Chapter 74

Chapter 74 I Next

The Minotaur towered under the golden glow of the sun. A man perched on its neck, his war cry echoing with elation. Raciel surveyed the spectacle of Cremo dock with an incredulous gaze. Demian was visible, entrapped behind bars.

I was right. Coming back early was indeed a wise move.

A muted laughter trickled out unconsciously, as scenes from the past day played in his mind.

Unbelievable. Astonishing.

The Minotaur rose imposingly, silhouetted by the sunlight. Raciel could barely restrain a cheer as he beheld its colossal form. The cube regurgitated by Uruus a few moments ago. His gaze settled on Uhwang, a hint of curiosity twinkling in his eyes.

This is real. A genuine gallstone.

He recalled what he knew about Uhwang.

Uhwang, a gallstone that originates in a cows gallbladder. Among such stones, the finest are said to be those that the cow ejects in a hiccup on the spot.

The object in his hand was exactly that. And whats more, its size? It was exceptionally large, beyond normal expectations.

Usually, Uhwang doesnt exceed 5 centimeters, but this is easily 20 centimeters.

It was virtually the size of a volleyball. How it navigated through the duct was puzzling. The enigma of the body, or more specifically, the enigma of the cow(?), seemed beyond comprehension. As for the grade? He was certain it was superior to S-grade.

To be exact, this grade is so high that its almost criminal to categorize it.

Raciel studied the Uhwang. It was light for its size. It exuded a cool, clean scent.

Im curious about its taste.

He lightly touched the surface with his finger. The surface layer crumbled effortlessly. He placed the resulting powder on his tongue. It was bitter at first. However, the aftertaste was sweet and invigorating. Simultaneously, a clear alert resonated in his head.

Ding-dong!

[You have consumed premium Uhwang.]

[A trace of taurine found in Uhwang stimulates blood pressure reduction and sedative effects. Cholic acid and ergosterol alleviate cardiac heat, inducing expectorant effects.]

[However, due to the small quantity consumed and the unrefined state of the Uhwang, its effects are negligible.]

[Your internal organs are entranced by the Uhwang treat.]

[Heart: Strength is elevating!]

[Liver: Energy is skyrocketing!]

[Large intestine: Adrenaline surging!]

[Lung: Vitality soaring!]

[Stomach: Sigh. Why do things beneficial for the body always taste so plain?]

[Your internal organs have sponsored 500 HP for you.]

[Current HP owned: 1,500]

Hehehe?

Finally, Raciel couldnt suppress his exuberant laughter. He had unexpectedly received endorsement(?) from his internal organs. This unexpected Raciels smile amplified Uruus response.

Muuuu? Puruk! Mooou!

Thump, thump! Thud, thud!

Uruus pounded its chest akin to King Kong. Observing this, Raciel had a revelation.

Its experiencing relief.

The sparkle in Uruus eyes, the wide-open mouth, the shaking head, the snorting nostrils everything reflected profound happiness.

It resembled someone who had successfully dislodged a piece of mushroom stuck between their teeth all day. Or a person suffering from severe constipation who finally managed a bowel movement after several days. It made sense, though.

Naturally. Having a gallstone of this magnitude inside its stomach must have been terribly uncomfortable.

It must have constantly felt burdened. Probably experienced constant indigestion and frequent pseudo bowel movements.

But youre feeling much better now that youve expelled it, right? You feel completely unencumbered, dont you?

Moooouu!

Thump, thump! Thud, thud!

Uruus nodded in agreement, dancing with a happy shrug of its shoulders. Seeing this, Raciels laughter grew more joyous. He felt confident. His plan had worked.

Now youre under my control.

He had secured both the Uhwang and the Minotaur. Now was the time to take the next step. His joyous grin faded, replaced by a serious gaze as he looked up at Uruus and declared,

Good. Im glad your discomfort has been alleviated. Congratulations. But we need to move.

Moouu?

We have to return to Cremo.

Muuu?

The port city where you were wreaking havoc. Its merely a speculation, but I believe my friends left there are facing quite a challenge at the moment.

Raciel cleared his throat and addressed Uruus.

Lets help them regain their composure. Could you place the cage down and let out a roar?

Mooo!

The command and action happened almost simultaneously. Uruus gently set down the cage that held Demian captive and let out a deafening roar towards the people on the dock.

ROOOOAR!

.!

Some were startled, and others paled. The knights from the inspection squad gripped their swords firmly. Raciel asked once again.

Whos in charge here?

Perhaps thanks to the shock caused by Uruus, an individual who looked like an investigator from the inspection squad finally stepped forward, wiping his forehead with a handkerchief.

If youre looking for the person in charge, that would be me.

Is that so?

Yes.

.

This investigator seemed a bit tense. Thats what Raciel thought when unexpectedly he was the one being questioned.

You, who resemble our Crown Prince and have brought a Minotaur, who are you?

Me?

Yes.

The investigator nodded, maintaining his distance, seemingly apprehensive of Uruuss imposing presence.

Our Crown Prince was kidnapped by the Minotaur, and his status is uncertain. Yet here you are, commanding the Minotaur as if it were your servant. Hence, I cant help but suspect you.

Huh. Are you suggesting I could be an imposter pretending to be the Crown Prince?

Yes. The current situation with the missing Crown Prince is urgent and unique, and there are undoubtedly those who would exploit it to harm the royal family.

The investigators gaze was stern. Raciel couldnt help but smirk in response.

That guy, I dont like him.

It wasnt just because of the doubt the investigator had towards him. From his own perspective, those suspicions were reasonable. If their roles were reversed, Raciel would probably have similar doubts.

Therefore, whether the investigator questioned him or demanded proof of his identity, it didnt bother him at all.

Its no different from getting carded at a convenience store. Only

What he didnt appreciate was the way the investigator treated Demian and his followers. A scowl formed on Raciels face as he glared at the investigator.

Alright. So, you want to verify who I am?

Yes.

But why havent you properly verified who they are?

What?

Them.

Raciels voice turned as hard as stone as he pointed towards Demian in the cage, Anise, Sergeant Sergio, the knight, the mayor, one after the other.

Why havent you acknowledged their sacrifices, struggles, and loyalty properly?

What

The investigator furrowed his brows, but Raciel didnt care. He dismounted from Uruus and walked to the front of Demians cage. With a gentle gaze, he looked at Demian, who was imprisoned inside.

Demian Cayeen. You risked your life to protect me, Crown Prince Raciel Adria Magentano. You shielded me from the Minotaurs fist and nearly died in the process, sustaining injuries to your leg from the debris. Moreover, you bravely fought the Minotaur single-handedly to buy me time to take cover, displaying extraordinary courage and loyalty.

Raciels quiet gaze met Demians wavering eyes, separated by the cage bars.

At that moment.

Crash-!

Uruuss hand broke through the bars of the cage. The investigator tried to shout, but he couldnt.

Because of the intense gaze fixed directly on him.

Next, Anise, daughter of Hasinto.

Raciel walked towards the cage where Anise was held. The color drained from the investigators face.

(To be Continued)

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