Words said aside, Castorice's abilities actually didn't include any control types—killing someone outright was far simpler.
But she wasn't alone here; if she couldn't manage it herself, she could always call for backup.
[Castorice: Any mana-restraining handcuffs?]
[Amber: Sent them over.]
These were something Schicksal had developed to prevent otherworlders from causing trouble on Earth.
Their main function was to suppress the restrained target's mana to an extremely low level, with an added feature allowing Schicksal to track the target's location at any time.
While the second function was useless in this world, the first was more than enough.
Seeing the handcuffs suddenly appear in Castorice's hand—neither summoned from a subspace nor conjured with mana—the Fang Monarch's pupils contracted slightly.
"If you truly mean no hostility, then clasp these around your wrists."
Castorice tossed the handcuffs in front of the Fang Monarch.
Had anyone else made such a gesture, the Fang Monarch would have undoubtedly taken it as a provocation… but he had a keen sense for the aura of death.
If Castorice actually walked over and put them on him herself, that's when he'd really start to panic.
Still…
These cuffs were clearly no ordinary objects…
Cha Hae-in also looked toward Castorice. "What are these?"
"Handcuffs that can seal mana. Once put on, unless the wearer's own mana exceeds its threshold, anyone's power will be restrained to a pre-set level," Castorice explained.
That really was quite the useful tool, but… wouldn't they be useless if the threshold was exceeded?
Cha Hae-in was somewhat worried whether these cuffs could actually restrain the burly man before them.
After all, if his strength was on par with that old man's, he was definitely far beyond S-rank.
The Fang Monarch naturally considered this as well, but he said nothing. In silence, he picked up the handcuffs and obediently clamped them around his wrists.
A sudden wave of weakness washed over him, making the Fang Monarch's already stunned mind grow even heavier.
He was a Monarch, a powerhouse at the very peak of the world.
If even his mana couldn't surpass these cuffs' threshold, then what kind of being could have created them? Or were these cuffs even made by her at all? What level of existence stood behind her?
As an invader from another world who had come to Earth, the Fang Monarch hadn't encountered other invaders, but that didn't mean he truly believed only the Chaos World and the human world existed.
Earth's timeline had been reset so many times, and this was the first cycle where he'd encountered other invaders never seen before.
His compliance wasn't just out of fear; just as humans needed their intel, he needed information on this violet-haired girl.
As for whether leaking intelligence to humans would cause problems…
That was the least of his worries. Whether humans knew or not made no difference to their plans.
Holding onto this arrogance, the Fang Monarch followed Castorice and Cha Hae-in through the portal she opened.
After the two returned to Korea, Cha Hae-in intended to report the situation to Choi Jong-In, chairman of the Hunters Guild, but was stopped by Woo Jin-chul.
After carefully hearing the details from her, he was so shaken he nearly lost his footing.
The power she described, far surpassing S-rank, was beyond anything his common sense or imagination could grasp.
The fact that a force easily overpowering Cha Hae-in had been instantly crushed by Castorice nearly gave him a nervous breakdown.
Tiny Korea didn't even have a single National-Level Authority; it really couldn't handle you powerhouses causing a stir…
But handle it or not, they were already here. Woo Jin-chul still didn't agree to Cha Hae-in reporting to Choi Jong-In and instead requested the two escort the Fang Monarch to the Association.
Though it was framed as a request, Woo Jin-chul's demeanor was as respectful as could be.
Castorice wasn't angered by such a minor matter; in fact, she somewhat admired his mindset and capability, even considering whether to find an assistant for Sung Jinwoo.
Even though Cha Hae-in was prevented from reporting to Choi Jong-In, he learned through his intelligence network that she had returned safely, finally allowing his tense nerves to relax.
As the one who brought Cha Hae-in into the hunter world and her superior, Choi Jong-In saw her like a straightforward, somewhat blunt younger sister.
Though he didn't understand why she hadn't briefed him, he guessed it had to do with the Hunter's Association.
Choi Jong-In still trusted Go Gunhee, so upon learning Cha Hae-in was unharmed, he had no intention of pressuring the Association.
Escorting the Fang Monarch, the trio landed via helicopter on the roof of the Hunter's Association building.
Go Gunhee had been waiting there. Upon seeing—or rather, hearing about—the Fang Monarch, he devoted his utmost attention to the matter.
The Fang Monarch was also taken aback upon seeing Go Gunhee after landing.
The Brightest Fragment of Brilliant Light was right before his eyes?
Realizing this, the Fang Monarch felt his teeth ache with regret.
He never should have troubled that human. Had they just wandered this country a bit more, they could have sensed and eliminated this Fragment of Brilliant Light.
Castorice explained the handcuffs again to Go Gunhee, assuring him of the Fang Monarch's current weakened state, then watched as Woo Jin-chul led the Monarch away alone.
Go Gunhee then turned a deep, thoughtful gaze toward Castorice.
"We owe you thanks for this matter, Hunter Castorice."
He spoke with the same face and tone, yet Castorice sensed a clear difference.
"No need for thanks, sir."
Castorice had her suspicions but didn't dwell on them—it wasn't her concern. She simply replied as usual, "Whether for the city or for a friend, I wouldn't just stand by and watch."
The smile on Go Gunhee's face widened slightly before he turned to Cha Hae-in.
"Chairman Choi has been worried about you for a while, Hunter Cha. Please reassure him first, but remember—do not disclose any details of this incident."
Cha Hae-in nodded without overthinking it. She understood the importance of confidentiality; the existence of power far beyond S-rank wasn't something to be casually revealed yet.
Besides, she genuinely wanted to let Choi Jong-In know she was safe.
Once her figure also vanished from view, Go Gunhee looked back at Castorice. "Hunter Castorice, if I'm not mistaken, you are not of this world, are you?"
Though the statement seemed obvious, it was a way of expressing no hostility and seeking a response—even a vague one wouldn't provoke offense.
Castorice met 'Go Gunhee's' gaze. To be honest, she didn't know much about Fragments of Brilliant Light, or rather, the Rulers. Based on what she did know, her impression of them wasn't favorable.
The beasts' intense hostility toward humans stemmed from the Rulers' commands, and humanity's forced, rapid rise in power was also their doing.
But compared to the Monarchs' outright possession of their hosts, this Ruler before her clearly exercised far more restraint and peace.
That gave Castorice a reason to reconsider understanding them.
"Yes, I come from another world."
Castorice resumed her serene smile while, to maintain her imposing aura yet ensure comprehension, she swiftly sifted through the memories of the Frost Monarch, whom she had sent to the afterlife.
Another world, indeed—wasn't the afterlife also another world?
--+--
T/N: I have a Patreon! Webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.