— EH!
— Are you angry, sea worm?
— Hahahahah!
Evo burst into laughter at the monster staring at him as if he were nothing more than a snack. The instructors beside him, unlike Evo, were completely stunned by the sight of him laughing so freely, and began forming all sorts of absurd theories.
— Did he get so scared that he started laughing?
One of the instructors asked.
— Maybe fear finally drove him insane.
The other replied.
Seeing her companions whisper about Evo's laughter, Elizabeth formed another thought—one that sent a slight chill down her spine.
— Is he enjoying this?
She wondered.
— Is he really having fun?
She narrowed her eyes at Evo and decided to confront him.
— Evo, why are you just standing there? It's dangerous!
Evo turned toward where Elizabeth was standing and calmly reassured her.
— It's fine, Eli. Are you really worried about a monster like this?
— Hahahaha!
He laughed cheerfully as he turned his attention back to the serpent, which looked at the human smiling at it in an irritating way.
ARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRG!
— Get back! It's going to attack!
Evo shouted as the serpent lunged toward them.
Everyone jumped backward, distancing themselves from where they had been standing.
BUMMMMMMMMMMMMM!
The impact of the serpent crashing into the ship's structure sent heavy waves of destruction outward. The vessel rocked violently, as if it might capsize at any moment.
Evo activated the "Eyes of Pride" and began analyzing the sea monster.
[ Analysis Result ]
Name: Sea Serpent
Race: Serpent
Level: 284
Weakness: Head / Eyes
Description: A Sea Serpent, also known as the Calamity of the Seas. A creature that dwells in the ocean depths, where it builds its nest and spends most of its time resting upon it. It is said that the Sea Serpent is a distant relative of the Ancient Entity "The Original Sin of Envy: Leviathan."
— Eh… it's fairly strong, but still manageable.
— And besides that!
Evo turned his gaze to the elf and quickly activated the Eyes of Pride again.
Name: Elizabeth Eldavorn
Age: 322
Race: High Elf
Level: 734
Element: Neutral
Abilities: Spirit Control / Fairy Summoning
Authority: None
— Eldavorn?
— Why does the instructor have the surname of the royal family of the Elven Empire?
Evo was stunned by the discovery. Elizabeth had never mentioned her surname at the academy—now the reason was clear.
— She's royalty of the Elven Empire?
— Then why is she working at the academy as an instructor?
— Well… — Evo shrugged.
— I'll think about that later. I've already seen her level—killing that serpent will be easy.
— But there's something else that caught my attention.
Evo turned back to the serpent's information and reread the description.
— Leviathan?
— Isn't Leviathan that legendary serpent from Earth's myths and legends?
— I keep finding names tied to myths from my old world here… is this just a coincidence, or is there something more?
He scratched his chin as the serpent raised its massive head, still marked by its collision with the ship's iron structure.
— I'd better leave these questions for later.
Evo then turned to Elizabeth and called out to her.
— My adorable instructor, can you kill that monster with a single strike if I hold it off for a while?
Elizabeth, slightly embarrassed by the way Evo addressed her, narrowed her eyes suspiciously.
— How do you plan on holding a monster that huge by yourself?
Evo met her gaze and flashed an arrogant smile.
— Don't worry about that. Just answer me.
— Can you do it or not?
She wanted to argue, but there was no time. The monster would attack again and cause even more damage. With no other choice, she nodded.
— Hm.
— Yes, I can. I only need ten seconds.
Evo smiled, satisfied with her answer, and turned toward the monster as it charged once more.
— Evo! What are you doing just standing there?! Get out of the way!
Elizabeth panicked. Evo remained where he was as the creature advanced with overwhelming force. Its movements generated massive waves, making the ship sway violently.
The students inside the ship were tossed around like dolls. Some had to cling to anything they could just to avoid being thrown aside.
Back outside—
ARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRG!
The monster roared, promising to tear apart and devour that insolent human.
— Elizabeth, don't worry—start preparing the spell. Now!
Evo ordered. With nowhere else to turn, the elf began the incantation.
— Spirit of Lightning!
She proclaimed loudly, spreading her arms wide. A magic circle appeared beneath her feet, shining brilliantly as sparks of electricity burst from it.
Moments later, a silver eagle made of lightning—large enough to rival a car—appeared above her head, floating majestically.
— Spirit of Thunder!
— Magic Activation!
— World-Piercing Lightning Lance!
Elizabeth declared fearlessly. The eagle released a roar filled with splendor.
GIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIAK!
Watching the elf prepare her magic, Evo smiled. From that silver eagle radiated an ancient power that made his skin tingle.
— This is how it should be!
He nodded in satisfaction as the monster drew closer. Even while casting, Elizabeth couldn't take her eyes off Evo—her concern burning hotter the nearer the serpent came.
— Evooooo!
She cried out, but once again, that calm and prideful voice soothed her heart.
— I already told you—calm down. Don't you trust me?
Evo turned toward the creature, now only three meters away.
— "Temporal Lock."
He murmured softly.
The serpent, less than a meter away, froze violently in place, shockwaves bursting outward and sending debris flying.
Its massive body was completely locked, face to face with Evo, who wore a twisted smile as he enjoyed the monster's expression of frustration.
— Bye-bye, my friend.
— It was a pleasure meeting you!
Evo stepped away from the beast and stood beside Elizabeth. Still in disbelief at what she had just witnessed, she finally completed the spell.
The eagle's body shone intensely, wrapped in crackling lightning. Its form was barely visible anymore. The pressure it exerted was immense—even Evo could feel the weight of that attack.
— Power of penetration…
Evo murmured. The elf nodded, understanding his words.
— So you knew, huh?
Evo simply shrugged.
— I'm quite sensitive to spells and magic.
— But setting that aside, you'd better attack now. I can hold it for five more seconds.
The elf nodded and gave the command.
— GO!
The eagle shot forward like a bolt of lightning toward the monster's head, which writhed desperately, trying to break free from the ability.
The spirit left only trails of light in the air.
TUMM!
There was no deafening explosion. The sound was hollow and muted… yet the damage was catastrophic.
The entire upper portion of the monster simply… vanished.
As if it had been erased from existence.
It was a terrifying display of just how lethal the power of penetration truly was. Blood splashed across part of the ship and stained the once-clear seawater.
The headless carcass slammed into the side of the ship and remained there, motionless, blood slowly flowing.
Evo watched the scene with satisfaction and gently ran his hand through the elf's hair.
— Good work, Instructor. Your attack was incredible.
Elizabeth turned toward him. Evo was smiling softly as his fingers brushed through her hair. She wanted to step away… yet at the same time, she didn't want to.
In truth, she was enjoying it.
In the end, she let it be.
— Ah… to hell with it.
She shrugged and smiled back at him.