The Beast of the Baskervilles
A... thief? Me?
All traces of joviality had vanished from Henry's face.
Correct. Though you forget the "petty" part.
After all, you didn't even come up with the idea for this research in the first place.
...I have no idea what you're accusing me of.
Fufu... Is that so?
Professor.
Do you know why researching the Hound of the Baskervilles was considered such a heinous sin?
Because it was made from human subjects?
No.
That's what the masses think, but I see it differently.
The original creators didn't take one thing into account.
There was one simple solution that they lacked...
The sheer power to silence all dissenters!!!
Why, that almost sounds like you're threatening to force my lips shut.
Haha...
What, you think I can't?
Just watch me. Me, the third-rate magical scholar that everyone mocked... Me, the disgrace of the Baskerville family! Me, me, ME!
I'll show you that I've succeeded where my so-called genius ancestors failed!
Everyone will see the pinnacle of magicology that eclipses the Hound of the Baskervilles! Behold, the Beast of the Baskervilles!
The beast was set loose.
A massive figure sped through the darkness in the raining night.
The beast jumped over the towering Baskerville mansion with ease and landed on the rooftop.
*Thud!* The whole rooftop quaked. The sound of its landing was soon forgotten as the monster let out a spine-chilling roar that echoed throughout the streets of NOA.
GRAAAAAAAAAH!
Even in face of the beast's soul-piercing roar, the Professor remained calm.
She simply brushed off the raindrops that had splattered onto her when it landed, and stared up at it for a few moments.
Then, she finally opened her lips to...
*Sigh...*
...?
I expected disappointment, yet I still can't help but sigh.
What?
Mr. Henry... No, Henry.
Did you even spare a single glance at the methods and protocols used for this research?
What do you mean?
If you'd done a proper job of reading them even once...
You wouldn't have created this abject failure.
Henry's face twisted at the Professor's barbs.
What the hell are you—
I thought something was off from the beginning, you see.
Those materials you purchased from the black market.
The order in which the experiments were carried out.
And even the characteristics of your failed creations.
The Professor slowly looked over the beast as he spoke.
It all seemed quite familiar.
...
You...
You must have gotten your hands on the Lab Notes for this research.
But those Lab Notes must have been incomplete, I take it?
...!
Ah, now I'm starting to see.
I finally understand why your results were so dismal.
You dare?!
Pathetic. You disgust me.
Your brain was utterly incapable of understanding the true purpose of the original plans.
So all you did was fill in the blanks as you saw fit to.
You didn't consider why the research was conducted.
Instead, you just deluded yourself into thinking that making things bigger, stronger, and more brutal was a sign of progress.
That juvenile mindset is precisely what makes you third-rate to the core.
...Shut up.
SHUT UP!!!
What the hell do you know about my work?!
What do I know, you ask?
A soft smile formed on the Professor's lips as she gazed at the beast.
Well, I know why this research was born to begin with.
After all, the initial architect of this research...
...Was me.
...!
That's why I can say that this is a failure.
My visions for the project, and my objective for the research...
Not a single trace of them remain.
You've gutted my original designs and filled it with the inferiority complex of a third-rate magical scholar.
What?
I don't think I can't put up with your revolting creation much longer.
The Professor slowly shifted her gaze from the beast to Henry.
Please don't go around telling everyone that this is your masterpiece.
Think of how it might reflect on the original artist's vision and design.
So whether it's you or your botched student project...
I'll be disposing of you two here... permanently.
...Ha.
Haha...
HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!
His head bowed down, Henry laughed wildly at length.
Then, just as abruptly as it had begun, the laughter stopped.
F■■■ you.
F■■■ the original design, f■■■ the original vision, F■■■ ALL OF IT!
What the hell do they matter?
Who gives a shit?!
No trace of composure, feigned or otherwise, remained on Henry's face.
You'll dispose of me?
What makes you think you can?
Henry scoffed as he pointed towards the beast.
Can you really do it?
You know who's inside my monster, don't you?
It's the girl you've been trying so hard to save!
Rachel!
B-132?
...!
I told you, didn't I?
Such trivial things are of no concern to me.
The Professor stared at the beast, her eyes devoid of emotion.
It's not worth my interest.
Y-you lunatic...
Henry's mouth twisted into an ugly shape.
Fine.
Then try your best!
Let's see if you can keep up that facade...
...After my beast has torn you to shreds!!
Henry's hand came swinging down...
And in turn, the beast's massive arm was raised into the air.
Its razor-sharp claws gleamed in the rain, honing in on the Professor's head.
Without an inch of hesitation, it swung down, straight on—
*Slam!*
The door to the roof flew open with a bang.
*Huff... Huff...*
A-are we late?
The beast's claws stopped inches from the Professor's face.
Unperturbed, the Professor simply turned her head to glance at Gwen and Lily, who'd just arrived.
A little later than I'd hoped for.
We didn't miss the deadline, though.
Tsk, tsk.
Nobody likes students who submit their assignment at 11:59 PM when the deadline is 12:00 AM.
It's not even 11 PM, though!
Fufu.
The Professor's gaze returned to the Monster of the Baskervilles
There's a minor interference that requires taking care of...
But all in all, it should suffice.
The Professor elegantly gestured toward the Beast of the Baskervilles.
Well, I hope you understand that your assignment is to take that down?
Gwen and Lily stared at the massive beast before them.
After biting down on her lip, Gwen slowly assumed combat stance.
Don't worry, Rachel.
We'll get you out of there now.