Otome Game Mob Villain

Chapter 690

"Arena, you have good instincts. I've taught you the basics—now all that's left is training."

"Haah... haah... Thank you... very much."

As Luva in her beastified form narrowed her eyes, Arena released her own transformation and bowed while panting heavily from her shoulders.

I, who had been observing from the side the whole time, forgot to blink as I trembled slightly while watching their training intently.

The reason being that Luva's movements while beastified were absolutely incredible.

According to Luva, as mousefolk progress through stages of beastification, their ability to sense presences around them improves dramatically, eventually reaching something akin to precognition.

When she explained it, I couldn’t believe it.

But when the two actually sparred, Luva predicted every one of Arena’s moves as if to prove her words true, deliberately calling them out verbally while engaging her opponent.

'You’ll use a flurry of punches as feints while the real attack comes from your legs.'

'Gh...!?'

Luva kept her eyes narrowed the whole time, while Arena grew visibly flustered at having her every move predicted, allowing Luva to repeatedly stop her punches and kicks just short of connecting.

'Mousefolk are physically weaker compared to other tribes. But by mastering beastification and advancing through its stages, you can use your opponent’s strength against them. Perfecting the "strike after being struck" is the mousefolk way of fighting.'

'Y-yes. I understand.'

Each time Luva stopped her attacks short, Arena bit her lower lip in frustration while trembling, yet desperately tried to burn Luva’s fighting style into both her eyes and body.

Occasionally, Luva would take breaks to explain movements or aspects of beastification, and the training had just concluded moments ago.

As soon as their exchange ended, I quickly approached.

"Lady Luva, your efficient movements were truly amazing."

"Thank you. But you’ve seen the other chieftains’ beastifications too, haven’t you? Mine’s nothing special."

"No no. Your seamless, flowing movements without any waste were the most impressive among all the chieftains I’ve seen so far."

"R-really? Flattery won’t get you anything, you know."

As Luva smiled shyly, I turned my gentle smile toward Arena, who was still catching her breath.

"Arena, you were quickly incorporating the advice, and your movements kept improving. At this rate, you could probably beat the squad leaders now."

When I patted her head gently, she squirmed happily with a shy smile.

"R-really? But Lady Salvia from the Intelligence Bureau trains daily too, and I’m still nowhere near..."

"My my, for Arena to say that. There must be some exceptionally strong mousefolk children in Baldia."

When Luva murmured in admiration, I nodded with a smile.

"Everyone in the Second Knight Regiment under my command in Baldia are extremely hard workers. With what they learn from this Zubera expedition as a starting point, they’ll grow even stronger."

"That’s a terrifying thought for the future."

As Luva shrugged with an "oh well" expression, I cleared my throat.

"By the way, Lady Luva. If possible, could I also spar with you?"

"That’s impossible. If I were to help train Lord Rid, who’s scheduled to fight Johan in the Beast King Tournament, it wouldn’t be a fair match."

"Ahaha, I thought you’d say that..."

I gave a wry smile while scratching my cheek, then hung my head dejectedly.

I knew that would be the answer, but it’s still disappointing.

After watching their movements, I realized Luva’s fighting style was exactly what I was aiming for.

One thing I learned from my fight with Elba was the undeniable fact of 'the insurmountable physical ability gap between beastfolk and humans.'

While body enhancement magic can somewhat bridge that gap, it’s not like I’m the only one who can use it.

If two opponents using comparable body enhancement face off, the difference in base physical abilities becomes a major factor.

No matter how much magical power or strong spells I have, against an opponent who can use equivalent magic while having overwhelmingly superior physical abilities, I’d be at a severe disadvantage.

There are many factors in combat—like technique, equipment, magic compatibility, etc.—so it’s not absolute, but the physical ability gap undoubtedly provides an advantage.

I don’t intend to lose to average opponents, but considering powerhouses like Elba or Sekhmetos, my current state just won’t cut it.

So one method I considered to compensate for the physical gap was to master 'Electric Field'—the ability to sense presences and predict movements.

If I could anticipate my opponent’s moves, I could use their momentum against them.

Exactly what Luva called the "strike after being struck" principle.

"But why did you want to spar with me?"

Seeing my dejected expression, Luva tilted her head curiously.

"Actually, my fight with Elba made me painfully aware of the physical gap between beastfolk and humans. While searching for ways to bridge that gap, I arrived at the 'strike after being struck' concept—right when I witnessed your movements. I thought they’d be very instructive."

"Ah, I see. I understand your feelings, but these movements would be impossible for you, Lord Rid."

"Eh? Why’s that?"

When I asked back, she chuckled.

"Because my movements are only possible through the mousefolk’s 'Lightning Attribute Affinity' enhanced by beastification."

"Ah, is that the same thing birdfolk are good at too?"

Since I named the 'Electric Field' magic after learning it from Aria and others, mentioning it here wouldn’t make sense.

But by referencing what birdfolk excel at, Luva would understand.

As expected, she blinked in slight surprise.

"My, you’re quite knowledgeable, Lord Rid. It’s a bit different but similar. Either way, it requires Lightning Attribute Affinity. If I recall correctly, the Baldia family inherits Fire Attribute Affinity, yes?"

"Y-yes. But hypothetically, if I did have Lightning Attribute Affinity, what then?"

"Eh...?"

Luva’s eyebrows twitched.

This line of questioning basically revealed I possess Lightning Attribute Affinity.

After putting a hand to her mouth in thought, she grinned.

"Well then, if Lord Rid truly has Lightning Attribute Affinity, I could try conveying the sensations of my beastified state. But on one condition."

"A condition? What would that be?"

When I asked warily, her expression softened.

"Nothing difficult. Just that you absolutely must realize the mousefolk study abroad program in Baldia that you mentioned earlier... How about that?"

"Um, is that really all you want?"

"Don’t say it’s 'just that.' Study abroad means Baldia’s techniques and accumulated knowledge could potentially leak. While you might be fine with it, Lord Liner and others would surely oppose. I’m asking if you can push through that opposition to make it happen."

While I was taken aback by the unexpectedly simple condition, Luva also looked exasperated at my reaction.

Her concerns were valid—Baldia’s remarkable development stems from the Baldia family effectively integrating magic studies, industry, and the Christi Merchant Guild.

Study abroad alone wouldn’t allow others to easily replicate that.

Though understanding Baldia’s inner workings could help mousefolk develop, and Father and others might indeed object.

But Baldia’s long-term talent shortage is an even bigger issue.

Perhaps we should actively recruit talented mousefolk to assimilate into Baldia.

'In for a penny, in for a pound,' as they say.

We’ve already done similar with foxfolk study programs, so I have material to persuade Father and others.

…Yeah, it should be manageable.

After quickly considering this, I nodded firmly to Luva.

"Understood. Regarding the study abroad program, I’ll personally convince Father to make it happen."

"Eh...!? You’d really persuade Lord Liner?"

Apparently not expecting immediate agreement, Luva stared wide-eyed in shock.

"Of course. My word is my bond. So please, Lady Luva, I sincerely wish to learn those sensations."

"W-well, alright. But first, as proof of your Lightning Attribute Affinity, could you demonstrate some lightning magic?"

"Nothing easier."

I raised my right arm, fist pointed skyward.

Might as well make it slightly flashy considering future implications.

That should convince Luva of my seriousness.

Quickly channeling and compressing mana, the magic in my fist rebelled as if demanding release.

"...Lord Rid, what are you doing?"

As Luva tilted her head quizzically, I smiled.

"Allow me to demonstrate proof—the basic lightning spell Thunderball."

The moment I released the compressed magic from my fist, a lightning flash and thunderclap erupted, shaking the surrounding air.

Simultaneously, Luva staggered back a step, exclaiming "Wha...!?" in shock.