The Therianthropes were regarded as the strongest Race—at least when it came to physical ability, as well as their raw power.

The reason was because of their special physique.

From birth—no, probably before they were born—Beastfolk had the natural ability to absorb Mana.

They absorbed energy at a remarkable rate—with or without their volition. If they focused on absorbing this energy, the rate became even stronger.

Still, this passive intake of energy made them extremely powerful, even without any real effort.

Their Mana Cores naturally formed within a week, and they could keep absorbing Mana throughout childhood.

By the time they grew to the age of early adolescence, most Beastfolk were already at the Red or Purple Core Grade.

Their bodies also naturally got strengthened by taking in so much energy.

And so, even if they did not undergo any formal training at all, Beastfolk would still turn out to be strong.

They were the perfect Race built for combat.

But… with such great power came a steep price.

—Lifespan.

**************************

“Most Beastfolk don’t get to live up to 40 years. The more powerful and talented a Beastfolk is, the younger he dies as well.” I said, in response to Serah’s question.

“W-what? For real? I don’t understand.” She exclaimed.

Of course, she would be surprised. I was the same when I first heard of this from Dom.

Many Races would be jealous of the Beastfolk and envy their natural ability to absorb Mana at a rapid rate.

Some would even wish they were Beastfolk.

However, their line of reasoning would be flawed. The same body that gave these people such power was the same that caused their greatest pain.

“Mana Overload. That’s what happens when you take in more Mana than you can handle. The Mana Core shatters and a disastrous effect invades the body.” My lips curled grimly as I said this.

I remembered the face of a comrade of mine—and the scene where I experienced the concept firsthand.

“The body feels like a prison, and it feels like every internal organ is exploding at the same time.”

Suddenly, the person experiences such indescribable pain, and the power that they once controlled would run amok.

Compared to this experience, Mana Shock was a breeze.

“The death is instantaneous for most people who experience it since the pain is so severe and the body can’t handle the backlash.”

Beastfolk, who absorbed Mana their whole lives, would finally reach the point where it would be impossible to grow further.

They would reach the zenith of Mana Cores—Gold Core Grade.

The Core becomes full, and that person’s limit would finally be attained at that point.

Most humans never reached this point, so it was probably hard for them to relate.

Once the limit is reached, further meditation or Mana Absorption would be impossible.

But, the bodies of Beastfolk naturally absorb Mana.

That doesn’t stop, even when they reach the limit.

That’s when the problem occurs.

“I believe the average age when it begins is the early twenties, right?”

A point where most humans would never reach even though they spent their whole lives training, Beastfolk could achieve it in their youth—The peak of Gold Core Grade.

Their limits would be reached, and no further energy would be required.

But… just as how Beastfolk didn’t need to initiate their body’s natural disposition, they couldn’t stop it either.

And so, the energy would run amok within them—growing unstable.

Then, it happens… Mana Overload!

“The first time is always immense agony. The Beastfolk would wish they could die. This episode is quite an unbearable sight to see—watching them scream as their body seems to be tearing apart from the inside out.”

Normally, that would mean their deaths.

However… their bodies would never allow them such sweet release.

“Beastfolk have extremely high regeneration. So, as their Mana Core breaks and wreaks havoc on their body, the body responds by naturally repairing itself.”

As a result, even the Mana Core is fixed, and the violent release of energy causes the vessel to get purged of the abundant Mana.

But, soon again, the Mana Core gets full, and another episode occurs.

Again and again.

The process repeats in a seemingly endless cycle.

The despair becomes a way of life, and slowly the Beastfolk gets accustomed to it.

Even with the rabid sensation plaguing them, they endure it and acclimate.

However, this doesn’t last forever.

As they grow older, repeating the process of regeneration and degeneration, the body begins to wear down.

Regeneration gets slower, and the body begins to break down beyond repair.

And so, when they finally reach a point, the Beastfolk’s body can no longer suppress the immense power within it.

It implodes, sending the being into one final dance of agony—apparently more painful than the previous ones.

And then, the Beastfolk does.

“That’s the tragedy behind their existence… the sad truth about Beastfolk’s Curse.”

***********************

Serah was stunned to hear this.

Her body throbbed in slight discomfort, and then she turned in the direction of the dying Beast King.

She could now understand why he was so desperate for his request.

‘Should I just kill him?’ Her thoughts trailed.

Glancing in Jared’s direction, Serah could see the boy shaking his head in refusal.

‘But, he’s going through so much pain!’ She wanted to protest, but Serah controlled herself.

Jared never acted without a reason, so she just had to trust in his decision.

Looking at her opponent one more time, she felt pained from the bottom of her heart. This man had so much potential, yet he would die so soon.

‘Is this nature’s way of balancing the scales..?’

Serah was well aware of the unfair advantage Beastfolk had from birth. If they did not have such a cruel ending, it was possible that they would evolve to become even more powerful than they were known for.

Without the shackles of overloading, they could potentially take over the world with their might.

Was she anxious, or was she excited about that prospect?

Serah Crimson had no idea.

Unfortunately, there was nothing to be done about such a deeply rooted matter… or was there?

“Beast King, if you become my vassal, then I will cure your Curse.”