The Taurus Great Canyon is alive with countless monsters and beings, but at this moment, a silence deeper than the stillness of a library has descended.
The sandy winds that sweep through the canyon, the tiny bugs, and the goblins rustling somewhere—all are quiet.
This isn’t just a simple metaphor.
Bam!
With the release of power from the Elder Mandragora and the Mangja Seongnyeo, all living beings in the canyon can’t help but know, whether they want to or not.
“Crazy, that person looks like an S-grade!!”
“S-grade? I’ve never seen one, are you sure…?”
“Our guild is stuck in a ditch, digging up roots; how would we know the faces of top hunters?!”
The Elder radiates a life force so immense it feels like the World Tree has descended.
As Shia converts the wicked, huge malicious entity into Divine Power, anyone with such malice must shudder.
“Wait, is that even a person like us?”
They may be C-grade hunters, but they have some experience and knowledge.
To them, Shia’s appearance felt oddly…
No, beyond odd; it felt like something not of this world.
Crack, crack!
Tentacles burst out, shattering bones and flesh as the Divine Power spreads, making it hard to breathe.
And the Elder Mandragora is no ordinary monster, either.
‘No joke, at this level, it’s like one of the Demon King’s Four Kings from my previous world? Sure, it’s below Menelapie, but could Teresa’s doll even hold up against it? Oh, would five or more be enough to put up a fight?’
The existence of an Elder is as close to a miracle as it gets, being a monster whose very existence during the First Great Rift was a calamity.
This Elder possesses intelligence capable of accurately assessing and utilizing the mana and power it’s imbued with. Even aside from intellect, simply measuring raw power places it far above other S-grade monsters like the Centipede Dragon or Black Minotaur.
‘The mana contained in a single vine is definitely above A-grade Hunters. Yeonhwa is going to have a hard time with this one.’
The moment the Elder awakens its power, its vines and countless leaves buried in the canyon begin to bloom. The mana contained within each vine and leaf is hyper-concentrated enough to obliterate any A-grade hunter.
‘To raid an Elder like this, you’d need at least 40 A-grade hunters or 3 S-grade hunters.’
If the Elder wished it, it could easily obliterate an entire city with just one vine, and with hundreds of those vines thrashing about, describing it as a living bomb wouldn’t be an exaggeration.
Moreover, adapting to the surrounding environment is a fundamental ability of the Elder Mandragora.
This adaptation includes methods of combat, embracing magic, special abilities, knowledge, language, tactics, and strategy.
Should the Elder decide to adapt to the hunters’ attacks, it wouldn’t be too far-fetched for it to unleash magic or special abilities like an Awakened One.
If the Elder, adapted to the flames of a C-grade Awakened, begins to use that flames with S-grade monster-level mana and output, it would spell disaster.
‘I only started this to cook a nice stew… No wonder the Hunter Association sent an urgent request on my broadcast.’
If the Elder wasn’t a naturally slow, non-aggressive monster, and instead, like the Emperor Goblin or Bicon Queen, aggressively targeted humans, a colossal catastrophe would have erupted in the Taurus Great Canyon and all connected regions long ago.
And in reality, the Elder was more focused than ever, squeezing out its power like never before since the moment it was born.
In terms of measures, it would be around three times its original capacity.
Due to the high mana density, the air pressure increases, and droplets of mana crystallize on the vines and leaves connected to the Elder, serving as proof of the mounting pressure. All living beings nearby instinctively felt the threat and began fleeing.
I’m scared, I’m scared, I’m scared, I’m scared…!
Well… the fact the Elder is utilizing its power stems from its misinterpretation and illusion that the Mangja Seongnyeo would mind-blow it.
‘Good, I’ve moved far enough away from other hunters. Just in case, I should cast a barrier too.’
Meanwhile, Shia was cracking her knuckles, readying her body.
Alright. When fighting monsters, I don’t really need to…
“No need for a starting signal!!”
Boom!!
Phew…?
Tentacles sprouted from Shia’s waist, twisting grotesquely before sending her body catapulting toward the Elder.
Snap!
“Oh?”
However, it was impossible.
The moment she attempted to approach the Elder, it felt as if an invisible barrier blocked her from advancing beyond a certain point.
“Oh, this one mimicked my miracle, huh?”
Miracles operate with Divine Power, but mana is a lower version; if one can control output and control, they can manifest abilities similar to miracles.
However, in front of the Elder, regarding miracles…
‘Is that what happened earlier?’
This Elder Mandragora began adapting from the moment Shia cast the barrier to protect nearby C-grade hunters.
“Remarkable adaptability.”
To successfully adapt and mimic an ability without even enduring a direct attack or miracle is no mean feat.
Shia adjusted her evaluation of the Elder Mandragora upward.
If it could mimic the miracle it visually witnessed, it was convincing that the potential and danger of this Mandragora would skyrocket exponentially.
‘Did it eat a shard of the Demon King?’
It’s undeniably unnatural for such a powerful Elder Mandragora to naturally spring forth in the wild.
Yet, it didn’t feel overwhelmingly malicious.
‘It smells herbaceous, sweet, and pleasantly fragrant instead of anything malicious…’
Slurp.
As Shia licked her lips in anticipation, the Elder’s face paled even more.
While one might not typically say ‘pale’ about a Mandragora, the Elder seemed as if it had witnessed something terrifying.
Die, die, die, die, you pervert!!
Bam!
“Oops.”
Shia felt a new barrier behind her created by the Elder.
“Uh, th… this…!”
The barrier mimicked the Elder’s strength, pushing in on Shia rapidly, squeezing her tightly.
Crack!
Crack, crack!
Shia was indeed being crushed front and back by the barrier, feeling her spine dislocate and her kneecap twist unnaturally.
It was hard to break free through sheer strength, so she grasped at her uncrushed hands.
[Miracle – Divine Body Destruction]!
Shatter!
With a sound like shattering glass, the barriers crushing Shia crumbled away.
As soon as the barrier shattered, she regained the situation, returning her arms and legs to their rightful positions as she glared at the Elder.
Damn, the resistance is stronger than expected?
‘Well, that would be super tasty!’
O-oo, don’t come near me!!!!
Boom!!
The Elder, shocked, stood ready to strike, waving its vines at Shia and aiming to skewer her like a shish kebab from the ground.
The effects alone disrupted the ground, chunking apart rocks in the Great Canyon as they flew towards Shia.
On the surface, it just seemed like a physical attack, but embedded within the vines was concentrated mana and power capable of hitting even the Mangja Seongnyeo. Shia couldn’t just ignore those attacks and charge in.
The Elder knew this well; hence, it aimed to block Shia’s advance toward itself.
“Heh.”
However, Shia didn’t dodge.
Was it because of the damage from earlier?
Or did she actually have more severe injuries than met the eye?
Just like a moth drawn to flames, she brazenly opened her arms, bringing herself right into the Elder’s attacks.
Crack!
Snap!
Thud!
Shia was thoroughly penetrated—her arms, legs, neck, chest, where her heart should be, an eye, thigh, pelvis, and hands punctured and mangled by the Elder’s thick tentacles.
Pervert, why didn’t you dodge?!
The Elder was astounded by Shia’s behavior.
It hadn’t intended to kill.
It was fine if she just backed away. If she insisted on pursuing, it might kill her then, but not now.
[???]
[?]
[?]
[Huh?]
[Crazy, insane]
[What the hell;;;]
[Nah, it’s fine]
[What the heck is happening?]
[Is she dead???]
[Why are there so many morons here? The streamer isn’t dead, lol]
[But look at how many vines are sticking into her body?!]
As Shia intentionally let the Elder’s vines and thorns penetrate her instead of dodging, chaos erupted in the chat window of the viewers.
Of course, some viewers understood Shia’s strength well enough to remain calm, but a regular person wouldn’t remain unfazed seeing dozens of vines embedded in a human body.
However, Shia was beyond Elder’s and the viewers’ imagination.
Crack!
With one hand, she grasped all the vines piercing her body.
That rapist, how is she moving?!
From the Elder’s perspective, it was incomprehensible how a human could possess such resilience, given how she’d been so thoroughly punctured.
With such a severe attack, she shouldn’t be able to move; much less maintain her life functions!?
“I got you.”
…..!
And that’s when it dawned on the Elder.
Shia hadn’t sustained that many injuries.
She wasn’t incapable of movement.
She had willingly taken the blows!
To draw the Elder in…!
“Come here!!!”
Then, with all her might, Shia pulled on the vines penetrating her body.
In a display of inconceivable power, the Elder found itself being literally dragged out from the cliff it was anchored to.
No, no! Stay away!
It desperately tried to resist, but as its roots began to break contact with the solid ground, it faced the fresh air.
You, you, insane, perverted, mating human!!
“Hey, what did I do to you!!”
Despite her neck being pierced, Shia unabashedly shouted with vigor.
I know, I know!! You want to do unspeakable things to me, don’t you?
“That’s not it!”
Liar! I don’t believe you!
Crack, snap!
Thus, Shia and the Elder found themselves locked in a relentless tug-of-war over the vines.
While the Elder appeared to be an extremely delicate humanoid flower, its raw strength was that of an S-grade monster.
Yet Shia resolutely overlooked that strength, determinedly dragging the Elder towards her inch by inch.
She even enhanced her arms and muscles with Divine Power, making the Elder’s roots yield to Shia, revealing itself little by little from the cliff it had grown from.
I don’t want this! I don’t want this!
As Shia drew closer, she noticed a glistening liquid welling in the Elder’s eyes.
“……….?”
[What’s up with her? Is she crying?]
[I would cry too if I were being dragged towards the season finale of my life.]
[Nah, rather it’s a reward!]
[I’m down for it.]
[Is she looking down on us?]
[Fireball!]
[Please, all the people above, hold your breath for just 3 hours!]
Hwaaaa! No! I don’t want to be mated!!!
“………..”
Despair,
Sadness,
Urgency,
Bewilderment and embarrassment,
All shades of shame…
“I can’t help it.”
As all sorts of negative emotions twisted the Elder’s face, Shia released her grip.
Huh…?!
Suddenly letting go sent the Elder tumbling down to the ground.
What is happening?
I thought for sure I’d be savagely dealt with…
With a confused expression staring at Shia, now far away, the Elder saw Shia motioning for her drone camera, activating the holographic chat window once more.
[What’s the streamer doing?]
[Seriously?]
[What bizarre thing is she up to now?]
“Guys, isn’t it a bit weird to force someone who says no?”
[?]
[?]
“Isn’t she a non-aggressive monster? If I just back away, won’t she just bury herself back underground and not come out?”
[That’s true, I guess;]
“Wait, are you cancelling the request?]
[Are you scared?]
“It’s not about being scared. But in case you’ve forgotten, I am a Seongnyeo.”
Shia shrugged her shoulders, looking at the Elder.
With power enough that it could be perceived as holding shards of wildflowers, the Elder now wore a face that looked akin to a scared child, teary-eyed.
“How can I force someone who’s scared and says no…?”
[Oh;]
[Why’s the streamer suddenly in Seongnyeo mode?]
Wait, really?
Are you genuinely letting this go?
You aren’t planning on mating with me?
You’re saving me?!
Realizing Shia’s intentions, a smile broke on the Elder’s face.
But the Elder could hardly believe what Shia said next.
“So, let’s find another Mandragora.”
Huh…?
[What? The streamer said that?]
[Well, if she says it, I guess…?]
[Then we have to cancel the mission?]
[It can’t be helped!]
Another … Mandragora?
With that phrase, the Elder felt something awakening deep within her instincts.
What is the title of an Elder?
Senior, older, a figure of respect.
In essence, that’s what that title loosely meant, but for Mandragoras, the term ‘Elder’ has a more profound significance.
This Elder Mandragora had once been a tiny seed that couldn’t sprout, and the seeds of Mandragora spread only when the flower of the Elder transforms.
In simple terms, this Elder Mandragora can serve as a ‘mother’ entity that can spread the seeds of Mandragora.
Furthermore, given intelligence and reasoning among Mandragoras, the feeling of “maternal affection” can easily blossom.
Even though these weren’t seeds she’d directly sown, she possessed no particularly special kinship…
But by becoming the miraculous form of “Elder Mandragora,” the feelings of motherhood and compassion had begun to sprout deep within her subconscious.
Hearing Shia’s intention to “find another Mandragora,” a storm brewed in the Elder Mandragora’s mind.
So scary. But if I don’t go, someone else will come and wreak havoc…
What should I do? What should I do? What should I do? What should I do? What should I do? What should I do? What should I do? What should I do? What should I do?
After arriving at a decision, the Elder Mandragora slowly but undeniably approached Shia.
“Huh? What’s going on?”
[?]
[Looks like she’s ready to fight the streamer now?]
[Must be because she’s a monster?]
And then…
I will, I’ll go voluntarily…!
“Uh…?”
I humbly, please, don’t touch the little ones…
“Oh…!”
[?]
[??]
[?]
[????]
[??]
SDVIMVFoanVzY1YwSVhjamMzUkt1Y1JoUjh1dXpQd0Y5cmtwZkU4c0NSWlhrdlBNb2Z1Y3NScXhHV2IxOHBvRA
What is happening?
Shia was at a loss, unable to comprehend the Elder kneeling in front of her, and this bewilderment was shared among the viewers, as the chat flooded with confused messages.
However, with no reaction from Shia, the Elder went a step further, bowing her head to the ground, pleading with Shia.
I will take on for the children, please…
“………..”
Please, do not mate with the young ones…
[???]
[?]
[LOL]
[What the heck, this is hilarious!]
[LOL!]
