Blood Sip, Skill Snack

Chapter 2

Monsters, here?@@@@

"Did I hear that right?"

Maybe my return to Earth after defeating the Demon Lord was all a dream, and I'm still in Rayon, caught in some succubus's illusion or hallucination?

I'd have preferred the police to say "some unidentified creature" rather than outright calling it a monster. Is this really Earth?

"Roaaar!"

"Screaam!"

Despite the distance, the unmistakably non-animal roar and the screams filled with pure terror made it clear this was no illusion.

"It does seem like Earth...but is that supposed to be a good thing?"

Swoosh.

"Where do you think you're going, man? Stay put! It's dangerous outside, don't go out!"

As I subtly tried to get up, the interrogating officer, alarmed, shouted at me, though he himself was hastily grabbing his gear, likely genuinely concerned for me.

A smirk.

"Who's worrying about whom?"

I couldn't be sure what kind of monster it was, but the roar suggested some kind of beast. These types are usually physically formidable and have keen senses, making them challenging adversaries.

However, they typically lack intelligence and special magical abilities, making them easier prey for an experienced "hunter."

Of course, that was in Rayon.

"Shall I?"

The station was in chaos at the mention of a monster, and with everyone rushing out, no one was there to stop me from standing.

A couple of female officers remained, but they were too busy peering out the window to pay me any attention.

"Here goes!"

Being just on the second floor, I easily jumped out the window.

Though [Blood Truth] was reset, my body had become significantly stronger, either due to the influence of Rayon's mana-saturated environment or the powerful skills I acquired through [Blood Truth]. By about two years in, I had developed a physical prowess comparable to Rayon's inhabitants.

It might not be visible externally, but I was confident I could set world records in various Olympic sports if I tried.

Without [Blood Truth], even a formidable physique wouldn't make hunting basic monsters like the Horned Rabbit easy, but jumping from a second story? That's something I could manage with just my landing technique.

"Screaams!"

"Ugh!"

The screams served like beacons, guiding me towards the monster's location.

"As I thought, a beast type. Looks like a [Silver Wolf]?"

At the center of the screaming, a wolf with shimmering silver fur snarled, its gaze fixed menacingly on its surroundings.

To call it a wolf seemed an understatement; it was as big as a bull, and its presence was intimidating.

Yet, to me, it strangely resembled creatures I had frequently hunted in Rayon, blurring the lines between Rayon and Earth.

"Everyone, back off!"

"Those injured, this way!"

"Don't provoke the monster, move back slowly!"

The responding officers, though clearly frightened, efficiently coordinated the crowd and provided assistance, as if following a well-rehearsed manual.

"Ah! My leg!"

"Please, save me!"

Several people, already attacked, lay bleeding and injured.

Being attacked by a monster was unfortunate, but the fact that it happened right in front of the police station could be considered a stroke of luck since, for the moment, there appeared to be no fatalities.

"Should we open fire?"

"Are you crazy? Do you want to provoke it even further without knowing what will happen?"

If that thing was really like the Silver Wolves I knew, bullets wouldn't be much help. Silver Wolves had an incredible resistance to physical attacks, with their fluffy fur acting like armor of incredible toughness.

To take it down here on Earth, you'd probably need a modern tank, and not just one but several.

"If it doesn't charge at us, just keep your distance and try to buy as much time as possible!"

"Damn it! When is the Hunter getting here?"

'What? Did they say Hunter?'

The unexpected mention of "hunter" caught my attention as I was contemplating how to inflict a wound on the creature.

Available skill: Claw Swipe.Insufficient blood absorbed for complete replication.

Whoosh!

Exactly like that.

Pop!

The moment I felt something speeding towards me, I swiftly moved out of its path.

"Eh? That movement... Are you a Hunter too? I thought you were a civilian trying to help, but that was unnecessary."

A woman stood where I had been, her flaming red hair standing out vividly.

Whoosh!

'Is that, by any chance, a [Fireball]?'

"Then dodge it yourself!"

A globe of fire formed in her hand and shot towards the monster.

'Huh?'

The issue was, I was in its trajectory, her words implying I should dodge it myself.

'Not too hard, but...'

Dodging wasn't difficult, but the fact she launched such an attack towards me wasn't exactly pleasant.

Boom!

Despite the Fireball hitting, including police in its path, her attack was relentless.

Swoosh.

"Watch your aim."

"You knew I'd catch him."

Another Hunter had appeared, holding a police officer near the Silver Wolf. This man, with blue hair and several facial tattoos, contrasted starkly with the woman.

Given the Fireball's potency, he had indeed saved the officer's life...but was his annoyance just my imagination?

"Who's that guy, though? He's got some moves."

"I don't know. We were told others were coming, but it's unlikely they sent another Hunter, probably just one who was nearby."

"Never seen him before..."

"Hey, Ju Wan-ho. Do you know every Hunter in South Korea? Stop babbling and focus. You know that thing won't go down with just one Fireball."

The woman chastised Ju Wan-ho, but he couldn't hide his puzzlement. While he didn't claim to know every Hunter, he was confident he knew every Hunter in Seoul, especially those capable of such movements.

"Growl. Grrr..."

Anyway, the focus wasn't on this new person but on the monster, so they turned their attention back, ready to engage.

Despite its injuries and a seemingly faltering gait, the Silver Wolf's ferocity seemed only to intensify—a reminder not to let down my guard.

Whoosh!

The Silver Wolf launched itself with a burst of speed and strength that belied its wounded state.

"Not so fast!"

From Ju Wan-ho's hand, something like a yellow rope shot out, ensnaring the Silver Wolf tightly. Then,

"Die!"

The woman's hands were already forming a fireball twice the size of the previous one, a classic move of a pyromancer capable of more potent attacks with more prep time.

Boom!

Hit directly by the tremendous attack, the Silver Wolf collapsed. Black smoke rose from its mouth, indicating its insides were thoroughly scorched.

'Perfect!'

I rushed toward the defeated monster. Although Silver Wolves didn't have magic resistance, I knew it wasn't the kind to die instantly from such an attack.

"Hey, what are you doing? We took it down..."

Screech.

"Keeeng... Grr..."

Activating the [Claw Swipe] skill, my fingernails extended, sharpening into knife-like claws.

Carefully slicing through the Silver Wolf's belly, avoiding its fur, elicited a whining sound as blood spurted out. The belly, less protected by fur, was easier to cut into, but I was careful to slice gently, knowing it would be problematic if the creature actually died.

"Huh? That guy's still alive?"

"Seems so. Maybe he's making sure it's finished off? Looks like an experienced Hunter."

Regardless of the misunderstanding behind me, I quickly brought my blood-covered hand to my mouth.