The View on the Road Home There was a trade route commonly known as the Maiden Highway that ran between the western side of Labyrinth City and the capital. The name was a reference to the shamans and minstrels who’d traveled the road in ancient times. It was said that during the war with the demon god, all the women who practiced at sanctuaries in the capital traveled to a base where Labyrinth City stood now and helped to bring peace by praying for the hero. North of the Maiden Highway was a mountain range of labyrinths known as the Five-Ringed Mountains. The “five rings” referred to the five labyrinths that made up the range, each of them particularly difficult. South of the highway—which meant southwest of Labyrinth City—was a sprawling, barren wasteland known as Hyena Waste. One might think the name originated from prowling packs of hyenas, but that would be wrong; in fact, there were hardly any animals in the area at all. Instead, the word hyena was used to refer to the excavators and looters who searched the ancient ruins scattered throughout the waste. Entering these ruins meant putting oneself in mortal danger. The ancient security and the monsters that spawned within the structures saw any invaders as looters and did their best to eliminate them. And yet the promise of treasure continued to tempt people into risking their lives, and over time, people came to call the area and its labyrinths Hyena Waste. “Ugh, I can’t believe they make you take one of those,” Tiana said angrily as the party walked through Hyena Waste. She was looking at a cloth bag strapped to Zem’s back. It was folded like a camping tent. “It’s the rule,” Zem replied. “I know that, but it’s in bad taste. There’s nothing to inspire you like taking a body bag into a labyrinth,” Tiana complained. “This is a dangerous job. You come to realize that after enough labyrinth exploration,” Nick said casually without turning around. Tiana just sighed as she followed behind him. “We have all the information we need. We can handle this place just fine.” “Yes, you are right. However…” Bond nervously glanced ahead. Karan had been walking ahead of the group without joining in the conversation. “That’s it… The hole in that giant stone is the entrance,” she announced. She pointed toward a black opening that looked like an enlarged anthill opening in a stone structure. It led into a labyrinth that had a simple layout that spiraled downward with no branching paths until it reached the bottom floor, resembling the rings on a vase left by a potter’s fingers as they spun it on their wheel. This labyrinth was called Pot Snake Cave, and it was a C-rank labyrinth infested with deadly poisonous monsters. The place had a special meaning to Karan; it was where her first party, White Heron, had left her to die. Nick was the one who suggested taking on this labyrinth, for a couple reasons. The first was that the Survivors had been raised to D rank in recognition of their accomplishments at the Manhunt guild, and all they had to do to reach C rank was clear one C-rank labyrinth. C was an important rank for adventurers. It gave a party access to the Pioneers Guild, where highly skilled advanced adventurers gathered. It was also the rank where ambitious adventurers competed most ruthlessly to keep going up the ladder. Reaching it was a goal for Nick. The other reason Nick chose Pot Snake Cave was much more important. “How do you feel, Karan?” Nick asked. “The monsters won’t be a problem. But I feel…queasy,” she answered. The main reason Nick suggested they challenge this labyrinth was because he feared Karan was suffering from an illness. “I knew it. You have labyrinthphobia,” Nick said. Labyrinthphobia wasn’t an official illness recognized by sanctuaries and hospitals. It was considered a variety of panic disorder at most, and it was never specifically mentioned in clinical records. But in Labyrinth City, where a lot of adventurers lived, everyone knew what it was. The illness presented no impediments to daily life, but coming across a monster that had clobbered you once or thinking of a labyrinth where a party member died could cause extreme anxiety, tension, and vomiting. It was a disastrous—and potentially lethal—illness for adventurers. The emergence of symptoms in a critical situation would put not just you but your entire party in danger. Labyrinthphobia needed to be conquered as soon after diagnosis as possible. Adventurers who did nothing to cure their illness were eventually kicked out of their party and given a notice by the Adventurers Guild, forcing them to retire. There were no exceptions. Nick first suspected that Karan had labyrinthphobia when a guild employee handed them a list of C-rank labyrinths. The employee kindly explained that they would be promoted to C rank if they cleared even one of the labyrinths, and when she shared details about Pot Snake Cave, Karan developed a nasty headache and didn’t get up from the table for a while. Nick noticed it right away. Karan had developed a severe case of labyrinthphobia that would threaten her career as an adventurer if left alone. That’s when he declared they were going to Pot Snake Cave. “I think so, too,” Karan agreed. “Focus on taking deep breaths. Zem, do you have any medicine?” Nick asked. “I’ll prepare a calming decoction… But do we really need to rush this?” Zem said, sounding doubtful as he dissolved ground-up medicinal herbs in hot water. “Yes, we do. I won’t consider withdrawing,” Nick answered frankly. “Why?! Just look at Karan…,” Tiana said, worried. “I don’t mind. Let’s go,” Karan said. Tiana gulped. “You’re really pale. This is reckless,” she insisted. “My heart feels cold just being near this labyrinth. My legs are restless, too,” Karan said, speaking clearly despite her shaking voice. “I never thought something like this would happen to me. But I was wrong. I’ve been scared this whole time. I’m scared right now.” “Then let’s leave!” “No. I have to fix this.” Karan gave Tiana a brave smile, but the mage still looked distressed. Nick remained cool, not letting Karan’s state throw his emotions out of balance. “There’s only one way to heal labyrinthphobia: rechallenge the labyrinth or monster that caused it and win. The longer you wait, the harder it gets,” he said. “But I’ve heard there’s a way to heal labyrinthphobia by clearing easier labyrinths,” Tiana replied. It was the shared opinion of Labyrinth City adventurers that curing the fear required facing the labyrinth or monster that caused it. The only other option in their minds was to quit working as an adventurer. The time to full recovery differed greatly depending on the person. For example, an individual who knew an advanced adventurer and was blessed with friends who were willing to help them could perform a drastic treatment that involved forming an overpowered party and quickly stomping whatever caused their illness. Not many people had that option, however. The most common and safest method of treatment was to repeatedly clear a lower-level labyrinth that was the same type as the place that triggered the symptoms and gradually reduce them before tackling the main labyrinth again. “We’d end up having to come here in the end anyway. It’s best to get it over with,” Nick insisted, believing they should clear Pot Snake Cave as quickly as possible. It was rare for him to make such an aggressive choice. It would be fair to say he was being stubborn and reckless. “What do you think, Bond?” Tiana asked, repressing her anger. Bond creased his brow and answered. “Hmm… Honestly, I believe this method to be crude. It would be best to treat the illness over time with appropriate counseling. I cannot wholeheartedly agree with Nick’s decision.” “Then—” “But such counseling is not available in Labyrinth City. Asking a private physician or a priest for help would be pointless, and I don’t have an alternate plan.” “This is ridiculous.” Bond’s answer only ticked Tiana off more. “That’s enough complaining,” Nick snapped. “Who do you think you are?” Tiana asked. “The party leader. If you have a problem with my decision—” “Oh, I have many problems with it. But I get your reasoning. That’s not why I’m mad.” Tiana was angry because of Nick’s attitude, which was why she was pressing him so firmly. “Why’re you upset, then?” Nick asked. “I don’t like this dumb tough-guy act you’re putting on,” Tiana answered. “Just follow your leader’s orders. That’s how we operate. An adventurer who’s scared of labyrinths is useless. We need to do this. That’s all there is to it.” “That’s a lie.” Tiana glared at Nick, and he met her with the same expression. “What’s a lie?” he asked. “Do you not see it? You normally take a vote for even the smallest of decisions and ask for our input when planning. But you’re not listening to us this time. We barely even took time to prepare. It’s weird,” Tiana said. “There’s no point in discussing this. We don’t have the luxury of choice here. If you’re that upset about it, you can leave.” “Oh, you’re going there, are you? Let me say one thing.” “As if I could stop you.” “You know you’re pushing Karan too far, and you’re acting like a tyrant so all the blame rests on your shoulders. You’re acting this way to make us hate you. Just like a certain adventurer who drove you away using similar methods.” Nick grabbed Tiana by the collar, enraged by her accusation. But she didn’t stop there. “The leader of your previous party didn’t give you a reason you could accept when he fired you, and even worse, he didn’t listen at all when you tried to defend yourself. Wasn’t that infuriating? This Argus might have been an amazing adventurer, but he definitely hurt you that day. Are you trying to do the same thing to us?” Tiana asked. “Why, you little…,” Nick growled threateningly. “Oh dear. Did I make you mad? Why? Because I brought up your past? Curing labyrinthphobia requires overcoming past trauma. If you’re going to demand that of others, you shouldn’t get so worked up when someone drags up your issues.” “That is enough, Tiana!” Zem called out. “Hey, Tiana!” Karan shouted. Karan watched Nick and Tiana, too stunned by their exchange to move. The tension between them was so great, it seemed they would come to blows. Ten seconds of silence stretched to a minute, and then five. Eventually, the intense anger receded from Nick’s face and he calmly let go of Tiana’s collar. “Sorry. I wasn’t clear enough with you all,” he apologized. Nick had been acting like Argus. He couldn’t deny it. Wounds of the past became a part of oneself, for better or for worse. Some wounds inspired direct growth, while others took time to overcome. The Survivors all had plenty of the latter. “For goodness’ sake… Care to explain yourself?” Tiana asked, breathing a sigh of relief. “This place should be easy for us, considering our strength. But you never know what could happen in a labyrinth… If something goes wrong, I thought it would be easier for you all to handle if you had someone to blame,” Nick said. “That’s ridiculous! You pick the worst times to act stubborn,” Tiana replied with a shrug. “I can tell you’re probably thinking about what Daffy said,” Karan began quietly. “But I’m the one who has to brace myself and overcome this illness, not you. There’s no reason to torment yourself for my sake.” Zem, who had been observing the conversation quietly, spoke up next. “Nick. I understand how you feel, wanting to cure Karan’s labyrinthphobia. I also agree with your general plan.” “Zem…,” Nick said. “However, you should have explained yourself to Karan. And Karan, I understand why you want to respect Nick’s thinking. But you should talk to him before you blindly follow his orders. Have you forgotten why Nick made the rules we abide by as the Survivors?” Zem admonished. “Urk…” Karan’s expression made it clear that she had forgotten. “We are all equal partners. It is your duty to protect the safe and not let us touch it. You should apply that mindset to our adventures as well. If Nick is behaving in a way that doesn’t make sense, you can confront him about it. In fact, as his comrade, that is exactly what you should do,” Zem continued. “O-okay.” “I’m not telling you to suspect Nick of nefarious intentions. I trust him as well. But he can have errors of judgment. He has a virtuous soul, but no one is perfect. Party members need to speak up and share their opinion when the situation calls for it.” “…Okay.” Karan nodded meekly. “It’s time for you to speak up, Nick,” Bond said. “Since when were you in charge? Eh, whatever.” Nick smiled with some chagrin. He stood up straight and began to speak. “Adventurers suffering from labyrinthphobia can do as Tiana said. Most actually do spend time clearing a labyrinth of slightly lower difficulty until they feel ready to take on the source of their trauma. It’s an effective method if you want to save your career as an adventurer. But it’s not good enough for Karan.” “Why not?” Tiana asked. “White Mask is a demon-god worshipper. His comrades will target us now that we’ve defeated him,” Nick said, sending a chill down the others’ spines. “I don’t have proof of that, but it’d be dangerous to assume they won’t want revenge. They’re good at hiding their identities, they’ve got a boatload of valuable magic tools, and worst of all, they’ve all got more than a few screws loose. We don’t know when or how they’ll come for us… Karan, do you think that Callios guy who stole your dragon king gem could be one of them?” Karan’s eyes went wide with surprise. “Callios…a demon-god worshipper?” “Are you sure you aren’t overthinking things?” Tiana asked. “I’m obviously just guessing… I actually have no basis for that at all. But it doesn’t matter either way. All the demon-god worshippers would have to do to trigger Karan’s labyrinthphobia would be to use a disguise or an illusion and put her face-to-face with someone who looks like Callios. Labyrinthphobia announces your weaknesses to the world. If we really are being targeted, she’ll be in mortal danger until we cure it,” Nick continued. Karan was shocked to hear this. She had already wanted to cure her labyrinthphobia as quickly as possible, but she hadn’t considered any of that. “Did you think telling her that would put too much pressure on her? I respect that, but your strange behavior was probably making her even more nervous. Something was clearly off with you,” Tiana chided. “It wasn’t that bad,” Nick protested. “It absolutely was!” Tiana insisted. Just when it looked like the two were going to start arguing again, Karan spoke up softly. “I thought you were hung up on the promise you made to Daffy.” “That was part of it. She was right that I should make you retire before adventuring breaks you. You’d be surprised by the number of people who refuse to admit their labyrinthphobia isn’t cured only to charge into a labyrinth alone and die,” Nick said. He steeled himself and looked at Karan. “Labyrinthphobia destroys adventurers’ careers without exception if uncured. I’d rather kick you out of the party than watch you fail to cure it, push yourself too far, and die.” The rest were rendered speechless by his brutal honesty. A fire burned in Karan’s eyes. “I don’t want you to kick me out of the party. I don’t want to die, either,” she said. “Good,” Nick replied. “And I especially don’t want to lose to a crook because they took advantage of my illness with a cowardly trick.” “I agree with you there.” “Let’s not do this the slow way. Let’s clear this labyrinth and kill the pot snake now.” “Got it.” “But I can’t do this alone. I can’t do it with people I don’t trust, either. Give me your support,” Karan requested, extending a fist before her. The others each put a fist to hers. “Karan. You’re just as brave as you think you are. You’re just as strong as you think you are. And you’re much smarter than you think you are. But we’re here for you if you need us. You don’t have to watch your back,” Nick reassured her. “Okay,” Karan said. “Let’s move out, everyone,” Nick said. Karan sucked in a large breath, channeled all her anger and resolve, and bellowed. “RAAAAAAARGH!” Her draconic roar echoed endlessly in the labyrinth, stirring the monsters within. The Survivors resumed walking. “Karan! Take out that silver stag!” Nick yelled. “Take this!” Karan screamed. Silver stags were incredibly nimble and had hard shells, but unlike most monsters in Pot Snake Cave, they were not poisonous. They served a different purpose; if poison was this labyrinth’s sword, their shiny silver bodies were its shield. “Watch your surroundings, Tiana! Bond and I will cover you!” Nick called out. He was knowledgeable about the monsters in this labyrinth and stayed composed as he gave orders to his party members. “I know! Icicle Dance!” Tiana yelled, sending icicles flying in all directions. She didn’t shoot them at random; each one was carefully aimed to strike a monster lurking in the dark. The icicles didn’t all connect, but they restrained the monsters and allowed Nick and Bond to finish them off. “There are three new ones behind Zem! They’re all underfoot!” Bond said telepathically. The Survivors’ strategy was simple. Bond used his excellent hearing and smell to find the enemies hiding in the dark and gave orders using Telepathy. The party was able to get through the labyrinth without significant injury or fatigue. “I sense no more monsters in our immediate vicinity. The only one that remains is…” Bond trailed off. “The one in the pot,” Nick finished. The others nodded. The Survivors had reached the bottom floor of the labyrinth. The giant serpent waited there, slumbering within its pot. Nick laid out the strategy. “All right, let’s review. Tiana will restrain it from behind. Heat and cold will be ineffective if it uses its pot as a shield, so lightning spells will work best. But you don’t have to kill it. Don’t move up to the front line.” “Got it,” Tiana answered. “I’m gonna wield Bond as a sword and fight it using hit-and-run tactics. We might have to use Union. Be ready for that,” Nick said. “Understood,” Bond responded. “Karan. You’re gonna defend the group by fighting up front. Do your best to provoke the pot snake,” Nick ordered. “Okay!” Karan exclaimed. “And Zem. You’re the key to this assault,” Nick said. “I will cast anti-poison spells once the snake’s color changes. I have learned quite a lot of new spells lately,” Zem replied with a smile. It wasn’t like him to boast. “When did you learn that kind of magic, Zem?” Tiana asked. “I found some useful spellbooks while sorting through Nargava’s belongings. The residents there offered them to me as a reward after I gave them treatment. I also found a copy of a spellbook page for Restoration,” Zem explained. “Excuse me?!” Tiana yelled, surprised. The others were astounded, too. “That’s the spell that can regenerate a lost limb,” Nick said. Restoration was a very advanced healing spell that could regenerate a body part lost to injury. There were limitations: It didn’t work if the wound was closed, and it restored body parts while retaining any tumors, sicknesses, or scars. Even so, it was a powerful spell. “The spell is too advanced for me to use currently, but I will learn it eventually,” Zem said with quiet resolve. “It was presumptuous of the Garbage Heap residents to think the spellbooks were theirs to give,” Tiana commented, eliciting a bitter smile and a shrug from Zem. “They have their own way of doing things there. Anyway…I believe I have a good understanding of the nature of the monster’s poison. Please wait as I make an antidote,” Zem said. “Sweet!” Nick cheered. Pot Snake Cave was considered a difficult labyrinth because of one unique characteristic: The nature of its monsters’ poison changed over time. The components morphed along with the passing of seasons and years, requiring new antidotes to heal it. There was no shortage of labyrinths with poisonous monsters, but this one was infamous among them. Fortunately, given his knowledge of medicine, the variety of illnesses he encountered in the nightlife district, and the notes and books he had received from Nargava, Zem was more capable than the average priest. “Most monsters here consume and store poison like puffer fish or oil-eaters. I found moss inside the stomach of a snake I caught. It’s called blue-fire moss, which, unlike most moss, is poisonous,” Zem explained joyfully as he made the medicine. The others felt a sense of dread as they watched him; Zem was not the type to consider taste when making medicine. “Urgh… This is disgusting,” Nick grimaced after sniffing the medicinal tea Zem gave him. He held his nose and chugged the green, black, and pink liquid. “Blech… Don’t just watch me, you two. Drink up.” Tiana and Karan reached for the medicine hesitantly… “Run, everyone!” Bond yelled, and they all scattered reflexively. A giant spear whooshed through the spot where they had been standing a moment earlier. “Wh-what the hell just happened?!” Nick shouted, shocked. He turned around and saw the dim shape of a giant snake. Its eyes shone faintly in the dark. It was undoubtedly the boss of this labyrinth, the pot snake. “Hey, what gives?! I thought it only emerged when you disturbed it!” Tiana shouted. “It’s definitely not supposed to leave its nest! Adventurers have killed this thing hundreds of times!” Nick called back. “Y-yeah! It didn’t come out until I kicked the pot last time!” Karan said. “There are always exceptions! We’ve seen mutants before!” Tiana said. “There are records of mutants, but… Well, there’s no point in discussing this now,” Nick said. The pot snake picked up another weapon in its mouth. Nick figured it had picked up a spear dropped by a deceased adventurer and chucked it at the party as hard as it could. The throw was surprisingly accurate, given the darkness of the cave. “This is bad… It is using some kind of stealth ability or spell to negate its noise, scent, and body temperature. It is visible, but only barely.” Bond sounded unusually concerned. “Snakes primarily sense by detecting heat, right?” Nick asked. “Yes. Snake monsters should be the same,” Bond answered. “Karan! Tiana! Disturb it with fire and lightning! Don’t worry about drawing attention to yourselves!” Nick ordered. Karan breathed fire and Tiana cast lightning spells, but the pot snake just calmly backed up. It used a long-handled spear like a crutch to lift itself off the ground, pot and all, and hop around the cave. “We have a problem, Nick. The medicine…” Zem trailed off, looking at his pot and cups. They had been shattered by the spear. The ingredients he used to make the medicine were on the ground as well. “Shit… Did you all drink it?” Nick cursed, looking at his party members. “I am mostly immune to poison,” Bond responded. “I drank it. However…,” Zem said. “Karan and I didn’t,” Tiana finished anxiously. Karan was pale as a sheet. “Karan, are you okay?” Tiana asked. Karan jolted at the sound of her name, but she quickly put on a brave front. “We weren’t even sure Zem would be able to make medicine. The plan was to avoid its poison and kill it. We’ll be fine.” “We didn’t account for a mutant, though. No one’s ever seen it preemptively attack adventurers and use a weapon to move around, right?” Tiana asked. “Yeah. Both of those are firsts. This is definitely a mutant,” Nick answered. He looked unsure for a moment, but he quickly made up his mind. “We’ll stick to the plan with one alteration—get ready to use Union, Bond and Zem. If anyone gets hurt, we’ll heal them immediately and kill the pot snake.” Karan gulped. She clenched her fists to stop them from trembling. “You’re still gonna fight up front, Karan. We’ll heal you with Union if you get poisoned, but we may not be fast enough. Keep that in mind,” Nick said. “O-okay!” Karan responded. “Do you understand what we’re asking of you? You’ll have to fight very carefully,” Tiana warned. “I can’t get cold feet now. Losing my concentration could get me killed,” Karan said. Tiana groaned. For once, she had no argument. The Survivors’ fight against the mutant pot snake began. The final floor of Pot Snake Cave was expansive. The boss was strong, yet its sluggishness made it relatively easy to handle in close combat. At least, that was normally the case. “Dammit, what’s with this thing?!” Nick cursed. “The pot is made of a light and soft material! It can contract like rubber or muscle, allowing it to jump! It’s also using its muscles to push off the ground, so think of it as a full-body spring!” Bond yelled. “Snakes aren’t supposed to jump around like springs! That’s just stupid!” Nick yelled back. The Survivors struggled to keep up with the pot snake’s shocking agility. It skillfully dodged each of Tiana’s spells. She probably would’ve had no trouble hitting it if they were outdoors, but the dark cave had many stalactites the snake could use to hide behind and swing around on to change directions. Whenever the party lost sight of their quarry, the snake would swing its body like a pendulum from the ceiling and crash toward them pot first. “The way it zips around reminds me of a weirdo I know. Now I know how annoying it is to deal with,” Tiana complained. “Hey, who’re you calling a weirdo?” Nick snapped. “What should we do?” “I’m thinking.” The pot snake fell to the ground as they spoke, leaving a small crater. It jumped again, wrapping itself around another stalactite. The Survivors would be crushed if they weren’t careful, and any contact with its poisonous fangs could be lethal, too. They had successfully avoided both so far, but they had been injured by the rocks the pot snake shook from the ceiling. “It’s wearing us down. If I pause to use healing magic, it will certainly target me,” Zem said, giving Nick a look that communicated a clear message: Should we use Union? “We can’t lose Zem! Stop trying to protect me, Nick! Just do what you need to do!” Karan yelled. Zem and Tiana looked at Nick with surprise. He had been protecting her throughout the fight by keeping an eye on her and covering her blind spots. Karan had taken some scratches but no real injuries. “You need to tell us if you’re gonna do something like that,” Tiana said. “That would’ve defeated the purpose,” Nick grumbled. Tiana looked at Nick with relief, but his expression was grim. It would’ve been best if Karan hadn’t realized he was protecting her. Clearing the labyrinth wasn’t important; the only goal was freeing Karan from the shackles of her past trauma. “I’m not a helpless victim that needs to be protected! I’m a member of your party!” Karan yelled. She lifted her Dragonbone Sword overhead and swung it down as hard as she could. “Hsssss?!” “Wha…? I hit it?” She had struck the monster as it fell toward her, scraping its pot. The creature beat a hasty retreat, shrieking all the while, until the cave fell so silent, it was as if there had never been a battle at all. “Th-that was incredible… How’d you know it was there?” Nick asked. “Hee-hee… That was pure luck,” Karan said with a broad smile, deflecting his praise. “Pure luck… Now, that I don’t believe.” Tiana was baffled. “Yes, there’s no need to be humble. Feel free to call it intuition,” Zem added, equally surprised. Karan continued to smile. “The timing was lucky. But you all were in danger. I had to do something.” The others fell silent for a moment, then reacted with astonishment once they realized what Karan meant. “You’re kidding. Was that whole conversation an act?!” Nick shouted. “I meant every word. But I thought I might draw the snake toward me,” the dragonian responded. Karan was out of breath, and her complexion hadn’t improved. She wasn’t exactly in perfect shape at the moment. But Nick felt a strange sense of ease from her, and a conviction that told him she wasn’t someone who would meet her end here. “Karan. I’m gonna focus on locating it. Don’t let it interfere, no matter what,” Nick ordered. “Okay,” Karan responded. “Bond, cut off your mana a little. Release your blade when I give the signal.” “What are you planning? You cannot use Magic Search or Search.” “I’m gonna use Magic Sense.” That was one of the few spells Nick had learned. It was a simple spell that allowed the user to detect the presence and amount of mana in objects they touched. “Huh? What are you gonna do with that?” Tiana asked. “The pot snake’s stealth ability is why we’re having so much trouble. But…I just sensed it,” Nick said after taking off a gauntlet and touching the ground with his bare hand. “It’s quietly moving along the ceiling using the stalactites. The ground and the room’s mana shake subtly when it shifts its weight. There are limits to its stealth, even when it’s out of view. I just felt it under my feet.” “You can sense that?” Tiana asked. “It’s easy when I touch a bare hand to the ground… All right, Karan. It stopped moving. It’s gonna attack soon,” Nick warned. Karan began to ready her Dragonbone Sword, but he stopped her. “Don’t give it any indication we know it’s coming. Keep your breathing slow and exhausted. Wait for my order. When I yell, strike as hard as you can.” “You’ve gotten a lot more reckless,” Karan said. “You were damn right before—we aren’t helpless victims that need to be protected. We are the hunters,” Nick declared. Karan calmly digested his words and smiled. Her fiery eyes and sharp teeth shone in the dark. Nick felt sweat run down his back. “Don’t get too excited, now,” he chided. “Oh, whoops,” Karan said. They relaxed for a moment, and the pot snake began to move. It swung like a pendulum without making any noise and flung itself at the Survivors, using its giant body as a weapon. “Wait, Karan! It’s coming from your right… Now! Hit it with all you’ve got!” Nick yelled. “GRAAAAAAAH!” Karan’s roar—which sounded just like an angry dragon—seemed to rise from underneath the ground as it echoed in the cave. White-hot flames surrounded her body, stronger than any she had summoned yet. Nick hadn’t thought much of it when he’d called them hunters, but he felt like he’d hit the nail on the head. The dragonian before him was fearsomely strong. “Take that!” Karan swung her sword down and cleaved the pot in two before it hit the ground. “…Did you all see that?” The pot was used to store the snake’s poison and as a shell, and it was a biological part of the snake’s body that connected to its nervous system and skeleton. Karan’s strike was lethal. But the pot snake’s vitality was something to behold. Its head snapped at her as she powerfully forced it to the ground. Its movement was greatly slowed once its body was severed, but… “Don’t let down your guard yet, you idiot!” …the snake only needed to graze her with its fangs to take her down with it. Knowing that, Nick dashed forward and cast Light Body and Heavy Body in quick succession to give himself the strength to leap forward. That wasn’t something he was taught; he’d learned it by watching and mimicking Olivia’s Stepping. He slammed into Karan before he had a chance to celebrate the success of his gamble. “Shit!” Nick yelled as a sharp fang grazed his breastplate. The armor just barely protected him, but the snake shot venom at him out of its mouth. Sensing that death was near, Nick gritted his teeth.
Chapter 63
28 min read