(Monster Eater)
(Episode 8: Mana & Mana Particles)
That explosion
and that terrifying roar...
Did those two adventurers defeat Baphomet?
I'm sorry. If I hadn't been injured,
at least one of us could have stayed to fight alongside them.
You're...
Thank you for guiding the villagers to safety.
You're safe.
Yes, we drove Baphomet away.
You two drove off a monster of that level?
You must be incredibly strong.
We were helpless on our own.
We owe you everything.
But we only managed to inflict serious injuries.
If it survives, it might attack the village again.
We plan to pursue it next.
So there's something we'd like to ask of you.
Anything within our power.
If you have food, could you spare some?
I'm hungry.
I'm back.
Welcome back.
How are the villagers?
It seems everyone evacuated safely,
thanks to those two adventurers.
I told them we were pursuing the fleeing Baphomet,
so they won't be suspicious of the missing corpse.
Thanks. Sorry for the trouble.
Don't worry about it.
As party members we should always help each other.
Alright, it seems ready.
Ta-da!
Baphomet stew is ready!
Let's add some spices and herbs.
It still has a bit of a goaty smell,
but it's still pretty tasty.
It looks delicious,
but seeing someone eat a humanoid monster
is still a bit hard to accept.
Now that you mention it, Baphomet really did resemble a human.
True.
It's scary how I'm getting used to eating monsters.
But the first one I ate was a Minotaur,
so it's probably too late to fuss about it now.
It's a Stun Pig!
Aren't monsters appearing way too often?
But I'll take the opportunity
to try my magic combat debut!
Take this!
Fireball!
Nothing?
You still can't cast magic?
My mana is running low too,
so I probably can't offer much support.
Unforgivable.
Do you know how much time it took just bleeding it and removing the smell?
I was planning to adjust the flavor and savor that stew.
You'll pay for this.
Offer up your meat!
Calm down!
The Stun Pig just used the skill "Charge".
It boosts its dash force, and makes the attack quite strong.
Just to be safe,
we should fight from outside the range of "Charge".
So for now...
Let's retreat.
Darn it!
Looks like we shook them off.
Now, let's talk about you not being able to use magic.
I've never had a situation where I couldn't use a skill I acquired.
How does it feel to use monster skills?
Same as regular skills?
Well,
it didn't feel much different from regular skills.
Was it a skill like "Fireball" or "Fame Spear"?
No, it was "Wisdom of Cinders".
Wisdom of Cinders, huh.
Could it be that you're too dumb to comprehend the magic?
That's a bit harsh.
The power isn't great due to low mana,
but you could use fire magic originally.
For monsters, eating is equivalent to absorbing mana particles.
Could it be...
To use a monster skill to cast magic,
you need to control mana particles?
I see.
The key is mana particles, instead of the mana.
I don't know much about mana particles,
but if you absorbed monsters' power...
Got it. I'll try.
Recall it.
The torrent of power I felt when devouring the Minotaur.
Just guide that power out from my body.
It worked!
As long as I can feel the mana particles inside me,
I can command them like I control my own body.
Stun Pig dice-cutlet.
Sorry for the wait.
I know this is necessary for you,
but that face of yours looks awfully punchable.
When casting magic using monster skills,
it consumes mana particles, instead of the mana.
Judging by your earlier attack, you show no signs of depleted mana particles.
It seems you can store quite a lot of mana particles.
As soon as I sensed the mana particles flowing within me,
I immediately understood how to use the skill.
If mana particles can substitute for mana,
perhaps I could also enhance my body or weapon with mana.
You mean Enhancement Magic?
No.
Strictly speaking, that's not magic.
It's more like an application of Mana Control.
Like covering the whole body with mana to strengthen it,
or attaching it to a weapon to boost attack power.
I've heard skilled people can even release flying slashes.
I see.
Because your mana reserves were always low,
you never had the chance to learn this technique.
My Fire Magic used to be only good for cooking.
But now I can use mana particles instead of mana.
And most importantly...
I can replenish mana particles just by eating monsters.
In other words,
he can absorb mana particles through consumption
and store them within his body.
But that aside...
This pork cutlet looks absolutely delicious!
Elysia, are you finally tempted by monster cuisine?
Not really.
Looks like the boss has arrived.
So fast!
"Charge".
Thanks.
It felt far away just a moment ago,
yet it charged right up to us in the blink of an eye.
What is going on?
This isn't a maze, so why is there such a high-level monster?
Again and again,
you ruined the meal
I worked so hard to prepare.
Looks like it's about to become a roast pig now, huh?
No, it has "Fire Resistance".
Even if the oil splashed on it catches fire,
it didn't bother it at all.
Although its Status is high,
"Charge" and "Fire Resistance" are its only skills.
Skill: Wisdom of Earth.
Take the punishment for wasting food!
Hardening.
Rudd!
Cylphiid!
I managed to land a hit,
but...
Even without skills, its thick hide and muscles give it incredible defense.
Neither Earth Magic nor the spirit's Wind Magic
is powerful enough.
It's coming!
Don't get distracted.
Our fight isn't over yet, you darn pig.
I can't use "Charge" or "Hardening" again for a while.
If this drags on,
it might target Elysia instead.
Right now, I lack a skill to take it down in one go.
But that thing seems only capable of charging straight ahead
with no other tricks.
I've never tried this before and have to do it in live combat,
but I have no choice but to gamble.
Release the mana particles inside me.
Imagine channeling them into my sword.
Rudd!
I did it.
You enhanced your weapon by using mana particles!
And you did it in actual combat without any practice!
I felt like I could do it, so I tried enhancing my weapon.
But now I feel completely drained of mana particles...
My sword!
Ah...