Chapter 88 Beast And Additions. White And Black
"Yeah, I could tell from the fight earlier, but Shura really hated the beast, huh?"
"...Yeah."
This is what it feels like to be frustrated.
After that, Shura just left. Ignoring everyone who tried to stop her. But there was no hate or rejection in her eyes.
The way she left, looking scared like she was pushed away, is stuck in my mind.
"I'm sorry. If I hadn't done anything unnecessary..."
"Mokumo..."
"Why you lot apologizin'? I'm the one who asked for this trouble."
One person looks down, feeling responsible, while another smokes. Of course, Lyam and the others aren't to blame. Not even Sham, who chased after Shura because she was worried.
"But that was careless. I should have checked when I was teaching about black magic. Even though the white beast is rare, people know about it, and I just assumed everyone knew. I should have known better..."
"Nah, it ain't on you, Quollio. Shura's just treatin' it like some random threat. My bad for underestimatin'. That's my fault."
In the end, it's my fault.
I didn't know about the white beast, and I stopped thinking about Ruthless being a protagonist power-up. But I never thought...
(Can't believe this Ruthless is some kinda White Beast...)
(No way, right?)
(Don't play dumb. This is on you too. Why'd you keep it hidden?)
(Well, being mysterious is a secret to being a good girl, right?)
(You little...piece of...!)
What's this secret to being a good girl? You're just a pain.
This guy definitely kept quiet on purpose.
"...Then, I should teach you again. About the white beast and how beasts are born."
"!"
I can't just ignore Shura. But if I talk to her without knowing anything, it won't mean anything.
First, I need to learn. That's why Quollio's offer was really helpful.
"Most people think of the white beast as a 'beast' that doesn't mean harm to humans."
"What kinda harm?"
"Yeah. For example, there's 'Gimunif,' the 4-winged crow that is said to have guided the first emperor of this country. Like the motif on the national flag, it's a beast that brings benefits to people..."
"So that's what you mean by 'white beast', huh?"
I knew there were different types of beasts, but I didn't realize there were 2 main categories. Now, I'm staring at Ruthless in ring mode.
(...Benefits, huh? Yeah, sure.)
(Hmm? What's with that suspicious look? I'm totally helping the Master, right?)
(But you keep showin' signs of trouble, don'tcha?)
(Ah, well, it's not really my style to just help people, you know?)
That's the usual Ruthless for you. I'm getting help from her, but she always tries to lead me in a bad direction. I even doubt if she's really a white beast.
"And the white beast often has special abilities. For example, Lyam's Mokumon can store magic in a lamp. Your iron lump probably amplifies magic, right?"
"...How'd you know that, huh?"
"Who do you think is teaching you magic? When you were chasing after Shura to the old school building, your speed using the Shoes of Hel (Helskor) was clearly faster than usual."
"Hah, figured it out back then, did ya?"
Wow. I can't believe Quollio noticed. But thinking about it, it makes sense. My White magic is way stronger thanks to Ruthless. It would be weird if no one noticed.
So, Quollio must have been watching quietly, maybe waiting for me to say something.
His glasses seemed to pierce through my guilt.
"Now, I've explained the general definition of a white beast, but honestly, I think 'this definition should be questioned'."
"What're you gettin' at?"
"Just like the words say. In the past, there have been cases where things considered white beasts harmed people."
"Seriously?"
"Yeah, it's true. My team in Ráðgríðr has captured those white beasts and sealed them away to make sure they don't cause any harm."
"Right. So I think it's correct to see them as 'things that can both harm and help.' It's dangerous to just think of them as friends of humanity."
"...Got it, Lyam, Quollio."
(Ah, what's up with that? Acting like you totally gets it!)
(Because it really makes sense. They're useful, but also a headache, just like any wild card.)
(Hmph. I won't say he's wrong, but it feels like he's calling us annoying!)
After all that sneaky stuff in my head, she sure talks a lot. But Quollio's advice makes sense since I have Ruthless.
It feels like to use strong power, you need to pay a price.
"With that in mind, I'm going to explain the birth of beasts to you, but... what should I say?"
"What's with the careful talk? That ain't like you at all."
"Don't say I usually lack delicacy! ...Seriously. I'll tell you this first. What I'm about to share is just a theory that came up recently. I support it, but keep in mind it's just a theory."
"Aight."
It must be some crazy stuff if Quollio is stressing it so much. Even Lyam is nodding along quietly.
When Quollio switches to teaching mode, he really changes the vibe.
"Have you noticed that when a beast dies, its body turns into 'black smoke'?"
"Yeah, now that you bring it up... I never paid much mind to it."
"Actually, that smoke is said to be the source of the beast's existence. It even has a name: [Shadow]."
"Shadow, huh..."
The black smoke that comes out when you defeat a beast. I didn't know it had a name.
But Shadow sounds kind of ominous, I thought.
"So, what is this Shadow? It could be the essence that makes up the beast, the beast's last scream, proof of being judged by the gods, or a curse on those who defeated it. There are many theories, but the one I support says... this."
That feeling was right.
But it was more unsettling than I expected.
"Shadow is the source of the beast's birth. Shadow is, in other words──'regret.'"
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