Chapter 57: Got caught
Owen kept his round slime form still as he peeked through a fold in the bag above the carriage, eyes narrowing as he noticed something strange.
"...Is he... sleeping?" he whispered, looking at Axelius.
Axelius was tucked under the travel bag, eyes closed, breathing soft and steady, like someone who hadn’t just committed to a secret mission.
Owen’s slime body quivered in disbelief. "What the?! You’re seriously asleep already?! We just got here!"
But no matter how many times he waved a tendril near his face or whispered complaints, Axelius didn’t move. He let out a sigh and turned back to watch what was happening below.
Inside the carriage, Seraphina sat with her arms crossed, staring out the window. Across from her sat two girls and two boys, all looking around the same age—around fifteen or sixteen—with elegant posture and well-maintained clothes. They all looked like they came from noble houses, the kind that had their family crest sewn into the sleeves.
"So," said one of the boys, who had short dark hair and a bored expression. "We’re really doing this, huh?"
The girl beside him nodded. She had reddish-brown hair tied in a low braid and held a leather-bound book in her lap. "We have to," she replied. "It’s for the Academy evaluation. Each team has to present a subjugated monster and give a report. Either a live one or its core. If we fail to catch anything, we’ll be at the bottom of the rankings."
Seraphina didn’t say a word but gave a small nod, as if confirming she already knew.
The second boy chuckled, adjusting his gloves. "Tch. So basically, a fancy monster show-and-tell."
"Don’t take it lightly," the second girl said sharply. "The professors will judge based on control, capture method, and teamwork. It’s not just about power."