A Humanoid Monster? (2)

MSG – Volume 1 – Chapter 12

"Then, what's new? What did you discover?" the King asked. "How can monsters form a civilization? How could they get around their differences, since for every one pair of monster species, there would undoubtedly be one that preys on the other or is at least a threat."

"…That's the problem, your Majesty," the Commander sighed, clearly unwilling to spill the words that he was about to but knew that he had no choice.

"…It seems that there is indeed a leader amongst them. A female monster that has managed to evolve and take on humanoid form."

Silence reigned supreme.

What else could?

After all, what did it mean for a monster to take humanoid form?

Bear in mind that beings like goblins and orcs were not considered 'monsters' since they did not possess monster cores.

Monsters are all born with mana that has condensed into solid form, which is what is called their core since they could actually live without hearts and even regrow new ones as long as their cores were not destroyed.

As they grow older, the core grows bigger because unlike other species they naturally absorb mana from the atmosphere.

They can also speed up this process by dining on the flesh and drinking the blood of other monsters. The cores of their fellow monsters are the best meal for them.

The 'dog eat dog world' statement never held truer than amongst these beings.

That was why for a monster to survive and grow strong enough to take human form, which is only possible upon entering the stage known as the Legend rank, is quite unheard of.

Other monsters would usually gang up on that monster and share its corpse and core before that happens.

Aside from that, this was why the Slayers' Guild existed—to slay monsters.

They were different from the Adventurer's Guild that specialized in… well, adventures.

Escorting merchants through dangerous paths and protecting them.

Exploring ruins and digging up history and treasure.

Traveling uncharted territory and mapping them out.

Things like this were things that Adventurers did. Not killing monsters.

Every Guild had their own specialty: Merchants for Merchants, Alchemy for Alchemists, Formations for Formation Masters, and so on.

Info dump aside, the main point was that Legend rank monsters that were extremely rare!

Much less ones that were neither intentionally nurtured by nor allied to any force.

What? Even with those low odds, there was one right here in his Kingdom?!

The Radish King simply stared into space for a while before his eyes narrowed and he stroked his chin beard.

After some time, he opened his mouth and asked, "You said it was leading them to build a settlement?"

"Yes, Sire," answered General Cedric. "The structures described by the scouts seem to be more peculiar than the ones we are used to. Technology we have never heard of is present there as well."

"Unknown technology?" The King's interest was piqued.

"Mm," General Cedric nodded. "Sire, words alone would not be enough for you to fully understand, I do not either, so it would be better for you to see rather than hear."

The King watched as the General dipped his hand into his coat and brought out a small contraption referred to as a 'Display Unit', invented by the Vice Principal of the Magic Academy.

A/N: The whole Continent only has one official Magic Academy.

As the Radish King saw the things captured in the palm-sized cube, his eyes slowly but surely became wider and wider.

Before it even ended, he could not help but turn to his General and say, "We must get our hands on these things."

"Gather more information about this band of monsters in the meantime and prepare to send delegations to offer a chance for them to willingly come under us and be recognized as a state of the Kingdom."

"However, before that, make preparations for if the proposal is rejected," he continued with a decisive tone. "This is the Radish Kingdom—all land within its borders belongs to my Radish Royal Family. No one can stay on it without permission. Any who try to do so will be left with only one end—death."

"…To hear is to obey, my King," the General went down on a knee as he accepted the order.

"Good," the King patted his subject's shoulder as a sign of recognition.

The King gave him a few more orders before watching him leave the studio.

"A Legend rank monster huh…" he muttered. "I suppose the Kingdom may have no choice but to unleash 'that' again. After all, no matter how many Savior rank beings come together, a Legend is called a Legend for a reason."

Shaking his head, he shoved it all to the back of his mind as he turned back to stare at his painting, which, just like the other paintings in the studio, was a portrait of the same woman.

She appeared to be in her 30s with a kind face and smile.

She had olive skin and was dressed in a purple regal attire while staring into the horizon.

In the depiction, she seemed to be quite fond of the night sky; or maybe just a specific thing or things in the night sky.

The Queen had never entered here before, and she only knew it was her husband's painting studio.

As someone who was 'afraid' of getting dirty for any reason whatsoever, she would never see these paintings.

If she ever did…

--- --- ---

Back in the Carrot Kingdom.

When Solon left the manor, no one bothered to ask where he was headed since no one really cared much.

As for those who actually did, they were tied up with something of their own and hence unaware of his departure.

Making his way into the city, he blended almost perfectly well with the passersby who were mostly commoners.

Yes, almost.

Despite being dressed in what the well-to-do dubbed as 'cheap' clothes, he still earned some glances and stares of various natures due to his appearance.

The nineteen-year-old had a pair of sharp green eyes, olive skin, and wavy long black hair that he packed into a ponytail.

Standing at 5 feet and 11 inches tall, he had quite the swoon-worthy physique that made him look like a wannabe superhero.