Chapter 65
“The guild master deceived Your Highness.”
Though the notes were wrapped in plausible language, the research journal’s contents were nothing more than a grotesque list of acts—bestiality, abuse—disguised as dark magic.
“To create a true chimera, you must first distinguish which animals can and cannot become one.”
Hecate meticulously inspected the animals inside the cages once more and then selected a small puppy. A guard inside handed the chosen puppy over to Hecate.
Cradling the injured, tiny creature gently in his arms, Hecate stroked its rough fur with a soft touch as he approached Ludvio.
“Though it’s widely believed that beastkin chimeras are created through the fusion of humans and animals, that’s not accurate. What’s truly needed is the blood of the master.”
“W-What?”
Hecate drew a dagger from his robes and handed it to Ludvio. Caught off guard, Ludvio accepted it with a confused expression.
“What are you waiting for? If you want to command a chimera army, you’ll need the Crown Prince’s blood.”
“Are you trying to deceive me?”
“No one dies from giving a little blood. And since the results will be immediate, why would I bother lying? Besides, if I tried anything foolish here, wouldn’t your personal guards take care of me?”
At that, Ludvio glanced at the soldiers stationed around the laboratory—men he had secretly trained with utmost loyalty. Only after confirming their presence did he cautiously slice his palm with the blade.
“Your Highness.”
Hecate stepped forward and drove the dagger deep into Ludvio’s palm.
“Gaaah! You bastard—what are you doing?!”
“To draw a proper magic circle, we need more blood than a mere scratch could offer.”
With a sly grin, Hecate offered a bowl with his free hand. Blood streamed from Ludvio’s palm and filled the bowl. A guard began to move in alarm at the scream, but Ludvio waved him off.
As much as he hated Hecate’s insolence, what mattered most now was confirming the validity of his power. Life or death could wait.
The bowl was soon filled with Ludvio’s blood, and he slumped to the ground, pale.
“Thank you. Let’s begin.”
Hecate drew a large magic circle on the floor with Ludvio’s blood. The amount was just enough. He then gently placed the puppy in the center of the circle and stepped back.
“ἐξεγείρω ἐξεγείρω τέκνον.”
Hecate began to chant. His low, whispered voice was soft and tender—completely at odds with the grim laboratory. As if the chant had form, light burst from Hecate and surrounded the magic circle in a wide ring. That light slowly shrank, concentrating around the puppy at its center.
Soon, the puppy began to change—its limbs lengthening, its facial features distorting. The light intensified as the puppy’s body slowly took on a human shape.
“Ugh!”
Blinded by the brightness, Ludvio squeezed his eyes shut. When he cautiously opened them again, the light had vanished—and where the puppy had been, a young boy now stood.
“It—it worked! It finally worked!”
Gripping his injured hand, Ludvio forgot the pain and screamed in joy, stomping his feet like a madman. Hecate approached the dazed beastkin chimera. Ludvio moved to follow.
“Your Highness. This is a newborn chimera. You don’t know when it might go berserk. Be cautious.”
“Ah, yes. That’s right. Chimeras are prone to going berserk.”
Ludvio quickly backed away at Hecate’s warning but kept a close eye on them, curious and excited.
“This chimera was created with your blood, so once stabilized, it should obey you. Until then, I’ll take responsibility for its training.”
“Good. Excellent! We’ll have an army soon!”
The laboratory rang with Ludvio’s mad laughter. Hecate quietly covered the newly awakened child’s ears with his hands.
Standing aside, Eris silently watched the unbelievable scene, her expression unreadable as she glanced between Hecate and Ludvio.
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