“But in that case, won’t these Shadow Wolves overpopulate the forest?”
With no clear natural enemies and plenty of food, even if students hunted them occasionally, how would they manage it if the population exploded, especially since they were counted based on the number initially released?
“The Academy has already implemented chemical prevention on these Shadow Wolves, so it’s not a problem.”
Serveyia’s wording was elegant, but Liuli knew what she meant — it was essentially sterilization.
Whether the method was physical or chemical wasn’t something Liuli needed to worry about.
“Look, over there.”
Serveyia pointed into the distance.
Liuli cast a Clear Sight Spell on herself and saw a wolf-like creature tearing into its prey.
From the remains, it was just possible to identify that it had been a small deer.
“I see it. Should we go over?”
“Little Fox, what do you plan to do if you go over?”
“Just… see your heroic side, Serveyia?”
Liuli could see clearly at this distance with the Clear Sight Spell, but this was a rare opportunity.
Serveyia hadn’t shown her true strength yet.
Even if a Shadow Wolf was a low-level Magic Beast, it was still a monster, wasn’t it?
“Little Fox, even if I deal with this Shadow Wolf, to be honest, you wouldn’t see much ‘heroism.’ If I truly wanted to kill it, you wouldn’t even see my movements. So, why don’t you try it yourself?”
“I should try?”
“Exactly. Teacher Lin Ya should have taught you some basic offensive Magic. Try using what you’ve learned to take down this Shadow Wolf. I’m right here beside you, so you don’t need to be nervous.”
Well, she had studied offensive spells, but she wasn’t sure if she could actually defeat this wolf.
After all, her previous practice targets had always been straw men.
She hadn’t had the chance to use spells on a moving object yet.
If she was going to use Magic on the Shadow Wolf, she had to find a way to slow it down.
She had learned some Weakening Magic, but she wasn’t sure how effective it would be against this specific wolf.
Liuli had to admit there was a difference between theory and practice.
Especially when facing a living creature, could she really stay calm enough to use her spells properly?
‘Stay calm, stay calm. First, use a Slow Curse to control the Shadow Wolf, then attack. But I have to get within casting range first.’
Liuli instructed herself internally.
Honestly, she didn’t know the limits of her range, nor did she know if the Shadow Wolf had a keen sense of smell.
She didn’t know if she would be discovered if she approached recklessly.
All she knew was that with Serveyia’s help, she didn’t have to worry too much.
Approaching the Shadow Wolf slowly, Liuli silently recited the incantation for the Slow Curse while estimating the potential effect.
The Shadow Wolf seemed focused on its prey, showing no sign of alertness as Liuli approached.
It didn’t seem to view her as a threat.
Once she was close enough — about the same distance as the straw men during practice — Liuli unleashed the Slow Curse she had practiced countless times.
It hit the feeding wolf right on target.
Now the Shadow Wolf finally reacted.
It seemed extremely displeased that its meal had been interrupted.
It turned its head toward Liuli, baring its teeth and growling.
Its mouth, stained with fresh blood, looked vicious as it tried to intimidate her.
To be honest, Liuli was a bit startled at first.
Anyone would instinctively feel afraid when faced with a Magic Beast growling at them with a blood-stained maw.
Sensing its intimidation was working, the Shadow Wolf took a step forward, closing the distance.
It seemed to think the person in front of it was no threat at all.
‘Now’s my chance.’
Liuli thought to herself.
Though she was frightened at first, the fear subsided significantly knowing Serveyia was behind her.
If anything went wrong, she didn’t believe Serveyia would just stand by and watch.
She didn’t know what the wolf was thinking, but the fact that it was approaching slowly instead of lunging was a huge help.
Liuli knew her basic Slow Curse wouldn’t slow it down much, especially for a creature known for its speed like the Shadow Wolf.
Even though it was a good opportunity, she knew the spells she mastered might be dodged.
She had to let it get closer.
Only at point-blank range could she guarantee a hit.
A normal Fireball was too slow and could be easily dodged.
While a Thunderbolt was instantaneous, the trees overhead could easily block it.
Looking at it that way, a simple Magic Missile seemed the best way to hit the target.
Liuli’s heart beat faster and faster.
She knew she was gambling on the timing, waiting to see how close the wolf would get before it attacked.
She had to wait until it was close enough to ensure her attack wouldn’t miss.
‘Almost there,’ Liuli calculated.
The Shadow Wolf was now even closer than the targets in her training.
At this distance, she felt she couldn’t possibly miss.
“Go!”
Liuli gave a soft cry, and a white Magic Missile flew from her palm, heading straight for the nearby wolf.
Awoo!
The Shadow Wolf let out a pained howl as the magic projectile hit, then turned and bolted without looking back.
Its fleeing speed gave Liuli a clear understanding of what an agility-type enemy truly was.
“Serveyia, should we chase it?”
Obviously, Liuli’s first hunt — or rather, her first actual combat — wasn’t very successful.
Seeing how fast it ran, Liuli wasn’t sure if the adrenaline had kicked in or if her magic simply hadn’t caused much damage.
“Forget it. Chasing a Shadow Wolf at night is an unwise choice. Besides, it looks like your hit didn’t strike any vital spots. Little Fox, why did you choose the Magic Missile, which has the lowest damage?”
“I felt like the other spells weren’t suitable. Fireball is too slow, and Thunderbolt would be blocked by the terrain. After thinking it over, this seemed like the only choice.”
She hadn’t learned many other offensive spells, and with her shallow knowledge, the Magic Missile was the most appropriate one she could think of.
“So, Little Fox, you should just stay safely behind us in the future. The way that Shadow Wolf was moving, it was clearly preparing to pounce. That’s when it exposes its weakest points. Attacking then would have been the best choice.”
“Serveyia, is it possible that I simply don’t know much about the habits of Magic Beasts?”
“That’s why I suggest you stay behind us and just help us with some Auxiliary Magic.”
“Then why did you let me try?”
“Weren’t you tempted, Little Fox? You’ve learned so many spells but never had the chance to practice. Didn’t you want to try?”
“…Even so, you should have told me some strategies, shouldn’t you?”
Liuli couldn’t help but wonder — if Serveyia had been willing to tell her the wolf’s weaknesses, would she have let it get away?
“Experiencing failure once in a while is good. At least it helps you understand that Magic Beasts aren’t just mindless targets waiting to be hunted. They have their own intelligence, they know how to avoid danger, and some are even quite smart. So, never underestimate your enemy.”
Liuli was annoyed that Serveyia was being so rational at a time like this.
She had failed, and instead of comforting her, Serveyia was giving a logical analysis of why she failed.
Was a post-battle review really what she wanted?
Liuli believed that with Serveyia’s emotional intelligence, she had to know Liuli was upset.
Not comforting her at a time like this — Liuli felt she was doing it on purpose.
“So, are we going back now?”
Liuli was a bit miffed.
She didn’t even reach out when Serveyia extended her hand, so Serveyia eventually had to grab Liuli’s hand by force.
“Is the Little Fox unhappy? Don’t you think you look a lot like a girlfriend waiting to be comforted right now?”
“Then why haven’t you comforted me yet?”
“I just think, Little Fox, haven’t you noticed how much you’re acting like a natural-born girl lately? Don’t you feel like you’ve completely abandoned your masculinity?”
“That… what even is that? Can I eat it?”
Liuli had noticed the issue Serveyia mentioned, but honestly, since she had already turned into this and couldn’t change back, there was no point in clinging to her so-called masculinity until she drowned.
If such a thing was only going to tie her hands and feet, she might as well discard it sooner.
Perhaps that would make her feel a little better.
“Little Fox, do you really think so?”
“Yeah, why?”
Liuli felt she was being quite open-minded.
If a fact couldn’t be changed, then she wouldn’t try to change it.
Forcing it would only bring more pain.
“Then, if you really had a chance to change back, Little Fox, would you choose to do so?”