Chapter 56: The Knight hates exams (3)
Troll.
The creature, also called a "man-eating demon," is said to have once been a guardian of the forest before its fall from grace. According to legend, this guardian was betrayed by humans and fused with the rocks, transforming into a monster that feasts on human flesh. This story, well known in both children's tales and comedic folklore, serves as a reminder for even children to be aware of the violence and threat that trolls pose.
A typical legend about trolls goes as follows:
These monsters were, in every sense of the word, nightmares. The kind of creatures that would have deprived children of their sleep, regardless of their social status.
In reality, the power of the trolls, whose legend has been passed down through generations, was truly terrifying. So much so that an entire knightly order would need to mobilize to defeat one, and even then, sacrifices might still be made. Thus, trolls ruled as the nightmares of warriors.
However, the immense value of a troll's heart and blood could make even such nightmares worth forgetting.
It is said that consuming troll blood can heal almost any disease and wound, while eating a troll’s heart offers numerous effects, including extending one’s lifespan.
Of course, if consumed without proper refining, it would be fatal.
In any case, a troll appearing in the forests or mountains near an estate was considered a treasure that had to be hunted down at any cost. Even if sacrifices were required, a successful hunt promised unimaginable rewards.