CK 20

CK

Posted by James, Released on October 8, 2025

Chapter 20…

Greed Arc
My First Magic!

If the prison we live in is the first basement level,
then this must be the second.

It’s quite large—like a big square carved out of the earth, about the size of a soccer field.

There are several cages along the walls, each containing various monsters staring at us… Do they think we’re food or something?

“I wonder what’s going to happen…”

It’s definitely not going to be anything good.

As we’re led to the center of the room, a voice echoes throughout—like a school announcement.

“Good morning, everyone. You five are almost done with your training period. Soon, you’ll be ready to work on the surface. Please do your best for the short time remaining.”

Hearing that, everyone looks on the verge of tears but also relieved.

“Finally over… those days were hell.”
“It’s been so long…”
“I just want to breathe fresh air again.”
“We’ll finally get to meet our master.”

Uh… sorry, I just showed up near the end of all this.

“Now then, Numbers 5, 33, and 35—move to the cage in front of the Beldri.”

I followed the gorilla guy and lion guy to a cage where two huge bird-like monsters—about the size of ostriches—were kept.

So that’s a Beldri.

One was sitting and warming an egg while preening its feathers; the other was watching us cautiously as we approached.

“Numbers 32 and 34—move to the Woolly Shark tank.”

The other two moved in the opposite direction to another enclosure.

That “tank,” though, looked more like a hippo pool than a fish tank.
From here, I could see dark water and fins moving through it like sharks.

… I hate sharks. They’re terrifying.

“Those pairs of Beldri and Woolly Sharks have just laid eggs. You’ll form teams and each retrieve one egg. Time limit: two days. You’re permitted to use magic. Begin.”

Well, that’s pretty clear.

“Looks like we’re supposed to steal their eggs.”
“Poor things, they just laid them.”
“Still, orders are orders.”

They’re so kind… meanwhile, all I can think is “Those eggs look delicious!”

Grandma used to say, “Never get attached to livestock.”

So, no mercy!

“Gweeeehhh!”

As soon as we approached, the Beldri shrieked threateningly—so scary!

Seriously, when something bigger than you—a monster, no less—starts glaring like that, it’s terrifying! How do those isekai heroes fight this stuff head-on their first day!?

“Kinda scary, huh…”

As I muttered that, the lion guy stepped forward, folded his arms, and stood tall.

“It’s dangerous for women. Stay back—I’ll handle this.”

…So cool!
You’re such a man!
Except—hey, I’m a guy too!

But I’ll take your advice and step back anyway.

“A-Are you sure you’ll be okay?”
“Of course. Nothing to fear for someone like me.”

Then he unlocked the Beldri’s cage.

Battle start!

And I, Aoi, will be your commentator!

The lion guy steps inside!

The Beldri don’t seem to be trying to escape even though the door’s open—thankfully, they’re not attacking me!

“Kyururururu… Keeeeh-keh-keh!”

They’re screeching, feathers puffed up—clearly saying “Come any closer and you’re dead!”

And then—

“I won’t hurt you, I won’t. Just stay calm, okay?”

Whoa, is he talking to it? Does that even work on monsters!?

But as soon as he takes another step forward—one of them lunges at him!

…Told you so.

“Nuoaah! ‘Iron Wall!’”

The moment he shouted that, his body flashed—and the Beldri’s beak slammed into his arm!

But—

Clang! It bounced off like it hit metal!

“Hahaha! That’s right! No matter how sharp your beak is, you can’t scratch me like this!”

Ah, so he used a spell! Makes sense—they said magic was allowed.
Nice move, Lion guy!

But… he’s not moving. He’s just standing there taking hits.

Wait—what?

“Number 35, Number 5! Emergency!”

Clang! Clang! Beak against metal echoes through the room as he yells:

“I can’t move while this spell is active! Do something!”

WHAT!?

“Do something!? Like what!?”

So it’s a defense spell that locks him in place!? What was his plan!?

Think, think…

“Number 5, can you use any magic?”
“Me? My best spell makes a loud noise.”
“How loud?”
“Like… popping a balloon.”

Useless! (Well, I shouldn’t talk—I’ve never used magic either!)

“Anything else? Fire? Water?”
“Fire’s scary, but I can make a little water.”
“How much?”
“A cup.”
“…”

Seriously!?

“I can’t keep this up! My mana’s running out! Hurry!”

Again—what was your plan!?

Looks like it’s up to me.

“Hey, Number 5—how do you use magic? I’ve never done it before!”

If I don’t figure this out, Lion guy’s going to get eaten!

“It’s hard to say… When I first used magic, I closed my eyes, felt something floaty inside me, brought it to my head, then words appeared. I said them, and the spell came out.”

…No clue what that means, but I’ll try to follow the gist.

If this doesn’t work, I’m sorry, Lion guy!