Chapter 39 : “The Second Sword, Polique (1)”

Monsters are classified into a total of four ranks, from the lowest to the highest.

Since there aren’t many ranks, their level of danger isn’t very high. Additionally, their sheer numbers have led heroes to regard them as ordinary prey.

Even high-ranking monsters can be hunted as long as second-tier heroes form a party and work together.

There are ‘Monster Hunting Grounds,’ which dominate certain areas of the continent.

And then there are ‘Monster Lairs,’ which can be discovered through special magical rifts.

The reason these habitats are known by such commonplace names is that their threat level isn’t considered significant to heroes.

…But it’s a different story when it comes to magical beasts.

On the other hand, the danger posed by magical beasts is something every nation on the continent is wary of.

The power of magical beasts typically increases according to their hierarchy.

Starting from the lowest, first-tier beasts gradually ascend through second-tier, third-tier, and beyond, rising rank by rank.

This hierarchical system is determined through deliberation by numerous scholars convened under the ‘Continental Magical Beast Association.’

Among them, a significant influence is wielded by Cardinal Chaser, a hero of the Bedrian Holy Kingdom and a natural-born <Beast Recorder>.

Since he has thoroughly investigated the appearances, abilities, and detailed information of magical beasts, even specialized scholars cannot help but be influenced by him.

“Based on that hierarchy, the priority for exterminating magical beasts is determined.”

“Exactly. After all, the level of danger varies.”

I nodded in agreement with my father’s explanation.

Thanks to what Ray had taught me, I was already familiar with this topic.

For instance, first-tier magical beasts can be taken down by a third-tier hero working alone.

Ordinary beasts like the ‘Blue Saber-toothed Tiger’ and ‘Red Harpy’ fall into this category.

In terms of monsters, they possess power somewhere between the intermediate and advanced ranks, so their level of danger isn’t overwhelming.

As a result, they are not prioritized as major extermination targets by nations on the continent. Instead, they often become prey for explorer heroes.

Then there are second-tier magical beasts.

The situation changes significantly at this level.

Even third-tier heroes must form parties and cooperate to hunt them.

Moreover, many of these beasts possess special abilities, so caution is necessary when approaching them.

Their numbers are significantly fewer compared to first-tier beasts, and their power is much greater, making them a source of great renown if captured.

Take, for example, Instructor Jackson, who hunted the ‘Saber-toothed Tiger of the Borderline.’

Or me, who single-handedly took down the ‘rahara of the Swamp,’ gaining fame in the kingdom.

“However, the critical point in this case is that the hierarchy of the magical beast is unknown.”

“That’s because it escaped from its origin point, right?”

“Exactly. While there have been instances of monsters escaping from lairs, this is the first time a magical beast from an origin point has escaped on the continent.

That’s why we have no information about the beast, let alone its hierarchy.”

“Have you consulted Sir Chaser of the Holy Kingdom?”

“The traces we’ve found so far haven’t been sufficient for him to make an accurate assessment.”

That was why the kleffe Kingdom planned to dispatch one of its key forces, the ‘Monster Hunting Unit,’ for this incident.

From the third tier onward, magical beasts are of such a high rank that even the continent cannot ignore them.

However, the rank of the magical beast that had escaped the ‘Red Thicket Zone’ remained unknown.

In that case, the maximum possible force needed to be dispatched to minimize damage and maximize results.

“But because the traces lead to a location near the Kespa Kingdom’s border, fifth-tier heroes like me, the Duke of Crowplin, cannot be dispatched.”

“So that’s why I was selected as a substitute force.”

“If all goes well, Todd and Jane will also accompany you.

It’s an honor as the head of the Mulick family to have three family members participate in a major kingdom operation.”

I turned to see Todd and Jane nodding at me.

My older brother Todd was already part of the Monster Hunting Unit, so his participation was guaranteed.

My older sister Jane, affiliated with the Tristan Magic Tower, seemed to have been requested as an alternate force.

My father lightly patted my shoulder as he continued speaking.

“Don’t feel too burdened.

Since both Jane and Todd’s participation is confirmed, I’ve already secured a good impression with His Majesty the King.

And besides, you’ve been invited as a lecturer for a special seminar organized by the Academy and the Royal Family, haven’t you?”

The ‘Special Lecture’ had been fervently requested by the administrative director of Densk.

That event was scheduled to take place a little after the magical beast expedition.

I slowly nodded my head.

“Yes. It seems the royal family holds me in high regard.”

“Hahaha. It’s hard to believe you’ve already been recognized as a hero by the royal family, Edgar.

I’m proud of you.

Like I said, if you feel burdened, you don’t have to join the magical beast expedition.

Take your time deciding, and I’ll explain things to His Majesty.”

“Understood, Father.”

The next day, I immediately submitted the consent form to the Swordsmanship Department’s administrative office.

It was a signed agreement to participate in both the ‘Magical Beast Expedition’ and the ‘Special Lecture.’

Ray, surprised by my quick decision, gave me a curious look.

“Are you sure about this?”

“Why? Does it seem like too much work?”

“Yes. You’ve only just started as an instructor, and it hasn’t even been a month since the semester began…”

“If even you think so, then it must indeed be a lot.”

As Ray pointed out, my workload had increased significantly recently.

From escorting the Litvel Caravan to exploring the Red Thicket Zone, and now the ensuing magical beast expedition.

These achievements had earned me the special lecture invitation, and I was diligently teaching <Valut Swordsmanship> as an instructor.

It felt like I needed two bodies to keep up with the schedule.

For a new instructor, the workload was indeed excessive.

But there was a reason I was pushing myself to handle it all.

“Money, Ray. I need to make money.”

“Pardon?”

“Both tasks are backed by the royal family, and the pay is surprisingly high.

Once I complete these, I’ll…”

“…Sir Edgar, your eyes look strange.”

The debt I had incurred just before my return was beyond imagination.

Todd had lent me a significant portion of his income.

Jane had lent me so much that, at one point, she refused to acknowledge me as her brother.

When I saw the actual figures, I felt dizzy.

It was a debt that couldn’t possibly be repaid with an instructor’s salary.

I needed to actively hunt monsters and magical beasts, and accept incoming requests to repay it.

…At least it seemed possible to pay it off, somehow.

The royal family’s generous compensation offered hope.

Thinking back, I wondered what on earth about my past self had made them trust me with such a large sum.

I was truly grateful for Todd and Jane’s generosity and kind hearts.

It was strange to think someone like me had been born into such a family.

“Anyway, there’s still some time left before the magical beast expedition, so we should get back to our work.”

The expedition was scheduled to begin in a week.