Chapter 39 : “The Second Sword, Polique (1)”
by AfuhfuihgsMonsters are classified into a total of four ranks, from the lowest to the highest.
Since there aren’t many ranks, their level of danger isn’t very high. Additionally, their sheer numbers have led heroes to regard them as ordinary prey.
Even high-ranking monsters can be hunted as long as second-tier heroes form a party and work together.
There are ‘Monster Hunting Grounds,’ which dominate certain areas of the continent.
And then there are ‘Monster Lairs,’ which can be discovered through special magical rifts.
The reason these habitats are known by such commonplace names is that their threat level isn’t considered significant to heroes.
…But it’s a different story when it comes to magical beasts.
On the other hand, the danger posed by magical beasts is something every nation on the continent is wary of.
The power of magical beasts typically increases according to their hierarchy.
Starting from the lowest, first-tier beasts gradually ascend through second-tier, third-tier, and beyond, rising rank by rank.
This hierarchical system is determined through deliberation by numerous scholars convened under the ‘Continental Magical Beast Association.’
Among them, a significant influence is wielded by Cardinal Chaser, a hero of the Bedrian Holy Kingdom and a natural-born <Beast Recorder>.
Since he has thoroughly investigated the appearances, abilities, and detailed information of magical beasts, even specialized scholars cannot help but be influenced by him.
“Based on that hierarchy, the priority for exterminating magical beasts is determined.”
“Exactly. After all, the level of danger varies.”
I nodded in agreement with my father’s explanation.
Thanks to what Ray had taught me, I was already familiar with this topic.
For instance, first-tier magical beasts can be taken down by a third-tier hero working alone.
Ordinary beasts like the ‘Blue Saber-toothed Tiger’ and ‘Red Harpy’ fall into this category.
In terms of monsters, they possess power somewhere between the intermediate and advanced ranks, so their level of danger isn’t overwhelming.
As a result, they are not prioritized as major extermination targets by nations on the continent. Instead, they often become prey for explorer heroes.
Then there are second-tier magical beasts.
The situation changes significantly at this level.
Even third-tier heroes must form parties and cooperate to hunt them.
Moreover, many of these beasts possess special abilities, so caution is necessary when approaching them.
Their numbers are significantly fewer compared to first-tier beasts, and their power is much greater, making them a source of great renown if captured.
Take, for example, Instructor Jackson, who hunted the ‘Saber-toothed Tiger of the Borderline.’
Or me, who single-handedly took down the ‘rahara of the Swamp,’ gaining fame in the kingdom.
“However, the critical point in this case is that the hierarchy of the magical beast is unknown.”
“That’s because it escaped from its origin point, right?”
“Exactly. While there have been instances of monsters escaping from lairs, this is the first time a magical beast from an origin point has escaped on the continent.
That’s why we have no information about the beast, let alone its hierarchy.”
“Have you consulted Sir Chaser of the Holy Kingdom?”
“The traces we’ve found so far haven’t been sufficient for him to make an accurate assessment.”
That was why the kleffe Kingdom planned to dispatch one of its key forces, the ‘Monster Hunting Unit,’ for this incident.
From the third tier onward, magical beasts are of such a high rank that even the continent cannot ignore them.
However, the rank of the magical beast that had escaped the ‘Red Thicket Zone’ remained unknown.
In that case, the maximum possible force needed to be dispatched to minimize damage and maximize results.
“But because the traces lead to a location near the Kespa Kingdom’s border, fifth-tier heroes like me, the Duke of Crowplin, cannot be dispatched.”
“So that’s why I was selected as a substitute force.”
“If all goes well, Todd and Jane will also accompany you.
It’s an honor as the head of the Mulick family to have three family members participate in a major kingdom operation.”
I turned to see Todd and Jane nodding at me.
My older brother Todd was already part of the Monster Hunting Unit, so his participation was guaranteed.
My older sister Jane, affiliated with the Tristan Magic Tower, seemed to have been requested as an alternate force.
My father lightly patted my shoulder as he continued speaking.
“Don’t feel too burdened.
Since both Jane and Todd’s participation is confirmed, I’ve already secured a good impression with His Majesty the King.
And besides, you’ve been invited as a lecturer for a special seminar organized by the Academy and the Royal Family, haven’t you?”
The ‘Special Lecture’ had been fervently requested by the administrative director of Densk.
That event was scheduled to take place a little after the magical beast expedition.
I slowly nodded my head.
“Yes. It seems the royal family holds me in high regard.”
“Hahaha. It’s hard to believe you’ve already been recognized as a hero by the royal family, Edgar.
I’m proud of you.
Like I said, if you feel burdened, you don’t have to join the magical beast expedition.
Take your time deciding, and I’ll explain things to His Majesty.”
“Understood, Father.”
The next day, I immediately submitted the consent form to the Swordsmanship Department’s administrative office.
It was a signed agreement to participate in both the ‘Magical Beast Expedition’ and the ‘Special Lecture.’
Ray, surprised by my quick decision, gave me a curious look.
“Are you sure about this?”
“Why? Does it seem like too much work?”
“Yes. You’ve only just started as an instructor, and it hasn’t even been a month since the semester began…”
“If even you think so, then it must indeed be a lot.”
As Ray pointed out, my workload had increased significantly recently.
From escorting the Litvel Caravan to exploring the Red Thicket Zone, and now the ensuing magical beast expedition.
These achievements had earned me the special lecture invitation, and I was diligently teaching <Valut Swordsmanship> as an instructor.
It felt like I needed two bodies to keep up with the schedule.
For a new instructor, the workload was indeed excessive.
But there was a reason I was pushing myself to handle it all.
“Money, Ray. I need to make money.”
“Pardon?”
“Both tasks are backed by the royal family, and the pay is surprisingly high.
Once I complete these, I’ll…”
“…Sir Edgar, your eyes look strange.”
The debt I had incurred just before my return was beyond imagination.
Todd had lent me a significant portion of his income.
Jane had lent me so much that, at one point, she refused to acknowledge me as her brother.
When I saw the actual figures, I felt dizzy.
It was a debt that couldn’t possibly be repaid with an instructor’s salary.
I needed to actively hunt monsters and magical beasts, and accept incoming requests to repay it.
…At least it seemed possible to pay it off, somehow.
The royal family’s generous compensation offered hope.
Thinking back, I wondered what on earth about my past self had made them trust me with such a large sum.
I was truly grateful for Todd and Jane’s generosity and kind hearts.
It was strange to think someone like me had been born into such a family.
“Anyway, there’s still some time left before the magical beast expedition, so we should get back to our work.”
The expedition was scheduled to begin in a week.
There was still some time left before the operation.
Thanks to that, Ray and I took advantage of our break to visit the Blue Marshlands.
“Instructor, hello! Assistant, hello to you too!”
Reese, who had originally introduced this place to us, joined us.
She wore a headband today, which lightened the otherwise gloomy atmosphere a bit.
I smiled lightly at her appearance.
“You finished the investigation faster than I thought.”
“Other than the Marshland rahara, no traces of magical beasts were found. Since they couldn’t explore the source, I guess they concluded the investigation quickly.”
The kingdom’s investigation team had completed their work yesterday, and the entry restrictions to the magical creature’s den had been lifted.
The Blue Marshlands, aside from the appearance of magical beasts, was primarily inhabited by low-level magical creatures like the Proto, making it a relatively low-risk area.
The only truly dangerous area remaining would be the core of the magical creature’s den.
However, the core was only accessible to the hero who owned the den’s rights— Reese, in this case.
Thus, it seemed the investigation team had wrapped up their work earlier than expected.
“Instructor, why didn’t you invite the others today?”
Now that the entry restrictions were lifted, we could resume the special Valut Swordsmanship training here.
But I had only brought Ray and Reese to the Blue Marshlands.
The reason was simple.
“Because we’re not doing a special training session today.”
“Huh? Then what are we doing?”
“We’re clearing the core.”
“…Huh? Wha-what?! Really?!”
“Yes, so get yourself ready. Though, I doubt you’ll get hurt.”
Reese was a cadet with many secrets.
She seemed to know far too much about the Kingdom of Benhur, displayed a surprising depth of knowledge in magic despite being a swordsmanship cadet, and her connection to the Blue Marshlands rights was fully recognized.
It was as though someone was backing her from the shadows.
While there were several suspicious aspects about her, I didn’t pay them much attention.
For one, her intentions didn’t seem malicious.
Also, even if she caused trouble, I was confident I could handle her.
And most importantly…
“She’s too sloppy.”
“What did you just say, Instructor?”
“I said your headband looks nice.”
Reese was far too careless to be a spy.
If she could casually share information about the Galid and Polik swords or the Blue Marshlands, it meant she wasn’t hiding much.
In any case, we had come to conquer the Blue Marshlands, temporarily postponing the special training for this purpose.
Since the magical creatures here were low-level, it didn’t take long for us to reach the core.
“Is this the place?”
“Yes! This is the core entrance, but we can’t go in because of the rift.”
Barren land and rotting trees came into view.
Unlike the rest of the marshlands, there wasn’t a single drop of water to be seen.
If Reese’s claim was true, perhaps using Galid’s imbued chance, Wave of the Sword, here might trigger something.
It was a vague theory, but her detailed explanation suggested she knew more than she let on.
And then…
「The shadow of impending inevitability approaches!」
「You are an inevitable hero wielding the <Resonant Slash>!」
「The ancient maritime kingdom’s treasured sword, <Galid>, imbued with the chance Wave of the Sword, can temporarily be activated.」
Swooosh, aaaaah—!!
When I drew the sword Galid and used the fifth inevitability, <???>, to activate Wave of the Sword—
Slam! Whoosh—!!
A massive wave enveloped the land, and powerful mana surged around us.
Soon enough, the path to the core of the Blue Marshlands was revealed in an instant.
0 Comments