaries often carried artifacts to deal with criminals who used monsters as weapons.
One such artifact was the “Eye of Truth.”
It had limited uses—and I had exactly one left.
‘I should visit the Magic Tower branch soon.’
The artifact contained tracking and identification magic—essentially revealing the monster’s owner.
Flash!
A blue mana arrow appeared above the ring, pointing directly at him.
Then it vanished.
At the same time, the ring crumbled into ash.
“Still going to deny it?”
“…You’re a mercenary, aren’t you?”
“And why do you think that?”
“People who carry that many artifacts are usually veteran mercenaries.”
“Let’s say I’m a retired one. About 20 years.”
“A veteran, huh. And an upper-level aura user… troublesome.”
“Don’t assume you hear every rumor. Though it won’t matter. You don’t have a tomorrow.”
Fwoosh.
I raised even more aura than before.
Because—
Whoosh! Whoosh! Swaaak!
“So you’re an aura user who specializes in throwing weapons.”
Clang clang clang!
I deflected all the incoming projectiles with pure aura.
The reason was simple.
A difference in sheer level.
“So age really does mean strength!”
“Last chance. Surrender.”
“Or… I can just run!”
Whoosh!
He turned and bolted.
Fast. Determined.
‘He thinks he can outrun me.’
He was wrong.
Boom!
I kicked off the ground, launching myself forward.
The earth cracked beneath my feet.
“You thought you could escape me?”
In an instant, I was behind him.
“What kind of monster—!?”
He sped up, but it was pointless.
“Shouldn’t have run.”
“Stay away—!!”
“No.”
Shing!
I drew my sword, aura already flaring.
“Watch your legs.”
Flash! Slice—
“Aaaargh!!”
His legs were severed cleanly.
‘Blame yourself.’
◈
“What… is this person, Professor Marco?”
“He’s the one who released the high-grade monster ‘lamia’ here.”
“A lamia!? Then that lamia is—”
“Here.”
I showed him the bundle containing its head.
“You killed it alone!?”
“Not exactly. I used artifacts efficiently. Just luck.”
No need to reveal my true level.
“Still, that’s incredible!”
“More importantly, we need to find out who sent him.”
“We’ll interrogate him?”
“Yes. I’ll handle it alone.”
“Sounds… intense.”
We returned to the academy.
I took the prisoner to the detention room.
For interrogation.
Splash!
“Ugh…”
“Wake up. I have questions.”
“Wh… where…”
“The academy prison. Your interrogation room.”
I spun a small blade in my hand.
“Answer only what I ask. Refusal is not allowed. Understood?”
“…Ugh…”
“Answer.”