Mana beasts [Edited]

A Mongou.

Tsk.

This is just too tempting to pass up.

Besides, it's one of the few creatures I can actually take down myself.

Mongous are mana beasts. Or, at least, they become mana beasts once they reach the second stage of their metamorphosis.

You see, Mongous go through four distinct stages of transformation.

The first stage is called the origin level. At this stage, they're not considered mana beasts at all since they possess no mana. It's essentially their infant phase—a time when they're incredibly vulnerable and can be killed by almost anything or anyone. However, once they enter the second stage, they develop a mana core. At this point, they're classified as a Tier One evolved beast.

In this world, there are two types of mana beasts: Mutated and Evolved.

Mutated beasts are far more common in this region. These creatures were originally incapable of wielding mana but gained the ability through some unknown phenomenon, transforming into mana beasts.

Evolved beasts, on the other hand, are a different story altogether. These creatures are born with the inherent ability to wield mana, making them far more dangerous than their mutated counterparts.

Mongous fall into the category of Evolved beasts. Even though they don't exhibit mana control in their early stages, it's already a part of them—dormant, waiting to manifest.

Judging by how this Mongou is grazing on grass, it's most definitely in the origin level. There's no sign of a mana core on its head, either. Like many other mana beasts, Mongous have external mana cores, making it easier to identify their stage of growth.

"Hm…"

I moved stealthily, taking care not to alert it to my presence. My plan was simple: catch it off guard.

"Just a little closer," I thought, inching forward. But then—

Creak!

I looked down, realizing too late that I'd stepped on a twig.

"…,"

When I looked up, its beady eyes were locked onto mine.

"Fuck."

With a sudden burst of speed, it bolted, faster than anything I'd ever seen in my life.

"NO! YOU ARE NOT GETTING AWAY!" I shouted, adrenaline surging as I tore after it.

Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud!

The Mongou maneuvered through the dense trees and thick underbrush like it was nothing. I, on the other hand, stumbled over roots and branches, pushing myself to keep going.

My lungs burned, my legs screamed in protest, but I refused to stop. I needed this.

"NOOOOOO!" I roared as I saw it darting toward a rabbit hole nestled beneath a tree.

Desperate, I grabbed a stone from the ground and hurled it with everything I had.

Thwack!

Squeeeeeeeeee!

"Huh?"

The stone hit its mark. The Mongou staggered and fell.

I stumbled forward, gasping for air, and grabbed it by the leg. It thrashed violently, refusing to die.

"Oh, for heaven's sake, just DIE ALREADY!"

Summoning the last of my strength, I swung it hard against the trunk of a nearby tree.

Squeeeeeeeeeee!

With one final cry, it collapsed to the ground, twitched a few times, and went still.

"Haah…" I exhaled, finally catching my breath.

Grabbing the creature by its leg, I slung it over my shoulder. Now came the hard part: finding a safe spot to cook and eat it without attracting attention.

I needed to avoid the guards patrolling the area. Their eyes were everywhere, and the last thing I wanted was for the smoke from my fire to give me away.

"Hm… A blind spot should work," I muttered to myself.

With that thought, I began collecting twigs and fallen branches. By the time I'd gathered enough, the sun had dipped low on the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange and purple.

I found a secluded spot shielded by thick foliage and set up camp.

"Haah…" I sighed, wiping the sweat from my face as I looked down at the boar-like creature lying before me.

"Let's eat."