(Monster Eater)
(Episode 2: Monster Devourer)
Here we are, everyone.
This is the newly discovered Aberio Maze.
There's no one here at all.
Could we be the first ones here?
Let's enter and explore.
Huh?
There are so many people.
People here.
People there.
And people over there.
Really?
Everywhere we go, there are adventurers.
We aren't first ones here at all.
You were the one who said that.
It seems the first floor has probably been pretty much explored already.
Then let's just head deeper in.
The deeper floors should have fewer people.
That's a good idea.
Wait, this maze was just discovered.
I think it's better to finish mapping out the first floor first...
Huh?
Who says the porter can give opinions?
That's exactly why you're stuck at Rank E, old man.
Both of you, stop.
Rudd only said that out of concern.
But I agree with you guys.
Staying here won't get us anywhere.
Let's explore the deeper floors.
As expected of Bayer. Always sensible.
What kind of adventurer doesn't venture?
I know you're worried, but relax.
If there's any danger, we'll retreat immediately.
I understand.
Come on.
It is just a small fry. What are you scared of?
Old man.
Lightning!
They're so strong.
Darn it.
I can't even move my body.
Exploring deeper was absolutely the right call.
There are no other teams down here. It's so amazing.
The monsters aren't very strong either.
And we've even found some small treasures.
If even we can handle them so easily, why isn't anyone else here?
Those up there are probably as cowardly as this old man.
Hey, Rudd.
Go to the monster I defeated and gather the materials.
That monster is too badly injured to recover materials.
And its magic stone is probably shattered.
What if it isn't?
Stop slacking off, Miasma Scavenger.
Got it.
I'll go collect it now.
Is this the one?
It's been hacked to pieces.
It reeks of guts and blood.
That guy acts recklessly
just because he doesn't have to deal with it himself.
This smell...
Burning it a bit should help.
Modest fire.
That old man is roasting the monster.
Is he planning to eat it?
But I'm getting hungry after all the exploration.
It took us three hours to get here from Barona.
And we've been exploring for about five hours now, right?
It should be dark outside by now.
No wonder I'm feeling hungry.
Even the monster meat is starting to look tasty.
Stop it. That's disgusting.
You know eating monsters is taboo, right?
That would let mana enter your body. The consequences are unpredictable.
I'm just joking.
When we get back, let's have a nice meal with the money we earned...
What is that sound?
What's happening?
No way.
Minotaur!
A monster with subjugation level B.
Why is it appearing on upper floors?
Darn it.
We stand absolutely no chance against that monster.
Wh-what do we do?
Rudd, I need to use an item.
Give me the backpack.
Okay.
This way.
You track its movements.
If it makes any dangerous moves, tell me immediately.
Got it.
Bayer, do you have a plan?
Hmm... Of course I do.
I have a trump card.
Sasha, Rick!
Provocation.
Haste!
You lot...
Were you planning to sacrifice me from the beginning?
Why would we team up with a Miasma Scavenger otherwise?
So, just buy us some time...
Darn it!
Idiot, I dodged it.
But... this is the end for me.
Huh?
I'm still alive?
Did it take the impact for me?
But my injuries are still severe.
My bones are probably broken too.
Potion...
Right, potion's in the backpack.
Even though I didn't die,
I probably won't last much longer.
Even if I don't encounter other monsters,
I wonder how long it will take
for my body to regain mobility.
Besides, I'm still bleeding.
I'll die from blood loss,
or...
die from starvation?
I'm so hungry.
Is there anything I can eat?
What am I even thinking?
The final stage is turning into a monster
or dying from mana corrosion that breaks down the body.
If I consumed a monster, how would I end up?
What a miserable life.
Listen, child.
No matter how tough or painful,
never give up.
If humans with magic power eat monsters containing mana,
their bodies will be corroded by mana
and fall into "Demonization".
This is an "Abnormal State" that only leads to death or destruction.
Rudd bet his life on his skill, Immunity to Abnormal State.
And... he won.
Skill: Roar.
Skill: Strength Enhancement.
Skill: Sonic Perception.
There are quite a few of you.
Well then...
Will I slaughter and devour you, or will you feast on me?
The battle axe feels good in my hands.
I can sense the monsters' mana without observing them.
Every time I devour a monster,
power surges through me.
I'm back.
I survived!