Wilma had included just enough information when she gave Ackster the information about how to acquire new skills to get him started, which meant he knew about the Cloven Grasslands and what kind of beasts or monsters he could expect. The name of the place also hinted about what kind of beasts thrived there, even if it could also mean it was divided, as in, literally cloven.
But since the beast he was tracking had clear cloves hooves, Ackster concluded it was most likely one of the kinds of beasts that were part of the Cloven Grassland's famous wildlife. And he hoped it was one that would be suitable for his skill training.
It was a little concerning that it was alone since, according to what he knew about the different kinds of beasts, few of those he could take on at the moment were solitary. But he would find out what it was as soon as he caught up to it. And he could then decide whether to fight or take it easy during his first night in this place.
Ackster kept a look over his surroundings as he pursued, but he didn't notice any obvious signs of other creatures or of water. But he gradually started to hear the beast. A snorting and grunty breathing that showed the beast's bravery in the middle of the night told Ackster how close he was.
And with the cloudless night sky letting the light of the stars and moons shine upon the world, Ackster could soon see the hulking silhouette roving through the grassy field. The dark, glossy fur shimmered in the moonlight with enough shine to show Ackster how its muscles rippled with each step it took.
Ackster took note of the wind direction before starting into a circular motion to keep himself downwind of the bovine creature. It was possible the beast was already aware of his presence but didn't feel threatened because Ackster smelled weak or because he was still far away. Though, considering the bull's brazen attitude in walking around alone in the middle of the night, it probably wasn't the type to easily be scared. The snorting and grunting as it occasionally grazed also sounded more like invitations to battle than heavy breathing.
Ackster wondered if this was a time to take it slow and hang back or if he should try and find a delicate balance between life and death and challenge the beast. He couldn't be sure about the specifics, but it looked like the perfect target to use to train Fortify and Iron Wall.
It was just that it might be too perfect.
"Wait here."
Ackster unslung his backpack and put it on the ground. It would only get in the way during the battle, and if it got hit, he might lose both Mio and the secret technique, which wouldn't be worth it.
Although the bull, which appeared to be black, was threatening and oozed with danger, Ackster had only shied away from danger once after his transmigration, and that was during his battle with the poison goblin. Even if it had been suicidal, he had thrown himself headfirst into danger at every opportunity that presented itself in a desperate wish to grow stronger by enduring adversities. He had done it without knowing what he was doing or what would happen. As long as he came out stronger on the other side, he was satisfied, even if it meant almost dying in the process.
And while the bull that towered over two and a half meters tall was dangerous, Ackster wasn't a meek sheep, either. He had grown a lot recently, and he could feel his body itching to test his limits before breaking through them. He could also feel his stomach rumble in excitement over such a juicy beast to devour. Monster Muncher was whetting his appetite.
'Monster Muncher works on beasts as well?'
Ackster had only thought about Monster Muncher's effects on monsters and eating them, so he hadn't considered the possibility that it would work on all generally uncivilized or humanly hostile creatures. But since many beasts and monsters were similar, even if their origins differed, it made sense.
They were both creatures that grew by existing, eating, and breathing. They could train and become stronger, but generally, the richer their diet and climate were in mana, the stronger they became.
But beasts were ordinary animals native to Millmeria that had developed superanimal strength or traits by awakening their mana. And monsters were remnants of past Calamities that had outlived their source and managed to snag a foothold on Millmeria. There had been attempts at rooting out all monsters and restoring Millmeria's native ecosystem a couple of times. But those attempts hadn't gone very far.
First of all, it would be futile. After a couple of Calamitous Cycles, they would be back, most likely.
Second, monsters weren't all bad. The Calamities that spawned them were, but the monsters themselves contributed to Millmeria and the civilizations on the planet. Well, their deaths did, to be more exact. As monsters lived and grew stronger, they nurtured their existential power.
And when they died, that existential power seeped into the world and their killer unless they died naturally. Granted, part of the monsters' existential power came from Millmeria since they grew by consuming the life of the planet, but existences generated their own existential power just by existing. So, overall, the monsters gave back more than they took from the world.
Third, killing monsters helped humans and other races and beings grow stronger, especially if they used Nominus Cards. It was an essential part of The Hero's journey to expedite his growth by killing strong monsters. It also served as good publicity since The Hero would be revered by the people as a savior.
But it wasn't only The Hero that grew stronger by killing monsters. Everyone did, and if they had a suitable profession, they would grow even faster.
There was also a fourth reason that made many reluctant to eradicate monsters, despite the threat they posed to humans.
Wealth and resources.
Numerous monsters, especially high-ranking ones, were walking treasure troves. There were a few extreme examples where every single part, piece, and crumb of the monster could be used. But even the worst monsters, like goblins, had something that could be used to make items. And when selling items, one could make money, and so on.
Monsters like the rock lizard also provided excellent building materials. Which country, power, or organization would be willing to give up on things like that for the sake of a false sense of peace?
Beasts were the same in that aspect. They were also valuable sources of material and existential power that strengthened their killers.