Chapter 16
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 16
Chapter Title: Beastkin Kasha
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Stumbling along, I spotted a small cabin. It was even tinier than the one I'd lived in.
No way we're going in there, right? But Sera opened the door and slipped inside.
I followed her into the cabin. My vision darkened, and a thick woody scent filled my nostrils.
When my sight cleared, a vast space stretched out before me.
A long corridor extended straight ahead, with even stairs leading upward.
It was definitely a cabin... what the hell? Some kind of illusion magic?
"Don't just stand there like an idiot. Follow me."
Sera yanked hard on the leash.
I nearly toppled over but barely caught my balance.
Trailing behind Sera, I looked around.
How huge is this place? I couldn't even see the end of the hallway.
Wooden plaques hung on each door along the walls.
Bedroom 1, Bedroom 2, Bedroom 3...
On the opposite side: Kitchen, Ingredient Storage 1, 2, 3...
How many are there?
"You seem really interested in the ingredients."
A dry voice cut in sharply.
I turned to Lucy.
"Your eyes widened when you saw the storage rooms. Come to think of it, you said you like cooking."
She even told Lucy about that detail? I thought it was our little secret... kinda hurts.
"If you behave, I'll let you cook."
"Kek?"
What?
"The ingredients are just piling up unused anyway, so feel free to use them."
Whoa, she's actually nice? I misjudged her because of that stern face.
Maybe life here won't be so bad?
...That hopeful thought came crashing to a halt in front of a plaque labeled 'Dungeon'.
Fittingly, the door was iron, not wood.
I was led straight inside and fitted with iron shackles on my arms and legs.
Plopping down, my butt hit cold stone. My body and spirits sank together.
"I'll take you out when I need you for experiments, so stay put."
Sera's command fell over my bowed head.
"Actually, if you don't want to stay quiet, feel free to make a fuss."
Sera's voice brightened for a moment.
Lifting my head, I saw her smirking.
But her eyes weren't smiling. They were chillingly cold, like a blade hovering at my throat.
"If you make noise, I'll cut off the noisy part."
Yes ma'am. No fuss from me.
Kiiik... thunk!
The door shut.
The sliver of light from the opening vanished, filling the dungeon with darkness.
It's dark. My vision's dark, my future's dark. Everything's dark.
Laboratory 7. That's what the wooden plaque said. Lucky seven. Maybe something good will happen.
This was where Lucy had dragged me by the iron leash.
She tied me to a metal chair and left without a word.
Probably grabbing experiment tools. Can't do it bare-handed.
The room was empty except for the chair.
The chair was bolted to the floor, with cuffs on my wrists and ankles.
What kind of experiment requires tying me up this tight?
"Kehu..."
I sighed and closed my eyes.
Anyone, just come already. So boring.
Knock knock!
A cheerful knock.
Lucy wouldn't knock, so Sera?
My heart swelled; I nearly bolted to greet her.
Too bad I was tied down.
"Lucy! You in there? Coming in!"
Unfamiliar voice. Not Sera. Not Lucy.
A woman's voice, sharp and fierce just from the tone.
A bit husky, with a wild edge.
Clang!
Someone flung the door open roughly.
"Lucy! ...Huh?"
Our eyes met the intruder's.
Perky dog ears and a swishing tail behind. Beastkin.
Her chest was heavily bandaged yet still massively swollen, and her hips were dangerously curvaceous. Definitely female.
Her outfit? Just the compression bandages over her breasts and black short pants.
So short they revealed sun-tanned skin. She looked like a total delinquent.
Straight abs and firm thighs screamed athlete. One kick from her could snap bones.
"What's a goblin doing here?"
She tilted her head, then strode toward me.
She stared, so I stared back.
Blood-red eyes and sharp features.
Honestly, intimidating, but I glared back to hide it.
"A goblin not lowering its eyes?"
She reached for my head.
Snap! A flick right on my forehead.
"Kyak!"
A yelp escaped me.
It felt like a bullet hit my forehead.
This beast bitch! Why hit me out of nowhere?!
Writhing in pain, something touched my ear.
Opening my eyes, she had my ear pinched.
She yanked it upward sloooowly.
"Kyaaaaak!"
I screamed, but she didn't flinch.
"Noisy thing. Should I just bite your throat out?"
She bared her fangs, dead serious.
I could vividly picture those sharp teeth piercing my neck.
This girl's a psycho killer!? Help!!
The beastkin woman's face drew closer.
She was so beautiful, my heart pounded even in this dire moment.
Especially those sharp eyes—captivating.
Reminded me of my past-life wife; I'd fallen for her fierce gaze and haughty vibe. Of all people, she resembled her.
"Sniff sniff."
Her nose twitched, then she scowled hard.
"Ugh, gross."
She stuck out her tongue and dry-heaved.
My face burned.
We just met, and she's saying I stink right to my face?
Flicked me, yanked my ear—total bitch.
"Is this left here for food?"
What? Gonna eat me? You crazy monster!
Shake shake shake!!
I shook my head desperately.
Being eaten alive ranks top three worst deaths I've experienced.
Watching my flesh and bones torn off while conscious? Unbearable.
"Heh heh. Yeah, wouldn't leave something this smelly for eating."
She chuckled at my reaction.
"...Huh? What?"
Her eyes widened suddenly.
"You understood me?"
"..."
I stayed still.
Don't wanna draw attention.
Messing with her seems dangerous.
"Hey, why pretend you don't? You understood just now."
"..."
Stubbornly playing dumb.
"Keep pretending and I'll hit you."
She growled, baring teeth.
Her long red hair flowed down her back like a lion's mane.
"No reaction by three, and you're done. One, two—"
Shake.
I reacted, wary she'd actually do it.
"You Lucy's test subject?"
Nod nod.
Not thrilled, but true.
"She made something weird."
'Weird'? Harsh.
I grumbled inwardly as Lucy appeared behind the beastkin.
"Kasha, what're you doing."
"Oh, you're here? Came 'cause you called, found something interesting."
Kasha, huh. Kasha, Kasha, Kasha. Got the name memorized.
I'll get revenge someday!
"Don't rough up Gob."
Lucy's calm voice.
Defending me? Even using my name.
Kinda touched.
"Can't break the spare."
...That's why.
"Sorry. Just sniffed him, but he understood speech, so I got curious."
Kasha apologized to Lucy right away.
Her wild actions made me think she was unhinged, but she's different with allies.
"So what's this guy? How's he understand talk?"
Kasha pointed at me.
"Monster Sera found in the forest."
Lucy approached me steadily.
She loomed over me, her tall shadow falling.
"Guessing he's a Demon King's subordinate."
"What? Demon King's minion?"
Kasha whipped around, glaring with a scowl.
Shake shake!
Desperate head-shaking.
I don't even know what the Demon King looks like!
"Says no?"
Kasha turned to Lucy.
"Probably lying."
"Lying?"
"Goblins are dumb. A dumb goblin understanding speech is weird. Demon King must've done something."
Shake shake!
I don't know the Demon King at all! Wrong guy!
"Look at this one."
Kasha glared back.
Instantly, my throat clenched; I couldn't breathe.
Like an invisible force choked me—no air.
"Stop. You'll kill him."
Lucy spoke up.
"Tch."
Kasha clicked her tongue, and air rushed back.
"Keheok...!"
I gasped deeply.
What the? Just a glare, and I can't breathe? Another monster outta nowhere?
"Don't rough up Gob. Goblins are weak."
"I know."
Kasha replied, still frowning.
"What're you using this goblin for?"
"Experiments to lift Sera's curse."
Twitch. My ears flicked reflexively.
Sera's curse? What's that mean?
"Hmm... Why'd you call me? I suck at magic."
"Checking differences from normal goblins. Need your help."
"Me? How?"
"Yeah. Today, 'vitality' test."
Vitality? What's that? Why test mine?
"Vitality? Why?"
Kasha voiced my question.
"Sera said Gob got excited around her a lot."
"What? This thing with Sera?"
Killing intent in Kasha's eyes.
I averted mine.
"Can't use a perv."
Her glare stung like needles all over.
"Calm down."
"Calm? A goblin eyeing Sera dirty!"
"Could happen. Sera's an attractive female."
"What? That's your take?"
"Bad?"
Lucy's face was blankly neutral.
"Hah, fine, you're you, so whatever."
Kasha's scowl eased.
"So, what now?"
"If Gob's unusually lustful, maybe other sexual abilities."
"Test that?"
"Yes."
"That's why me? Handjob specialty?"
"Yeah. Female beastkin are pros."
"Heh, true enough."
Handjob specialty? Insulting, no?
Why's she grinning proud?
What even are beastkin?
"Got it. Just milk this guy's semen?"
"Into this vial. Gloves for hygiene."
Lucy handed over a vial and gloves.
"Don't wanna jerk off a goblin, but..."
Kasha took them.
"For Sera, fine. Trust me."