It was not a fish head; one could conclude this with just a glance.
It was like an AI-generated video of a human head transforming into a fish head, then paused at two-thirds of the way.
It made one think of certain shoddy and malicious artificial creations, or perhaps of a large frog that somewhat resembled a fish.
"Luluulu!"
Several fish-gill-like structures on its neck bubbled, emitting sounds like a beast's low growl.
"Swish!"
However, it gave no one time to react. The dorsal fin on its back spread open, and like a Spinosaurus lurking by a riverbank, it swiftly crossed the pond.
"Bang!"
Keli, who was the only one quick enough to react and not stunned by the sight, fired his gun. But the creature was too fast in the water. At such a speed, one would wonder if such a monster, if it appeared in the ocean, could prey on tuna, which average eighty kilometers per hour.
It was faster than Kazuma could turn his flashlight; almost instantly, the thing reached the shore.
It extended two sharp claws. The mossy, slippery bank beside it seemed like merely a step.
And its complete form, illuminated by the hazy moonlight, entered the eyes of everyone present.
Sadatsuka Nao, who had only glimpsed the creature with thermal imaging, threw her expensive surveillance equipment away in horror.
Obvious muscle lines and a human shape formed the creature's basic structure, but above that were bizarre and illogical constructions. Its muscles were covered in fish skin and scales, the scales overlapping but seemingly not covering its entire body. Both its thighs and arms had fin-like structures, and the tip of its tailbone bore strange, partially-formed, tail-like bone segments.
If this were a special effect in a movie, or an exquisite model, it would certainly be something horror film enthusiasts would marvel at.
But when this thing moved, when every single scale began to tremble rhythmically, when the fins on its arms and legs subtly opened and closed with its owner's movements, when the monster leaped through the forest as agilely as an ape.
That sense of incongruous fear was deeply imprinted on the hearts of all who saw it, almost like a blasphemy against the creator, making one question why such a creature should exist in the world.
Perhaps it was a life form more advanced than humans, but in everyone's eyes, it would only be an ugly and maddening monster.
"Bang! Bang!"
However, even in this situation, gunshots still rang out.
After bursting out of the water, the monster leaped erratically through the forest, sometimes on its front legs, sometimes on its hind legs, yet its speed was incredibly fast, making it difficult for Keli, who lacked a light source, to pinpoint its location.
"Aoaoao!"
It was as if the gunshots also instilled fear in the monster; a low, hoarse sound emanated from its throat, which opened and closed like a fish's mouth.
"Chase!"
Keli shouted, and Kazuma, who had also reacted and was trying to lock onto the monster with his flashlight, started running wildly.
The two disregarded the forest's obstacles and immediately gave chase.
Seeing the two give chase, Nakiri Erina, wide-eyed, lowered her raised hand.
Her mind was a mess.
What was she here for, again? It seemed she was angry that her grandfather had employed people her age and wouldn't listen to her; she had said she wanted to have a Shokugeki to test their mettle, and her grandfather had even lectured her.
But... what was that thing just now?
Seeing her young lady looking as if she were about to collapse, Shinhisa Hisako quickly stepped forward to support her. Although she was also very scared, her unwavering loyalty, like Sakuya's to Remilia, still made her move.
"That was..."
Erina, whose legs were almost giving out, steadied herself with the help of her little secretary.
However, there was no time for them to discuss. The bodyguards beside them had also come to their senses.
"Quick! Miss Shinhisa, Young Lady Nakiri, get in the car! I'll take you to a safe place first!"
After the two got into the car, the driver frantically started the engine, then anxiously pressed his earpiece.
"Team One! Immediately turn on the road lights! Team Three! Team Three! The two advisors are chasing a..."
He paused here before continuing.
"...chasing a monster towards the west exit! Bring your equipment and assist the two advisors! Team Four! Cancel the original quicklime deployment! Immediately send people to Gasho Dorm to control everyone present! Surveillance team! Report the situation to the communication channel at all times!"
He shouted as he drove.
It must be said that the security department of a wealthy school was indeed impressive; their coordination was more disciplined than the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department.
Immediately, responses came through the earpiece.
The next moment, the entire Totsuki mountain lit up.
All the lights installed on various roads throughout the mountain, which weren't necessarily on at night, now flickered with light. Even residents around the academy were surprised to see the entire Totsuki Academy lit up like a festival, like a giant bamboo shoot-shaped lighthouse.
Countless students in the academy poked their heads out in surprise, somewhat confused by the suddenly lit-up school.
However, the broadcast also sounded promptly at this time.
"Attention all students and teachers of all grades, unidentified individuals have entered the academy. The academy's security department is currently pursuing them. Please close your doors and windows tightly and do not go out! Re-emphasizing, all students and teachers..."
Because of Totsuki Academy's consistently 'hellish' operations, many students, upon hearing this commotion, immediately started changing clothes, preparing to go to the auditorium.
Yes, Totsuki Academy was like that. There were precedents for suddenly calling everyone up late at night to cook, primarily to torture the students' mental state.
But then everyone heard it was actually dangerous individuals.
"Oh! I thought it was another training camp and elimination! Small matter, small matter! At most, a few people will die! Everyone, continue training!"
After realizing it was dangerous individuals, the chefs who were still training late at night, not sleeping, simply ignored it and continued to cook.
Some club presidents even reprimanded members who had stopped cooking because of the broadcast, calling them lacking in craftsmanship.
Just this little thing? As long as it's not another expulsion death match, it's fine.
And at this moment, listening to the broadcast and seeing the suddenly brightened visibility even in the forest, Keli and Kazuma ran even faster.
Shooting at a moving target while running was basically out of the question with their current shooting skill, so the main goal was to chase and hopefully corner the monster.
But the monster, speeding through the illuminated forest, seemed even more familiar with the environment than they were, leaping and bounding, pulling the two up the mountain, then rushing downhill, weaving left and right through the trees.
Kazuma and Keli saw several times that there seemed to be people on the main road trying to help them intercept the creature, but it always managed to precisely avoid those routes, running into the pathless forest.
--------------------------------
Stopping here would be such a waste… The next chapter is waiting for you on Patreon! [pat*eon*com/Greyhounds]