Unicorn's Scorn
The sky was dark, and the nag was munching grass—not ragged at all, but a noble spirit unicorn! It was a summoned beast that captured every child's fantasy and admiration, while also serving as a finicky judge that only allowed itself near the purest souls. The innocent cheers and pure curiosity of the children touched the unicorn's starlit eyes.... Slowly, the chilling aura swirling around the clearing softened, transforming into gentle waves of mana.
As if graciously accepting the cheers from these immature, fragile little lives, it tossed its silver mane dramatically and raised its head with elegant poise.
"Whoa...."
The kids approached cautiously, handling it like delicate glass artwork. The moment the first girl's fingertips brushed the unicorn's nape, ripples of mana spread in concentric circles across its white hide.
"It's amazing.... And it's really warm."
"So soft! No way, smoother than a blanket!"
The unicorn stood patiently, without a hint of annoyance, letting the children pet it. When it lowered its head to nuzzle one kid's shoulder, fine particles of mana drifted from its silver mane like snowflakes, mingling with their laughter. The sight of this lofty spirit narrowing its eyes contentedly under their touch made Gerald's earlier A-rank danger warning seem laughable—it was pure peace.
Gerald watched the scene indifferently, like it was a still life painting, and checked his watch.
"Don't dawdle. Next."
His dry voice shattered the fairy-tale vibe. The unicorn, which had been grinning lazily, snapped its eyes open at the sound and straightened its expression.
『Pruuuhk—』
Regaining its chilly dignity, it turned its gaze to the next student in line.
"Whoa—it's super, super warm and soft! Smells like fruit too!"
Lily, who had been sulking just moments ago, was now chattering excitedly after petting it.
"Hmm, really?"
"Yeah! You gotta go touch it quick!"
Her face flushed red with excitement, bouncing around—recalling her mopey expression from before made me chuckle despite myself. Unable to resist her innocent enthusiasm, I reluctantly shuffled to the back of the long line.
"By the way...."
A creature that likes virgins, huh. Sigh—! Kinda unsettling? My spine chilled like I'd spotted a cop guarding the house—some democracy activist veteran type.
And sure enough, as I got closer, the unicorn seemed to sense something; the atmosphere shifted. Those eyes were already glaring sideways. Like some sleazy bastard saying, Where do you think you're going? Who knew a horse could be so expressive?
Sniff sniff— As the kid ahead finished and my turn approached, it twitched its huge nostrils, sniffed me, then snorted roughly.
A brief eye contact.
Kyaaak— Ptoo!
With a phlegmy hacking sound, its spit flew straight at my face before I could react.
"........."
The world seemed to freeze. The air around us turned ice-cold, like someone had dumped a bucket of water. The kids' cheers, Gerald's world-weary face—everything fossilized in stunned silence. Only the unicorn's delighted whinny echoed.
『Heeheeheehing—!』
Open mockery. Its lips peeled back, flashing pearly whites and pink gums. Looked very satisfied.
...Huh? A gross smell wafted from the slimy goo dripping down my face. Pissed off now?
"Grrraaaahhh!!!! You horse-headed bastard, I'll sashimi you!!!"
Jeju-style meat party today!!!!
"Hey hey, stop! Grab him quick!"
"Wh-what the hell....!"
While kids clung to my legs, Gerald finally snapped to and rushed over, blocking my path. He hurriedly wedged himself between me and the unicorn, visibly flustered. He'd picked it thinking it was safe for kids, but this unexpected variable nearly caused a disaster.
Thanks to Gerald's desperate damage control, the chaos died down eventually. They rushed the offending unicorn back to the stables, ending the disastrous field trip.
"Whew...."
"That scared the crap outta me."
Maybe because of the unexpected mess in his class, the intimidating aura around Gerald felt a bit softer.
"Ahem.... Seems we had a student with unusually low affinity for mystical beasts. Today's field experience ends here."
He usually prepared multiple creatures, but today he'd banked on the unicorn as a sure thing, so no backups—and no way to continue.
"That said, we can't just end the scheduled class. Everyone, return to the lecture hall."
At Gerald's order, the students headed back regretfully. The beast-handling lesson left all the kids with fun memories—and one unforgettable scar—fading into anticlimax.
".........Mumble mumble."
Just you wait. Let's see how far this goes. When twilight hits, we all know who's gonna cry—but I'll play along. Couldn't hide my rage at that low-class prejudice attacking an innocent guy.
* * *
"Ah, haha.... So that's why you've been in that low-pressure mood?"
Rupert awkwardly laughed, gauging his sulky friend's temper. He was clearly wary of getting burned.
Dorm-wide joint class session. After lectures ended, Rupert, Jayden, and I were together for once.
As Rupert fidgeted, Jayden—arms crossed, watching—spoke in his deep bass.
"Enough already. You're just wasting energy pointlessly."
Cold tone, but not mocking or consoling—just stating facts with calm certainty.
"If you were really pissed, you wouldn't have held back from the start."
I shrugged off Jayden's words too.
"Nah, that's different. It insulted me."
Daring to scorn the lord of all creation, a mere beast? Time to teach it manners properly.
"Sigh...."
Jayden and Rupert exchanged glances and shook their heads.
Whatever—fine. No need to kill the vibe with friends after so long.
I picked up the hefty porcelain teacup from the greenhouse lounge. Freshly brewed black tea's fragrant steam tickled my nose.
Kya—! Park Seojun, who used to slurp strawberry yogurt smoothies. Living the high life now! Smells nice, but not my taste.
"So, what were you saying earlier? Something about a club?"
I calmly set the cup down like nothing happened, and Rupert finally relaxed, spilling it.
"Yeah, if you guys don't have plans, wanna join a club together?"
"Club?"
Like a school club? Figures—schools gotta have 'em.
"Yeah, not mandatory, but everyone's expected to join one. Thought it'd be fun together."
Hmm, clubs.... Back at my old elementary school, there was club time once a week—mandatory on the schedule, so I joined. Movie Appreciation Club, fancy name for legalized napping.
Didn't expect it here too. Lost in memories, Jayden chimed in.
"Your face says you hadn't even considered it."
Spot on.
"Ahem—I've got plans. Just so many priorities, club got pushed back a bit."
I lifted the cup solemnly. Big schemers don't sweat the small stuff.
'Heehing?' Some horse whinny echoed in my head, but I ignored it and sipped. Bitter tang filled my mouth, sliding down.
"...Not bad. So, which club?"
"Talked with Jayden—we think Exploration Club suits us."
"Exploration Club?"
"Yeah. Officially Mythical Relic Exploration Club—school supports it big time."
Exploration.... Name already reeks of dust. I twitched an eyebrow.
"It's exploration in name only—half tourist trips. Academy covers all costs."
Jayden added that professor-led official trips with educational value could even replace class credits. Rare, but skip entire classes if lucky.
Nice.
"...Well, if you put it that way, sounds decent."
Like Rupert said, if we gotta join one, better with familiar faces.
"Oh, but can we squeeze in one more side dish?"