Chapter 30: An Unusual Student

“Hmm…” The golden-haired girl mused, looking at the black cat before her with a hint of uncertainty.

After a moment of hesitation, she couldn’t help but ask again, “What you just tried to convey was that you want to become stronger?”

“Yes! Exactly! I want to become stronger!”

Whether it was to settle scores with those alchemists or to seek revenge on the Dragon Slayer, a certain level of power was essential.

Moreover, Votila could no longer endure the feeling of being a delicate black cat.

He did not want to experience the powerlessness he felt when encountering the alchemical golems again, nor did he wish to retreat in the face of a mere few demon wolves.

This feeling of weakness, Votila had had enough of it.

“But Nana, I don’t even know what species you are… Why did you come to me?” Mulee Hua paused, then added, “Besides, I don’t really understand how magical beasts grow.”

Votila raised a front paw, pointing towards the fierce hound cowering under the table.

‘At least, let me possess power comparable to that fierce hound…’

Having witnessed the muscular beast-hound’s battle by the lake, Votila knew that the hound’s strength was not inferior to some intermediate magical beasts.

The three Swiftwind Wolves he had encountered in the forest were merely low-level magical beasts. If this fierce hound were to intervene, the demon wolves troubling the town would be no cause for concern at all.

He believed that Mulee Hua, as the hound’s owner, who could make Gasla so strong, could certainly make the black cat stronger too.

“But… Gasla is so strong because its bloodline has been modified. It’s not a dog in the true sense; it should be considered an alchemical beast.”

‘An alchemical beast? No matter, as long as I can become stronger, any method will do.’ Votila raised his paw, gesticulating towards the girl to convey his thoughts.

“Hmm…” The girl pondered for a moment before replying, “Alright, physical enhancement, I can try that… though I don’t know to what extent it can be achieved.”

‘Besides physical enhancement, I also want to learn magic! Learn how to use magic without using my own magical energy!’ The black cat continued to gesticulate.

“…Eh? What?” The girl seemed to misunderstand the black cat’s meaning. His movements were far too abstract.

Votila thought for a moment, recalling how the girl had used magic by the lake. Then he straightened his upper body, mimicking her actions and demonstrating how she had cast spells.

Though it looked somewhat comical, Mulee Hua generally understood what the black cat was trying to express.

“You… want to learn… Programmatic Arts?” Mulee Hua’s expression was rather subtle. “Are you sure…? This is a school of magic unique to humans.”

The black cat, imitating a human, nodded in a surprisingly human-like manner, indicating certainty.

“A magical beast learning human programmatic magic… I’ve never heard of such a precedent.” Mulee Hua instinctively rubbed her forehead, then couldn’t help but ask again, “Do you… truly understand human magical schools?”

Votila indeed did not understand human magical schools; he had never paid attention to them.

However, after a month of observing Mulee Hua compile and adjust spell programs, and watching her use the mana alchemy furnace to inscribe the prepared programs into crystal scrolls, Votila had gained a slight, albeit foundational, understanding of programming.

“Alright, if you truly want to try, I can attempt to teach you.” Mulee Hua seemed to have developed some interest in this, appearing eager to begin. “I’ve never experienced what it’s like to be a teacher!”

…For some reason, Votila suddenly felt a sense of unreliability.

“Don’t worry, Nana! I’ll properly adj… I’ll properly teach you!”

…He couldn’t shake the feeling that the girl had almost said something rather alarming just now.

“Ahem! Well then! Let’s begin our first lesson right now!”

‘What? Now? Right here?’

Mulee Hua asked with a smile, “Nana, do you know why humans became the second most powerful race on the continent, second only to dragons?”

‘Why? Is it because of humanity’s reproductive capabilities?’

“Dragons stand at the pinnacle of the continent because their magical talent and physical prowess are unmatched.”

Votila knew this. In his past life, he, a lone dragon, dared to roam the continent at will, relying on his immense magical power and physical strength to dominate the land.

“As for humans, it is because their knowledge and skill are unparalleled in the world.”

“Knowledge is humanity’s greatest reliance in becoming the second combat race, beneath only the dragons.”