One of the most iconic mythical creatures, the unicorn.
Although classified as a monster, unlike typical hybrids that blindly chase after instincts, enjoying indiscriminate slaughter, unicorns aren’t like that.
They have their own set of rules, and they tend to be quite docile. Treating them the same way as other monsters is a misconception.
The term ‘monster’ itself is something humans have created.
[Does this happen often?]
“It’s rare, but it’s not unheard of.”
[I see.]
But they can have a bit of a temper. Sometimes they’re calm, but at other times, they show their ferocity.
‘Was that the case?’
Nodding to the researcher’s explanation, I tilted my head inwardly, unsure.
At least the unicorns I’ve encountered have always been calm. I’ve never met one that showed its temper.
Perhaps it’s because my magical affinity matches well with them.
No, if I think about how they went so far to come all the way here... maybe that’s the answer?
‘This is troublesome.’
Whatever the reason, this wasn’t exactly a situation I welcomed.
Originally, I had planned to meet the unicorns quickly before the winter break ceremony and, if possible, bring back a unicorn’s horn.
Not the horn growing from their forehead.
Unicorns shed their horns several times in their lives, and last time when I observed them, I found horns scattered all over the place.
They were scattered around places like the edges of grasslands or corners of thickets, or even neatly piled in the nests that the unicorns built for themselves...
I had already checked that these high-quality materials would be scattered around outside, ready for collection.
I was planning to ask for permission from the unicorns and take a few, but...
‘Their nerves are sensitive, so getting close is tricky.’
Stealthily sneaking in to grab a horn? It’s not that hard, but I didn’t want to steal from the unicorns.
By the way, the horn I created through assimilation eventually disappeared.
Cutting it was an ordeal. When I brought the sword close to it, it felt like I was thrusting the sword into a sensitive area, and my body shuddered.
The emotional impact was strong, and tears almost came out... After managing to cut it off, it scattered soon after.
I guess the organs I created through assimilation vanish when detached from me.
‘What should I do... Should I just ask for a few horns from the research facility? Or maybe from the Bigo...’
“Actually, I was planning to contact you regarding this matter.”
[Huh?]
My train of thought was interrupted by the researcher’s words.
...
[Are you talking about me?]
“Yes, I suppose you could call it a request.”
Following the researcher’s lead, I arrived at the research facility and entered a waiting room.
On the sofa across from me sat Professor Alida, who taught the ‘Monster Training and Response’ course during the second semester.
“While unicorns are known to have temperamental moments, they’ve never been as violent or as widespread as yesterday’s incident.”
Professor Alida shook her head as she set a coffee cup in front of me.
“Even with their sensitive and prickly nature, this kind of behavior hasn’t been seen, so of course, an investigation and study are required...”
[You need to do that?]
“Even though the grumpy unicorns didn’t like it, they ended up chasing away visitors.”
This was the answer I expected. After all, temperamental unicorns have no reason to entertain visitors.
“I don’t expect anything grand. Just using your detection abilities to check on the unicorns’ condition from a distance and gather data would suffice. That’s all we need.”
I nodded in agreement, yet I voiced a question.
[But why me?]
“Even if the unicorns became temperamental, I thought you, Ha-yul, might be an exception.”
As I asked, Professor Alida sipped her coffee and shrugged her shoulders.
“Remember that first class of the semester? The day a unicorn suddenly barged in during the lecture?”
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[...Yes.]
A feeling of unease spread across my face.
It was the commotion widely known as the ‘Unicorn Student Kidnapping Incident.’ Normally, it would be just another incident, but I couldn’t laugh because I was involved.
“They’re usually docile, but someone as kind as you, Ha-yul, actually tried to take one and care for it. That’s unprecedented.”
[...I see.]
“And even if the unicorns threaten with their horns, someone of your skill would have no trouble getting out of the situation.”
Professor Alida took another sip of her coffee.
“Yes, that’s why I was wondering if you’d be willing to check on them before the break. I was about to contact you, but I’m glad you came to me first.”
She smiled and drank her coffee with a chuckle.
I paused, considering my response. Was there any reason to refuse? After a moment of thought, I decided there was no harm, even if I didn’t get paid.
[Yes, I’ll accept. Can I set my own compensation?]
“Of course! I’ll make sure it’s generous!”
Professor Alida’s expression lit up with joy at my response. She seemed eager for me to gather the data.
[As for other details, could I take a few horns that I find in the area? Of course, only if the unicorns allow it.]
“Huh? Will that be enough for you? But unicorns rarely just hand over their horns...”
Professor Alida’s voice trailed off as she seemed unsure.
“Maybe... they might?”
Her eyes, filled with confusion, glimmered with strange emotion.
The request was confirmed.
...
The unicorns’ designated area was vast.
Since they’re equine creatures, it made sense that they would prefer to roam freely, jumping across large distances.
But I had already traveled the route, so I made my way straight to the area where their nests were concentrated, without any detours.
[Hmm...]
I walked calmly, with a strange expression.
A long, expansive green field. Occasionally, I observed raised hills and oddly shaped trees.
...And, strangely, there were signs of damage.
I crouched and gently stroked the inside of a hole that was close to my feet.
It seemed like an explosion had hit, but I deduced it was from some kicks.
There were several such holes, most of which were caused by kicking, and they had only appeared recently.
The long trench marks looked like the effects of a magical cannon.
‘Is this all from their temper tantrums?’
I hesitated, touching the traces, wondering if these marks might have left bodies behind if they had been human.
Professor Alida had sent me here, hoping the unicorns would welcome me, but if they’re this violent, I was worried I might get kicked as well...
But at this point, I couldn’t turn back. I was confident that a few kicks wouldn’t cause any serious harm.
I dusted myself off and resumed walking.
If I just kept walking aimlessly, I’d waste a lot of time, so I started picking up the pace by occasionally kicking the ground.
Before long, I arrived near the nests. I could clearly sense the clean magical energy.
Most of the unicorns were sprawled out on the ground.
They looked similar to the unicorns I met in the past, but there was something different. Back then, they seemed to be enjoying themselves, but now, they looked worn out, like something had been burned out of them.
“......”
There was one unicorn that was different.
The loud sound of its hooves rang in my ears. The intense aura made my expression stiffen.
The ground shattered under the harsh kick.
Its long legs, even without magical energy, were fierce enough to snap almost any weapon.
The unicorn snorted fiercely and shook its head. Dust flew up from the freshly made hole at its feet.
‘Should I just leave?’
Feeling the aggression firsthand, I doubted I would be welcomed here.
[Ah.]
The moment I stepped back instinctively, I locked eyes with the unicorn, which was crushing a stone into a pancake-like shape.
[Uh... hello?]
The unicorn, with its eyes filled with strange fury, glared at me.
As I released the hidden aura that I had kept under wraps, the other unicorns raised their heads in unison.
Their eyes all turned toward me.
With a clatter... The unicorn that had been making pancakes out of the stone approached me like their representative.
The unicorn lowered its head near mine, sniffing around as if it were checking something.
For a moment, I considered fleeing, but since there was no malice, I stood still and awkwardly stayed put.
[Whew...]
The unicorn, as if confirming my thoughts, rubbed its head against mine. I sighed in relief and gently petted the unicorn.
[Hello, it’s been a while.]
Perhaps because the representative had finished checking, the other unicorns began to approach, one by one, rubbing their heads against me.
Some skillfully moved their horns aside to nudge me with their heads, while others playfully poked me with their horns.
Despite their horns being sharper than most swords, not a single piece of my clothing was harmed when they poked me.
Their friendly gestures wiped away my worries, and I smiled as I sat down on the ground.
‘They seem fine, but what made them so angry earlier?’
I petted each unicorn as they came closer, tilting my head in confusion.
I also checked them through observation, but nothing seemed out of the ordinary.
When I observed the area, I couldn’t find any unusual phenomena either.
I didn’t have much to report, but maybe that’s a good sign that nothing serious happened.
So why were these usually gentle creatures so angry earlier?
When I gently nudged a unicorn to make room, it obediently stepped aside.
[Ah, it’s been a while. You’re so sweet...]
While I was thinking of what to write in my report, an unexpected visitor approached.
It was the baby unicorn I had napped with earlier.
The little one rubbed its head against me, and after I petted it a few times, it seemed satisfied and stepped back.
Then it suddenly buried its head in the ground and started nibbling on the grass.
‘Ah.’
As I watched it, an idea came to mind.
[Just a moment.]
I stepped back from the gathering unicorns, got up, and reached into my spatial pouch.
‘Got it.’
Amid curious eyes, I grabbed a handful of something.
It was carrot seeds. I gently dug up the earth with my toes and planted the seeds in the soil, covering them afterward.
Of course, just planting the seeds wouldn’t make them grow automatically.
Farming is never easy, and a single misstep could ruin an entire crop.
‘Manifestation, Assimilation, Taesan.’
But there are always ways.
The moment I mimicked Taesan, my senses expanded through the connection to the ground.
It meant I had established control. Using that authority, I manipulated the soil, drawing a bit of energy and vitality, and infused it into the carrot seeds.
Then, the seeds trembled and sprouted like they were alive. The growth was accelerated, and the changes in taste and nutrition were adjusted through the influence of Taesan.
‘Manifestation, Assimilation, Changhae.’
I added Changhae’s influence too. Water from the Sea of Changhae flowed over the soil, and the seeds, nourished by it, became even more vibrant.
Within minutes, carrot leaves sprouted above the ground.
I manipulated the soil and pulled up the carrots, holding them in my hands.
‘Oh.’
They looked exceptional.
Large, with vibrant, vivid colors and healthy, green leaves.
These carrots, grown with Taesan and Changhae, were packed with nutrients.
Before I knew it, the unicorns’ eyes weren’t just filled with curiosity, but anticipation.
[Here, you go.]
Chuckling, I offered the carrot to the baby unicorn right in front of me. It immediately took the carrot with a wag of its tail.
After a brief nibble, the baby unicorn’s eyes sparkled, and its chewing quickened.
[Looks like it tastes good. Everyone, come and eat.]
I nodded in relief, and one by one, the unicorns started to devour the pile of carrots.
Their eyes sparkled with joy as they ate, making the scene even cuter. It made me feel quite satisfied.
I petted the unicorn near me, who was munching on the carrot.
[Should I make more for you next time?]
Of course, only if I have the time, but visiting them occasionally might be nice.
Chuckling, I gently caressed the long, pure white horn that was now in my hand.
It was the horn of a unicorn, radiating pure energy.
The next day.
Right after waking up, I blinked as I sensed something with my awareness, then stepped outside the mansion.
Not in the garden, but in a quiet, secluded area where a grassy field stretched out.
[...What are you doing here?]
In the middle of it, I found a baby unicorn sprawled out, its head cocked innocently at my question.