Tamed Monster - Chapter 24

Though he won three fights using dirty tricks against a brute opponent, he believed he was simply better at fighting than Kuinan. Yet strangely, Kuinan held a higher rank. It was because the low-level monsters around Hector feared Kuinan many times more.

“How’s that guy doing so far?”

Recently, Hector had spoken using his right-arm crow with Kuinan, who was holed up at the Duke’s castle. Kuinan certainly wasn’t doing well.

He was just wasting time and sitting tight. Whether as a joke or seriously, Kuinan seemed overly interested in Lancart’s wife, who was little more than a pawn.

Overall, it was an unstable situation. Hector considered telling Roman the truth but decided to hedge for now to avoid unnecessary trouble.

“So-so?”

“Hmm… Did he say he might be able to extract the poison?”

Though aware of Kuinan’s flawed personality, the monsters oddly had high hopes. Kuinan had confidently boasted before leaving the swamp that getting the poison would be no problem.

Hector could still vividly recall Kuinan’s proud smile as he pounded his chest.

“Can’t promise that.”

Hector, ever the pessimist, gave a practical answer. The insect-like monster’s three thin eyebrows furrowed in frustration.

“Sounds pessimistic.”

“Not pessimistic—realistic. So far, no major screw-ups. Don’t hassle him; just wait and see.”

“Don’t hassle him? Because you and Kuinan wrecked the hunt squad, the Crown Prince is holding back attacks for now. But soon, hundreds of monsters here will be slaughtered. That guy’s goal isn’t to reclaim territory—it’s to butcher us.”

Hector clicked his tongue while staring at Roman’s dull, fearful eyes. The six other ancient monsters who had come with Roman had the same expression.

‘Why are they so scared?’

Despite their fearsome reputation, they were trembling with terror. The Crown Prince was skilled at torturing monsters. Rumor had it he was excellent at torturing his own kind—humans—to the point of whispers among some unknown humans.

“If you all become strong enough, wouldn’t there be nothing to worry about?”

Though a rude remark, Hector felt he had to say it.

Born a monster but terrified of dying at human hands like a child—it was embarrassing enough that Hector felt compelled to speak up.

“What did you say?”

“Stop whining and work on getting stronger to survive. I think even with just my right arm, I could beat all of you. The fact that I feel this way was because some nobody Crown Prince in a distant place controls you.”

Though not wrong, the words would sting deeply. Their twisted faces looked hideous in a way only monsters could be. The stronger the monster, the smoother the skin, the more harmonious the features, and the closer they resembled humans.

Ironically, they came to look like those they hated most.

Still, to humans, Hector and Kuinan’s true forms would be monstrous indeed. Humans weren’t this large, nor was their skin moist or eyes glowing unnaturally. Above all, the aura of humans and monsters was completely different.

‘That guy’s not gloomy for a monster, so I’m not too worried… but…’

If he ever truly lost his mind in rage, he might be discovered. Since he rarely lost his temper, he’d be fine for now.

As the sulking monsters grumbled and left one by one, Hector sank his body, leaving only his face above the swamp’s surface.

“If it goes well, kill humans. If not, kill that guy.”

Though said as a half-joking mutter, soon Hector would truly want to kill Kuinan.

Right now, Kuinan was messing things up—in real time. He got distracted by a trivial female hole that was not his original mission.

While weak monsters stamped their feet and strong ones indulged in the swamp’s sensations, Kuinan, disguised as a Duke, was leisurely peeking at his wife’s pure white naked body through the crack in the door.