The Sharabha

From time immemorial, human beings have been at the top of the food chain, despite having lower physical strength than other animals.

Why is that?

Of course, its because humans are more intelligent than them. Humans can't win in a fight of brute strength, but they use various techniques, traps and sophisticated weapons to dominate over the ecosystem.

And I was preparing just for this moment.

I ran through the woods with all the strength I had.

The beast that was chasing me had fearsome dagger like teeth and with great momentum it was closing in. At the rate things were going, I would be eaten alive.

In this dire situation, most normal reaction would be panic and fear. 

But why am I feeling excited? I don't know what is the expression on my face now, but from what I am feeling, it must be a wide grin.

Why? That's because, this situation is most welcome for me.

As I dashed through the dense underbrush, my heart pounding with exhilaration, I couldn't help but marvel at the sheer audacity of my plan. Every step brought me closer to the series of traps I had meticulously set during my previous rest stop.

The mana beast thundered behind me, its massive form crashing through the foliage with terrifying speed. But I was leading it right into my trap, weaving through the trees with practiced precision.

Yeah, my insane speed must have been due to the adrenaline rush.

Finally, I reached the clearing where I had camped before, and I saw the first trap—a pitfall hidden beneath a thin layer of leaves and branches. With a deft leap, I cleared the pit, knowing that the beast was hot on my heels.

The fact that they can't see objects with proper resolution came in handy here.

As the mana beast charged forward, it fell right into my trap, its roars of fury echoing through the forest. I watched with grim satisfaction as it struggled against the ropes and chains that held it captive.

Then came the pièce de résistance—the pitfall filled with bottles containing the sleep-inducing potions. As the mana beast thrashed about, some of the bottles shattered, releasing an immensely potent chloroform-like substance into the air.

For a moment, I thought victory was assured as the beast's movements grew sluggish, its eyelids drooping with drowsiness.

But then, in a sudden burst of energy, it lunged upward, sinking its dagger-like teeth into my leg before plummeting back into the pit.

"That hurts like hell!!!!!"

I cried out in pain as the chemicals seeped into my bloodstream, a wave of dizziness washing over me. 

But I can't stop here! For Harald, an important piece in this chess board, I have to save him!

By the way, this sleep inducing potion won't work on me because when I was collecting these from Cecille, I also asked for some potions with the exact opposite effect, something similar to caffeine, I guess. The only problem was bleeding, which could be stopped by recovery potions I had.

Heh, I came totally prepared for this event.

In the novel, there were not many mentions about mana beasts. But one of them appeared to be greatly significant as a guardian beast, residing deep in the forest near the Royal Capital. 

It can't be tamed by others. It just gives advices and shows the correct path to our protagonist in one of the later scenarios when he was suffering from mental instability.

The guardian beast evolved from a leopard looking animal which was the one I caught.

This one would be way useful if commanded properly.

This much dosage of sedative potions would keep it asleep for at least 3 more days (According to Cecille).

In the meantime, I would search for Harald and see for myself how is his condition.

[Remaining Time : 23hrs 49mins 08s]

***

Afterwards, I continued my journey in the hope of finding Harald before his life force gets wiped out.

I walked along the direction of the pointed location on the panel over my left hand, took some rest to drink potions and walked again.

This process reminded me of my past life. I would often go with my younger brother on long walks like this when he was small. We would play at the riverside, then he would injure his leg and I would give him a piggyback ride to home.

Reminiscing about the past, I firmed my resolve to return to my previous world at all costs.

While travelling, I noticed something strange. Even if till now I have encountered a variety of mana beasts, from that point onward, where there was the pitfall, no mana beasts could be seen in the surroundings. I shrugged it off as some coincidence.

A little further after that, sky became clearer as it was illuminated by the rising sun. I took a little breather and inhaling the refreshing air, I continued.

The fact of no mana beasts being in my vicinity, became more clear as I moved on.

At around noon that day, I realized that the point locating Harald was not moving anymore. 

[Remaining Time : 11hrs 39mins 34s]

With that realization I kept my guard up, as I was entering the territory of main arena of deep forest. I thought it might be swarming with mana beasts but it was the same scenery as before. There was not a single trace of mana beast.

At this point, it was beyond strange. I tried to come up with some hypothesis and decided that it was related to Harald's kidnapper. The most logical deduction would be that it was the work of those darn terrorists.

Thinking about some countermeasures, I decided that I would not blindly attack them and first observe the situation around me. The fact that I am here, might also have been relayed to them. So I should prepare for that line of attack too.

On the other hand, my position as a suspended student and a banished noble might gain me some space for negotiations, if I feed them a little information.

As I was having these kind of thoughts, the most unexpected thing appeared before me.

No it was not Harald. Don't expect plot twists too fast.

It was a creature, a combination of a lion and a man about the same height as me and was burying the corpse of the dead mana beasts lying in front of it. As soon as it saw me, I decided to run but my feet was bound to the ground.

'Huh? Earth magic? Seriously?'

The fact that this creature was able to use magic was not the only bizarre thing.

"I see. You are the intruder then." A deep voice echoed through out the forest.

Its a talking beast!!!!!

***

This is really bad.

The area around the deep forest seemed to be covered in a barrier. That means I can't leave this place without the caster's permission. 

There was only one guardian beast in the novel, and I don't know any other beast who could interpret human language.

"You should know that this is a forbidden territory. Too bad, you have to die here." the beast said with a nonchalant voice.

Woah! Woah! You are straight going to kill me?!

No I have to remain calm in this situation.

"Are you working for 'them'?"  I asked.

"So what?"

"Then I am not a foe. I am here just to deliver some useful information on the academy subjugation mission."

"....Your name?"

"Chris Harrison."

"Chris Harrison? That suspended student?"

"You know about me? Then you must also be aware of the hatred I harbor towards the academy and its students. I would help as much as you need, just take me to your boss."

"Hah, do you take me for a fool? I don't need anything from you. However, you have set your foot in our territory. So, as punishment you would have to pay it with your life."

Sh*t! This bastard isn't even listening!

With that, he launched a series of numerous slash attacks aimed towards all parts of my body.

And I am not someone who approaches a situation without countermeasures. As the slashes were approaching me, I took some speed recovery potions and leapt backwards.

Speed is the antagonist of earth elemental.

I was able to evade most of them but some around my shoulder and chest area dealt a blow.

 If I would not have leapt backwards, then those slashes would have pierced through my body.

Huff. Huff.

"Ow, that stings."

Damn bastard. I am just a little far from reaching their hideout, and this thing is dead set on taking my life.

Moreover, I can't think of any escape route now. Even if I fight him, I don't think I can win in this situation.

I am done for.

As I was having such thoughts, sudden shock waves hit me and I felt like someone was approaching this place from where I came from.

And then I remembered the lines of the novel.

An eight legged part lion and part bird deity, more powerful than a lion or an elephant, possessing the ability to clear a valley in one jump. Such was the features of the guardian beast of the forest.

"HaHaHaHaHaHah....HahHah. What a coincidence! Hey, you! Did you know that in Hindu mythology, to pacify Narasimha, the man lion avatar of Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva assumed the form of a lion-bird creature? His name is......... Lord Sharabha."

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