The Eve of the Beast Subjugation
Class time drags on like molasses, only to vanish in the blink of an eye. Before I knew it, the day before the monster subjugation battle had arrived.
“Whoa…”
“What.”
“No, the carriages are insane.”
The endless procession stretching into the distance left my jaw on the floor. I'd seen highways clogged bumper-to-bumper with cars back home, but a full-on carriage traffic jam? That was a first. Way off in the distance, coachmen were screaming at each other, fists probably flying soon. Judging by their crests, both were from haughty count families—definitely not wrapping up anytime soon.
“It's always like this.”
Ashu snorted, arms crossed. Fair enough; it was a triennial event, so he'd witnessed it a few times as a kid.
“Still.”
To someone who'd lived in Korea, this was straight out of a history book. Whips cracking instead of horns blaring. Dust clouds billowing where exhaust fumes should've been. It all felt so wrong, like my energy was already draining away. And I had to wade into that mess?
‘Protectors don't really do much anyway.’
Protectors step in only for participant disputes or real dangers. Any other help means instant disqualification for the participant. So yeah, Ashu's skills were basically make-or-break for a win.
‘Honestly, he's got this in the bag.’
But life's unpredictable. Just in case, I'd drilled our precious little golden boy hard. A mere week to outsiders, but a full week to us. True to his main villain roots, Ashu had grown at a ridiculous pace. And the status window had updated too.
Character: Ideal
Strength (C) | Agility (S) | Intelligence (F) | Luck (B)
Trait: The One Who Lost Their Memories
You are Ideal, but not her. Raise Ashu Kan Hart to reclaim your lost memories.
Trait: Locked
Trait: Locked
Trait: Locked
P.S.: May you reach a happy ending.
Ashu Kan Hart Training Degree: 10%
We'd hit a solid 10% training degree. One more quest, and the first trait unlocks.
‘Wonder what it'll be.’
My heart was pounding with anticipation. Fingers crossed for a survival skill or something useful.
Lost in a daze staring at the carriage line, I felt Ashu tap my arm.
“I'm hungry.”
“…A-again??”
“Steak and fried eggs today.”
Ashu was a kid through and through—picky as hell, true to his bratty, hot-tempered nature.
But who am I? Ashu Kan Hart's master. (Not acknowledged.) The motherly figure handling his meals daily. (Downgraded to cook servant.)
“E-eating like that won't make you grow tall…”
Ashu's ears perked up at my words. For some reason, he was desperate to shoot up fast. Still shorter than me—must bruise that pride.
“…Fine, a little veggies too.”
“Th-then, shall we go?”
We'd been hitting the markets a lot lately. Ever since getting caught swiping ingredients by the head chef and enduring a half-day lecture from that burly beast. Even “for Ashu” didn't sway him.
‘…It's gross and filthy!! Won't use it!!’
Thus began our market runs. We were heading out now for groceries anyway.
“It's crowded, so…”
“Eek!!”
I snatched Ashu's hand. He jolted and yanked it free. My empty fingers twitched.
“D-don't just grab my hand!!”
“But you're still only ten, disciple… You're a kid.”
“Don't baby me!! Idiot!!”
Same old moron treatment. I cook daily, stick by his side—when do I get an upgrade?
“Th-then if you get lost, don't blame me!”
And so Ashu and I walked side by side.
A few who recognized him paled in fear. Probably from the barbarian beatdown last time.
‘Gotta ask about that later.’
Lately, Ashu seemed rude but not pointlessly cruel. Sure, he'd shoved a sword in my face on first sight… but probably battle hype.
Deep in thought as we walked, Ashu suddenly pressed close.
“…D-disciple? Why so clingy all of a sudden?”
“Nah, just lots of weirdos around.”
“…Weirdos?”
I scanned around—no suspicious types.
“Don't see any…”
“Crowds mean thieves, duh.”
“…?”
I tilted my head. Was this ten-year-old wisdom?
I felt stares, sure, but unavoidable. Mask or not, Ideal's curves turned heads.
‘Compared to before we came… this is tame.’
No wolf whistles even.
“Anyway, don't wander off.”
Ashu kept glaring at passersby. I just tilted my head at the weird vibe.
We'd overlooked a few things. One: it was the day before the monster subjugation. Two: the streets were packed. Three: northern population density was off the charts, even more than the crowds suggested…
“D-disciple…?”
Pushing through the throng, Ashu had vanished. Swallowed by the human tide—no trace left.
“D-disciple!!!”
Where's the kid?! I told him to hold hands!!
I yelled, but the roar of the crowd drowned me out.
Losing Ashu was bad enough, but the real crisis?
‘…I don't know the way!!’
Adult pride kept me from admitting it aloud, but northern streets? clueless. I'd just followed Ashu's lead till now.
“…I'm lost?”
Crowded streets. Felt like a kid who'd lost their guardian.
“T-told you to hold hands…!!”
Calm down. First time for this, but panic muddies thinking. Backtrack the way we came—he's gotta be somewhere.
I turned and retraced steps. Unaware it was the worst move.
“…Nothing.”
An hour of searching—no hair, no voice. Not even Ideal's super senses picked up a peep.
I slumped in a relatively empty park.
“Urk.”
Crowd overload—nauseous. Air too thin. Wanna go home. The din buzzed like tinnitus.
As I shrank inward, a kid approached.
“Sis. What's up?”
Friendly, disarming voice. I blurted a reply.
“Ah, l-lost the boy I came with…”
“Whoa, that's bad! Gotta find him quick!!”
“Y-yeah, but…”
“I'll help!”
I looked up. Sunlit golden blond sparkled. Spirited eyes brimmed with pluck. Ashu's age, maybe.
‘Feels familiar…’
Help's help. Kid probably means with guardian.
“What'd he look like?”
“Uh, snow-white hair, blue eyes. K-kinda handsome.”
“Hmm…”
Poor description, but the kid pondered, chin in hand.
“Oh, think I saw him!”
“R-really?!”
Lost no more!! Homeward bound!!
“Yeah, follow me.”
No time to react—he grabbed my hand and tugged. His spunk drew a smile.
‘Wish my disciple was this cute.’
Fat chance.
As the kid led, crowds parted in panic—some even bowed.
‘Highborn?’
Half the folks here nobles; spotting superiors ain't rare.
‘Bowing to a kid, though?’
Limited options.
‘Duke's heir, maybe.’
Fair. Not crown prince—no guards.
How long was I dragged? Then—a welcome sight afar.
“D-disciple!!!”
I waved. Ashu charged at rhino speed. I flinched instinctively.
“Youuuu!! Where were you!!”
“Hiiik!!”
Ashu huffed closer, then froze. His gaze turned icy cold.
“…Who's the kid.”
“Ah, h-he helped find you, disciple.”
“Hi.”
The blond waved cheerily.
Ashu ignored, closing in—expressionless, chilling.
“Let. Go.”
He glared daggers at my hand. A full-body shiver hit me.
‘What's the problem…!!’
Wronged tears welled up.