Black Killer Whale Baby - Chapter 347
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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Additional Side Story: Act 11
Using the erratic stream of water as my ally, I sidestepped out of its path.
“Tch.”
Boom!
A groan escaped Edric for the first time as he deflected the water stream.
A faint brown luminescence danced across his body.
‘Is this the bears’ ability?’
The bears’ abilities were pain dulling and explosive strength.
He was using his ability.
I smiled with satisfaction as I watched the water stream.
Ah, so that’s his limit?
‘Heh, if things go well, I might even be able to slap that Black Panther Dragon Duke’s face with this.’
I grew excited.
I committed to the water stream ahead while pivoting to target his back.
Crash!
“Ugh…!”
Edric’s foot struck precisely at my blade.
‘He could have aimed for my body, but he targeted my sword instead…!’
In the instant my body was sent flying back, I conjured another water stream. Somehow, it felt like I could manage it.
Two streams without control.
“It seems you can’t control them, so at that level, victory will be difficult.”
My voice deliberately stern, more serious than before.
To prove my point, I deflected the water stream.
I charged forward while gritting my teeth.
“I’m well aware of that myself!”
The moment my blade descended, Edric had already assumed a defensive stance before my attack could land.
‘That’s fine.’
I expected as much.
My lips curved upward in a grin.
“I can’t control them, but there’s one thing I can do—initiate them.”
“What?”
At that moment.
Whoooosh!
A water stream erupted from beneath Edric’s feet. The last stream I could create.
“You’re certainly impressive, but with that blade alone, you’ll still find it difficult to match me.”
Despite the unexpectedly appearing water stream, Edric followed my sword path with perfect precision.
And my final move.
“Who said I was using a blade?”
I discarded my sword.
I twisted my body in midair and clenched my fist. This was my first real punch.
Boom!
When I opened my eyes, my fist was caught lightly. My body went flying.
Crash!
I nearly tumbled across the ground as I landed.
“Aaah! Are you okay?”
“I’m fine, Calypso?”
Thanks to Brunel, who had been watching and rushed to catch me, I only rolled twice instead of five times.
In my inverted vision, the young boys clustered together came into view.
I blinked my eyes.
Then I laughed brightly.
“Yeah, I’m fine. Actually… I’m happy.”
Very much so.
I didn’t even notice the young boys staring at me blankly.
‘Are you listening, you damned Orca Family Matriarch?’
It was exhilarating beyond words.
Because I had realized something by clashing with such a powerful being.
My talent.
I felt it clearly.
‘The me you abandoned… is a genius.’
Now I knew this water power worked even against powerful Beastkin.
My breath came in short gasps.
My vision spun and sweat poured down like rain from pushing myself to my limit in such a short time, yet my spirits soared.
My fingertips still trembled faintly.
“Calypso, are you really okay?!”
“Yeah, no problem.”
My body ached in various places, but I was accustomed to pain. As I stood up with Luca and Brunel’s help.
A large shadow fell over me. It was Edric.
Edric held something out to me—a sword covered in dirt. The one I had used earlier.
“It was half-buried in the ground.”
Well, I had simply thrown it aside and chosen my fists instead.
I nodded calmly.
“I lost. Completely.”
The moment when water burst forth in torrents came to mind. The sight of it being torn apart by pure strength alone was breathtaking.
Yet the corners of my mouth rose slightly.
Because I was reminded once more that this power worked even against someone stronger than me.
I grasped my dirt-stained skirt and bowed my head.
“Thank you. I’ve confirmed something because of you.”
“What might that be?”
“That I can use it.”
I closed my mouth for a moment, then gazed at Edric again.
“And how far it extends.”
At my words, there was a brief silence before his eyes deepened.
“…Could it be that power.”
Since I’d sent everyone away, only the four of us remained in this place.
“Did it manifest recently?”
I pondered for a moment before nodding in agreement.
“Yes.”
Edric nodded his head.
“That explains it.”
“Explains what?”
“It was rough. Moreover, it showed no control or restraint whatsoever.”
It was the truth.
Now that the battle had ended, Edric had reverted to his original manner of speech.
I wondered when would be a good time to ask him to speak to me more casually.
My favorable impression of him had only grown after that battle.
I could feel that this man treated me with consideration as a young person while simultaneously regarding me as a warrior in my own right.
How many Beastkin like this could there be? Hardly any, I’d wager.
That’s why I wanted to grow closer to him.
“However, it was excellent. Though inexperienced, every single movement was superb.”
Edric gazed briefly at the sword he held.
“You certainly have talent with the blade, but… it won’t match the movements the Noble Lady envisions. You must have felt it yourself?”
Recalling that final punch, I nodded slowly.
Indeed, the moment I used my fists, it felt like shedding a restrictive garment that had been suffocating me.
‘Besides, while using the sword, the uncontrolled water streams caused even greater interference.’
Since I didn’t know how to control the water streams, this would likely continue in the future. It seemed somewhat troublesome.
“You and Calypso were both truly amazing! Calypso’s power was incredibly terrifying, but how did you manage to block it all?!”
Then, Luca suddenly interjected.
Excited, his eyes sparkled and his tail wagged furiously.
“Of course. Your father was a remarkable Knight.”
“…A Knight?”
I’d been curious about this anyway.
At my question, Edric waved his hand lightly, his expression troubled.
“That’s ancient history.”
“No, it’s not ancient history—it was quite recent!”
“Right, Father was the commander of the Imperial Palace’s Second Knight Order.”
My eyes widened.
‘Wait, he was someone this remarkable?’
Looking back at my memories from the first and second playthroughs, I couldn’t recall this, which suggested it had been settled before I ever reached the Imperial Palace.
“…A commander?”
“Not anymore. I’ve stepped down from that position.”
I stopped myself from asking further. I remembered how considerate this man had been just moments ago.
His similar voice and appearance reminded me of my Father, and I recalled how he waited patiently for me when my words failed.
“So that’s why you’re so strong. I understand now.”
“From here on, I’m merely a sword destined to rust.”
…Isn’t that skill too precious to leave unused? Not that there’s anything I can do about it.
A brief silence fell between us.
For some reason, Luca and Brunel kept their eyes fixed on Edric. Unlike me, these two young boys who knew him well seemed to sense something in his expression.
He looked troubled.
After a moment, Edric exhaled.
“…I’m conflicted.”
He put on the glasses his son had returned to him and brushed his face lightly.
I lifted my eyes.
“About your earlier request to take me on as a Disciple.”
His expression remained troubled.
“That’s difficult.”
But soon, a steady gaze beneath his glasses turned toward me.
“However, teaching is possible.”
“…What?”
“Even if not as a formal Disciple, I can pass on my techniques to you.”
My eyes wavered.
‘Suddenly?’
I felt bewildered. In truth, I was already grateful just for this single sparring match.
But what more could he offer now?
Why?
…I hadn’t even mentioned any compensation.
“The Noble Lady is currently in a very sensitive state. Like ore melted by heat but not yet refined.”
I listened without responding.
“If you take the wrong path at this moment, habits will form that would be difficult to change even with a lifetime of effort. Thinking of that, your overwhelming talent feels both regrettable and precious to me.”
“…Regrettable?”
“Yes. Given my family’s circumstances, taking on a formal Disciple is impossible, so this is the best I can offer.”
His voice carried a gentle strength that naturally commanded focus. I swallowed.
“Would this much suffice?”
All I had to do was take his outstretched hand. Instead, I chose to step back.
I had lived too harsh a life to trust so easily.
“Why? Why are you suddenly offering to help me?”
“I’m not sure.”
He smiled gently, as if he understood the reason for my hesitation. It was a warm smile.
His curved, wrinkled eyes reminded me of someone. He knelt on one knee before me and met my gaze at eye level.
“I would call it an adult’s duty—to help a child in need.”
I froze.
“Your father saw Sieun and said to her, ‘Hello, would you like to come with me?’ She was so incredibly beautiful that he couldn’t help himself.”
Yet up close, this was a different face, speaking entirely different words.
The face of my adoptive father from South Korea—a face I had never forgotten for even a single moment—floated before my eyes like a wisp of cloud.
And so I found myself reaching out helplessly. I did not know how to refuse such kindness.
“…Yes, thank you.”
At the same time, I made a vow.
No matter what happens to me, I will repay this debt of gratitude.
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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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