I followed Professor Alida out.
Behind her, the cadets walked in an orderly manner.
I floated along like the wind, trailing behind the professor.
“We said it’s the outside, but in fact, there’s a lot to show you inside as well.”
The leading Professor Alida began to speak, seemingly explaining to keep boredom at bay before our arrival.
“This is a monster research facility built inside Shio-ram, and we’re also breeding monsters to secure data and specimens… Here’s a question.”
As the professor’s heels clicked rhythmically, she suddenly raised a finger.
“When did the Great Cataclysm occur?”
“Exactly 200 years ago!”
As soon as the question was asked, a reply came. The professor smiled and nodded her finger.
“Quick answer and correct, very nice. May I have your name, cadet?”
“Class Cheongmyeong, Bella Aletova!”
“I’ll remember you. Was it too traditional of a method? Sorry! But this way certainly elicits responses.”
Professor Alida chuckled awkwardly and continued.
“Back to the question: the Great Cataclysm refers to the worldwide chain reaction of dungeons that occurred 200 years ago.”
The Great Cataclysm. That term pops up whenever you open a history book. It’s a major reason why the world ended up like this.
Right after that, the chain reaction of dungeons began. My expression crumpled at that point.
I remembered the dungeon rampages I had experienced so far, like the one in Siphnah and the two in China.
Almost dying after being beaten like a dog by Aeolus in Siphnah, and nearly crossing the San Do Cheon thanks to the poison of the two-headed serpent in China.
None of them were good memories. Especially with the two-headed serpent being a recent matter, it didn’t sit well with me.
But completely detached from my feelings, the professor continued her explanation.
“This is generally how history books describe it.”
With the Great Cataclysm, dungeons appeared worldwide, and humanity suffered from the monsters that flooded out due to dungeon rampages…
“…and that isn’t wrong, but if you want to be pedantic, it’s not entirely right either. Bella Aletova cadet, do you happen to know why?”
“Uh… I don’t know!”
A cadet hesitated momentarily before stuttering an answer, looking flustered.
The professor, seeming to enjoy this different energy, giggled and replied.
“According to official records, the first monsters were documented even before the Great Cataclysm.”
“Huh?”
“To be precise, they were animals and plants that became monsters due to mana influence.”
Many cadets’ eyes widened in surprise. The openly impressed reactions made the professor nod in satisfaction.
“The first recorded monster was an electric mouse, followed by a gorilla that could manipulate dirt and wear it like armor.”
The mouse probably had a unique ability like “Electromagnetic Emission,” while the gorilla showcased something like “Earth Manipulation.”
“A dog that spews fire from its mouth, cats that could launch wind blades with their claws… They were creatures so bizarre that conventional wisdom before the Great Cataclysm couldn’t accept them.”
Bizarre creatures, monsters… Those were the terms loosely tossed about by the powers that were back then, labeling them monsters.
“In summary, mana existed even before the Great Cataclysm, and some animals and plants were turned into monsters due to its influence. Academia refers to these as primordial species.”
Having paused for a moment, Professor Alida turned to look at the trailing cadets.
Some looked wide-eyed as if they’d heard something mind-blowing, while others were nonchalantly relaxed, seemingly already aware.
Hong Yeon-hwa and Baek Ahrin seemed unfazed, perhaps having learned about it during their heir classes.
Elia looked intrigued, obviously surprised but transitioning to a “Well, that’s something” mindset.
Noting the cadets’ expressions, the professor’s gaze fell on me.
Looking at my disinterested face, she clicked her tongue in disappointment and glanced ahead.
“Sorry for the long-winded boring talk. In conclusion…”
– Tread
Professor Alida stopped walking. She scanned the surroundings, turned her head towards the cadets, and proclaimed with a serious look on her face.
“Monster research is, in some ways, quite a pointless endeavor.”
“Huh?”
A cadet responded dumbly. The conclusion was unexpected.
“Ahaha. Was that too out of the blue? Let me give some supplementary explanation.”
Perhaps anticipating such reactions, the professor shrugged and gestured around.
The cadets’ gazes were drawn to where her finger pointed… the glass walls.
We had descended to the basement without noticing.
The basement had a long grid-like structure, and behind every glass wall, various types of monsters were held.
“Monsters come in all sorts and change for all sorts of reasons. They can be born as variants, have their body structures changed under dungeon influences, differ in composition due to unique abilities, or alter as they grow…”
Variants, backup from dungeons, unique abilities, physical growth…
“In any case, the years of effort in compiling data can sometimes become utterly useless in critical moments. But! Even so, the researchers, including myself, are diligent in studying monsters at this very moment.”
– Clap!
The formerly lethargic professor clapped her hands as she raised her voice.
“Today’s lecture, ‘Monster Taming and Response,’ aims to study this accumulated information and practice directly against monsters. We will also learn about breeding methods.”
“May I ask a question?”
“Yes, anytime. May I have your name, cadet?”
“Class Usuu… …”
“…”
After briefly explaining the outline of the lecture, cadets seemed to show interest and began throwing questions.
The professor answered diligently, pleased with the engagement.
However, it seemed Hong Yeon-hwa wasn’t particularly interested. She listened sincerely but didn’t feel the need to ask questions.
“Yawn…”
She was even yawning softly. Afraid of doing it openly, she turned her head and covered her mouth with her hand.
Hong Yeon-hwa turned her head, and our eyes met.
When I opened my eyes to look at her, it was possible.
“……”
Her gem-like pretty eyes widened.
Soon the corners of her eyes began to tremble, and warmth flooded her earlobes and cheeks.
Floating at the same eye level, I could see her transformation clearly.
“Uh, um…”
Hong Yeon-hwa’s voice trembled pathetically.
She looked flustered and embarrassed.
I tilted my head, leaning in slightly.
– Smack
An embarrassing sound was heard. A soft sensation touched my lips. The warmth was palpable.
The sweet fragrance intensified.
After briefly colliding lips, I pulled back.
As the pleasant feeling drifted away, a sense of regret washed over me.
At the same time, I felt a ticklish embarrassment in my chest. My body oddly felt warm too.
In any case, it was a good feeling.
I absent-mindedly chewed my lips, looking at Hong Yeon-hwa.
“……”
Hong Yeon-hwa stood frozen, mouth agape, like a stone.
“Hehe.”
Her reaction was so amusing that I couldn’t help but laugh.
I covered my mouth with my hand, stifling giggles.
“…guh, haaa…”
Suddenly, Hong Yeon-hwa let out a pained sound, tightly closing her eyes.
Startled by her sudden gasp, I quickly drew closer to her.
“Yeon-hwa… are you okay?”
I shook her arm and looked up worriedly.
Just when I was prepared to activate my kinship, Hong Yeon-hwa’s tightly shut eyes cracked open slightly.
Her drowsy red eyes looked down at me.
“It’s tough…”
“Huh?”
Swish… The flames within Hong Yeon-hwa trembled violently.
The fortress was calm but then suddenly blazed fiercely, causing me to tilt my head.
“Yeon-hwa? Why are you… wait, wait, wait.”
Baek Ahrin, who had been casting a peculiar glance at both me and Hong Yeon-hwa, suddenly gasped and reached out.
She placed her hand on Hong Yeon-hwa’s back, pouring a torrent of mana into her.
Chi-iiing… The sticky flames flooding over Hong Yeon-hwa gradually regained their original ferocity under the mana’s suppression.
Reflexively blinking, I took a look around to observe the commotion.
Perhaps stirred by a small ruckus, gazes were drawn here, including the professor’s.
“Oh, my side is cold.”
The round-glassed Professor Alida appeared to be wearing an indescribable expression.
.
.
.
Even as the commotion settled, the professor’s lecture continued.
– Swoosh…
A mass undulated. Strange sounds whispered in my ears.
Suddenly from the mass, something long protruded crudely.
Rough, gray skin emerged from the dark mass.
Legs sprouted from all around to support its body as a long neck extended forth.
“A turtle?”
One cadet murmured. Responding to that, its eyelids opened, revealing gleaming yellow eyes.
“Correct! This is a black metal turtle, classified under standard level 6.”
Professor Alida nodded, tapping on the glass wall.
– Grrrr…
The black metal turtle slowly opened its mouth, releasing a deep, dull growl.
Its shell shimmered under the lighting. Covered in dark black, its rugged spikes presented a rather intimidating presence.
“As I mentioned, this monster is a black metal turtle, with similar creatures collectively termed black metal turtles.”
Black metal turtles. I felt a strange nostalgia. I had fought many of those in the original work.
“Why is it called black metal? Simply put, it’s because its heavy shell is made of black iron ore.”
Black metal.
One of the mana-containing ores discovered after the Great Cataclysm, named due to its dark color resembling iron.
“Thanks to its high content of black metal, it carries a solid fortress on its back.”
Black metal is mainly used in armaments. It’s not difficult to handle, meaning you can easily melt it and forge it into moderately decent weapons.
Although not invulnerable, it becomes quite sturdy and can efficiently channel mana.
Moreover, black metal is relatively easy to acquire.
There are numerous black metal turtles out there. Dungeons featuring black metal turtles operate as official breeding grounds worldwide.
Black metal is also mined in mines, ensuring ample supply, making it easy to procure.
In short, it’s a cost-effective material.
Reasonably sturdy, good at absorbing mana, and affordable enough to stockpile for emergencies.
Especially on my second playthrough, I crafted armaments using black metal thanks to my experience.
The second playthrough was an extreme PvP character.
The human-manipulated armaments could be all handled, but it was impossible to coat them all with good artifacts.
Hence I compromised and made armaments focused on black metal.
“Anyone want to try facing off against it directly?”
After briefly explaining the black metal turtle, the professor said suddenly.
“What? Are we allowed to do that? What if we accidentally take it down…”
“Don’t worry, there are plenty of black metal turtles. That one’s not special, so it’s fine even if you take it down.”
Caught off guard by the sudden suggestion to teach to hit a research monster, a cadet asked in confusion, and the professor casually replied.
“The truly important creatures are under strict protection, so don’t worry about it.”
Told by the professor, several cadets seemed to contemplate.
With the administrator saying it was fine and ensuring safety, it was tempting.
[I’d like to experience it directly]
“Yes, yes! Please tell me your name.”
[Lee Ha-yul]
“Uh, um… Yes, Lee Ha-yul cadet. Please come this way.”
So did I.
I had plenty of experiences taking down black metal turtles in the original work, but I had never experienced it directly.
After hearing that it’s an average creature, it would make for easy comparison with the original information.
I eagerly raised my hand, and the professor accepted despite her trailing sentence.
The classmates gazed at me, their eyes wide.
That gaze held a curious mixture of concern and unease.
It was rather amusing.
Sure, I did end up like this, but wasn’t I somewhat a powerhouse for taking down a two-headed serpent?
While it was closer to a lizard, I was still technically a high-tier monster.
Granted, I was weakened as a spectral entity, but still…
What was with this gaze? Why are they worried about a kid taking on a monster?
Pouting my lips, I looked at my own state.
Shrunken limbs, pristine white skin as if I had never labored, and a tiny frame that looked like it should be cradled by a guardian…
…True enough, I looked like I could make them worry, but considering my actual strength, I didn’t feel I should elicit this kind of pity.
“Ha-yul, you’re really gonna do this?”
“Can you handle it? Your current state…”
“If I do it, shouldn’t it be a little later?”
[Don’t worry]
[I’d never get hurt]
“You, saying that, how did you come back in such a state?”
[Sorry…]
Even Hong Yeon-hwa and Baek Ahrin, who knew my real level, were worried…
But my desire for hands-on experience was genuine, so I boldly stepped forward.
The professor rummaged through her belongings and pulled out a bracelet.
Upon inspection, I realized it was a protective artifact.
The professor approached me confidently.
“Here, a protective artifact. You won’t fall, so don’t worry… Wait…”
As she rolled her left sleeve and forearm guard up, her silver prosthetic arm came into view. The professor’s eyes fluttered nervously.
“Uh… Please proceed with the practice.”
The professor calmly equipped the bracelet and lowered her sleeves.
I nodded, feeling a tad disoriented.
.
.
.
Zing… A small entryway opened in the center of a large glass wall. As I walked through, the entrance promptly closed behind me.
– Grrrr…
As an outsider intruded into its home, the black metal turtle displayed its defenses.
It was far more giant and fierce than wild boars, with tusks that could obliterate anything in their vicinity.
They say turtles have a powerful bite. Anyone caught by one would probably be in two pieces.
‘Observational Power.’
I activated the skill and meticulously scrutinized the black metal turtle.
Mana flowed through its outer skin, black metal infused on its tough shell, sinewy muscles, a bizarre skeletal structure, a bigger-than-expected brain, and several internal organs missing.
Veins coursed with blood, and circuits flowed with mana, revealing the location and intensity of the mana core…
All this information slammed into my mind. It wasn’t overwhelming. I accepted it and methodically deciphered.
Decoding done.
While it wasn’t too burdensome, handling such precise operations made my head a little fuzzy.
I shook my head and raised my mana.
Mana erupted from the core, circulating through the circuits and flowing outward.
The white mana shimmered like a lion’s mane, attracting awe from the spectators beyond the glass.
Among them were Hong Yeon-hwa, Baek Ahrin, and Elia, who were worried about me.
And I felt my confidence swelling oddly.
Arrogance is the path to death, but I couldn’t help but feel pretty good.
Suppressing a smug smile, I manipulated the mana…
– Whooooooooosh!
‘?’
Suddenly my body twitched. Not from observation but mana detection, a blatant energy surged ominously from afar.
‘What’s that about?’
It wasn’t me this time but a pure white energy that surged chaotically.
I could sense it was the presence of a unicorn from afar.
Then, unexpectedly, it swelled violently.
– Bang!
A very faint sound echoed in my ears. It sounded like something breaking.
– …! … Escape… coming… this way…!
“Y-Yes? What’s coming?”
I could even faintly hear the professor through her smartwatch.
‘Escape, coming, pure energy?’
The energy was rapidly closing in.
No, it was hastening at a shocking speed.
The faint presence enlarged rapidly.
– Boom!
A thunderous explosion echoed. It wasn’t far away. It was a hole blasted in the ceiling.
The research facility turned crimson. The wailing, annoying sirens blared loudly.
In that brief moment, something white plummeted from the ceiling.
The landing, however, made no sound.
With remarkable grace, it touched down… looking right at me.
‘Whoa…’
At that moment, I entirely forgot the situation and marveled.
Its appearance was striking. It was at least double or triple the size of an ordinary horse.
Its coat shone a pure white.
Its legs stood tall and straight, and a lush mane danced gracefully in the air.
Above all, its most striking feature was that horn.
I could carry it if ten of me stood in a line.
‘It’s just like in the stories.’
The nature of its mana was exceptionally pure. It resonated with my own mana from the start of the semester.
The expressions purity and innocence popped into my mind.
Feeling the mana of another entity, those words came to mind. Now I understood why Professor Riana said so.
Then it happened. The unicorn stretched its legs. One lengthy foot approached silently.
I tilted my head, staying still.
There was no hostility; instead, those gentle eyes brimmed with inexplicable fondness and kinship.
The approaching unicorn unexpectedly reached out its face.
Even those in a panic due to the emergency ceased in amazement, focusing their gazes on that stunning sight.
Instinctively, I reached out one hand.
And…
– Purr
[Huh?]
The unicorn gently bit my neck. It didn’t hurt at all.
It carefully lifted me, as if handling a precious item.
Somehow, I felt my strength drain away.
It resembled the way a mother cat carries its kitten.
With no hesitation, the unicorn leapt through the hole in the ceiling as if this was simply their intent.
‘What?’
A question mark floated above my head.
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