Ch. 161Shocking! A Macho Man Did This to a Werewolf Corpse!
Chapter Summary
1. Key Plot Points and Events
- Anna Velerius is pursued through the forest by a frenzied Werewolf after all her companions are killed.
- Just as the Werewolf is about to attack, Edward intervenes. He uses his Master Sword to pin the creature to a tree and kill it instantly.
- Anna’s brother, Velkan, arrives and is stunned by the Werewolf’s corpse and Edward’s overwhelming strength.
- Edward introduces himself as a “passing demon hunter,” though Velkan remains suspicious because Edward’s abilities far exceed anything he has seen.
- A group of villagers arrives and attempts to remove the corpse, but they cannot pull Edward’s sword from the tree. Edward effortlessly retrieves it, purifying the Werewolf’s blood with its sacred glow before making the sword disappear.
- The villagers carry the corpse back to their village, where its death inspires shock and renewed hope among the people.
- Anna and Velkan escort Edward to their family castle to thank him and learn more about him.
- In the castle study, Edward recognizes an ancient map depicting Dracula’s castle—the same portal-like map associated with the world’s supernatural conflict.
- Edward senses a faint connection between the map and his extradimensional office, “Devil May Cry,” suggesting the map may help him reconnect with his lost home.
2. Character Developments
- Edward: Remains calm, detached, and confident throughout the encounter. His effortless defeat of the Werewolf establishes his immense power. He is also curious and analytical, focusing not only on the battle but on the map’s potential as a signal amplifier to contact his office.
- Anna: Transitions from terrified victim to composed and dignified noblewoman. After realizing Edward saved her, she thanks him respectfully and takes responsibility for welcoming him.
- Velkan: Initially focused on protecting Anna, he becomes deeply wary and intimidated by Edward. His understanding of Werewolves emphasizes how extraordinary Edward’s victory is, while his instinctive caution reveals his role as a protector.
- The villagers: Begin in fear and disbelief but gradually shift toward awe and hope after witnessing the Werewolf’s death.
3. Significant Themes
- Power beyond human understanding: Edward’s effortless victory contrasts sharply with the villagers’ belief that Werewolves require coordinated teams and special weapons to defeat.
- Fear and hope: The Werewolf represents the village’s long-standing oppression, while its death becomes a symbol of liberation and renewed optimism.
- Appearance versus reality: Edward looks like an ordinary traveler but possesses abilities approaching the mythical. His casual behavior further unsettles those around him.
- Fate and dimensional connection: The castle map may be more than a historical artifact; its link to Edward’s office hints at hidden relationships between worlds and offers a possible path home.
- Decay and lost glory: The Velerius castle’s grandeur is undermined by dust and deterioration, reflecting a noble family and community struggling against supernatural threats.
4. Character Interactions
- Edward saves Anna but shows little interest in praise or recognition, treating the event almost casually.
- Velkan shields Anna and confronts Edward protectively, but his suspicion turns into reluctant fear and respect after witnessing Edward’s swordsmanship.
- Anna acts as the diplomatic bridge between them, introducing herself and Velkan and inviting Edward to the castle.
- The villagers’ reactions reinforce Edward’s mysterious, almost legendary image as they witness both his combat ability and supernatural weapon concealment.
- In the castle, Anna provides Edward with historical context about the map, unknowingly helping him discover a possible way to reconnect with his extradimensional office.