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Run! Its coming after us!

Hans and Belaruna ran hard through the underground waterways. In fact, it was more accurate to say that he was carrying her.

The facility was so intricate that it might as well be called an underground labyrinth. Everywhere looked the same, so it was hard to tell if this was a new path or the old one.

If it was, it should be easy to outrun, but their pursuer showed no signs of letting up. The creature, which seemed to be a mishmash of several beastly forms, chased Hans and Belaruna relentlessly.

Holy shit!

Hans was horrified at the sight of it.

No matter how he looked at it, the creature, which could only be a cryptid, was horrifying.

A cut or bite from one of its claws was instant death. Even more terrifying was the fact that the moment was slowly and inexorably approaching.

No matter how much he flailed his legs, he couldnt escape the four-legged beast.

In the end, do I have to use the teeth?

As Hans was seriously considering turning into a beast to fight to the death hanging from Hans shoulder, Belaruna tugged hard on the back of his shirt.

Wait! Stop!

What, what are you doing!

Hans asked, stunned by Belarunas sudden halt, but instead of answering, she raised her hand and pointed to the creature charging toward them.

Thats it, thats it, thats it!

Whatever it is, lets just run away!

No. We dont have to.

What?

If that was just a cryptid, Id be frozen in fear, too, but look.

Look at what?

Hans gave her a look that made Belaruna stomp her foot in frustration.

Thats not a cryptid, its a chimera!

Gone was her usual sullen demeanor, and she was now filled with anticipation, glee, and enthusiasm.

A chimera?

Hans thought hard when he heard the word chimera. It was a familiar word.

With his familiarity with the information from the Underworld, he immediately recalled what a chimera was.

A chimera was an artificial creature created by a warlock, a biological weapon that combines the best of many creatures. But chimeras, at least the ones Hans knew, were ragged images of flesh and leather stitched together. Or rather, they were mismatched puzzle pieces forced together to form a picture.

Depending on the warlocks level of skill, the difference could be significant, but at least this one wasnt like any chimera Hans had ever seen.

It resembled a tiger on all fours, but with razor-sharp spikes running along the spine of its back. Its two-pronged tail was as long as a whip, with a cluster of blunt spines like those on its back looked more like a mace than a tail.

Anyone looking at it would think of a cryptid rather than a chimera.

The creatures appearance was so harmonious that there was no sense of disparity but Belaruna was different.

Her intelligent eyes picked up on every subtle flaw and inconsistency in the creature.

Boom!

The chimera had gotten within striking distance and lunged with its razor-sharp teeth.

It had two rows of teeth that resembled shark teeth. The bite wasnt just painful, it was instant death.

Aah! Hans screamed.

At that moment, Belaruna moved. Quicker than the charging chimera, she grabbed a glass reagent vial from her arm and threw it at its feet.

Bang!

The glass vial shattered and the reagent inside scattered to the ground. At the same time, the seeds inside the reagent shriveled up and expanded like a firecracker.

Hanss eyes widened. The tiny seed had grown in size in an instant, sending out fearsome vines in all directions and completely trapping the charging chimera.

It took less than a second for that to happen and the chimeras sharp teeth stopped right in front of Belarunas nose. A second too late, and it could have ripped her throat out.

Instead, Belaruna looked at the chimeras even teeth without fear.

You have this level of skill?

The Belaruna Hans knew was a sullen, drug-addled elf.

She made a lasting impression on Hans because she shattered his illusions about the nobility of the elves and always saw herself as a test subject.

Belarunas reagent-making skills were extraordinary. She even helped create the drugs that Rudger consumes. However, Hans assessment was that she would not be helpful in combat. At least until he saw the sight a while ago.

Capturing a chimera of that size so quickly. Did brother knew about this and send her along?

Hans had known Belaruna for some time but he had never seen her in action. Of course, he had no way of knowing what she was really capable of.

She was a fellow U.N Owen executive but he knew nothing about her. Hans was suddenly ashamed of himself.

That automaton kid who disappeared and I thought was dead was still alive and well. Why do I know so little?

Hans grumbled to himself, but he was happy to have Belaruna with him.

Anyway, good job, lets run before it escapes!

What? Why are you running away?

Because its dangerous.

What do you mean its dangerous? Look at him. Hes so calm.

Belaruna giggled and pointed at the chimera. Her stuttering had lessened but her grim smile was the same.

Hans stared at the chimera that was glaring at Belaruna with bloodshot eyes. It looked like it wouldnt mind tearing through that vine right now and taking a bite out of Belaruna.

What do you mean, quiet? It looks dangerous no matter how I look at it.

Its all right, its all right.

What do you mean its okay? A chimera is dangerous.

No, its the other way around. If it was a cryptid, Id be scared too, to be honest, but a chimera is different, because hes made, right?

What?

Hans asked back because Belarunas words were difficult to understand.

If its made, its not scary, its even cute. Look at it, this beautiful thing. Its a work of art!

If the opponent is an unknown, its scary but if the opponent is created, it is no longer an object to be feared, was what Belaruna was saying.

What the hell.

Hans was about to say something when he saw the sparkle in Belarunas eyes and couldnt help but realize.

I knew she was crazy, but shes crazier than I ever imagined!

While Hans was still in awe, Belaruna walked over to the chimera and took out a vial of reagents.

Hehehe. Here, let me check out my little cuties body.

Just as she had done with Hans, Belaruna approached the chimera.

The fierce chimera screamed and struggled as if it sensed some sort of danger, but the vines that bound it didnt budge.

About ten minutes later.

Crazy.

Hans paled at the sight of the completely dismembered chimera in front of Belaruna.

After 10 minutes of watching the gruesome dismemberment with his own two eyes, his head started to hurt.

Youve got to be kidding me, I thought Id seen a lot of ugly.

Thats when Belaruna looked back at Hans and smiled wryly.

Its a shame, because one doesnt tell the whole story.

She even smiled, and the sight of the chimeras green fluid splattered across her face heightened Hanss terror fivefold.

Hans swallowed hard.

I will never, ever, ever get involved with that elf!

It was then that in the distance another chimera cry was heard. It was coming toward them at breakneck speed and it wasnt just one but at least three.

Hanss expression turned grim, while Belarunas face brightened, as if she couldnt be happier.

Did you hear that? New cuties are coming!

Cute Uh, well. I think so.

He had been afraid of the chimeras until a while ago, but at this moment, Hans sympathized with the upcoming ones.

Oh, Mr. Hans, would you like to try these teeth? Do you know? It might turn into a chimera.

Oh come on. Put it away!

* * *

Anyway, I dont need to worry about my men, theyll take care of themselves.

Youve got some pretty useful limbs.

Because you cant take on the world alone.

Thats a funny thing to say, since youve been alone all this time. So, if youre going to move, when are you going to move?

If I didnt know any better, Id go right now, since I already know everything.

Rudgers reason for coming to the imperial court was to see if he could somehow steal the Relics fragments. But now that he had the chance to get it the rightful way, there was no point in remaining in the palace.

Eileen knew that, too. Therefore, she glanced at Rudger with a sulky face as if she was a little dissatisfied.

Still, it seems a bit hasty to end this reunion after seven years.

Its not like we were that close anyway.

Rudger held his ground, knowing that Eileen hadnt given up on trying to recruit him.

Our relationship was just business.

It could come across as insincere, but neither Rudger, who was saying it, nor Eileen, who was listening, took it seriously.

Yes, I understand.

Eileen decided not to solicit Rudger any further, as she had to deal with the rat infestation in the capitals underground for now.

She was disappointed, but she didnt dwell on it. Now that she knew Rudger was working in Theon, shed be seeing him more often.

Of course, if she becomes too much of a nuisance, he will not hesitate to abandon his current identity and leave but he couldnt live a false life forever because Rudger was showing his real face right now.

I dont know how I ended up using my real face, but I wont be able to live in disguise for the rest of my life.

Eileen was willing to let it go for now.

There will be plenty of opportunities in the future.

This wasnt the only opportunity. There would be many later.

When the other side would never notice and she would be fully prepared. Then she would have the greatest sword of all.

Yes, go ahead. Passius will guide you again. It would be helpful if we moved together.

You mean the Royal Guard?

Are you dissatisfied?

I am comfortable alone.

I thought you said you couldnt do it alone.

.

There you go. Im not sticking you with Passius because you have an agenda. Hes a Royal Guard, after all, and hell be of great use to you in your endeavors. So if you want to treat him like a dog, treat him like a dog.

When she said so, Rudger agreed without further ado.

Rudger glanced at Madeline before leaving.

Heh, heh.

Madeline smiled awkwardly at Rudger and waved. It wasnt like her to show a friendly smile to someone who had tried to kill her in the past.

She and Aidan are quite the pair.

Rudger descended from the observation deck, intending to ask her later how they met.

As he retraced his steps, he saw Passius waiting.

He spotted Rudger and greeted him with a bright smile.

Youre here. Have you finished the conversation with the First Princess?

Yes.

Youre not reacting well, which is understandable. You know how stubborn and unyielding the First Princess usually is.

Rudger looked at Passius in surprise. Somehow he had gotten the impression that this man was loyal to a fault, that he would be high-minded in such matters.

Passius must have sensed it, because he laughed softly.

Haha. I swear loyalty to the Imperial Family, but Im the kind of person who says what needs to be said. Im not without a bit of a personal grudge, actually. The First Princess treats me a bit too roughly.

I see.

So what did the First Princess say? I have a feeling she wanted you to take me along for the ride.

Passius already knew everything about Rudgers rough identity and his current situation. It was rather strange if the First Princess right-hand man and royal guard would not know.

You know that, and yet you smile at me.

There was no change in her demeanor from when he first spoke to him.

The First Princess told me to treat Sir Passius like a dog.

Hahaha, youre funny.

.

.

Rudger stared wordlessly, and Passius dropped his shoulders.

You werent kiddingso what are you going to do?

Lets go.

He was personally vouched for by the First Princess, so while he might not be a reliable ally, he would not be a hindrance.

When Rudger gave his permission, Passius walked beside him, looking even more pleased.

Haha. This is good, I was afraid you might refuse.

Is it something youd be so happy about?

Well, other people wouldnt understand, but Im different.

Different in what way?

Im a Royal Guard, but Im also a sword that takes care of a lot of things for the Princess.

Passius reveals his true identity in a tone that is anything but guarded.

Rudger stared at him in disbelief.

You have the audacity to speak to others like that?

As the Princess first shadow, you should know all about it.

No way.

Passius nodded, as if Rudgers guess was correct.

Greetings, Sir Jack the Ripper, royal guard and first shadow of the Princess, Passius said.

.

Rudger already had a strong feeling this was going to be a bother.