Chapter 17: To live for hope and guidance

Compared to the busy, bustling lives of humans, the lives of magical beasts seem even more meaningless.

They lack the ability to build grand structures, nor do they form orderly, hierarchical societies like humans.

Yet no matter how one looks at it, both these foolish beasts and humans live for the same things, desire and direction.

Because of that, no one feels pity for these creatures. As competitors for survival space, humans hold no sympathy for their lives.

Compared to ordinary animals with low aggression, these magical beasts are nothing short of killing machines, fangs, serrated teeth, claws… their bodies are fully equipped with organs evolved purely for slaughter.

Simon saw a rabbit-like magical beast dart past. It looked mostly normal, just with slightly longer ears, standing by a bush and chewing tender leaves.

“Isn’t that pretty normal?” Siegfried said excitedly.

But in the next moment, the small mouth split open and stretched all the way to its neck, revealing sharp fangs and a gaping maw. Its ears stood upright, exposing its true crimson eyes.

“Huh?” Siegfried’s mouth fell open.

The rabbit-like monster glared viciously and charged toward them.

Kuroko sighed.

“Students, this is why I told you never to underestimate magical beasts. All of them are born to kill, without exception.”

She began chanting a complex spell.

Cracks spread across the ground, racing toward the creature. When they reached beneath it, vine-like spears burst upward, piercing through its entire body as blood splattered.

The beast made no sound, its crimson eyes still fixed on them, sending chills down their spines.

At that moment, Simon finally understood what kind of world they lived in…

A world shrouded in despair and darkness, yet still chasing light.

They continued forward, learning about various magical beasts under Kuroko’s protection.

The rabbit-like one was called a Thorn-Eared Rabbit. There were also Electric Wraith Beasts that could discharge electricity, and bird-type Redwing creatures.

Since they were only at the forest’s edge, these monsters weren’t too difficult to deal with.

Especially for those who could use long-range magic.

****

This was why mages had a much lower casualty rate compared to warriors.

Warriors had to fight these fully-armed beasts up close, and sometimes even sharp blades couldn’t penetrate their reinforced hides.

On top of that, magical beasts could also manipulate ambient mana to attack. Though crude, like a primitive throwing stones, it required no buildup and could be launched instantly at range.

This made survival even harder for warriors.

That was why there were only four warrior classes like Lila’s, compared to sixteen mage classes.

A Thorn-Eared Rabbit lunged at Lila, its split mouth whipping forward like tentacles lined with sharp teeth.

Lila simply sneered.

In the blink of an eye, a silver flash carved through the air. The beast froze mid-motion.

She stepped forward, and the creature exploded into scattered chunks of flesh.

Not a drop of blood stained her clothes. She sheathed her sword and walked on.

Her classes had already ended in the morning; now was free time.

The teachers intended for students to prepare for tomorrow’s free grouping.

Lila figured getting used to hunting beasts counted as preparation.

Killing low-level beasts was easy for her.

But she knew that if she encountered beasts capable of using mana, her only option would be to run. Until she awakened sword intent, she couldn’t defend against such attacks.

Thinking this, she casually cut down another approaching beast.

If only this world were a game…

Endless monsters, humans hiding in safe zones, a shattered divine sword, and an impending apocalypse.

If it were a game, she could grind monsters, complete quests, obtain the best gear, and eventually defeat the demon.

She killed another lightning-marked beast.

But there were no “+1 experience” notifications. No skill levels increasing.

This was life, not a game.

Everything she faced was real, living beings.

So perhaps, even as someone reincarnated by a goddess, she wasn’t a hero.

As a small figure, struggling to survive was the right choice.

Then… using power to oppress Simon was understandable, right?

No. A villain doesn’t need to be understood.

She split another beast in half. Still, not a drop of blood touched her—but sweat soaked her clothes.

She was getting tired.

Time to head back.

She turned toward the forest edge, the setting sun casting fragmented shadows across her.

The battles hadn’t been difficult, but the constant killing had worn her down.

On her way back to the dormitory, many students cast respectful gazes at her.

Respect was good. It meant fewer troubles.

She entered her room.

“…Would you like some tea, Miss Lila?”

Her roommate, clearly surprised, asked awkwardly.

It was someone familiar, though she didn’t recognize the current Lila.

Anne, a fire mage from Class E. Calm and composed as a shop assistant, yet timid before Lila.

Lila almost laughed.

It reminded her of Simon.

That foolish boy would probably never realize.

The one who hurt him, healed him, made him hate, and gave him hope… was the same person.

Such a fool should remain completely under her control, endlessly generating value for her.

“No need. Mind your own business.”

Lila replied coldly.

Anne gave an awkward smile and quietly drank her tea.

After a quick wash, Lila lay down on her soft bed.

Though it was warm.

She felt as if she had fallen into ice.

The draining of her life returned, an indescribable cold swallowing her whole, like sinking into lifeless silence.

At the end of that fading life…

was loneliness.

Despair.

Curling up under the blanket, hugging her legs tightly, she sought even a trace of warmth, silently counting the days left in her life.

She didn’t know how long she had.

But she truly, desperately wanted to live.

Truly.