The creature roared loudly. It’s about as big as a building, and really loud to boot. Tentacle-like appendages were wriggling around on top of its head, and its mouth was lined with a circle of sharp teeth. I feel like I’ve seen something like this in a movie before.
“Eep! A-A sandworm?! Why is there one here?!” Gruszka shouted.
Right, a sandworm! Wait, are we legally allowed to say that? No copyright laws here?
“Gross! Like, what does it eat to get that big?!” Fresa yelled.
“Hey, what in the world is that thing?!” Datil yelled.
Huh? You were able to identify that big siratar, a demon that I doubt anyone has seen grow to that size, but you don’t know this monster? Is it rare or something?
“This is a sandworm! It’s a legendary demon that lives in the deserts of the west!” Gruszka said.
Oooh, a legendary monster! So we’ve got a rare encounter here, do we? Will it drop a treasure box if we defeat it?
“Forget defeating it, no one has really even seen this beast before. Everyone who encounters it is devoured on the spot! The old legend goes that it swallows everything, from people to carriages, and melts down steel armor—and bones too!”
I see! So any treasure boxes would melt down too! Wait, isn’t that bad? It totally doesn’t have any loot then. We’re just getting attacked with no benefits!
“Furutsu, maybe we can use its corpse for Fresa-san’s Hoard Lottery,” Grida said.
Oh, right! You’re right! You’re a genius, Grida!
“Another thing,” Gruszka explained. “Once a sandworm is killed, its body turns to sand. Because the corpse disappears, it’s regarded as more of a legend!”
I see! So we can’t dissect it or make it into a specimen. Isn’t that bad? If we don’t get a corpse, we can’t use it for the Hoard Lottery! There’s no plus in fighting this thing! What a waste!
“Hang in there, Furutsu! This isn’t about benefits or waste! If we don’t fight, we’ll get eaten!” Grida said.
The sandworm roared loudly, opening its jaws. Shut up, sandworm! Like you said, Grida, at this rate, we’ll all get eaten! I probably won’t add much to the meal though. I’m too small.
“Here I go. Cell Manipulation!” Datil said.
Ding! “Cell Manipulation has been activated. Remaining time: 59...58...57...”
He jumped from the horse and ran toward the sandworm. As always, I’m impressed by his speed.
“Hah!” he yelled as he swiftly swung his sword. Sparks flew from the sandworm’s skin, and a sharp metallic sound echoed in the air. “Ugh, I c-can’t cut through it!” Above him, the sandworm opened its mouth wide and dove straight toward its prey.
“Whoa!” Datil said as he dodged the attack. Each time the monster struck, shock waves spread through the ground. Datil rolled around, evading each of the sandworm’s relentless attacks by a hair.
Hey, that’s part of my identity! Don’t roll without my permission!
Ding! “All apples will be hardened, super oxidized, and receive high-speed rotation. 3...2...1... Upgrade complete.”
Fresa had already activated her ability and shouted toward the sandworm. “Jeez, Datil! What are you doing?! Apple Meteor!”
The five rotating apples flew toward the sandworm, breaking through its tough skin. We heard a loud sizzle, followed by the sweet scent of baked apples—which quickly morphed into a burning smell. The sandworm roared once more, however, seemingly unfazed by the damage.
“Huh?! Why isn’t it working?!” Fresa yelled.
It’s too big. You barely burned the outer layer of its skin, and haven’t done much else. Worst case, you might not have damaged it at all.
“It’s my turn next! One hundred percent! Unchain the wind, entreat the moon!” Grida said. A wind blade soared straight toward the sandworm with a loud whoosh. Her power was immense—the blade was larger than the monster’s neck.
Not sure if the words “blade” and “neck” are accurate here though. Whatever, let’s not worry too much about it. But the moment the wind blade made contact, it disappeared into thin air.
“Huh?! Why? What happened?” she cried.
What?! Even Grida’s magic didn’t do damage?
Ring! Ring! “Warning! Magic spell has been resisted.”
“The magic disappeared?! What’s going on?” Fresa said, jumping up and down while pointing at the worm.
“Could it be protected by a guardian?! This is a bit of a pain!” Datil shouted as he continued to dodge its attacks.
A guardian? That sounds familiar. Uhhh...
“Furutsu, remember the baby dragon in the city? They said magic didn’t work on it,” Grida said.
That’s right! You have a good memory. I do remember them saying that when we were in Kalabuya. So this thing isn’t just big, but kind of tricky to defeat too.
“Apple-san! Don’t just sit there looking impressed!” Fresa said.
I’d love to ask how you knew what I was thinking, but now’s not the time. Swords, magic, and apples are all ineffective. All right then, I guess I’ll use my skill. Shackle!
Ding! “Shackle has been activated. Please be careful of your surroundings.”
Clanking sounds filled the air as shackles started appearing. These shackles are from the curse card, connecting me, Grida, Fresa, and Datil. Plus, I should be the only one who can see them, but...
“Ah, it’s those shackles!” Datil said.
“That’s the move that killed the queen ant!” Fresa said.
Apparently I’m not the only one. Both Fresa and Datil could see these shackles. As you’ve noted, Fresa, this move was last used at the Chasm of Catastrophe. Guess I’m firing my ultimate again! This demon’s a bit big—will my shackles be long enough? Let’s do this. Funerary Shackles!
Ding! “Activating Funerary Shackles. The coffin will appear in: 30...29...28... Please be wary of your surroundings. I repeat, please be wary of your surroundings. 24...23...”
Jangle. Jingle. Clink!
That worm’s big, so I’ve gotta hurry.
“Wh-What’s that apple doing?!” Gruszka cried with surprise.
You just saw King of Apples, and you’re in shock over me? Apples these days can fly, jump, roll, and cast magic. Keep that in mind.
Jangle. Jingle. Clink!
I jumped and rolled around the sandworm, wrapping it in my chains. Damn, this thing’s too big! It’s like I’m trying to truss a whale! It didn’t seem to notice me, though, as it was relentlessly attacking Datil. Well, it’s time to say our goodbyes.
Ding! “The Funerary Shackles will now be deployed. Join your hands together in prayer. For those attending the cremation, a bus has been prepared for you. Please board immediately.”
I’m not really sure if anyone would miss this legendary monster though...
The sandworm roared with confusion. A honking sound played and the chains went taut, as the demon was crushed into little pieces before turning into sand.