episode_0008

There is a common saying in battles that the best defense is the best offense.

If we delve a bit deeper into that saying, it means that the moment an infinitely solid defense can completely deflect the enemy’s attack, the enemy will disappear.

Enduring stamina, impenetrable body.

At least two conditions must be met to use the term “best defense.”

For example, blocking a dog’s body blow with just a wooden shield.

“Ugh… This is on a whole different level from hitting a tree. Are you okay?”

“……”

“Why is your face turning red and no response…”

Again.

He staggered, dragging his body and then rushed at me vigorously.

However, an attack that has been experienced once is too easy to respond to.

Lowering the center of gravity again, shifting the right leg slightly back, crossing arms to raise the guard, protecting the face, neck, and abdomen.

“Thunk, crack…! Nng.”

When Chaeseol spat out a powerful lightning bolt using magic.

I couldn’t do it like her.

More precisely, there seemed to be a difference in essence. The magic that came to me seemed to say that not only could I not make such an attack, but I couldn’t do it in the first place.

It was a serious problem.

If one must always be prepared for any situation, any useless strength would only be a burden.

That made me so angry that I struck the tree next to me with all my might.

Even if I got angry at myself, this would be impossible.

To leave only the base so perfectly was something I had never imagined.

It’s a fantasy setting, but isn’t this an error? Being able to do this just because I received an unidentified power without any training.

Suddenly, her words came to mind.

She might have heard it, but I did.

The sound of her muttering that magic would be proportional to desire before we left.

Ordinary humans cannot smash a thick log with a punch. My strength would also stay at that level. So, if that’s the case, it must be solely due to the power of magic.

‘…If it’s not emission but absorption?’

Chaeseol’s ability literally explodes by flowing current through magic.

I couldn’t do that either. But if it’s the opposite, absorption.

Thinking it was worth a try, I found a huge rock and slammed my body against it with all my might.

The result exceeded imagination.

“…Since the leader fell, the mission must have been successful, right?”

However, through this experience, everything I knew became false.

My ability.

It’s not about absorbing with a solid shield, unleashing an offensive with flexible skills, or even reflexes.

It’s about annihilation.

Disintegrating the enemy proportionally to their attack.

So, when a strong contact occurs on my body filled with magic.

The opponent turns to dust.

“Thank you for saving me, Hanwool.”

“…No. Well, it was dangerous. But I only allowed you to hold my hand.”

“Ugh, suddenly my head… ”

“I can see you smiling.”

Through the gap in vision covered by Chaeseol, I saw the undead lurking in the corner.

Ten of them.

Considering the original number was roughly around that, they all seem unharmed.

Although I didn’t find their main base, having dealt with this many dogs and what seemed to be their leader should be considered a success.

For a first mission, it’s quite satisfying…

“W-why is this happening all of a sudden?”

An unbelievable sight unfolded before my eyes.

Unlike the leader who turned to dust, the rest of the guys still had traces remaining.

What’s more surprising is that the undead, who were trembling from the dog attacks just moments ago, are now rushing out in a frenzy.

Even more astonishing is that they’ve started devouring the bodies without hesitation.

Eating the carcass of another animal in the wild is not strange at all, but the fact that these guys, who were scared just a while ago?

Moreover, there’s a suspicion that this prey isn’t their first.

As if they’ve always eaten like this.

“Hoho, surprised, aren’t you?”

“…Elise?”

“No need to be so cautious like that.”

Behind us, Ellis appeared.

I didn’t know when it started, but the fact that there was nothing to be wary of meant this situation wasn’t new.

Approaching the phoenix engrossed in devouring the wild dogs, he spoke.

“Hehe. My offspring, they eat so well. Do you know? The moment you came to this village, there is no way out for you.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“How foolish. Anyway, since it’s the end, let me show you something fun.”

It was a series of unbelievable events.

The phoenix in front of him twisted and soon began to transform into the appearance of the wild dog we had just defeated.

From the large body to the sharp fangs, everything was so identical that it was like a perfect replica.

It was not just a chameleon changing its body color; it was clearly a rebirth into a different creature.

“How, how is this possible?”

“Hehehe, you fools. This is called ‘metamorphosis.’ If you eat anything, you can not only take on its exact appearance but also mimic its habits and characteristics.”

“…Now I understand why the client who stayed at the back all along. Was this your true form? No wonder things weren’t resolved and just buried.”

“It’s useless to realize it now. My farm keeps getting stronger endlessly. The previous metamorphosis consumed has become the phoenix you saw. And this time, although it may look like a mere wild dog to you, if it devours you, the story will change.”

So, the creatures on the farm were being upgraded step by step.

Then all the adventurers who had come here until now…

Even if they were the scum of this world, they must have completely lost their minds.

“Now, go!! Go and tear them apart!!”

Well, at least the numbers have doubled, and they are not just identical wild dogs.

I can handle them with Chaela’s attacks or by blocking them like just now.

The problem is that the feeling I’m experiencing now is completely different from before.

“…Can I do this?”

Probably not.

“Oh, no! What is this…!”

It’s too obvious. Losing to the same opponent just because I’m a bit tired.

And if I die here, there won’t be anyone coming to help.

“My children, my offspring…!”

“Well, did you think things would change just because you held back a little?”

“You’re not ordinary… Fine, then I’ll…!”

Suddenly, a strange current flowed beneath his feet.

“It seems like someone didn’t see our fight, be careful.”

“…Electricity?”

“If it hits me, it’s fine, but if it hits him, he’ll be roasted.”

“What is this…! Tu-turn it off!!”

It’s blinding.

The current flowing on the ground gathered towards him as if watching a lightning rod.

Finally, when the screams ceased, we could defeat the final boss of the farm.

Thus, the first request concluded, leading to an investigation named the “Ellis Incident” under Behemoth.

I didn’t expect there to be a police-like organization in this world.

After the investigation, the revealed truth was that despite Behemoth and Erma having a distant relationship but frequent interactions, the individual ruling Erma, known as “Ellis,” severed ties and suddenly disappeared.

As a result, people from Behemoth also decreased their visits there, and gradually, as interest waned, those who happened to visit Erma one by one quietly disappeared.

It was not a simple disappearance but a clear case of murder. The culprit was Ellis, whom we subdued. No, it was a werewolf. He suddenly appeared in Erma, killed Ellis, and built his power while impersonating her.

Evil existed everywhere you went.

“We’ve accidentally gotten into big trouble.”

“Yeah.”

“Are you really okay? Your arm must be numb.”

“I’ll stay like this until I die.”

“Since I’m not okay, come with me.”

Returning home after everything was settled brought a particularly warm and nostalgic feeling.

Despite having been lying down with a pillow under my arm for hours due to rough handling, this wasn’t the time for that.

“I finally have some money, but it feels like a waste to just stay at home.”

“I enjoy being outside.”

“…Don’t say things that could be misunderstood by others.”

Money.

Damn money.

I was supposed to receive the agreed-upon commission, but the job was too difficult, to be honest.

I managed to sweet-talk Rune, the person in charge, into paying me more.

It wasn’t enough for reviving a whole city, but I received more than what was promised.

I almost wanted to pull out all my hair before the job, feeling deceived, but I barely held back.

“Anyway, now that we have money, let’s go buy some clothes or whatever we need.”

“Clothes…”

Chaeseol pulled at her current outfit and checked the quality.

“These clothes must be all wrinkled and smelly by now.”

“It’s actually nice. It smells like Hanul.”

“…Fine. Anyway, hurry up and come out.”

This, more than anything else, is exciting.

When I think about it, falling from the sky, being chased by monsters, doing *odd jobs, nearly getting scammed to death—it’s been quite an ordeal.

*Painting.

After enduring this much hardship, I deserve a break.

The reason I’m looking forward to this so much isn’t just because of all the suffering.

It’s because this place is a different world.

In comics, haven’t you seen the main character drooling while eating meat or enjoying special dishes?

Here, such delights are abundant.

It’s a place filled with delicacies and mysterious sights that one can’t experience in the original world.

Wait for me, comic book meat, heavenly foods.

With that thought in mind, anticipation surged within me, urging my steps forward.