Black Killer Whale Baby - Chapter 361

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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 25
Luca’s eyes widened in shock. He was about to scream when Serin’s hand clamped over his mouth.
“Luca, be quiet!!”
“I haven’t screamed yet, Serin…. Mmph, mmmph!”
The air froze.
Brunel and Edric looked surprised, but somehow.
It was as if they’d expected this all along.
‘These wealthy types sure are quick to read the room.’
Truly, my prejudices about bear beastkin might just bypass them as cleanly as they do spectacled bears.
“…Alone?”
“Yeah, alone.”
I answered Luca’s question lightly. I’d have the Otter Family’s support, but we wouldn’t move together.
“Why? Being here… of course it’s painful, right? But still! I’m with Calypso…!!”
Luca’s face crumpled with sadness.
“Luca.”
Brunel tried to scold him, but I shook my head to stop him. How could I not understand that feeling?
‘I like them too.’
Hearing that I’d be parting with them filled me with longing and sorrow. Yet I couldn’t stay here just for this connection.
This place was nothing but hell, after all.
“If I stay here any longer, I’ll die.”
I stated my future plainly. In the first cycle and the second, I died horribly.
This cycle would be no different.
Not if I remained here helplessly.
Luca’s eyes trembled violently. His ears drooped and his tail curled beneath his legs. After agonizing for a long moment, Luca’s head snapped up.
“Th-then! I’ll help you escape…!”
“No.”
I cut him off, sensing what he was about to say.
“I don’t need your help. That’s not why I said this.”
I meant it sincerely.
“This isn’t an ordinary matter. I won’t drag you into it.”
Would it stop at just you?
“Your family, your entire house could be endangered. Don’t get involved. The kindness you’ve shown me is enough.”
Instead, I smiled broadly. I could smile genuinely. I’d thought that would be impossible in this monastery.
You’ve proven and shown me that not all terrestrial beastkin are bad.
“I just wanted to say goodbye before I left.”
“….”
“Starting next week, I won’t be able to come out.”
This was partly because of my escape, but also because of that bastard Assel who showed up unannounced this morning and made threats.
For some reason, he seemed deeply displeased, and suggested I take a break since the social club was now established.
Of course, it was a demand dressed up as a suggestion.
“And after that, I think he’ll probably try to escape.”
“When?”
Serin asked abruptly.
I blinked, about to say something.
“Don’t try to act cool all by yourself. Do you think that makes you look cooler? You just look cool, that’s all.”
“…Serin, that doesn’t make sense.”
“Shut up. Stupid puppy, close your mouth!”
“Whimper…”
“Serin?”
When I called out to her, Serin covered her ears—first her human ears, then she quickly switched to covering the cat ears on her head.
…Aren’t those both ears?
“I’m not listening. Anyway, I’m going to help, so remember that!”
My eyes widened.
“But your family…”
“My mother! She really likes you. Did you know that? I hated even coming here with these idiots. The Weakling Club? It’s pathetic, right? Why am I weak! Why!!”
Serin shrieked and huffed. Tears were welling up in her eyes.
“…”
“But then, coming here became fun. Because I’m happy, my mother and father lately… they smile.”
Serin wiped her eyes roughly and spoke clearly.
“They cried because of me every day. I thought I would never… see my parents smile again.”
I was at a loss for words.
…I never thought I had done much since coming here.
“Because of you, coming here became fun. And… you renamed our club.”
“Huh?”
“The Revenge Club.”
Those words reminded me of what I’d said when I first came to this place.
“Why don’t you try changing the name?”
“Huh?”
“Something like the Revenge Club.”
“And then after that, you also said ‘Vengeance Club.’ I liked that.”
Serin wiped her eyes once more, speaking as if her pride was hurt.
“Calypso, you’re amazing. You must have suffered the worst bullying among all of us, yet you never showed any sign of struggle. You seemed to prepare steadily, step by step. Those black panthers are scary, but the way you cursed at them so casually… it was cool.”
…That’s because this is my third life.
I couldn’t tell her that I too was once helpless and could only endure.
Especially not when my appearance had given such great courage and inspiration to another persecuted soul.
“So I made a decision too. I don’t know when or how, but I will definitely take revenge on those who bullied me.”
My lips felt dry.
“Me too! Me too!! Revenge is scary, but I’ll do it! Those hunting dog beastkin bit my tail! They scratched me!”
“Me too… even if it takes decades… I will… the monkeys’ bullying… I’m so sick… so sick of it…”
Luca and Rian’s words followed. Brunel scratched his cheek.
“I suppose I should tell them what the brown bears and black bears did to me too.”
“…Is that so? My son. Let your father handle that.”
“No. I want to do it myself. Because of Calypso….”
Brunel glanced at me.
“I was able to endure even the training I really hated, and I’ve even started to enjoy it a little. I thought I’d have to spend my whole life just passively suffering. Because bears are dull… I thought if I just endured, everything would be fine.”
Edric seemed shocked by Brunel’s words but kept his mouth firmly shut.
On the other hand, he gazed at his son’s growth with pride.
“Calypso, everyone doesn’t say it, but the other children who aren’t here feel the same way. You’ve brought positive energy to our Weakling Club.”
I felt the wind.
The wind of change.
The thrill that the seeds I left behind might sprout into wonderful plants even after I depart.
“You all….”
I couldn’t describe this emotion in a single word. But it was certain this would be a moment I’d remember until the end of my life.
“Right. Helping is one thing. Calypso can’t say anything about our choices. Isn’t that right, Luca?”
“Yeah! That’s right!!”
Luca nodded eagerly at Brunel’s easygoing words.
“We’ll… handle it ourselves….”
“Hmph, as long as we don’t get caught, that’s all that matters.”
Serin snorted.
“Well, it’d be nice if you told us what you need?”
Unable to say anything, I simply moistened my lips.
…Should I really accept their help? I can’t be responsible for what happens after I leave.
I was afraid that if I left such a hasty decision as is, they might suffer harm.
“I won’t interfere too much.”
A gentle voice flowed in.
“What the Noble Lady is concerned about is the children being harmed, their families being harmed, isn’t it? I will establish appropriate boundaries. However, please allow me to help.”
It was Edric.
When our eyes met, a smile appeared that reminded me of someone I missed.
“Because you are my disciple.”
“…!”
The words from our first meeting—that being a disciple instead of giving instruction would be difficult—flashed through my mind.
Yes. I see.
In the time when they became precious to me above all else, I too had become precious to my friends, to Edric.
I held back the stinging sensation in my eyes. The Orca Family Matriarch is here, after all—I can’t cry.
“Yes. Thank you. Edric too… I’m grateful.”
It was sincere.
I smiled with reddened eyes.
“I’ll accept your help. But everyone has to promise never to do anything dangerous.”
“Me! I’ll go first!”
“Get out of the way, I’m going first!”
“I…am…!”
“Haha, at times like this, I’m the most nimble, aren’t I?”

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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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