Chapter 64: Alpha White Dog #3
‘What in the world is going on with these animals?’
I grimaced as I looked at three new species that could evolve. Unlike the four-legged beasts I had seen before, these were something extraordinary, lined up in front of me in text form.
I slowly read the floating letters from left to right.
『【Curry Rex】
A subspecies of dragon, the king of savagery. A massive lizard known by various names, including the terrifying stalker.
Its true identity is that of an ancient beast that lived during the era when humanity had yet to overcome the night and the beasts.
According to recorded literature, their teeth resemble gigantic nails and their claws are like sharpened hooks, capable of shredding an unarmored person like a piece of paper.
What’s more, their tails are said to be the most powerful weapon, swinging fast enough to tear through trees and crush rocks.
The taste of their meat is said to be fresh and light, similar to that of their descendants, the soy sauce crocodiles, and when grilled, it provides nutritious juices and high-quality fat.
Even their scales, skin, bones, and teeth are all top-notch, used as exquisite materials for weapons. Believe it or not, Job’s armor, famous for slaying dragons, was made from this creature’s bones.
Because of this, humans have continuously attempted to challenge them for their meat and materials. However, as times changed and hunting techniques advanced, their numbers dwindled, and they are now rarely sighted, mainly around the northern magical mountains and the World Tree’s magical realm.』
‘Curry Rex?’
If it’s a Rex, does that mean dinosaur? When I think of the word Rex, images of a roaring T-Rex or a raptor came to mind.
It was intriguing that a reptile appeared in a list that had so far showcased only four-legged mammalian beasts.
‘Could it be that eating Yan-Mite’s tail led to this result?’
That was the only plausible information I could come up with. Perhaps the ruler of the Southern Forest, Yan-Mite, might belong to this Curry Rex species.
‘Yan-Mite was definitely strong. If I evolve into this, will I become something like him? Or maybe I’ll just gain similar strength.’
I grasped the concept of evolution but was still clueless about the powers it granted. When I chose Hedgehog before, my appearance and structure hadn’t changed; only spines had grown on my back and neck.
Maybe if I choose to evolve into this Curry Rex, instead of fur, I’d grow scales.
‘For now, let’s read the next one.’
I quickly shifted my gaze to the central option among the three choices.
『【Madasi Army Frog】
The Madasi Army Frog is a close relative of the Chili Poison Dart Frog.
As absurd papers and reports claimed that Chili Poison Dart Frogs had a well-organized society like humans, the discovery of the Madasi Army Frog only fueled debates among researchers and hunters.
Unlike the Chili Poison Dart Frogs, Madasi Army Frogs are not poisonous. However, their basic physical abilities and the power of their collective movements make them feel like a well-trained ‘army.’
Whether they actually created an organization of armies or warriors is unknown, but one thing’s for sure: if you encounter a group of Madasi Army Frogs while wandering alone in the forest, you better run like the wind.
Their flesh and texture reportedly surpass top-grade virgin chicken, but due to the reasons mentioned above, they are hard to catch and only occasionally featured as offerings to royal families.』
The explanation for the Madasi Army Frog came to a close.
My mind, which had been tightly shut with the appearance of reptiles, began to relax as the emergence of amphibians opened up new thoughts.
‘What happens if I evolve into a frog? Amphibians are way beyond my grasp.’
I glanced at the Madasi Army Frog’s description a couple more times.
This creature showing up in my evolution list was probably due to the Chili Poison Dart Frog I had devoured just an hour ago.
When I think of frogs, I picture their jumping hind legs and their darting, long tongues.
‘So they’re strong in groups… but as an individual, it doesn’t sound too appealing.’
It would be nice if my leaping ability were enhanced, but I had no control over how I’d evolve.
What kind of changes would really come? I decided to move on to the next creature.
『【Pualer Black Deer】
These creatures are horned herbivores that inhabit remote mountains and forests.
They are very gentle and altruistic, often seen helping other beasts or living in groups.
However, close to the World Tree in the territory of Count Judah, there was a time when Pualer Black Deer were seen as terrifying creatures.
Before history even began, there was allegedly a two-legged black deer that ruled the land, and unlike typical deer, it was rare for them to eat meat, preying on nearby beasts.
The locals referred to this creature as the ‘Deer Demon,’ and even now, a small village near the Count’s domain has a fear of deer.
Some humanists argue that depictions of demons with horns began with this creature, but since it only appears in legends and no one has ever seen it, it remains merely a joke among scholars.
Pualer Black Deer fur is praised for being tough and shiny, in high demand among noblewomen, hunters, soldiers, and households.
Their meat is known for its exquisite aroma, tasting great whether grilled or eaten raw.
The real delicacy, however, is their antlers, which are packed with nutrients and various components that are excellent for gourmet dishes and even desserts.
Though their temperament is gentle, their fearful nature and keen senses make them difficult to capture. Nowadays, due to reckless hunting, they are nearly extinct, with sightings only occasionally reported near Count Judah’s territory.』
‘Pualer Black Deer’
The sudden appearance of a deer must be influenced by Ilgast.
I wondered if this ‘Deer Demon’ they described could be Ilgast, but I decided not to bring it up to avoid any unnecessary misunderstandings.
“Do you really feel nothing?”
Ilgast asked me again.
‘I have no idea what might happen if I evolve here.’
I remembered passing out for about half a day during my last evolution.
Because of that, I was determined to ensure that any future evolutions took place in a thoroughly concealed and safe environment.
I contemplated the situation with Salome and Ilgast.
If I were to evolve in front of them, I had a gut feeling that it would lead to some annoying situations.
‘Maybe I should postpone the evolution.’
I casually remarked, ignoring the letters in front of me.
— Not much here. Just delicious. I feel like I’d notice something else after eating a few more.
“The magical power I can provide is all I have left. From now on, I can only become a war hero in this state.”
Ilgast shrugged as if there were no other options.
I wondered if I could still munch on some of his horns, but it didn’t seem likely.
While I was busy savoring the thought, Salome let out a small sigh next to me.
— By the way, I remembered something. I saw Suka in the abandoned lands. He seems interested in participating in the festival tomorrow…
“Well, it seems he managed to survive in that barren place. So, did you fight him? You don’t look injured.”
— Well, about that…
Salome began explaining the incident where my fur had turned red.
When she detailed how I scratched Suka’s foot with my claw and how he panicked and ran away from rabies, Ilgast chuckled casually.
“The frenzy of Duoksini doesn’t spread easily. Living in the wasteland must have narrowed Suka’s knowledge. But still, it wouldn’t hurt to take precautions.”
Ilgast pulled out a small wooden box from under his desk.
I wondered what he was up to, but soon, he revealed ominous tools resembling saws and pincers.
Since he mentioned precautions, I had expected maybe a shot or two, but now I was taking a step back at the sight of his instruments.
“I’ll make it quick, no pain. I just need to extract one part.”
— Ex-extract!?
My bl**d ran cold at the thought.
Extracting anything sounded terrifying.
As I tried to back away and escape Ilgast’s cave, someone blocked my way.
“Right, Salome. Make sure to hold him tightly.”
— D-don’t resist! Didn’t you say it’d be over quickly?!
— This is madness! I must get out of here!
I squirmed with all my might, trying to wriggle free from Salome’s grip.
As we flapped about with my wings and front paws, suddenly, a strong hand grasped my shoulder, pressing me down with immense strength.
“It will be over soon. It won’t hurt. There will be a bit of bl**d, though.”
Ilgast held me down on the ground with a force I never could have imagined.
Before I knew it, I was sprawled out on the cave floor, held down by Salome and Ilgast.
— Aaaah, no!
As I screamed and opened my mouth, Ilgast grabbed my jaw and held it tightly.
“All I need is one tooth. Duoksini’s bl**d is magical, and it can heal with magic. It won’t fix you entirely, but it can prevent it from spreading.”
— Y-you’re pulling out a tooth?
Could this even be done in such an unhygienic place, with no anesthesia or disinfectant?
As I struggled, Ilgast spoke gently to soothe me.
“It’ll be over while you’re distracted looking at the distant mountains. Now, open wide.”
My mouth was forced open due to Ilgast’s strength.
‘Inside a cave, where am I supposed to look at mountains?’
I was trembling with fear and anxiety like a patient sitting in a dentist’s chair.
“No way, you already have a missing fang down below, right? Did it break or fall out somewhere?”
— S-someone must have pulled it out!
With another tooth about to be pulled, I desperately blurted out what I knew.
“Someone pulled it out?”
In that instant, Ilgast’s hold on me relaxed, and he brought me back to a sitting position.
He tilted his head, looking at me with a serious expression, “By the way, I forgot to ask you about something. Who gave you your name?”
— W-well…
I massaged my aching jaw while my mind raced.
At this moment, I debated between telling a lie or speaking the truth.
As I hesitated, Ilgast gestured to Salome.
“Salome, I’m sorry, but would you mind stepping outside for a moment?”
— Is this something a priestess should not hear?
Salome pouted, looking bewildered. She didn’t seem pleased to be dismissed.
“I can’t explain the reason, but please just step outside. It’s a command from the elder.”
— Very well, if that is the elder’s will…
Though she didn’t seem convinced, Salome complied, her feathers bristling as she muttered something under her breath.
Once she confirmed that she had gone outside, Ilgast sighed deeply and grabbed my shoulders.
“Was it a human who gave you your name? Was it Adam? I’m just asking; you can relax and speak freely.”
Reassured by Ilgast’s words, I thought it might be better to speak the truth.
Since he was willing to cut his horn for me and give me all sorts of training, he seemed trustworthy.
— I don’t know if it’s Adam, but it was definitely a human.
“Just as I thought, it was Adam. Only Adam can name us animals. Could it be that he intends to return to this forest…?”
Ilgast’s eyes drifted toward the cave’s entrance.
I felt a pang of anxiety that something might be wrong with his serious expression.
— Is something wrong?
“I vaguely thought Eve must have given you your name. If that’s the case, there’s no issue. But if Adam is the one who named you, then it’s a problem.”
With the repetition of Adam’s name, I was left nodding, trying to understand.
Just as I was about to ask what exactly was wrong, Ilgast spoke up first.
“Adam is the greatest namer. He has the power to name and make one live according to that name’s fate. And that’s almost like a curse. Like a brand etched into your soul.”
After releasing my shoulders, Ilgast scratched his head in frustration, looking as annoyed as a person can be.
“Ugh, the way I view Alpha is different from how Adam views the name Alpha. This is becoming a hassle. I was foolish. It’s unavoidable; I’ll have to tarnish your name.”
— What do you mean by tarnishing a name?
“I’ll attach another name behind Alpha. Like Alpha Eve, Alpha Ilgast, and so on. It’s truly difficult for a beast to have two names, so even with me and Eve teaming up, it might not work….”
— So, you just need another name behind Alpha?
“Exactly. Ughhhh.”
Ilgast clutched his head and gave a frustrated groan.
I rolled my eyes to glance at the letters that had appeared beside me.
Name: Alpha White Dog
Species: Magical Beast lv.15
Strength: 42
Agility: 38
Stamina: 42
Skills: 《Omnivore》 《Sturdy Claws》 《Cursed Frequency》 《Stealth Movement》 《Evasion》 《Bonding Dance》 《Interbreeding》 《Frenzy》
Of all the letters, the three characters next to Alpha caught my attention the most.
‘So that’s why it says White Dog next to Alpha. It was that raccoon b*stard messing with my name!’
The raccoon’s purring voice echoed in my head like a haunting melody.
[Author’s Note] Thank you. If you enjoyed reading, please hit the like button at the top of your mobile screen. With just a two-second gesture, you can gift the writer a happy day.
