The students had confused expressions as they processed my words. I glanced around at those who hadn’t yet realized what I meant. I doubt they’d have a clue since the only battle they’d ever seen was sparring against humans.
“What do you mean by dying pathetically?”
One student asked. This is the same student who questioned him earlier.
“Literally. I’m talking about fighting a monster, being unable to put up a decent fight, and dying like many others on the battlefield.”
It’s where knights who’ve trained for ten years with one swing of a sword perish in the blink of an eye. A soldier who has survived dozens of battles can die at the first strike of a monster. Another goal I had in mind when I took up the position of instructor here was to protect those beyond my reach.
“…Why would we have to fight monsters anyways? Would the Academy give us tests where our lives are at stake?”
I shook my head. I suddenly remembered that the Academy was where the future of the Kingdom was raised and nurtured. Injuring or hurting anyone would become a huge deal.
“Just because they aren’t in front of you doesn’t mean they don’t exist.”
I tapped my chalk on the board. A swarm of monsters sensed the incoming Disaster, fleeing toward the Capital. In the original story, hundreds of knights and mages were sacrificed to stop the horde, including many students from the Academy. It was a pyrrhic victory.
“Alright, since we’re already late, I’ll answer questions again later.”
I wrote “Monsters.” on the board and put down my chalk.
“What is a monster?”
“It is a creature with mana in its body, similar to a human.”
“Any other ideas?”
The classroom was quiet. I looked around to see if there was anyone who was too shy to answer, but the students seemed to agree with my definition.
(I wonder if kids these days lack a sense of crisis or are just slow.)
‘Maybe they just don’t want to step up, like that weird girl sitting in the middle.’
I glanced at Natalie as I answered the Holy Sword’s question. I purposely glanced at her occasionally, but she took my gaze very calmly.
I wondered if the Doomsday Cult gathered members by adding people who volunteered or by brainwashing. I decided not to dwell on it for now. First, the lecture.
“All monsters have mana in their bodies, but that’s not the most important thing that defines them. After all, the same thing could be said about spirits. But there is one important classification that separates them.”
“Harmful intent. The unconditional, unquestioning killing of humans. It could be considered a kind of madness. It is to the point where they will actively seek out humans at first sight.”
I scribbled the keyword “hatred of humans” on the board.
“That’s why common sense doesn’t always work when facing them. They would happily sacrifice their life to get yours.
‘Especially the less intelligent ones.’ I remembered the face of the giant ashen bear that had lunged at me with part of its head cut off. Even as I cut its eyes, its relentless assault never let up.
‘Could all the students here defeat one?’
“That is why you must change your thinking when going against monsters. It is even more important in large-scale battles like in Monster Waves.”
As I continued, I drew two branches on the board, like a family tree, under “Monsters.” I could feel the students gradually beginning to listen to my words.
“There are two main types of monsters. Those with intelligence and those without.”
Intelligence doesn’t make them any less murderous toward humans. The only difference between the two is whether or not they are ruled by their instincts to kill humans.
The Meteor will cause a mass migration of monsters, and those with intelligence will see it as an opportunity. A chance to control them to kill and eat people on a large scale. I’ve seen their power first-hand in Evernode. The problem is how to deal with them.
“First, let’s find out what makes them different and how they relate…I can see from most of your faces that you believe you wouldn’t even see one.”
I could feel the students’ stomachs drop as I spoke their thoughts. I knew it was inevitable, but I couldn’t help but sigh.
(The party did tell you that you work too hard…)
‘They grew up like this because of me.’
Thank you, past Elroy.
“Okay, so let’s start with the basics. I’ll give you a general explanation of unintelligent monsters first.”
First, I must bash some knowledge into these innocent students’ heads.
***
“How was it?”
The lecture was over. The freshmen were utterly dumbfounded as they left the room. Eugene, Cora, and Natalie walked out of the lecture hall side by side, sharing a stunned expression. Eugene was the first to regain his focus. He stopped Cora, who was still pacing mechanically in a daze and said.
“How was it… I don’t know, it was good.”
Eugene scowled at her response.
“Stop being a fangirl for a second. How was the lecture?”
“…It was refreshing because it was a unique approach to monsters. It’s not what I learned nor what adventurers teach. He fully regarded them as enemies.”
The Hero analyzed monsters as if they were an opposing army. This came as a shock to the students who had never approached them as a united force.
“He’s in a world completely different from us.”
Eugene couldn’t help but nod. The Hero wasn’t one for nothing. His words were so deeply rooted in the belief to protect people. Though he appeared blunt and carefree, his convictions were so strong and unwavering that they could feel it with his every sentence. Eugene sighed heavily.
“I think I have a lot to gain…damn it. I’ll admit it. This is far more impressive than any class I’ve ever taken.”
He didn’t want to admit it, but he would have to listen to the Hero’s class lest other students leave him behind. Absorbing more of the Hero’s thoughts and attitudes would bring him a long way.
“I’ve never seen so many people so focused.”
Eugene grumbled and went through his notes. As the pages flipped by, lecture notes from the Hero’s class were neatly organized.
“Did he use some kind of magic? I’m pretty sure he wasn’t doing anything, but how did he instantly take over the room? I can’t understand what he did.”
Cora finally came to her senses and nodded, agreeing with Eugene.
“Yeah. It was like everyone in the room was mesmerized…I was instantly overwhelmed and couldn’t do anything but pay attention to him. Even if I am a fan of his…”
“Prey.”
Cora and Eugene turned at the sound of Natalie’s voice. Her mind has finally returned to her body. There was no visible hostility, but she wasn’t her usual nonchalant self. She looked like someone gathering her strength before a battle.
“Prey?”
“Your instincts know that you are beneath the Hero. Your bodies knew before the brain could comprehend it.”
At Natalie’s words, Eugene frowned.
“Were you not listening to him earlier? Why would the Hero see us as prey?”
“What do you think of when you swim in an ocean so deep you can’t see the bottom?”
Cora and Eugene narrowed their eyes.
“It’s overwhelming.”
The Hero was like the ocean. It didn’t do any harm, nor was there the intention to, but it still overwhelms humans. Eugene looked back at Natalie.
“You didn’t seem to be affected.”
Natalie snorted.
“Because I am an ocean greater than he is.”
“…Were you always so shameless?”
Seeing her bluntly acknowledge his talent, Eugene finally had enough. He decided to learn more about her before bringing her into the family. It was also a little suspicious that she spoke as if she knew the Hero.
“What’s your relationship to the Hero? While I don’t adore him like the weirdo with us, even I don’t treat him so disrespectfully.”
Ignoring Eugene’s comment, Natalie walked away. Cora watched Natalie’s back and shrugged.
“It’s fine if you don’t tell us. Let’s just go get some food.”
Natalie didn’t answer, but she slowed her pace. The more time they spent together, the more mysterious she became. They wouldn’t have been talking to her if she’d just pushed them away. Maybe she was just bad at dealing with people.
“Let’s see. Today I’ll get…”
When they reached the restaurant, Eugene and Cora stared at the menu. As they received their food, they noticed that Natalie was staring at a table in the restaurant.
“What are you looking at?”
Eugene, his plate full, turned to follow Natalie’s gaze. Cora, who also turned her head, was frozen in place.
“…No, why is he here…Why doesn’t anyone recognize him?”
Natalie shrugged and stood up. Eugene and Cora followed as Natalie went to the Hero’s table.
“Hero.”
He looked up in disbelief and saw the three of them. Natalie called out to him, and Cora was the next to speak.
“Do you mind if we join you?”
The Hero frowned ever so slightly, then nodded with a wry smile.
Translator’s Corner
Hope you enjoyed the chapter. First, I’ll be on vacation. I’ve made five chapters, including this one, so it’ll stop for maybe 3-4 days. I’ll get back on the grind once I return
Second, for the people who supported me on kofi. Starting from a day after I return, there will be a total of 11 … All I can say is thank you, and I hope you continue enjoying my translations. Since I’m feeling motivated for that, more than two chapters may come out per day. No promises on that one, though.
-Ruminas
