“What the hell is with that guy? Seriously, I can’t even!”
“――!”
A painful blow struck my back, and I almost blacked out for a moment. But sheer desperation to survive forced me to regain consciousness. I attempted to flee again—and succeeded. If I’d hesitated for even a second, I would have been swallowed whole. Sure, that might be intriguing in fiction, but in real life? Being swallowed alive is something I’d rather avoid, thank you very much.
…Huh. Thanks to the adrenaline surging through me, my back doesn’t hurt at all. Still, I should probably treat it with a potion as soon as I catch my breath.
But seriously, a giant snake that controls heat? As if its freakishly fast movements weren’t bad enough, now it’s got to be a fire-breathing monster too? How much greedier can nature get? What kind of mutation even caused that?!
“――!”
“Whoa, close one!”
Aurora’s warning saved me. Following her cue, I leapt onto a tree branch just in time to dodge the Red Great Serpent lunging at where I’d been moments before. If I’d been alone, I’d definitely be snake food by now. Thanks, Aurora—you’re a lifesaver. And as payback, here’s a little gift for that exposed back of yours: a bear trap!
“ShaaaAAARRGGH!!”
The trap snapped shut with a harsh metallic clang, its razor-sharp teeth piercing the Red Great Serpent’s scales and sinking deep into its flesh. Blood sprayed from the wound. Huh, seems like its body is softer than its head. That’s good intel for anyone planning to take this thing down—assuming I live long enough to pass it on!
Leaving the thrashing, writhing serpent behind, Aurora and I pressed onward toward the mountaintop, our steps (and her wings) carrying us further from the chaos. Farewell, Bear Trap #2! I hope we meet again someday…
・
・
・
“We made it… First mission accomplished.”
“――”
We reached the summit—the area where the Blue Great Serpent was supposed to reside. A quick glance behind us revealed no sign of the Red Great Serpent. Still, the sound of something slithering grew louder and closer by the second. It wouldn’t be long before it caught up to us.
I checked my smartphone: 5 PM. The sun was setting, painting the sky a deep orange. Fighting at night would be a nightmare since the Red Great Serpent had heat-sensing pits and excellent night vision. Where’s that adventurer backup we were promised?
If no one’s coming, does that mean we’ll have to deal with the Red Great Serpent ourselves? Aurora’s magic aside, I’m barely pulling my weight in combat. We’re down to one last bear trap, and my short sword probably wouldn’t even scratch that monster.
Are we seriously doomed? I really want to survive for the sake of my viewers who enjoy my streams, but I can’t see a way out of this. Worst-case scenario—
“Aurora, if it comes down to it, you should—ow!”
“――!!”
Aurora? Was that a dropkick to my face? Aren’t slaps the usual response? That hurt, you know! Oh, I see—you’re mad. You’re asking if our bond is so shallow that I’d tell you to abandon me. You’re saying it’s meaningless if only one of us survives. That you don’t want to lose the chance to eat good food, drink, or stream together. Aurora… T-thank you?
Still, emotional moments don’t magically solve our predicament. Hm? Is that… something strange over there in the corner of the boss area? Just as I noticed it, the slithering noise swelled into a deafening roar. It’s here!
“ShruuuuuuuAAAARRRGH!!”
Oh great, the Red Great Serpent looks absolutely furious. Understandable, after being toyed with and then painfully wounded by a trap. It’s not playing around anymore; it’s out for blood.
I steel myself to face it… but I can’t ignore that weird object. Sprinting toward it at full speed, I closed the distance—and its identity became clear.
“A treasure chest?!”
“――!?”
Yes, a treasure chest. It was fancier than the one I found my bear traps in, but… why is it here? Normally, treasure chests only appear after the boss is defeated. Could this one have spawned naturally? …No time to ponder! Whatever’s inside might be the key to turning this situation around!
“Open sesame!”
Light poured from the chest, enveloping me and Aurora in a radiant glow. As the brilliance faded, the contents of the chest were revealed.
“Wait, just… one arrow? Where’s the bow?!”
