Demi-human Girls Completion Manual Chapter 4 - 4 4

4: 4.

Three Rules “Creak,”

With the door opening, the staircase leading to the underground space became visible.

This subterranean chamber was far more extensive than its external appearance suggested, owing to Fisher’s application of an Extension Technique upon the entryway.

This particular form of magic was both costly and labor-intensive; the expense associated with augmenting four chambers likely surpassed the price of acquiring property along Saint Nali’s main thoroughfares.

However, the advantages it conferred were undeniably substantial.

Fisher now possessed the capability to transport a compact dwelling within his carriage, thereby obviating the necessity for the five Dragon People to endure the rigors of the elements during their passage across the South Continent.

Gripping his Handcane, he descended into the subterranean area and nearly chuckled upon observing the five Dragon People huddled in the corner of the living room, resembling a clutch of fledglings.

Yet, his nascent smile vanished at the sight of Rafael’s emerald green eyes.

If the prophecy held true, and the maiden before him was indeed the Red Dragon Queen destined to bring ruin to the human world, how would he possibly intervene?

Perhaps dispatching her immediately would be a viable course of action.

However, Fisher harbored doubts regarding whether this young Dragon-woman, identified as Rafael, was truly the individual foretold in the prophecy.

Should his course of action then extend to the eradication of all Red Dragon People?

A sudden recollection surfaced of the amusing comedies staged at the Saint Nali Theatre.

For instance, a King's advisor had prophesied that a man with blond hair would usurp the throne and depose the King; in response, the King ordered the execution of all blond-haired men within his dominion.

Unbeknownst to him, this very decree led the Queen to conceal her blond-haired son, shielding him from the King’s fury, only for the King to be ultimately slain by his own offspring, thereby fulfilling the prophecy.

This illustrated the inescapable nature of fate; regardless of the path chosen, every outcome appeared predetermined.

It was an untenable prospect for Fisher to eliminate all Red Dragon People, even if that particular hue was uncommon amongst their kind.

What if the

Rafael had previously observed portly humans clad in similar attire within the circus, but their appearance had unfortunately tarnished her perception of such garments. It wasn't until this moment that she truly grasped the intended elegance and proper presentation of these clothes.

“Rafael… Lar, Fasher, Kexier, and Mier…”

Fisher poured himself a chilled cup of coffee, then retrieved the leather scrolls Colin had previously entrusted to him, each bearing a magical seal.

He meticulously inspected the Dragon-blood pacts inscribed on every scroll before selecting the one imbued with the freshest, warmest blood.

As he manipulated that particular scroll, points of light emanated from the slave seal affixed to Rafael’s chest, beginning to glow.

“Allow me to introduce myself.

I am Fisher Benavides, a dedicated scholar specializing in demi-humans.

You may refer to me as Fisher, or address me with the honorifics of teacher or professor…”

While speaking, he abruptly extended his hand and tore the leather scroll held within her grasp into two distinct pieces.

Rafael was too slow to react; however, as the magical seal that bound her very soul shattered upon her chest, she swiftly understood the implications of his action.

In the subsequent fraction of a second, the girl’s pupils snapped shut into narrow, vertical slits. With a subtle twitch of her tail and a sudden gust of wind, she propelled herself towards the man standing before her.

If she could just eliminate him, the slave seal would undoubtedly vanish.

Rafael did not comprehend the intricate construction of the slave seal, yet she recognized the workings of magic and therefore knew how to break its hold.

Her claws extended like five razor-sharp blades, striking directly towards the man’s heart. In the very next moment, she intended to rip open the detested human before her, consuming him with savage satisfaction.

All the past torment and anguish, the burning desire to bring her companions back home…

Yet, in the following instant, the man elegantly sidestepped and, with a grip as unyielding as a vice, clamped down firmly on Rafael’s neck.

Her entire body executed a half-spin in mid-air before he violently slammed her against the ground.

“Bang!”

The wooden floorboards splintered slightly under the impact, with shimmering fragments of magical light escaping through the fractured wood shavings.

Rafael’s body felt as if it had been torn asunder, sending waves of intense pain through her being.

She desperately yearned to retaliate, her claws instinctively aiming to rend the man’s flesh, but the constricting force of his fingers steadily deprived her of even the ability to draw breath.

Could this human…

Be a monster?

Why did he possess such extraordinary strength?

Her verdant eyes remained locked onto the human who held her neck captive, perceiving what appeared to be a demonic entity lurking beneath that impassive human facade.

The persistent ringing in her ears, a consequence of oxygen deprivation, grew increasingly deafening, and her tail’s trembling became uncontrollable.

The rustling sounds of bedclothes from outside abruptly ceased, yet the door remained unopened; Fisher had not seen fit to lock it.

“I find it rather irritating when individuals interrupt me mid-sentence, which necessitated this particular measure. I trust it will serve as a more impactful lesson,” Fisher stated, his grip on her neck still firm, though he slightly eased the pressure to allow a trickle of oxygen.

“I acquired you for…

research.”

Fisher paused momentarily before resuming, “The investigations cannot accommodate interference from magical elements, hence my decision to remove your slave emblem… Of course, I’m not entirely opposed to engaging in a bit of enjoyable diversion during our extended travels, such as allowing you, the subject, the opportunity to attempt my demise in pursuit of freedom. However, the fundamental condition for participating in this game is your absolute compliance with the parameters of my research. Should you attempt to abscond or resist, I shall bring harm to your companions.”

“Cough…cough cough…”

Rafael’s saliva flowed uncontrollably down her cheeks, dripping onto the tips of Fisher’s fingers.

The deafening tinnitus indicative of severe oxygen shortage persisted, yet her gaze remained fixed with fierce intensity upon the human male’s visage.

Her pent-up savagery and profound hatred, unleashed by the dissolution of the slave seal, had not yet been fully subdued.

She was resolute in her need to slay this human before her; even if it meant her own demise and subsequent consumption, it mattered little!

“Furthermore, the rules governing this game are remarkably straightforward.”

“Firstly, you are strictly forbidden from attempting any assassination against me within the confines of this carriage. Should you choose to act outside—employing any method such as ambush, poison, or direct duel—and succeed in killing me, you shall achieve your freedom and be permitted to reclaim your companions… after all, the items within this carriage are rather costly,” Fisher remarked, his gaze briefly flicking towards the compromised magical floor beneath her, his eyelids betraying a minute tremor.

“Secondly, you are allotted precisely four assassination attempts, which correspond directly to the number of your companions. Therefore, exercise extreme caution and meticulous planning in your endeavors. Each unsuccessful attempt at assassination will invariably result in a form of punishment. My research typically proceeds under normal conditions, though certain… less presentable aspects may arise. Failures will necessitate your cooperation in completing these specific segments of the research.”

“Thirdly, it is imperative that you maintain the utmost secrecy regarding the game’s parameters from your companions. Should word of this game ever reach their ears, the game will be terminated instantaneously.”

The man’s voice, intermingled with the insistent ringing in her ears, embedded itself within Rafael’s consciousness like the insidious whisper of a demon’s curse.

Her gaze burned with intense animosity; if looks could kill, Fisher would have been reduced to ashes countless times.

“If you agree, the game commences now.”

Her crimson tail gave a slight quiver, and after a brief moment of consideration, her hate-filled eyes subtly shifted, signifying her assent.

She had no choice but to agree; the slave seals belonging to her companions remained in his possession.

It was her responsibility that they were captured; she was determined to rescue them.

“Heh…” A subtle smile finally graced Fisher’s usually stern countenance as he gently released Rafael’s throat. He then returned to his desk, savoring the iced coffee he had prepared earlier.

“We face a journey spanning approximately thirty days.

Throughout this time, the game will persist…”

Rafael, trembling, managed to stand.

Her emerald eyes were alight with ferocity, yet she simply massaged her bruised neck, her expression slowly regaining composure.

Outside, the young horse whinnied softly, the celestial bodies twinkled overhead, and the breezes of the Southern Continent stirred once more, as if sounding the prelude to some grand game’s fanfare.