Otome Game Mob Villain

Chapter 713

"So, you were a squad leader in the Baldia Second Knight Order, weren't you? You're a promising young lass."

"Hah... Hah..."

Right now, I'm in the training grounds inside the clan chief's mansion – the same place where Johann and I sparred last night. Surrounding us are my guards, Capella and Tink, along with Chris, Emma, and Johann himself.

In the center of the training grounds, Sekmetos grins fearlessly, while Mia, a Beastman from the Second Knight Order, glares at her with sharp eyes. Having been thrown to the ground multiple times, Mia's face and uniform are covered in sand.

Shortly after returning from our visit to the Beastman territory, we were guided to this training ground to receive an explanation about the 'Beastman Beast Transformation' from Sekmetos and Tabal. However, the content was almost identical to what I had heard from Luva.

* * *

*'It'll be faster to teach by doing. Now then, Lord Ridd. Who should I teach?'**'Thank you. Then let me introduce her.'*

*'...It's a pleasure to meet you. I am Mia, squad leader of the Fifth Squad of the Baldia Second Knight Order. Please take care of me.'*

Prompted by me, Mia introduced herself politely, her usual roughness completely hidden. She looked like a scolded cat, but I was relieved by her polite response... although, in reality, Mia was just putting on an act.

When Sekmetos and Mia moved to the center of the training ground and the session began, Mia, now transformed with grey fur, glared sharply.

*'Sekmetos Bestia, Clan Chief of the Beastman Tribe. I've wanted to punch that face of yours once.'**'Oh? Quite spirited, aren't you? Well then, give it a try.'**'Shut up!'*

Given her past of being sold off by slave traders, it seemed Mia didn't think highly of Sekmetos, the clan chief.

*'M-Mia?! What are you saying?'*

While I panicked, Tabal and Johann burst out laughing.

*'Fufu, don't worry, Lord Ridd. Sek doesn't dislike those who come at her like that.'**'That's right, Ridd. Mother actually enjoys characters like that; she finds them more rewarding to train.'**'I-is that so? Well, if you say so...'*

Ignoring our concerns, Mia lunged at Sekmetos. However, Sekmetos, without even transforming, calmly dodged the strike, grabbed Mia's arm, and smoothly used a throwing technique to slam her back-first into the ground.

*'Gah...?!'**'What's wrong? For all your spirit, is this all you've got?'**'Guh...'*

As dust swirled, Sekmetos grinned fearlessly. Mia gritted her teeth, jumped up, and created distance.

*'Don't screw with me! I haven't lost yet!'**'That's the spirit, I'd say.'*

Scoffing, Mia charged at Sekmetos again.

* * *

Some time has passed since then, leading to the present, but the difference in their abilities was overwhelming. Sekmetos had barely moved from her initial spot, wasn't out of breath, and hadn't broken a sweat. Moreover, Sekmetos had only used her right hand during the entire exchange with Mia.

Mia's skills, as a squad leader in the Second Knight Order, are by no means low. She may not match Dainas, the captain of the Baldia First Knight Order, or his vice-captain Rubens, but she possesses strength close to that of an average adult knight. And an 'average knight' in the Baldia Knight Order is far more capable than your average mercenary or adventurer. An ordinary person without combat training would have almost no chance of beating Mia, regardless of race.

To handle someone of Mia's caliber using only one hand, without even moving her feet... even Dainas or Rubens would find that difficult.

"Well now, I'm sufficiently warmed up. It's time to teach you about the main subject: Beast Transformation.""Ah, the main subject, you say?"

Mia glared, but Sekmetos grinned."Your name was Mia, right? In your case, that fighting spirit of yours should be the trigger to advance your Beast Transformation to the next stage.""Fighting spirit...? A trigger...?"

Seeing Mia furrow her brow and tilt her head in confusion, I cleared my throat."Lady Sekmetos, could you please explain in a bit more detail?""...I suppose. Lord Ridd, have you heard that mana often responds to strong emotions?""Yes, I am quite familiar with that."

Familiar? I've experienced it numerous times in various battles."It's the same. Beast Transformation is also a type of magic, after all.""I see..."

As I nodded, Tabal, standing nearby, cleared his throat and narrowed his eyes."However, Beast Transformation reacts more readily to specific emotions.""Specific emotions?""Yes, it's said to react more easily to strong emotions linked to a desire to win or a refusal to lose—combative emotions.""Strong emotions linked to a combative spirit... So, does that mean it would also react more easily in situations where one cannot afford to lose, like protecting their country or family?"

When I asked in return, Tabal nodded."Yes. If the user is cornered in a situation where they have much to bear, it should react more readily. Zubera is united now, but in the past, conflicts between beastman tribes and with other countries were constant. Perhaps due to this history, Beast Transformation became more responsive to strong emotions tied to a combative spirit.""Well, there are exceptions, though."

As Tabal finished his explanation, Sekmetos shrugged, drawing everyone's attention to her."Lady Sekmetos, what do you mean by that?"

When Amon asked, she grinned fearlessly and looked at Johann."It's true that Beast Transformation reacts more easily to strong, combative emotions. However, there are also those with an innate talent who can handle Beast Transformation intuitively. Like my child, Johann.""Eh...?"

At Sekmetos's words, everyone's eyes widened and turned to Johann. But the person in question looked utterly bewildered."Um, Mother. This is the first I'm hearing of this.""Naturally, since I just mentioned it now."

She stated this as if it were obvious, then began laughing loudly."Johann reached the stage called 'Lion' in one go due to his innate talent. Of course, effort played a part, but one could say the proportion of talent is significant. Lately, he'd hit a wall, but it seems he recently found an opportunity to overcome that wall, thanks to someone."

Sekmetos narrowed her eyes meaningfully and looked in my direction.

Recently... The only thing that comes to mind is last night. The change in fur color that occurred during Johann's Beast Transformation in our spar. That must have been the next stage of Beast Transformation, drawn out by his 'combative spirit.' Which means, when Johann fights on the stage of the Beast King Tournament, he will be even stronger than he is now.

"Ah, ahaha..."

I smiled wryly, scratching my cheek in embarrassment. Sekmetos's gaze then shifted to Johann."Until now, I kept it hidden so he wouldn't become conceited about his talent. But facing one's own talent is also important when aiming for greater strength. I told you now because it seemed a good opportunity.""Y-yes. Thank you, Mother."

Johann bowed happily, and a faint smile appeared on Sekmetos's face. Her expression closely resembled the faces my father and mother sometimes show me.

"Now then, the explanation is over."

Saying this, Sekmetos fixed her gaze on Mia, standing in front of her."You seem to have some talent, but not as much as my son Johann.""...?! Don't mess with me!"

Mia lunged with a furious expression, but Sekmetos lightly dodged and pinned her down with one hand."Gwah?!"

"Don't be hasty; I'm not finished speaking. If you seek greater strength and want to master Beast Transformation, you have no choice but to draw out more of that 'combative spirit' of yours.""You... damn bastard...?!"

Even while pinned down, Mia glared sideways. Her competitiveness and rebellious spirit are formidable, and she's not the type to give up easily, so she'll probably be fine. However, my inner feelings were troubled for a different reason.

Even though Tabal and Johann said not to worry, the other party is a king of a nation. And Mia has been hurling abuse at her this whole time. I did emphasize beforehand 'not to use abusive language.'

"'I'm a damn bastard,' huh? You're still a foul-mouthed girl... Lord Ridd."

Sekmetos snorted and looked my way."Y-yes? What is it?""I'll say this for the record. Regarding my interactions with this girl here, I will consider everything off the record, so rest easy.""Ah, thank you. I deeply appreciate your consideration, Lady Sekmetos."

I bowed slightly. Sekmetos relaxed the corners of her mouth into a grin and added, "However.""Since it's off the record, I won't tolerate any interference regarding how I instruct this girl.""Eh, but, that's..."

Told not to interfere, I grew worried and looked at Mia. Then she let out a scoffing laugh."Lord Ridd, don't worry about it. You think I'd give up over something like this?"

As Mia laughed provocatively, Sekmetos looked delighted, showing her white fangs."That's settled then. It wouldn't be interesting otherwise. Well then, I'll get a little serious too."

The next moment, a tremendous wave of mana erupted from the center of the training ground, swirling into a gust of wind. Bracing myself to avoid being blown away, I looked ahead to see Sekmetos now covered in silver fur, with a mane growing around her entire neck, and her hair transformed into tough, bristly strands standing on end.

Her form was both fierce and somehow beautiful. Her eyes were filled with bloodlust, yet I also sensed a contradictory light resembling benevolence. If there were a goddess of war, she might look like this.

Just as I gulped, the earth cracked, centered around the pinned-down Mia. Sekmetos was applying pressure, seemingly intending to crush Mia."Gaaaaah?!"

"I promised Lord Ridd I'd explain Beast Transformation in more detail. Consider it special that I'm facing you in this form.""Mia...?!"

Startled by her scream echoing through the training grounds, I moved to intervene, but Tabal stopped me, saying, "Please wait."