The Forest Race Clonne

Chapter 39

The distance between us closed quickly. I took a few hesitant steps back, but there was nowhere left to retreat. A cold hand lightly gripped my neck.

“So, it’s best if you answer truthfully. Where is the Clonne now?”

“…”

From persuasion to threats—the pattern was so typical that it didn’t surprise me. He likely never intended to let me live from the start. Expecting this, I was unfazed.

“My companions didn’t trust you either, it seems.”

“…What do you mean?”

“When we tested the medicine and solution, we used it on animals as well. I even tested it myself with lye. The acidic substance neutralized and turned into plain water. I only included the clinical trial results in the report.”

“…!”

“So the premise that we survived because we took the antidote beforehand is flawed.”

Taron’s face twisted rapidly. I hadn’t meant to provoke him, but it couldn’t be helped. Being compliant wouldn’t improve the situation.

“Oh, and,” I continued quickly, “it’s better not to move at night. Humans don’t have eyes that glow like yours.”

“…What did you say?”

“That’s somewhat fortunate. I thought there was no way to distinguish you while you were disguised as a human. Turns out your eyes give you away.”

Come to think of it, the eyes were said to be a weak point too.

His eyes, which had been glowing like those of a beast, slowly blinked. Then, finally comprehending my words, a fierce energy surged. The grip on my neck tightened. My face contorted from the constricting sensation.

“…Since when did you know?”

His low voice growled.

“Since you were burned by the solution. What else could harm you but something beneficial to humans?”

“Haha, so you were playing me?”

“I just returned the favor.”

Some of my companions must have suspected something. The situation was so contrived that it would naturally raise suspicions. By now, Taron might very well be under investigation.

“Delaying will only expose you. Are you okay with that?”

“…”

Taron, who had been glaring at me with icy eyes, suddenly chuckled.

“Fine, I underestimated humans. But you don’t make sense. Knowing my true identity, shouldn’t you be more submissive? You must know what’s going to happen to you now.”

A cold pain surged from my neck as his grip tightened further, his nails digging in deeply, likely from anger.

‘Perfect.’

This was the moment I had been waiting for.

“Argh!”

Taron screamed suddenly, releasing his grip in a hurry. At last, I could breathe again, coughing as the trapped air escaped my lungs. The smell of burning flesh filled the air. Taron stared in disbelief at his sizzling hand, then at my bleeding neck.

“Incredible. So it wasn’t the herb gatherer, but you who are the Clonne?”

“…It’s unfortunate you realized too late.”

Now, what comes next?

Although I had avoided immediate strangulation, the next step was the challenge. I looked for possible escape routes but found none in the cramped cell.

“Hahahaha! This is truly astounding! I never suspected a Clonne that smells so much like a human!”

Whether out of rage or shock, Taron’s body shook as he burst into loud laughter. His eyes, now glaring and wide with madness, revealed a deep intensity.

“This makes things much easier.”

His bulk expanded rapidly. His pupils, which had been scattering light, contracted and sharpened. As his mouth stretched wide, his teeth transformed into sharp points. His once pale skin morphed into a texture resembling crocodile hide.

It was as if a monster had burst forth from within his human facade. Even knowing the truth, my breath caught in my throat. Taron’s eyes crinkled with delight at my reaction.

“You’ll die by my hand!”

He shouted, lunging at me. I instinctively dodged, hearing a grinding crash as Taron’s elongated, hook-like claws embedded themselves in the wall where I had just stood. A shiver ran down my spine as I realized how narrowly I had avoided being impaled.

“You’ve got better reflexes than I thought.”

He chuckled, pulling his claws free. His tone was dripping with amusement. He had clearly sensed that I lacked any significant combat abilities.

“Now, let’s see how long you can hold out.”

He launched another attack. He was too fast, and the restricted space left me little room to maneuver. By the time I realized it, I had been thrown hard onto the floor. A force pressed me down and then sparks exploded in my vision.

“…!”

Pain flared from my shoulder. Taron’s claws had dug in mercilessly. The agony was so intense that I couldn’t even scream. As I trembled, Taron looked down at me leisurely from above.

“Oh dear, does it hurt? I suppose bleeding like this must hurt a lot.”

His claws dug deeper. The sensation of my arm being torn apart racked my body with pain, leaving me gasping. Tears began to blur my vision.

“But it’s a pity, really. If only this were blood I could consume, it would be much better. Sadly, Clonne blood is useless to us. The scent is so wonderful, but it’s a shame we can’t drink it. Truly unfortunate the more I think about it.”

‘Look who’s talking.’

As if he felt more disappointed than I did, the one who couldn’t drink it.

Even while panting, my teeth clenched tightly. I knew I wouldn’t last long, but the difference in strength was stark. My whole body felt as though it were crushed under a boulder. Those cursed claws remained unscathed despite coming into contact with my blood.

‘But why isn’t anyone coming despite all this noise?’

It was the most isolated solitary cell, but the guards wouldn’t have completely abandoned their post. They should have noticed something by now, yet it was eerily quiet.

“Don’t expect anyone to come to your rescue. The humans outside won’t see what’s happening here. I’ve set up a barrier.”

As if reading my thoughts, Taron added unnecessary information. His snickering laughter made my face twist in irritation.

“…Barrier?”

“It’s one of our tricks. Of course, not just anyone can do it.”

Monsters like him could even cast protective barriers. It was a sound that made me want to sigh deeply.

“So feel free to scream. It’s better to express pain. Holding it in isn’t good for you. I particularly enjoy these moments—especially when someone refined like you can’t hide their suffering and screams. It’s electrifying.”

“Crazy… bastard…”

“Pardon me; I’m just deeply fascinated by the conquest of prey. It’s a relatable feeling for any hunter, wouldn’t you agree?”

He must have let his guard down while talking, as the pressure on me eased. Taking advantage of the moment, I lifted my hand and gripped his razor-sharp claw firmly. Thinking I was trying to pull it out, Taron smiled as if daring me to try. Naturally, it didn’t budge, and my palm was deeply cut.

“Haha, futile resistance…”

But when I reached out with my injured hand, his smile vanished. “Argh!” Taron screamed and recoiled as soon as I grabbed his wrist. Though the sudden removal of his claws made me dizzy, I quickly got up and put some distance between us.

“Haha, you really live up to being a Clonne. Using such a counterattack.”

Taron glared at me with fierce eyes, clutching his burned wrist. He had shattered my shoulder, yet he exaggerated his burn as if it were a massive injury.

“Right. It’s quite effective. I wonder what effect it would have if I splashed it on you.”

Since the blood from my palm wasn’t enough, I soaked my hand with the blood flowing from my shoulder. Speed and strength were not on my side; resistance seemed futile. But exploiting a fleeting opportunity was still possible.

“Next, I’ll aim for your eyes.”

Taron flinched, trying to calm his excitement with deep breaths. A twisted smile appeared on his crooked face.

“I treated you gently thinking you were a young Clonne, but it seems my kindness was misplaced. Apparently, benevolence doesn’t always yield gratitude.”

“…”

“Fine. I had planned to amuse myself with you a bit longer, but you’ve made me cautious. No need to prolong this—I’ll kill you right now.”

In the next moment, his demeanor shifted completely. His eyes began to shine unnaturally, and a chilling aura emanated from him. My body involuntarily started to shiver uncontrollably. Try as I might to move, I felt as if I were paralyzed.

‘Never look directly into their eyes.’

A warning from Semeion surfaced in my memory. But before I could avert my gaze, Taron’s claws swung faster.

‘…I’m going to die!’

I instinctively knew. This was an unavoidable attack. I held my breath without even realizing it.

Shriiiiek―

“……!”

A high-pitched sound resonated from somewhere, followed abruptly by a strong gust of wind.

“Ugh! Arghhhh!”

Then came a deafening scream.

When I opened my eyes, a bright swirl of light enveloped the surroundings. Taron was wrapped within it, writhing on the floor in agony. I instinctively touched my own throat. Thankfully, it was intact.

‘Am I… alive?’

The tension in me dissipated all at once. My legs strained to hold me up as I resisted the urge to collapse. Now I could take a closer look at Taron’s situation. Upon examination, the luminous swirl seemed to be burning his skin wherever it touched. It clung particularly to his face, blistering his flesh.