“It’s... still not enough?!”

  Yona stared, her mouth agape. Witnessing the Black Giant Snake still standing tall after a barrage of RPG rounds, the circuits within the young girl couldn’t calculate a single scenario or method to take that Monster down.

  “...Unbelievable.”

  Kuzunoha grit her teeth. she out her hand as if to summon a weapon, but nothing appeared.

  “...Looks like I’ve depleted my Mana creating those Gunbirds and explosives today.” The Beastfolk fox-girl frowned.

  “Would adding my Raw Magic be enough?” Yoru asked, pulling back his binoculars.

  “It won’t be enough, and you know it.” She covered her mouth with her sleeve. “Save it for the one who needs it more.”

  “Then let me—”

  Pop.

  Before Albina could finish, Kuzunoha gave her forehead a light flick.

  “You and Yoru are the group’s lifelines; don’t waste it,” Kuzunoha giggled. She picked up her assault rifle and brushed off the sand.

  “But... what should we do?” Yoru clutched his head.

  “If...” Albina clenched her fist against her chest, her blue eyes fixed on the serpent. “If we transfer Raw Magic to Yona, could she critically wound the Monster?”

  “...I don't know,” Yona shook her head.

  “Well, I guess it’s time for an old-school RPG tactic.” A smile returned to Yoru’s face.

  “Indeed, there's still that pile of explosives inside the snake's head,” Kuzunoha commented, looking Yona straight in the eyes. “But that means you’ll have to get close to the snake—or crawl back inside. Right now, only Yona-chan has the capability to do this.”

  [Well, sounds like a solo mission,] Cide commented over the headset.

  [But that's too risky!] Elina shouted.

  “...Brother Allan is currently facing that Archdruid,” Yona gripped her weapon tight. “If I don’t do this, he’ll have to fight alone again.”

  [But...] Elina’s voice wavered.

  “We aren't alone this time,” Yona smiled. “This time, it’s not just Allan; there’s Dr. Jei, Yoru, Kuzunoha, and Albina. Oh, and the Gunbeasts too!” Her eyes widened for a moment before she scratched her cheek. “So, Mom, don’t worry. We can definitely do this.”

  [...] A long sigh echoed through the headset. [If your mind is made up, then I guess I have no choice but to give you my full support.]

  “Since we’re in agreement, I’ll create an opening for you to reach that fat snake,” Kuzunoha said, reloading her ammunition.

  “You’re quite enthusiastic, especially for someone you’re being hired to protect,” Yoru chuckled.

  “If Yona-chan takes that snake down early, she can go help Allan. Once that Archdruid is gone, we get to go home sooner!” She perked up her fox ears. “The priority is clear! Or are you confident you can take them down yourself?”

  “Of course not,” Yoru shook his head.

  “Then, let’s hurry up and infuse Yona with Raw Magic.”

  Albina brought her ocarina to her lips and blew. This time, the music was louder and more frantic. The light radiating from her became blinding. The electrical current within Yona’s wiring surged in both intensity and speed.

  “May the Deity of Nature grant strength to Yona.”

  Yoru whispered a prayer and placed his Holy Symbol against his forehead. The wind and sand swirled at his call, gathering before the metal piece on his brow. The Holy Symbol flared with light, projecting its power into Yona. The robot girl’s body felt lighter, her visual sensors became razor-sharp, and her auditory and data-processing capabilities accelerated beyond their normal limits.

  “Thank you, everyone! I can feel my performance efficiency has increased significantly!”

  Yona moved her fingers, a faint smile on her face. She turned toward the Black Giant Snake, her steps no longer hindered by hesitation. Her bright eyes pierced through the fog of doubt and the darkness of night; her metal heart had incinerated all fear.

  [Go up onto the snake’s back to reach its eye socket safely,] Elina’s instructions provided the final push of determination for the young Android.

  Meanwhile, Allan and Jei continued their assault on the H?ggormur, a massive ape standing over 5 meters tall. Every punch from the Archdruid was like a short-range cannon—massive, either tearing through the wind or gouging large craters into the sand.

  Jei’s short, precise movements were just enough to dodge the enemy’s bites and blows. They also kept him fast enough to strike back, hitting the opponent’s face or body.

  Zap zap zap

  With every punch Jei threw, Allan’s body followed suit. Those metal gauntlets swung with more than just physical force; they crackled with brilliant blue lightning.

  Pow!

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  Another punch connected with the enemy’s jaw, knocking a tooth loose and leaving a charred mark on the ape’s cheek.

  [From ordinary punches to lightning-infused strikes,] H?ggormur laughed, his missing tooth regrowing almost instantly. [How fascinating!]

  The ape Archdruid swung a lightning-fast uppercut. Unable to dodge, Jei quickly crossed his forearms in defense.

  Pow! Crack!

  A massive impact followed by the dry sound of cracking stone sent Jei and Allan hurtling through the air. They flew in a wide arc before crashing into a sand dune.

  “This isn't good,” Allan grit his teeth. “Even with the gauntlets reinforced by electricity, hitting him in his most vital spots isn't doing anything!”

  “That one really stung,” Jei commented.

  The gauntlets immediately emitted a soft glow. Allan’s petrified stone arms absorbed the light, and the cracks on the surface sealed shut.

  “So you can heal, too,” Allan breathed a sigh of relief as the pain in his arms faded.

  “Did you forget that Jei-sensei is a medical professional?” Jei pushed off with both legs, jumping out of the sand pit.

  [Tough, even for someone turned to stone.]

  Jei and Allan looked up; H?ggormur was already standing before them. The man-turned-ape critiqued them like a food critic.

  [Let’s see how long you can hold out before you shatter into pieces.]

  H?ggormur licked his lips. He raised both arms high and slammed them down with immense force. Allan lunged upward to dodge. The Archdruid’s fists created the shockwave of an explosion, blasting sand high into the air that pelted the gamer. The sand, dyed in the moonlight of the ape’s massive arms, created sparks and scratched the surface of Allan’s armor.

  “Compared to the high-level Spellcasters I’ve seen and heard of, this guy is absurdly strong,” Jei commented as his feet hit the sand. He moved his head and feet constantly to evade the enemy’s subsequent flurry of punches.

  “You mean he might be higher than Level 10?” Allan asked. He was finally getting used to Jei controlling his body—no longer feeling like a passenger in a car that kept stopping abruptly.

  “Definitely,” Jei threw a parrying punch, deflecting a blow from H?ggormur.

  “My Hunter level is only 10,” Allan joked. “And I’ve only been on the job for a few days.”

  “At least you’ve been a Dreamer longer than us.”

  Jei slammed a foot against H?ggormur’s fist. The kick didn't deal damage, but rather served as a springboard. Jei and Allan launched away like a coiled spring, somersaulting several times in the air before landing on their feet.

  “Since you're helping me fight, I’ve come up with an idea,” Allan said, the corner of his mouth twitching upward.

  “Let’s hear it; Jei-sensei is listening.”

  Jei continued to dodge and slide past H?ggormur’s wild lunges, which were even biting chunks out of the sand. He didn't forget to use a few kicks to maintain distance, even as the opponent tried to grab them. The Artisan also threw shards of glass—formed from sand melted by electricity—directly into the enemy’s face.

  “Let’s follow the plan Yoru’s group is doing,” Allan explained. “And try to bring down the Archdruid, preferably preventing him from using magic to recover!”

  “Hmhmhm, but how are we going to land a clean hit on him?” Jei chuckled. He slid between H?ggormur’s legs, leaving two glass shards embedded in the opponent’s shins as a parting gift.

  “If we miss like last time, taking him down again will be nearly impossible for us,” Jei warned as he sprang back up.

  “Right...” Allan glanced toward the Black Giant Snake. “And that snake will proactively help him the moment it sees us gaining an advantage.”

  Jei took a defensive stance. “So, let’s maintain the pace. Be ready to pull out that RPG the moment things look good on the other side.”

  “Understood!”

  Allan replied, clenching his fingers and tensing his feet for the next move.

  Meanwhile, on the other side, the two Gunbeast girls were still stuck in a task they despised—running for their lives while firing back at the Black Giant Snake. Even without its eyes, the serpent continued to slither toward them. Its tongue lashed out like giant whips, knocking both girls aside. It stopped, mouth gaping wide, preparing to swallow its prey.

  ZAP!

  The snake paused as a slight numbness spread across its black scales. Turning its head toward its own body, it sensed a storm—small but violent—approaching at great speed. Without a doubt, it was its prey. The snake launched its massive fangs toward the tiny storm.

  BOOM!

  Countless explosions roared in the storm's path. But the storm didn't slow down, proving the snake had missed. The cold blood of the Black Giant Snake began to boil. How long had it been since a creature dared to defy it? Since one had actually managed to hurt it?

  ***

  Yona ran with every bit of her engine’s energy. A river of electrical charges poured from her body. It grew denser, hotter, and more violent with every step. It felt as if her brother was running alongside her.

  “I’m doing it, just like Brother Allan!”

  The thought flashed through the Android girl’s mind. Her finger squeezed the trigger repeatedly, launching a rain of rockets from the RPG. The monster’s massive fangs were blasted away, unable to touch her. Following her mother Elina’s guidance, Yona ran in a spiral pattern along the Black Giant Snake’s body, making it difficult for the serpent to turn its head and fire at her effectively.

  100m, 50m, 1m... and then she was inside the snake’s eye socket. Yona lunged through the thick walls of flesh. Though it was heavy, like walking through deep mud, it was far more effective than firing an Assault Rifle. After running for a while, she saw the vast space inside the snake’s head. The crates of TNT Kuzunoha created were piled in the center of the 'room'—her objective.

  Zap! “Ah!”

  The sparks flickered and died. Yona’s legs suddenly felt heavy and numb. She fell onto the soft, pulsating floor, the air thick with the smell of charred meat.

  “So this is how Brother Allan feels when he runs this fast...”

  She spoke her thoughts aloud. Just then, a Drone hovered beside her.

  [Rest and recover your strength first, then touch the TNT to see if you can reinforce it,] Elina’s voice came from the Drone. [Once you can move normally again, get as much distance as possible before detonating it. If you’re still weak, use this Drone’s energy to recharge.] She continued her instructions. [And make sure to detonate only when you are at a truly safe distance!]

  “I... I understand.” Yona pushed herself up slowly. “And I’ll be fine... this friend doesn't need to get hurt for me.” She gently stroked the Drone as if petting a puppy.

  [I'm sorry I still can't save you from these messes,] Elina said in a lower tone.

  [Sorry I didn't have enough firepower,] Cide’s voice whispered from the Drone.

  “No,” Yona stood tall, giving a thumbs up. “Before, I only had one friend and Allan helping from afar. Now that I have everyone accompanying me, I feel infinitely more confident than before!”

  [...] Silence followed from the Drone for nearly a minute. [I guess I can't keep moping forever.] A clapping sound echoed, and Elina’s voice returned to normal. [Come back safely, okay? I’ll prepare whatever food you like.]

  “Yes, I will definitely return!” Yona replied. “Not just to protect Mama, but because I still have a promise to keep to Brother Allan.”

  [Hmhmhm, Yona has grown up so much,] Elina giggled.

  [Come back safe; I’ll draw anything you want for you,] Yoru’s voice came over the headset.

  [Yona-chan, if you want a pet, I’ll give you one ~] Kuzunoha’s sweet voice followed.

  [S-sister,] Albina’s voice stammered. [I have a collection of pickled Monster parts and a supernatural creature encyclopedia, if you’re interested.]

  “...”

  Once again, the group fell silent at Albina’s offer. Yona finally spoke up awkwardly.

  “I-I’ll be okay, Sister Albina.”

  The Android girl walked to the mountain of TNT and touched it. Blue electrical circuits appeared on the surface of the explosives, slowly spreading across the entire pile.

  “It looks like it’s working.” Yona looked up at the glowing mountain of TNT, her eyes filled with excitement.