Beast Hunt (2)
"So, you're saying there's absolutely no issue with the monsters?"
Right after finishing my talk with Swalder, I headed straight for Ridwick. The reason was simple—he was the one handling the sharkwolf problem.
He looked a bit flustered by my sudden request but obliged without much fuss, and soon I got my answer. Except it was vastly different from what I'd expected.
"Yes, that's correct, Professor. The monster inventory was spot on."
"The sharkwolves we got this time were purchased at Professor Camella's request, and they were all used up the day before yesterday."
All used up. Not a single one missing.
If my hunch was right—that one of the monsters had escaped—that was impossible. And yet, his answer didn't waver.
"How did you confirm that?"
"I collect the corpses. Check the numbers, then hand them off to the necromancy department for disposal."
From Ridwick to Camella, back through Ridwick's hands, and on to the necromancy faculty. With three or four professors involved in the process, it was hard to imagine any discrepancies in the count.
"I double-checked for any prior shortages, but the records are clean."
Saying that, Ridwick pulled out a ledger and showed it to me. It was packed with details: which professor requested what monsters, and how many had changed hands. The entries he pointed to were all about the sharkwolves, and even I could see they'd been fully expended.
"I understand your concern. With monster tracks showing up, it's natural for an instructor to worry."
"But there's no problem. I just verified it again."
Ridwick closed the ledger, put it away, and reiterated it clearly: no issues whatsoever. He didn't seem annoyed, exactly, but his face had that "this is a hassle" look. He clearly had no interest in discussing it further with me.
Since even my own check had turned up nothing, I had no choice but to nod along.
"Well then, that should wrap things up, right?"
He tossed out the line to end the conversation. But unlike him, my doubts were far from resolved. So instead of agreeing, I threw out another question.
"...So how do you explain these footprints, then?"
"Hmm, good question. That's puzzling me too."
Footprints that looked like sharkwolf tracks had appeared at the Academy. If no monsters were missing, there was no explaining it. Ridwick had to concede that point, so after some thought, he gave a casual reply.
"Eh, probably just the kids messing around? Something like that."
A breezy attitude, like it was no big deal—just a prank not worth fussing over. Indifferent and nonchalant. But it didn't feel like something you could brush off that easily.
Kids messing around...
Those tracks weren't just something stumbled upon by the roadside. I'd been drawn there by a sound. Drawing the footprint pattern and using magic to make noise to attract attention—that could be a prank. Sure. I wasn't a Swordmaster; I couldn't tell if it was real or not.
But the ones who'd identified it as a sharkwolf were the real professors. Their expertise on that was beyond doubt. For a prank to fool professor-level eyes with that level of precision...
Was that even possible for students?
"Thank you anyway. Sorry for dropping in unannounced and bothering you."
"No trouble at all. Safety comes first, especially here at the Academy."
Ridwick smiled with his mouth, but his eyes said otherwise. As I left his lab with his perfunctory farewell, my mind raced.
Something's off. Something we're missing...
There were no problems. And yet, there was a problem. The monster exchange process was meticulously recorded, but so were the tracks. A bizarre contradiction. Something didn't add up. There was something I was overlooking.
What could it be?
I racked my brain, but nothing came. Then, suddenly, a thread of realization tugged at me.
"...You said those footprints were definitely sharkwolf, right?"
"Yes. I... did say that."
I stopped just before leaving the room. Turned slowly back to Ridwick. And in a slow, but certain voice, asked:
"Sharkwolves have no real intelligence, correct?"
"That's right...?"
"No special abilities either."
"Yeees... correct, but..."
Ridwick answered hesitantly, his expression flustered. But I'd gotten confirmation—that was enough.
It's definitely a monster. A low-grade one with no high intelligence or superior abilities.
The two professors had emphasized the sharkwolf's greatest trait: superior mobility in water. Nothing else. And this was the Academy—solid ground with plenty of footing.
In other words, a sharkwolf here was no different from a four-legged goblin. No smarts to assess situations, no ability to hide or flee swiftly. And yet, this thing showed no sign during the day, appearing precisely at night. Even then, it evaded watchful eyes, leaving tracks but never its form. And so cleverly.
Does that even make sense?
Even a seasoned knight would struggle with that. For a brainless monster to pull it off effortlessly? No way "coincidence" covered it.
And it had to eat. What would it eat? Devouring monsters or people would've given it away immediately. Nothing else around for the likes of it to chow down on.
If I had to force a scenario where this was possible, even one in a million...
Someone controlling the monster from behind the scenes. Otherwise...
That line of thought snapped me out of it as a voice rang down the hall.
"Hello there?"
A leisurely old man's voice echoing through the corridor. As I turned toward it, a past conversation flashed in my mind for some reason.
—But is that really okay?
—What do you mean?
It was from before I'd come to the Academy. Right after accepting Princess Kali's invitation to head there.
"What brings you here? Professor Ridwick."
As the memory played, the man approached. His bushy beard gave a rugged impression, but his tone was gentle and witty. Still, even as he neared, the flashback continued.
—Won't they get scared and hide if a Swordmaster shows up?
—Is that so? Could be.
It had started as a light question: If I were Abraxas, if I'd taken their side, what would I do? I figured I'd panic at a Swordmaster's arrival, halt operations, and pull back. So I'd voiced real doubt about whether I should even go. But her response was calm.
"Just chatting with this gentleman."
"Ah. And who might this be...?"
Ridwick gestured toward me, and the man turned my way. Despite me being there the whole time, he reacted a beat late, like he'd only just noticed.
—But if I were the enemy, I'd think differently.
Kali had nodded at my words but not fully agreed. She looked back at me coolly, then spoke with evident interest.
"Pleased to meet you. Nameless Swordmaster. I've heard much of your fame."
He met my eyes, extended a hand. With a slight smile, he greeted me in a kindly voice.
—I'd approach you instead. Warmly. Friendly. Gently.
Make you feel at ease with me.
She'd said it plainly: If it were her, she wouldn't hide. She'd come closer. I couldn't wrap my head around it. Getting close would expose your actions, make it easier to get caught. Despite her near-certain tone, I'd questioned why choose that. And Kali had answered all too clearly.
As I clasped his proffered hand, accompanied by that kindly smile, her words from that day flashed brilliantly in my mind.
"I'm Chedor Amanshtin, professor of necromancy here at the Academy."
—Humans worry about the stray dog by the road biting them, but never suspect the wolf in their own arms.