“Hehehe, the Red Giant Snake is writhing around! Well, you know? With those jagged fangs, if they bite down on your nose, no matter how tough you are, it’s not something you can just ignore. And that’s not even mentioning how it bites at your legs. On top of that, those bear traps were made from treasure chests. They’re far more durable than normal ones. You can’t break them easily! Alright, now then――!
“Let’s run, Aurora!”
“――!”
As I started to run, Aurora flew alongside me. I was worried that maybe Aurora might decide to fight alone, but it looks like she’ll escape with me. That’s a relief.
Now, as for the direction we’re running in, it’s not toward the exit of the mountain dungeon. If we bump into any unsuspecting adventurers, it could be trouble. So, does that mean we’re heading toward the hidden area entrance? Haha, what a joke. If the Red Giant Snake gets in there, all the camping gear and streaming equipment will be ruined! That’s the one thing I can’t allow. If that happens, I’ll definitely cry my eyes out. So, where are we running to? To the top of the mountain dungeon. The top should have fewer trees and a better view. At least, it’d be easier for rescuers to fight up there than in a place like this where the trees are thick. Well? In the first place, there’s a chance I could escape completely, though. HAHAHA!
“――!!”
Just as I was thinking about that, my cheek got pulled and it hurt. The only one who’d do that in this situation is Aurora. What? We’re in a pretty urgent situation here… Huh? Behind us?
“What’s behind us――Woah!?”
I turned around in response, and there was something red… no, wait! Is it the mouth of the Red Giant Snake!? By the time I realized, my body had already reacted. The giant mouth coming for me was dodged just in time by twisting my body. I was surprised that it had caught up with my speed, but I still dodged! That’s impressive, me!?
“Shu…”
“What the hell is that monster…!”
The Red Giant Snake, while having the speed to catch up with me, had been slowly chasing two adventurers just a moment ago. Maybe it’s to induce fear? This snake is quite the sadist.
Now, what should I do? For now, I’m in a bit of a standoff, but the bear trap that should have bitten its nose is gone. There’s just a small hole, but it doesn’t look like it did much damage. More importantly, it better not have been destroyed! Please don’t let it have been destroyed! I’ve still got three left, but that’s only three!
“That was close!”
Just as I was thinking about whether the bear trap had survived, it bit at me again. Thankfully, I managed to avoid it, but the snake wouldn’t even let me mourn the bear trap. …That’s right. It’s a snake, even though it’s grown huge and turned into a monster! I know snakes are cold-blooded, so they’re weak to the cold, right? I’m here camping today. Of course, I brought ice! …But sadly, I left it in the hidden area! But at least I have Aurora with me!
“Aurora! Can you freeze the area around it with magic?”
“――!”
Aurora responded to my call. In an instant, a massive chunk of ice, as thick as a telephone pole, appeared in midair and fell towards the Red Giant Snake. It easily avoided it, but the ice didn’t vanish—it stabbed into the ground around it, and the cold spread throughout the area. Damn, I’m cold too. The thin clothes are not helping, but the effect is obvious. The snake’s movements gradually slowed, and its eyes became dull. Good, good! Just fall asleep already! Let your sleep be eternal! Hahaha, I’ve won! Time for a barbecue!
…Hmm? The Red Giant Snake, is it glowing red? Huh? Is it not cold anymore? Is it actually getting hot? It’s still spring, but it shouldn’t be this hot! The ice is melting… wait, this isn’t a natural phenomenon!?
“Aurora!”
“――!?”
Following my bad feeling, I quickly grabbed Aurora gently and leaped away from the Red Giant Snake to put some distance between us. It wasn’t moving, but the light coming from its body was getting stronger, and the area was filled with blinding light and a sound like something evaporating… No, the ice didn’t just melt, did it!? It’s evaporating!
I thought the redness of its scales was from blood after attacking prey… Ah, I see now.
“You can control heat, huh?”
“Shu…”
“Then, Aurora, let’s do it again!”
“――!”
Once again, I sent a chunk of ice flying toward it. Naturally, the Red Giant Snake wouldn’t fall for the same trick twice. It controlled the heat and instantly evaporated the ice. But after all, it’s just a monster! It doesn’t have the intelligence! The steam serves as a distraction, buying us some time to escape! Hahaha, farewell, Akechi-kun! We’ll meet again—woah!
Just as I turned to run, an enormous impact slammed into my back. Even though I couldn’t see it, I knew! The Red Giant Snake’s attack hit me! It hurt, but it felt like being slapped with a flyswatter! My bones don’t seem broken, but why attack in such poor visibility… Ah, I forgot about its pit organs… Dammit… Can I even keep streaming after this?”
