༺ Beasts, their Kings, and Humans – End ༻
The undying Rasch paid little mind to injuries, even when he was weakened in the abyss. Similarly, Ebon’s state hardly registered on his radar. The fact that the latter was half dead held no sway, nor did the knowledge that three straight punches would prove fatal. This could be deemed impartial, or perhaps not, but the undying also cared nothing for fairness within a certain context with varying premises.
He struck with sheer seriousness, gravity, and full sincerity, delivering three strikes with all his might. Consequently, Ebon’s face suffered utter devastation. The first punch obliterated the protective Qi Art he channeled, the second knocked his consciousness clear out, and the third virtually eradicated the last vestiges of life that remained in him.
Ebon’s nose was broken, teeth were sent flying, and blood streamed from the apertures of his face. His claw shattered, unable to endure the undying’s strength, and he swayed momentarily before succumbing to the ground.
Wow. He was gonna bash me that hard the other time? Just one hit for using his right arm a little?
Seriously, what a madman. That would’ve killed me on the spot.
While I observed in shock, the undying, after thrashing a man to the brink of death, started speaking regretfully… toward me.
“Forgive me, Teacher. He has become incapable of responding further.”
Look at him, offering an apology despite the situation. He’s filled his three-hit quota, so Ebon’s state doesn’t matter now, huh.
“Oh, it’s alright. It’s not like I’m seeking a response.”
I could inquire through his thoughts, after all.
As I approached Ebon, the undying questioned me.
“Do you require assistance?”
“I’m really sorry, but would you mind covering your ears? I’m about to delve into sensitive matters regarding Ebon’s personal history.”
“My ears? Understood!”
Despite the unexpected request, the undying promptly complied. He plugged his earholes with his fingers and called out affirmatively.
“Blocked! Feel free to converse openly! However, I will be watching in case anything happens!”
“Woah, he really listened.”
“What did you say? I cannot hear!”
I showed a thumbs-up before going over to Ebon.
Sensing his impending end, Ebon futilely clenched his trembling hand, scratching the concrete floor, yet he couldn’t even hold a proper grip. His sharp nails, which seemed to symbolize his origin, only managed to scrape off some concrete dust.
Ebon vomited blood, ruminating to himself.
｢It was an opportunity to fulfill… humanity’s sublime longing. I had to, find the Great One, find the Great One and…｣
“You wanted recognition, didn’t you? Not as a catkin, but as a human.”
He was the catkin, Ebon Crimsonwilde. During the monarchy days of the State, when beastkin aversion was widespread, he sank into self-loathing and severed his own ears and tails, pledging himself to the military. His catkin identity largely escaped notice, save for a rare few.
Through fortune, or perhaps ill luck, “someone” recognized Ebon for who he was and took his resolve in high regard. Assisted by this enigmatic benefactor, Ebon thrived significantly in his endeavors.
But that wasn’t to say his journey was lined with velvet carpet. Ebon’s life was a chain of trials. During the kingdom era, the military was treated akin to foot wipers or arms plucked from the arsenal for the knighthood. Some knights even discovered Ebon’s catkin nature and resorted to blackmail. Reduced to servitude, he was robbed of all his wealth and accolades.
Mounting hatred toward the kingdom spurred Ebon to lead a coup, and harness his keen catkin senses to aid in quelling the remnants of the existing power. The knights who had extorted Ebon settled their debt with their lives.
And so, after overcoming arduous ordeals, Ebon joined the ranks of general officers. Of course, it wasn’t solely time and experience that raised him high. Be it training to the extent of spitting blood or wracking his mind for intricate plans, all these elements built into the fuel that propelled him to his newfound status.
Having met the prerequisites, Ebon was allowed to face the true nature of the Human Regime. Upon opening his eyes to the real purpose concealed within the organization—not the childish, superficial goal of gathering and weaponizing the Beast Kings—he resolved to see it through to the end.
Thus, the catkin Ebon became a high-ranking member of the extremist human supremacist group known as the Human Regime.
And as for the Regime’s purpose that captivated him…
｢I ultimately, failed… to find the Great One and…｣
“Why do you seek the Great One? Because they might be the only one that’ll appreciate and understand you?”
Ebon’s dim gaze turned toward me. Amidst the fading focus, puzzlement sparked in his eyes.
｢…What is it? What does he, presume to know… about us…｣
“Mr. Ebon. Why do you require such a grand presence to define your essence?”
｢Without even, knowing whom… I’m searching for…｣
Even on the brink of death, it seemed he wasn’t going to open up. To glimpse slightly deeper into his true feelings, I had no choice but to tell him.
“The being that vanished from history once humans truly gained dominion over the earth, the entity who signified the beginning and end of origin. The true sovereign who possessed the power and authority to rule over humanity, unlike the other pretenders…”
Ever since humans asserted their dominance over the lands trodden upon by myriad beasts, the Beast Kings assumed human forms.
However, people occasionally forgot a certain fact—humans, too, are just one kind of beast.
“…Did you really need the Human King?”
Some humans might vehemently deny this, while others might grimace, as if revealing an uncomfortable truth.
But humans were, are, also beasts. And beasts we shall remain.
Hence, there existed a Beast King even for humans. Not a pretender of paltry power, followed by mere thousands or millions, but a king in the truest sense, representing mankind itself. And that was who Ebon sought to find.
“Even though the Human King has never appeared since the inception of humanity’s rise.”
Humans proclaimed that they would anoint their own kings, and therefore, they didn’t need the Human King. The Human King disappeared ever since.
Following the emergence of mankind, the era of kings dawned. Even without the King, humans served their own rulers and achieved growth. They stood superior, mighty, and special. Not even elephants could traverse beyond jungles and wastelands. And while tigers might reign over their mountains, they couldn’t displace humanity.
Humans were truly the dominant species of the earth. Thus, nobody questioned why the Beast Kings adopted human form, nor did they concern themselves with the absence of the Human King. They served one too many kings to mourn that loss.
However, in one kingdom, a group of individuals who had tired of the existing kings in the realm sought a true monarch who could encompass all. Their motivations behind searching for the Human King might vary, but Ebon had just one.
“I’m not who you’re expecting…”
He longed to be acknowledged as a human, to hear that he wasn’t a catkin but a true man. A fellow man. And he desired to receive this confirmation directly from the Human King, the one who held the authority and power to bestow such words.
“But I will affirm you.”
｢How, dare you…! An insignificant laborer!｣
Ebon glared at me with the last of his strength as his life dwindled, while I serenely made a declaration on his behalf.
“Ebon Crimsonwilde. You are a human. I assure you of this.”
｢A cretin like you… what would you know…!｣
“Whether driven by good or ill, the intellect to devise plans from scratch, to act on them, and to strive for the next attempt despite failures, utilizing all that’s gathered to achieve a purpose… alongside the willingness to even sacrifice your own life for the greater cause is a capability unique to being human.”
I am but an ordinary man who can read minds.
“What I’ve glimpsed might only be a fragment, but it’s enough. You are undoubtedly, resolutely, human.”
So on behalf of all my fellow people, I declare Ebon Crimsonwilde as human.
“Even beastkin, strictly speaking, are humans who have inherited certain traits of beasts. It’s just that a distant ancestor of yours committed a terrible sin… Well, calling it a sin might be a stretch. It’s more like having revealed an embarrassing sight that’s hard to boast about, but I digress. Those traits are just incidental. Your ears and tail don’t define you.”
Having read his heart, I calmly consoled Ebon.
“The determination to achieve your goal, even if it means cutting off your ears and tail, paradoxically showcases your humanity. Well done, human Ebon.”
｢…Could it be?｣
I spouted praise without any qualification, yet that was enough to satisfy Ebon, as the words he needed in his final moments had arrived.
Born as a beastkin, he weathered persecutions throughout his life and contributed to the downfall of the oppressive kingdom he grew up in. He struggled against odds that no one would recognize.
Whether it was the hatred for beastkin that hardly changed even after the monarchy’s fall, the loathsome remnants of the kingdom called the Resistance, the challengingly whimsical Beast King, or his growth that paled in comparison to his efforts.
Nobody acknowledged his hardships, sincerity, or endeavors. Not until he met me today. And in his moment of death, he closed his eyes in the small solace I provided.
But how dare he? I couldn’t let him go yet.
“In the first place, cats are pathetic creatures that aren’t even worth associating with humans. You didn’t think they suited you, right?”
With a single question, I peeled away the gilded veneer on his humanity.
“Just because you have ears and a tail, does that diminish the great mind of a human? No, those appendages are like the obscured moonlight under the brightness of the sun. Actually, they’re like starlight that doesn’t even leave a trace. Even though you once bore them, you became a lieutenant general through your brilliant intelligence, boundless patience, learning, and efforts.”
I validated the human in him while rejecting the beast, even going so far as to insult it. But was this truly what he wanted?
“Consider cats. They act so clean and lofty when all they do is chase after gutter rats. Those pitiful animals wouldn’t survive without their cute skin, yet they have the audacity to be nothing but nasty. And let’s not forget how needlessly tenacious they are, clinging to life in alleyways even if they’re thrown outside. Do you share even a trace of resemblance with such filthy bundles of fur?”
There was no resemblance, of course. His way of life was human despite being a beastkin. There existed a vast chasm between him and real cats, making it impossible for him to relate to them even as a catkin.
Yet, he couldn’t find joy in this truth.
“Right on time. Listen.”
I raised a finger to my lips, then cupped my hand to my ear. The roar of a beast reverberated from below.
｢The… Dog King.｣
The pounding of paws against the ground echoed Azzy’s roar, followed by Nabi’s scream.
Then, the crack of something breaking entered our ears. Boom. Boom! Twice, something was slammed against the ground. The intense weight of the impact carried through the abyss, reaching the prison rooftop.
｢…The Cat King’s strength is lacking compared to the Dog King… If she fights without human assistance, it is a sure defeat.｣
As Ebon had foreseen, it wasn’t long before we perceived a fading groan of diminishing life. Myahaagh…
After casting away the chain, Azzy enacted judgment upon Nabi for all the torment she had inflicted… in accordance with the ruthless laws that governed beasts.
“Wait! Azzy! Hold on a second! Shaking like that will kill her…!”
I was taken aback by what sounded like an interruption. It seemed the Cat King wouldn’t be dying just yet. Well, it didn’t matter. Ebon’s gaze was trembling enough.
“See? It took a human’s mercy for her to barely cling to life. For all her swagger as the Cat King, she’s nothing compared to dogs. She’s far out of her league, both as a beast and as a king, you see. Isn’t that why you tried to secure Azzy and make sure Nabi had a companion when left alone with her?”
Ebon seethed with rage for a fleeting instant, and he couldn’t fathom why. He was a catkin, yet he rejected becoming a beast. He forsook his nature and severed his ears and tail. And as if that weren’t enough, he even joined the Human Regime to be recognized as a complete human.
Ebon yearned for someone to confirm his humanity. However, in reality…
“This so-called Cat King was driven mad by drug addiction. Goodness, where else could you find an animal as miserable and pathetic among the Beast Kings? Don’t you find that astounding? She should have just died. I’m mystified by the existence of catkin, you know?”
“Enou—gh!”
Even in the throes of impending death, Ebon roared, expending his life force. Though further speech would only shorten his remaining moments, he resisted vehemently, spitting blood.
“…Insult me, no more! I rather…!”
“But wasn’t I insulting the cat?”
“You, damned…! Don’t lie…!”
“Haha. So we’re finally being honest.”
Why did he get angry? Simple.
“Your desire wasn’t to become human.”
He, nobody else, had failed to completely cut away the feline within himself.
“You simply wanted to be acknowledged as you were, a catkin. That’s why you couldn’t give up your claws, and why your fighting style oddly grew to resemble that of a cat. It’s also why you held both contempt and pity for the Cat King, and wanted to keep her by your side, at least to watch over her.”
He couldn’t give up the feline part that had been part of his life. He wanted his existence to be acknowledged for what it was. Yet, he couldn’t bear the persecution of beastkin, nor the realization of beastly inferiority upon joining the Human Regime, and so he sought validation as a pure human.
“Liar. You never even wanted to be a pure human.”
Ebon’s eyes widened as his truest desire was pointed out in his final moments.
“O human of uncertain nature, who severed his identity yet could not relinquish his claws. O avenger, who detested cats yet reserved deeper loathing for the kingdom that kindled his hatred. O pitiful subject, who despised his king yet could not forsake her until the end. Goodbye, Ebon Crimsonwilde.”
｢That’s… how it was? So I…｣
“You tried to sever a part of yourself, only to end up a monster. Because… you were already human in your essence.”
｢…Didn’t, hate myself so much.｣
A faint smile lingered at the end of it all, and then… Ebon’s head softly dropped, eyes closing.
His life had been a tumultuous journey, intense until the very end. He hadn’t ventured into the abyss out of self-abandonment or blind ambition. From start to finish, he had sprinted toward his goal.
Though he did veer significantly off course in the middle, he still found his way in the end, which was a relief.
I briefly savored the aftermath, then stood up and called out to the undying.
“Mr. Rasch! It’s over! Let’s go down now!”
There was no response. Due to the muddy substance that composed the undying’s body, blocking his ears alone shut out most sounds. I tried to read his mind, but it was clear he couldn’t even perceive my voice.
I mouthed my words in an exaggerated manner as he stared blankly at me.
“Mr. Rasch! I said it’s over!”
“Say what? I cannot hear!”
It seemed he couldn’t hear anything at all.
Hang on then.
“Oi, you thickheaded undying lout! You wanted me to take a punch when you were gonna throw one like that? You think other people won’t die just ’cause you don’t? Thug doesn’t even have a conscience! Quit plugging your lugs and go—!”
But by that point, the undying had already removed his fingers halfway.
Our eyes met, and I addressed him apprehensively.
“You said you’d be blocking your ears.”
“It seemed the situation was over!”
“…You didn’t hear me, right?”
“Not all of it.”
Ahaha.
I broke into an awkward chuckle, facing the man. Then after having a good laugh, I scratched my head and spoke to him.
“Oh dear, the ‘gate’ closed because we talked too much. But we did find a clue to escape, so let’s go down now.”
“Very well. However…”
The undying raised his fist, continuing.
“May I hit you once? I shall be gentle, really.”
“No way. I’d die. Seriously.”
