Extra Pages: The Author's Odyssey-Chapter 28: Artificial Monster [ 2 ]

What is an Artificial Monster?

Let me tell you, Artificial Monsters is a weaker version of their true self, their mana core is created by this Advanced technology Etheria has.

Mana core can't be created no matter what you try, it's impossible to do.

So how are humans able to do that? , the answer is simple.

They killed the monster and took their mana core with that monster gen tissue.

To create it.

That's all I wrote about it. Also, I don't know the whole process they do.

I'm not a Scientist. If I was I'm sure I'm giving you a boring lecture right now.

Let's take the joke aside for a moment.

Also, some might of you asked why create Artificial Monsters in the first place.

Well that I can tell you.

You see, when Nova Academy was first established, there were quite a few casualties among cadets who had to face real monsters during their time here, especially during exams that required them to engage with these creatures.

To address this problem, humans sought assistance from two distinct groups: the Elves, who are closely attuned to nature, and the Drawers, whose technological prowess surpasses our own.

Together, these two races helped create what we now know as Artificial monsters, often referred to as [the Anti-monster].

These Artificial monsters serve as replicas of real monsters, designed to be weaker and more manageable than their natural counterparts.

They're essentially duplicates or simulations that allow cadets to gain valuable combat experience without the life-threatening risks posed by actual monsters.

Let's take an example. One of the creatures they attempted to replicate was the fearsome Fire Drake.

The Fire Drake is known for its destructive fire-breathing abilities and immense strength. In its natural state, it's a Rank D monster, which would be far too dangerous for cadets to face in real combat.

So, with the help of the Elves' understanding of nature and the Drawers' advanced technology, they created an Artificial Fire Drake.

This replica retained the appearance and some of the abilities of the original Fire Drake but was intentionally weakened to a Rank E level.

It could still breathe fire, but the intensity was significantly reduced, and its physical strength was also scaled down to make it a suitable training opponent for cadets.

In essence, these Artificial monsters provide a safe yet challenging environment for cadets to hone their combat skills without the life-or-death stakes of facing real monsters.

Also, it is not easy to make one, it takes numerous experiments to create one.

There are only 500 or so artificial monsters From G to E rank and some D rank that's all.

"Cadet Lucas what are you doing mopping around here go to Hunting Field right now."

She snaps me out of my thoughts.

"Yes, mam." Seriously what the heck happened to Lillian today?

I tried to think of reasons for her sudden mood changes.

'Hmm Ah,' my eyes winded at the sudden revelation that came to my mind.

Is she in her period?

No way, bad thought Lucas, Bad thoughts.

"Lucas, why are you still here?" Women, can't you see that I'm in deep thought right now?

Well, that's what I wanted to say.

"Coming mam," I replied as I hurried to walk to the exit.

Maybe she is in her period after all.

And a pretty bad one too.

***

After 20 minutes, everyone from Hero Class 1 gathered at the Hunting Field. With 100 people here, it seemed quite crowded. The cadets were sharing their half-nervous half-excited expectations with their friends, but I was alone.

Only I was alone.

While I was wallowing in loneliness, Miss Lillian, showed up. The cadets immediately stood in ten columns in front of her.

"I'm sure you all know what this lesson is about, so without wasting any time I'll send teams of four via text messages that you'll receive on your smart bracelets. the teams without explanation."

Team formation. The cadets grew restless at the exciting yet nerve-wracking process.

A team consisting of Four members.

"The group you'll be put into will be your 'Team,' and you'll perform group drill exercises together. Once assigned, you'll be part of this unit until graduation. You'll be awarded merit points based on your synergy and comradeship with other members of your group, so get to know each other."

Argh!

Why?

Why does fate love to play such twisted jokes on me?

I mean, I decided to avoid interacting with the main characters when I came here.

How am I supposed to do that now?!

Ding—!

Right when I was in the middle of cursing the universe, the smart bracelet on my wrist rang as a notification popped up on it.

[Team 7

Evelyn Nightshade/ Sunny Black

Lucas Darkheart / Isabella Evergreen ]

Why do I have to be in the same team as Isabelle and Evelyn?

Aren't I an author, Why things can't go my way once in a while?

"Ahhhh damit It must be some kind of butterfly effect," I muttered under my breath, convinced that some sort of butterfly effect was at play.

The announcement of the team formation left me in a state of disbelief.

It was as if fate itself had conspired against me, throwing me into a team with Isabella and Evelyn

Isabella, with her sapphire eyes filled with contempt, momentarily met my gaze.

However, by the time I blinked, her expression had shifted. She approached me with an elegant stride, her hair flowing behind her.

"It's nice to meet you," she greeted, her lips forming a modest smile.

"Ah, um, I..." I stammered, but my response was directed at my thoughts. Isabella had greeted the guy behind me.

"Who's the other person?" she asked.

"It's me," I replied, feeling somewhat invisible.

"Ah, creepy guy," she remarked, seemingly ignoring my name.

"Well, I do have a name," I retorted, slightly annoyed.

"And what is that name?" she inquired as if she hadn't read it on her AI bracelet moments ago.

"This b~" I began but caught myself. Instead, I said, "Lucas."

The guy standing next to me, Sunny, stepped forward. He had the appearance of a typical extra, with short black hair and an unassuming demeanour.

We shook hands.

"Ah, hello, man. I hope you're fine now," he greeted.

"Ah, Sunny, right? Hello, and thank you for the last time," I replied, appreciating his concern.

"It's fine. I did nothing anyone else couldn't have done by taking you to the infirmary," Sunny said with humility.

Then came the most awkward part - interacting with Evelyn.

"Hey, long time no see," I awkwardly remarked, attempting to break the ice.

"Hello," was her curt response. I felt a twinge of discomfort, but I pushed on, greeting Evelyn.

Miss Lillian's stern voice cut through our tentative interactions, reminding us of the task at hand.

"There's no time for chitchat. You should have received the coordinates and information of the [Anti-monster] you'll need to kill on your AI bracelet. Get going!" she commanded.

And so, we were off on our mission, the four of us, assigned to kill the Anti-monster at a specific coordinate. We had to complete our mission quickly and safely to earn a high rank among the teams.

As the announcement ended, Isabella projected her AI bracelet into the air.

The name of the monster and its coordinates appeared on my AI bracelet, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease.

It was named "Frostbite Wolf," and the coordinates pointed to a location deep within the Nova Academy's Forest grounds.

As I contemplated the upcoming mission, Isabella's voice snapped me back to reality.

"Let's go. We can talk while we're moving."

I nodded, though I couldn't help but feel a bit of tension in the air. Evelyn, Sunny, Isabella, and I started moving toward the designated coordinates, each of us with our thoughts.

***

Evelyn, who had been silently walking beside me, finally spoke up, her voice calm and composed.

"So, Lucas, it's been a while since we last talked."

"Yeah, it has," I replied, my voice a bit awkward. "I didn't expect us to be in the same team for this mission."

Evelyn's sapphire eyes briefly met mine, and there was a flicker of something in her gaze. It was hard to read, but it wasn't the same disdain I had seen earlier.

"Life is full of surprises," she said with a nostalgic faint smile, as she remembered the old times. "We should focus on the mission for now."

I couldn't agree more.

As our team moved forward, I couldn't help but wonder about the Anti-monster we were about to face.

With Evelyn's reminder to focus on the mission, I opened my AI bracelet to check the information about the Frostbite Wolf.

[ **Frostbite Wolf [E-] Rank Anti-Monster**

**Strengths:**

1. **Ice Magic:** Frostbite Wolves can emit freezing breath and use ice magic to immobilize their prey.

2. **Enhanced Speed:** They possess remarkable agility, allowing them to close distances quickly.

3. **Pack Mentality:** Frostbite Wolves often hunt in packs, making them formidable in group attacks.

**Weaknesses:**

1. **Fire-Based Attacks:** Fire magic and fire-based weaponry are effective against them.

2. **Limited Range:** Their ice attacks typically have a short range, making them vulnerable at a distance.

3. **Vulnerable to Heat:** Frostbite Wolves are sensitive to heat; high temperatures can weaken them.

**Pack Information:**

Frostbite Wolves usually travel in packs of five to eight members. They coordinate their attacks to overwhelm their prey. ]

After reviewing the information, I relayed it to the rest of Team 7. Armed with this knowledge, we quickened our pace, heading toward our destination with a sense of purpose.