52 Library of Mages 12 (1/2)

”So what should we hunt?” I asked, ”From what I read Vrykolakas are quite common here.”

”Vrykolakas? I can't kill that. And where did you read about them being here?”

”I like to read encyclopedias. The Northern Quebec Monster Compendium said that Vrykolakas are common in the eastern part of the Northern Quebec Hunting ground, as there are a lot of Sorrowseeker's there which is their main food source. Sorrowseeker's have high iron concentrations in their blood which in turn makes them the favorite meal for the blood-sucking Vrykolakas.”

When I finished, even the teacher looked at me as if I was a weirdo. ”What? I like to read.”

”Nothing. Either way, I don't want to go anywhere near that bloodsuckers. They give me creeps.” Emily said. ”I think we should just go in and kill the first thing we find. Then we can get over with this and go back.”

”What about the grade? Right, Miss Rose, what about the grade? There was nothing like that in the first exam.”

”No idea. It's just how things are.” She said. But it was a lie, I think. Again, I think it was my 'sixth sense,' but it was hard to determine. ”Now go, we need to cross through a checkpoint. You can decide what to kill later.”

The checkpoint was basically the same as the ones I was before only bigger. We quickly made our way through and entered the forest, it was already winter, and some snow was gathering on the ground.

Being back in the forest was nice. If it weren't bloody cold, it would've been perfect. The snow crunching under our feet, shimmering of leaves, it was really peaceful as we walked through the forest.

”Miss Rose, if I kill a Vrykolakas what grade will I get?”

”An A. But just because you are in the S-class don't think you are invincible. If I have to save you, it will be an immediate F!”

”Sure! I responded. ”So, what will you kill Emily? I think you should be fine killing an Orthrus.”

”A disabled Cerberus? That's actually a good idea. Where can we find them Mr. Encyclopaedia?” She said.

”… There!” I pointed towards the left. The smell, general location, and most importantly footprints, made me mostly sure it was a lair of an Orthrus! ”Here, let me help you milady and bring him here.”

With an exaggerated bow, I picked up a rock from the ground and threw it as hard as I could in the direction of the lair. Few seconds passed, but nothing happened. ”Maybe it's not there?” But when I said that two heads of an Orthrus emerged from the tall bushes.

”… You got to be kidding me.” Emily wasn't surprised. She was annoyed that it was actually there and now she had to kill it.

”Good luck!” I shouted as both Rose, and I moved back leaving only Emily to face the Monster taller than her alone.

But Emily didn't need luck. When the Orthrus howled, she sent a dozen of feathers inside its mouths. It remained me of the time I fought one of these guys and did something similar. Only I shoved my hand holding a knife inside.