Bab 52: Library of Mages (12)

"So what should we hunt?" I asked, "From what I read Vrykolakas are quite common here."

"Vrykolakas? I can't kill that. And where did you read about them being here?"

"I like to read encyclopedias. The Northern Quebec Monster Compendium said that Vrykolakas are common in the eastern part of the Northern Quebec Hunting ground, as there are a lot of Sorrowseeker's there which is their main food source. Sorrowseeker's have high iron concentrations in their blood which in turn makes them the favorite meal for the blood-sucking Vrykolakas."

When I finished, even the teacher looked at me as if I was a weirdo. "What? I like to read."

"Nothing. Either way, I don't want to go anywhere near that bloodsuckers. They give me creeps." Emily said. "I think we should just go in and kill the first thing we find. Then we can get over with this and go back."

"What about the grade? Right, Miss Rose, what about the grade? There was nothing like that in the first exam."

"No idea. It's just how things are." She said. But it was a lie, I think. Again, I think it was my 'sixth sense,' but it was hard to determine. "Now go, we need to cross through a checkpoint. You can decide what to kill later."

The checkpoint was basically the same as the ones I was before only bigger. We quickly made our way through and entered the forest, it was already winter, and some snow was gathering on the ground.

Being back in the forest was nice. If it weren't bloody cold, it would've been perfect. The snow crunching under our feet, shimmering of leaves, it was really peaceful as we walked through the forest.

"Miss Rose, if I kill a Vrykolakas what grade will I get?"

"An A. But just because you are in the S-class don't think you are invincible. If I have to save you, it will be an immediate F!"

"Sure! I responded. "So, what will you kill Emily? I think you should be fine killing an Orthrus."

"A disabled Cerberus? That's actually a good idea. Where can we find them Mr. Encyclopaedia?" She said.

"… There!" I pointed towards the left. The smell, general location, and most importantly footprints, made me mostly sure it was a lair of an Orthrus! "Here, let me help you milady and bring him here."

With an exaggerated bow, I picked up a rock from the ground and threw it as hard as I could in the direction of the lair. Few seconds passed, but nothing happened. "Maybe it's not there?" But when I said that two heads of an Orthrus emerged from the tall bushes.

"… You got to be kidding me." Emily wasn't surprised. She was annoyed that it was actually there and now she had to kill it.

"Good luck!" I shouted as both Rose, and I moved back leaving only Emily to face the Monster taller than her alone.

But Emily didn't need luck. When the Orthrus howled, she sent a dozen of feathers inside its mouths. It remained me of the time I fought one of these guys and did something similar. Only I shoved my hand holding a knife inside.

For a while, the Orthrus convulsed on the floor as the feathers ravaged through its insides.

"I would give it a C," I said while Emily walked back to us. Emily ignored me and looked at Rose.

"That's an A," she said. I was surprised at that, Vrykolakas was supposed to give me an A, and now Emily got A for killing something weaker than that! Seeing my surprised expression Rose immediately added. "Even killing an Orthrus is complete overkill when it comes to this exam. Normal students wouldn't even go near them on their second-year exam. Not to mention a Vrykolakas."

So that's why… then this exam is literally a formality for me. I could kill a Leshy with a few moves with my current strength! Even without the black feathers, I shouldn't have a problem against the White monsters from the Ravens Queens city.

"Let's go then. There is something that I need to kill!" I shouted as we walked again. Over the past few months, I did a lot of reading and research regarding tracking and finding prey. Today I wanted to kill a very special monster.

"Are you going to kill a Vrykolakas? If so then you are going the wrong way, east is the opposite way." Emily said.

"No. Vrykolakas are not even a challenge for the current me, I want to find something else. Something I was after for a long time now!"

"What is it?"

"You will know when we find it. It defiantly is somewhere here."

Two hours later we were still walking. I kept looking for traces but finding that thing is truly hard. But lady luck smiled upon me as we now stood right in front of my target! A Sky Panther!

"You sure about that Dominique, the moment I interfere the exam is over," Rose said.

"No worry Miss Rose. I am after one of these for months! I'm more than confident!"

My soul image enveloped my body as the giant panther with little white dots that looked like stars in the night sky walked towards me! Its steps were soundless even on the snow, but now that it was in the open looking at me it didn't matter!

We rushed at each other with fierce eyes. Claws against fists! Fangs against kicks! The Sky panther tried its best, every time its claws touched my soul image sparks flew into the air! I could feel the attacks almost breaking my soul image.

When my fists connected bones were broken, and flesh is torn. I waited in this deadly situation for an opening. And seeing the Sky Panther slightly limp I dashed closer and with both my arms grabbed its neck!

As I strangled it the spots on its fur started to glow, in a few seconds, they reached a point that I had no choice but to close my eyes. Other then the extremely high strength of a sky panther this was the other power it had thanks to its elemental essence. It had no offensive power and could only be used as a distraction to run.

But I didn't let go! I tightened my grip and with a loud snapping sound killed the Sky Panther.

When the light stopped, I knew it was dead. I let go of the body, and after a few breathes started walking back but seeing what waited for me there... "You got to be joking."