READ NOVEL ONLINE Chapter 123.2
Chapter 123.2. Imitation
Possessing powerful close-range abilities.
Freely wielding multiple formidable magics.
And now, it had even managed to combine them.
Yes, it was as if—it was imitating Hermes.
No, that’s exactly what it was.
That monster was learning how to fight. Analyzing and ‘reproducing’ the combat and magic of the strongest human it was facing, Hermes.
Just like Hermes. Furthermore, as a magical creature, it surpassed him in some aspects, like power and speed.
Watching this made it clear.
Giving intelligence to a monster—what a terrifying thing that truly is.
It was at that moment, when Hermes and the others were overwhelmed by the threat.
Suddenly.
The black monster dismissed the magic it had been using and lowered its hand limply.
It looked like it had lost its will to fight… but then, immediately after.
The center bottom of its bell-shaped torso, where the mouth would be if its body were considered a face.
That part—split open into a crescent.
“—Ha”
From within came a terrifyingly eerie discordant sound.
“Hahahahahahahahaha!!”
“—”
The laughter was unmistakable.
It was terribly distorted, and the voice was layered with something else, making it hard to hear, but—
That tone, that mocking voice—it was all too familiar.
“…No way.”
Clyde.
He was alive… or at least his consciousness remained.
In front of the two stunned people, the monster spoke again, confirming its identity.
“Ahh, it feels so good! I can use any magic, I can do anything! That’s right, there’s no way someone like me would just stop at controlling humanity’s enemy!”
“…You are…”
“Oh? What’s this, Hermes? You seem quite bitter that I’m using the same magic you thought was your exclusive privilege! How ugly, that jealousy of yours!”
…Yes, it was Clyde.
The words alone confirmed it, despite how much Hermes wished it weren’t true. Clyde continued speaking.
“That’s right, if someone like you can do it, then of course I can! I’m the one who’ll transcend magic itself and transform it! Not you, but me—I’m the one worthy of this!”
“…A human, you say? Even after becoming like that?”
“Hmm? What are you talking about?”
Hermes, like anyone would, pointed it out.
But Clyde responded, genuinely confused, as if there was no doubt in his mind.
“I’m still me. My form hasn’t changed, I am none other than Clyde von Helmut.”
“—What?”
“My appearance? Well, it’s not something I boast about, but I’m certainly better-looking than you. Ah, or is it that you can’t find anything else to criticize, so you’re settling on my appearance? How grotesque!”
Impossible.
He didn’t realize it? That he had changed, that he had been consumed? That he had turned into this hideous black creature?
“So, what was I talking about? Ah, right, I was going to use the academy members as the foundation for my transformation, and Sara-sama—huh? Oh, Sara-sama’s already beyond saving. It’s my duty to put her down… and then I’ll be the one to change this kingdom… wait, Hermes, why are you still alive?”
“…Ah.”
Hermes understood immediately.
Of course. The monster had consumed Clyde, invaded his body, controlled his nerves, and likely merged with even his thoughts and magic.
—It was impossible to remain sane.
“Well, I guess I’ll just have to kill you again. After all, your sins against me can’t be forgiven by killing you just once.”
“…I see.”
It seemed Clyde’s goals and will remain intact, but that didn’t matter.
Hermes had made up his mind.
That thing was no longer human. Even if it spoke human words, it was now a threat equal to the monsters.
Thinking otherwise would be dangerous.
Especially when the magic it unleashed again showed no signs of weakening compared to before.
“Sara-sama, are you ready?”
“…Yes.”
He confirmed with her once more.
Though her face was pale, she nodded, showing she still had the will to fight.
They had seen its hand.
Now, they just had to counter it. They had to surpass it once more.
Hermes gathered his magic again. As a signal to reset the battle, he kicked off the ground.