Chereads / RADIANT CHRONICLE: Awakening / Chapter 20 - Chapter 020- Monstrous Insight

Chapter 20 - Chapter 020- Monstrous Insight

The lecture hall buzzed with anticipation as Mr. Reyes prepared to delve into the details of the monsters we had captured. The atmosphere was a mix of curiosity and tension. We all settled into our seats, my heart beating a little faster with each passing second. Today's lecture promised to shed light on the creatures that had been part of our recent studies: goblins, creeplings, and wargs. Each had been a subject of intense examination, and I was eager to understand them better.

Mr. Reyes stood at the front of the room, next to a large screen that flickered to life with an image of a goblin. The screen displayed a series of diagrams and close-up photographs, bringing the creature's menacing appearance into sharp focus.

"Good morning, everyone," Mr. Reyes began, his voice steady and confident. "Today, we'll be discussing the creatures we've recently captured: goblins, creeplings, and wargs. Our findings on these monsters are a result of extensive research and analysis. Interestingly, the names we've given them—goblin, creepling, and warg—are inspired by fantasy monsters commonly depicted in games and comics. This naming convention helps us relate their characteristics to something familiar, which can aid in our study."

He gestured toward the first image on the screen: the goblin.

Goblin

"Let's start with the goblin," Mr. Reyes said. "Goblins are small, humanoid creatures, averaging about three to four feet in height. They have an emaciated look with greenish skin that's mottled and sickly. Their limbs are long and thin, ending in sharp, claw-like fingers. The most distinctive feature is their large, bulbous eyes, which vary in color from yellow to red. These eyes are adapted for low-light conditions, enhancing their ability to see in dark environments."

The screen displayed close-ups of the goblin's face, showing its jagged teeth and intense eyes.

"Goblins are scavengers. They thrive in dark, damp environments like caves or dense forests. They feed on insects, small animals, and occasionally other goblins. Despite their frail appearance, goblins are quite agile and possess a certain cunning. Their primary weakness is their susceptibility to bright light. Exposure to intense light can disorient them and hinder their movement. Additionally, their small size makes them vulnerable to powerful, sweeping attacks."

The screen shifted to the creepling.

Creepling

"Next, we have the creepling," Mr. Reyes continued. "Creeplings are insectoid creatures, roughly the size of a small dog. They have a deep black exoskeleton with iridescent green and purple hues. Their body is segmented, and they possess six spindly legs, a pair of large, multifaceted eyes, and sharp mandibles. They also have a stinger capable of delivering a paralyzing toxin."

The image on the screen depicted a creepling in various stages of movement, emphasizing its quick and erratic motions.

"Creeplings are nocturnal predators, relying on their venom to immobilize prey before consuming it. Their venom causes severe pain and paralysis, making them dangerous to encounter. Their primary weakness is their reliance on darkness and humidity. They are less effective in well-lit, dry environments. Furthermore, their exoskeleton, while protective, is vulnerable to certain chemical agents that can disrupt its integrity."

The final slide showcased the warg.

Warg

"Finally, let's discuss the warg," Mr. Reyes said, transitioning to the warg's image. "Wargs are significantly larger than the other two creatures. They stand about six to eight feet tall at the shoulder and resemble a hybrid between a wolf and a bear. Their fur is shaggy and dark, ranging from gray to black, and they have fierce, glowing red eyes. Their claws and teeth are exceptionally sharp, adapted for tearing flesh and crushing bones."

The screen displayed images of wargs in various postures, highlighting their muscular build and strength.

"Wargs are pack hunters with a complex social structure within their groups. They are territorial and highly aggressive, making them formidable opponents. Their primary weaknesses are related to their large size and sensitivity to high temperatures. Wargs are less effective in extreme heat and can be deterred by fire. Their keen sense of smell makes them susceptible to strong odors, which can be used to repel them. Despite their strength, they are vulnerable to tactics that exploit their size and reliance on pack coordination."

Mr. Reyes concluded the visual portion of the lecture and transitioned to a new segment. "Next, we have a video demonstration showing effective techniques for dealing with these monsters."

The screen switched to a high-definition video. The footage began with a scene of a training ground filled with goblins, creeplings, and wargs. I could see elite trainees in action, their movements precise and deliberate as they fought against the monsters.

The first segment showed a group of trainees handling goblins. Their approach was methodical: using blinding flashbangs to disorient the goblins before delivering powerful, well-aimed strikes. The trainees moved in coordinated patterns, exploiting the goblins' vulnerability to bright light. The goblins were quickly overwhelmed and subdued, their attempts at evasion rendered ineffective by the trainees' tactics.

The next segment featured creeplings. The elite trainees used specialized gear to counter the creeplings' venomous attacks. They deployed smoke grenades that created a dense cloud, obscuring the creeplings' vision and rendering them disoriented. The trainees used long-range weapons to attack from a distance, avoiding direct contact with the venomous creatures. The creeplings were swiftly neutralized, their attempts to close in on the trainees thwarted by the effective use of the smoke screens.

The final segment showcased wargs. The video depicted elite trainees using a combination of fire and tactical maneuvers to deal with the large, aggressive creatures. They deployed flamethrowers and incendiary devices to create barriers of fire, forcing the wargs to retreat. The trainees employed teamwork, using their agility to outmaneuver the wargs and deliver precise strikes to vulnerable areas. The wargs' size and strength were countered by the trainees' strategic use of fire and coordinated attacks.

As the video continued, a particular figure caught my attention. One of the elite trainees moved with an effortless grace and precision. His movements were fluid and powerful, demonstrating an exceptional mastery of combat techniques. I recognized him immediately—Marco. Watching him handle the monsters with such skill left me in awe. He moved through the training ground with a confidence and expertise that was almost otherworldly.

The ease with which Marco dispatched the monsters was both impressive and intimidating. His strikes were swift, his defenses impeccable, and his control over the situation seemed flawless. I could see the respect and admiration in the faces of the other trainees as they observed him. The way he coordinated his movements, almost as if he were dancing through the chaos, made me feel a pang of jealousy. I wondered how long it had taken him to achieve such proficiency.

As the video ended and the screen went dark, Mr. Reyes resumed his lecture. "I hope this video provided some insight into the practical application of the strategies we've discussed. The elite trainees you saw in the video are a testament to what can be achieved with rigorous training and dedication. Pay close attention to their techniques and adapt them to your own training."

The room was silent for a moment as we absorbed the footage. I felt a mixture of admiration and frustration. Marco's skill was a stark reminder of the gap between us and the level of expertise we needed to reach. It was clear that becoming proficient in handling these monsters required more than just knowledge—it demanded intense practice, discipline, and perhaps a bit of natural talent.

As Mr. Reyes wrapped up the video demonstration, he turned to face us, his expression calm and authoritative. The room was filled with the hum of curiosity and anticipation. It was clear that the footage had sparked many questions among us, and Mr. Reyes was ready to address them.

"Now that we've seen the video and discussed the basics of each monster, I'd like to open the floor for questions," Mr. Reyes said, his voice steady. "Feel free to ask about any specifics regarding the creatures or the strategies shown in the video."

A hand shot up from the back of the room. It was Ethan, always quick to seek clarification. "Mr. Reyes, you mentioned that goblins are vulnerable to bright light. Can you explain how intense does the light need to be to affect them? Does it have to be a specific kind of light?"

Mr. Reyes nodded, appreciating the directness of the question. "Good question, Ethan. The light doesn't need to be of a particular wavelength or color, but it does need to be intense enough to overwhelm their sensory organs. In practice, high-intensity flashbangs or high-beam lights can disorient them. The goal is to flood their vision with so much light that their ability to perceive their surroundings becomes compromised. It doesn't necessarily have to be natural light; artificial light sources can be equally effective if they reach the required intensity."

Mira raised her hand next, her brow furrowed in concentration. "For creeplings, you showed the use of smoke grenades. How effective are these grenades in neutralizing their venom? Are there any long-term effects from the smoke on the creatures?"

Mr. Reyes gave a thoughtful nod. "The smoke grenades are effective because they create a barrier that disrupts the creeplings' ability to navigate and target their prey. The smoke creates visual and sensory confusion, which prevents them from accurately delivering their venom. As for long-term effects, the smoke itself doesn't have a lasting impact on the creeplings beyond the immediate encounter. However, their inability to use their venom effectively can lead to a temporary reduction in their ability to hunt and defend themselves until they recover from the disorientation."

Lena was next, her face marked by concern. "You mentioned that wargs are vulnerable to fire. How can we effectively use fire against them without endangering ourselves or our surroundings? Are there any specific techniques or equipment recommended for this?"

Mr. Reyes smiled, understanding the gravity of the concern. "Using fire against wargs requires a careful approach. The key is to use controlled flames that can create barriers or force the wargs to retreat. Flamethrowers and incendiary devices are effective, but they should be used with precision. Training with these tools includes learning to control the spread of fire and ensuring that you're not in close proximity to the flames. Protective gear is also essential to shield yourself from the heat. When using fire, always ensure you have a plan for containment and a way to escape if the situation becomes hazardous."

A new voice piped up—Drex, the one who had demonstrated his abilities earlier. "Mr. Reyes, you mentioned that wargs are sensitive to high temperatures. Is it possible to exploit this sensitivity in other ways besides using fire? For example, can we use environmental heat sources to our advantage?"

Mr. Reyes nodded appreciatively. "Yes, Drex, that's a great point. While fire is a direct method, environmental heat can also be used strategically. For instance, you could lure wargs into hot environments, such as areas with high geothermal activity or artificially heated zones. The increased temperature would make it uncomfortable for them and can lead to disorientation and weakened combat effectiveness. However, keep in mind that wargs are resilient creatures, and extreme heat should be used in conjunction with other tactics for best results."

"Mr. Reyes, in the video, I noticed the use of teamwork in handling the monsters. How crucial is team coordination in dealing with these creatures, especially when facing multiple types at once?"

"Team coordination is absolutely crucial. Each type of monster has its own strengths and weaknesses, and effectively managing them often requires a coordinated approach. For example, when dealing with multiple goblins, coordinating blinding lights and melee attacks can ensure that no goblin gets the upper hand. Similarly, handling creeplings and wargs together necessitates strategic placement and roles, such as keeping creeplings at a distance while using fire to manage wargs. Effective communication and role assignments within a team can make the difference between a successful encounter and a disastrous one."

As Mr. Reyes finished detailing the complexities of the monsters, my mind was racing with questions. I had been absorbing every piece of information intently, but one question kept surfacing. I raised my hand, my heart pounding with anticipation. "Mr. Reyes, in terms of training, how do we build up the skills necessary to effectively handle these monsters? Is there a recommended approach or practice routine?"

Mr. Reyes paused, his gaze shifting towards me with a hint of approval. "Excellent question, Alex," he said. "Building the skills to handle these monsters effectively involves a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical training. First and foremost, you need to master the basics of your own abilities. Understand the full extent of what you can do and how it can be applied in different scenarios."

He continued, "Once you have a firm grasp of your powers, focus on understanding the weaknesses of the monsters. This knowledge is crucial because it allows you to tailor your strategies to exploit their vulnerabilities. Practicing in simulated environments, where you can face mock scenarios and obstacles, will help you develop the muscle memory and quick decision-making needed for real encounters."

Mr. Reyes's words resonated with me, and I nodded, absorbing his advice. "Additionally," he went on, "studying the techniques used by elite trainees, like those you saw in the video, can be incredibly beneficial. Observe their strategies, their movements, and how they adapt to different situations. Incorporating these techniques into your training routine can provide you with valuable insights and improve your own skills."

He looked around the room, making eye contact with several of us. "Consistent practice, analysis of past encounters, and adapting to new information will enhance your proficiency over time. Remember, training is not just about repetition but also about understanding and adapting."

The room was filled with a mix of murmurs and thoughtful nods as Mr. Reyes concluded his explanation. The insights he provided were invaluable. I could see the impact of his words on my classmates; we were all processing the information and considering how to apply it to our own training. It was clear that our understanding of the monsters and our preparedness for future encounters had taken a significant step forward.