The Water Magician

"The red bear... The last time I saw it was during the papal inauguration."

Ryo remembers.

Among the monsters falling from the sky, there was also a red bear.

It was likely forcibly brought here from the demon king's mountains, descending from the sky...

Its body length is about three and a half meters.

When he first encountered it, it moved on all fours, but now it approaches on two legs.

What catches the eye is its body color.

Indeed, it is bright red.

So red that it could be mistaken for a cardinal or a chili pepper.

However, its eyes are golden.

"Graaaaaaah!"

The red bear lets out a mighty roar.

It is not just any roar.

All five members of the third defense squad kneel.

A roar imbued with magical power, one that breaks the spirit of those who hear it.

"That hasn't changed since that time, has it?"

Ryo comments coolly.

Back when he first met the red bear in the demon king's mountains, it also roared, causing Harold and Gowan to kneel.

"It feels like it's bigger than it was then, and the power behind this roar seems stronger too. I can't remember the color of its eyes... but it definitely feels like it's gotten stronger."

Ryo crosses his arms in contemplation.

The red bear glares intensely at Ryo.

Ryo reaches a conclusion.

"If you are the same red bear as before... could it be that you evolved?"

Yes, Ryo's conclusion: evolution.

"I know how the Assassin Hawk evolved. It also grew larger and seemed more imposing... I think its body turned a bit black too. But you remain red. Hmm... What does evolution mean for monsters? Lord Ruin said 'evolved Assassin Hawk,' so its evolution is certain... Ah, but he said it had been hundreds of years since then in the Forest of Rondo. So, evolution is indeed a rare occurrence."

Ryo's words are muttered to himself.

Of course, the five kneeling behind him can hear him, but... they can hardly understand.

"Ryo...san..."

"Everyone, please wait here. I'm concerned about that red bear's gaze... Could it be remembering the fight we had before? Back then, Nils and the others were with me, so I shouldn't have stood out."

Having said that, Ryo steps forward.

He approaches the red bear.

In silence, four chunks of fire are launched from the red bear.

"Icicle Lance 4!"

He intercepts them individually with ice spears.

He can see the red bear’s gaze sharpen even more.

"You just showed that a moment ago. It won't work twice."

Ryo responds.

It goes without saying, but it is unclear if the red bear understands what Ryo is saying.

It's uncertain... but the silence suggests something.

Once again, in silence, dozens of fire chunks rain down from the sky.

However, they all freeze before reaching Ryo.

"I can also cast magic silently. What I just used is called 'Dynamic Steam Mine.'"

Ryo smiles, slowly walking forward.

For the red bear, this would be a nightmare.

All magic is ineffective, and Ryo is now getting closer.

But even he notices that the atmosphere has suddenly changed.

At the same time, he feels a sense of discomfort.

"Ah, a nostalgic discomfort. It's magic nullification."

Ryo's words reach the ears of the five kneeling behind him.

Compared to when they heard the roar, they have significantly recovered mentally.

"Magic nullification?"

"Heal... I can't use magic."

Mora grimaces, and Healer Omin realizes the situation where magic cannot be used.

"Does evolving allow monsters to gain the ability for magic nullification? I would love to ask Lord Ruin about this someday. Since I've encountered two, including you, he might actually tell me."

Ryo smiles again.

It happened in an instant.

The red bear lunges forward with incredible speed.

Its right arm, with claws that could tear through anything, attacks Ryo.

Clang!

Ryo deflects the claws with Murakumo, which he had somehow drawn.

With a counterattack, he sweeps.

But by then, the red bear had already jumped back.

"Such physical ability."

Ryo nods repeatedly.

Evolution → magic nullification → close combat.

That flow was as expected, and the red bear's main attack method being its claws was also anticipated.

The power infused in it was also expected, but... the jump backward was beyond his calculations.