Chapter 74I Next
The Minotaur towered under the golden glow of the sun. A man perched on its neck, his war cry echoing with tion. Raciel surveyed the spectacle of Cremo dock with an incredulous gaze. Demian was visible, entrapped behind bars.
<em>I was right. Coming back early was indeed a wise move.</em>
A mutedughter trickled out unconsciously, as scenes from the past day yed in his mind.
<em>Unbelievable. Astonishing.</em>
The Minotaur rose imposingly, silhouetted by the sunlight. Raciel could barely restrain a cheer as he beheld its colossal form. The cube regurgitated by Uruus a few moments ago. His gaze settled on Uhwang, a hint of curiosity twinkling in his eyes.
<em>This is real. A genuine gallstone.</em>
He recalled what he knew about Uhwang.
Uhwang, a gallstone that originates in a cows galldder. Among such stones, the finest are said to be those that the cow ejects in a hup on the spot.
The object in his hand was exactly that. And whats more, its size? It was exceptionallyrge, beyond normal expectations.
<em>Usually, Uhwang doesnt exceed 5 centimeters, but this is easily 20 centimeters.</em>
It was virtually the size of a volleyball. How it navigated through the duct was puzzling. The enigma of the body, or more specifically, the enigma of the cow(?), seemed beyondprehension. As for the grade? He was certain it was superior to S-grade.
<em>To be exact, this grade is so high that its almost criminal to categorize it.</em>
Raciel studied the Uhwang. It was light for its size. It exuded a cool, clean scent.
<em>Im curious about its taste.</em>
He lightly touched the surface with his finger. The surfaceyer crumbled effortlessly. He ced the resulting powder on his tongue. It was bitter at first. However, the aftertaste was sweet and invigorating. Simultaneously, a clear alert resonated in his head.
<strong>Ding-dong!</strong>
<strong>[You have consumed premium Uhwang.]</strong>
<strong>[A trace of taurine found in Uhwang stimtes blood pressure reduction and sedative effects. Cholic acid and ergosterol alleviate cardiac heat, inducing expectorant effects.]</strong>
<strong>[However, due to the small quantity consumed and the unrefined state of the Uhwang, its effects are negligible.]</strong>
<strong>[Your internal organs are entranced by the Uhwang treat.]</strong>
<strong>[Heart: Strength is elevating!]</strong>
<strong>[Liver: Energy is skyrocketing!]</strong>
<strong>[Large intestine: Adrenaline surging!]</strong>
<strong>[Lung: Vitality soaring!]</strong>
<strong>[Stomach: Sigh. Why do things beneficial for the body always taste so in?]</strong>
<strong>[Your internal organs have sponsored 500 HP for you.]</strong>
<strong>[Current HP owned: 1,500]</strong>
<em>Hehehe?</em>
Finally, Raciel couldnt suppress his exuberantughter. He had unexpectedly received endorsement(?) from his internal organs. This unexpected Raciels smile amplified Uruus response.
Muuuu? Puruk! Mooou!
<strong>Thump, thump! Thud, thud!</strong>
Uruus pounded its chest akin to King Kong. Observing this, Raciel had a revtion.
<em>Its experiencing relief.</em>
The sparkle in Uruus eyes, the wide-open mouth, the shaking head, the snorting nostrils everything reflected profound happiness.
It resembled someone who had sessfully dislodged a piece of mushroom stuck between their teeth all day. Or a person suffering from severe constipation who finally managed a bowel movement after several days. It made sense, though.
<em>Naturally. Having a gallstone of this magnitude inside its stomach must have been terribly ufortable.</em>
It must have constantly felt burdened. Probably experienced constant indigestion and frequent pseudo bowel movements.
But youre feeling much better now that youve expelled it, right? You feelpletely unencumbered, dont you?
Moooouu!
<strong>Thump, thump! Thud, thud!</strong>
Uruus nodded in agreement, dancing with a happy shrug of its shoulders. Seeing this, Racielsughter grew more joyous. He felt confident. His n had worked.
<em>Now youre under my control.</em>
He had secured both the Uhwang and the Minotaur. Now was the time to take the next step. His joyous grin faded, reced by a serious gaze as he looked up at Uruus and dered,
Good. Im d your difort has been alleviated. Congrattions. But we need to move.
Moouu?
We have to return to Cremo.
Muuu?
The port city where you were wreaking havoc. Its merely a spection, but I believe my friends left there are facing quite a challenge at the moment.
Muuuuu?
Mypanions, once you get to know them, theyre actually good people. They wont harm you.
Muuuuu.
Dont worry. If youe back with me, no one will trouble you, I promise.
Muuuuu?
I assure you.
Moo wooo?
I give you my word.
Mooo woo wooo!
At first, Uruus hesitated, but after persistent persuasion, he eventually nodded. Was this a sign of trust? The creature offered its massive back, and Raciel climbed onto it.
Mooo wooo!
As if reassuring him to hold on tight, Uruus exhaled triumphantly through his nose before sprinting forward.
<strong>Kukukuakwa-!</strong>
!
It felt like riding in an open car made from a dump truck, flying over speed bumps at 100 kilometers per hour. They swiftly left the dark and damp cave. Before the refreshing wind could reach Raciels nostrils, Uruus leaped.
Moooooooo!
<strong>Thud-!</strong>
!
Uruus had leaped to the edge of the coasta cliff overlooking the sea. Whaty below? A terrifying precipice. Thanks to this, Raciel enjoyed a thrilling dive off a 30-meter-high coastal cliff.
<em>What, what just happened?</em>
<strong>Crash!</strong>
He plunged into the rough northern sea with a magnificent ssh! From that moment, Raciel began an eventful journey southwest riding Uruus.
Moo! Mooo! Huff-huff-huff!
Uruuss stamina was astounding. He swam tirelessly, even catching fish along the way, like a plump, fresh tuna.
<em>Ah, I could really use some soju and pickled shrimp.</em>
It had been a while since Raciel had something truly spicy and refreshing. He wondered if his Korean contract(?) would expire if he continued like this for another year. Despite his concerns, he kept filling his stomach.
Freshly caught tuna sashimi, enjoyed on the back of a dinosaur-sized cow swimming in the sea! Thanks to this, Raciel continued his journey without suffering from hunger. He also quenched his thirst with the fresh water stored in the mana circle. He kept moving forward day and night. A day passed like this. Finally, he arrived at Cremo.
<em>As expected, Im d I hurried back. I had a feeling something like this would happen.</em>
Raciel nced around the outskirts of Cremo, seeing many people, soldiers in armor, knights, and soldiers. They were not Cremos guards; he recognized the g fluttering behind them.
<em>Its the Emperors direct inspection team.</em>
Thankfully, he remembered seeing them in the illustrations of the novel, Devil Sword Emperor. The direct inspection teaman internal agency that only acted under the emperorsmand.
<em>Right. As the crown prince, I went missing. They must havee to investigate the incident. And my people must have suffered because of this.</em>
He saw piles of firewood everywhere and over twenty cages with faces trapped inside. Everyone was looking in his direction.
<em>Demian, Anise, Sergio, and everyone.</em>
They were members of the special duty guards and the royal guards, his followers. The Cremo mayors face was visible too.
<em>Tsk.</em>
Why did this inspection team handle things like this?
<em>I miss the scent of my homnd. Somehow, the way they handle idents is very Korean.</em>
Suddenly, Raciel thought of the Korean style of handling identsa version of despair. When an ident hits the news, who suffers the most? They usually focus on the easiest target to pin the me onthe likely suspect thates to mind with the least contemtion. They start with them.
Proper investigation?
Results matter more than the process. Its about catching a criminal, finding someone to me. The media ys a significant role in burying an easy target based on public opinion rather than solid evidence and testimony, using a typical strategy.
<em>The witch hunts were like that. The cyber Lynch in the world of the inte was the same.</em>
But its the same here. Raciel narrowed his eyes as he observed. Facing that scene, he spoke up.
Whos in charge here?
His voice echoed magnificently, but no one responded. The outskirts remained engulfed in a strange silence and confusion.
A bitter smile appeared.
<em>Everyones panicked.</em>
Perhaps due to the unusual circumstances involving the Minotaur, Uruus, the crown princes sudden return caught everyone off guard, bringing along the Minotaur as an unexpected addition. Consequently, it seemed like a collective confusion resulted in a brain cell ckout among the onlookers.
Well, theres no helping that.
Hmm.
Raciel cleared his throat and addressed Uruus.
Lets help them regain theirposure. Could you ce the cage down and let out a roar?
Mooo!
Themand and action happened almost simultaneously. Uruus gently set down the cage that held Demian captive and let out a deafening roar towards the people on the dock.
ROOOOAR!
.!
Some were startled, and others paled. The knights from the inspection squad gripped their swords firmly. Raciel asked once again.
Whos in charge here?
Perhaps thanks to the shock caused by Uruus, an individual who looked like an investigator from the inspection squad finally stepped forward, wiping his forehead with a handkerchief.
If youre looking for the person in charge, that would be me.
Is that so?
Yes.
.
This investigator seemed a bit tense. Thats what Raciel thought when unexpectedly he was the one being questioned.
You, who resemble our Crown Prince and have brought a Minotaur, who are you?
Me?
Yes.
The investigator nodded, maintaining his distance, seemingly apprehensive of Uruuss imposing presence.
Our Crown Prince was kidnapped by the Minotaur, and his status is uncertain. Yet here you are,manding the Minotaur as if it were your servant. Hence, I cant help but suspect you.
Huh. Are you suggesting I could be an imposter pretending to be the Crown Prince?
Yes. The current situation with the missing Crown Prince is urgent and unique, and there are undoubtedly those who would exploit it to harm the royal family.
The investigators gaze was stern. Raciel couldnt help but smirk in response.
<em>That guy, I dont like him.</em>
It wasnt just because of the doubt the investigator had towards him. From his own perspective, those suspicions were reasonable. If their roles were reversed, Raciel would probably have simr doubts.
Therefore, whether the investigator questioned him or demanded proof of his identity, it didnt bother him at all.
<em>Its no different from getting carded at a convenience store. Only</em>
What he didnt appreciate was the way the investigator treated Demian and his followers. A scowl formed on Raciels face as he red at the investigator.
Alright. So, you want to verify who I am?
Yes.
But why havent you properly verified who they are?
What?
Them.
Raciels voice turned as hard as stone as he pointed towards Demian in the cage, Anise, Sergeant Sergio, the knight, the mayor, one after the other.
Why havent you acknowledged their sacrifices, struggles, and loyalty properly?
What
The investigator furrowed his brows, but Raciel didnt care. He dismounted from Uruus and walked to the front of Demians cage. With a gentle gaze, he looked at Demian, who was imprisoned inside.
Demian Cayeen. You risked your life to protect me, Crown Prince Raciel Adria Magentano. You shielded me from the Minotaurs fist and nearly died in the process, sustaining injuries to your leg from the debris. Moreover, you bravely fought the Minotaur single-handedly to buy me time to take cover, disying extraordinary courage and loyalty.
Raciels quiet gaze met Demians wavering eyes, separated by the cage bars.
At that moment.
<strong>Crash-!</strong>
Uruuss hand broke through the bars of the cage. The investigator tried to shout, but he couldnt.
Because of the intense gaze fixed directly on him.
Next, Anise, daughter of Hasinto.
Raciel walked towards the cage where Anise was held. The color drained from the investigators face.
(To be Continued)
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