As Tyler sprinted on, a torrential river loomed ahead.
He had intended to steer the steadfast Moto-chan along the course of the river, but Moto-chan had other ideas. 𝐎𝑽ℯ𝒍xt.𝔠𝑂𝗆
With unyielding determination, Moto-chan accelerated, convincing Tyler that the river would not sway its course.
As the distance to the river diminished, Moto-chan kicked up another gear and, with astounding grace, leapt across the water, landing securely on the opposite bank and continuing its gallant charge!
This performance, far exceeding that of any common horse, left the pursuing Crimson Serpent King dumbfounded.
It was only then that Splurt realized he had been chasing no ordinary steed, but rather, a magical creature.
—(Damn it… Why have I encountered such bizarre events tonight!)
Splurt, infuriated, plunged into the river, defying the current as he swiftly crossed the water. Once ashore, he pursued Tyler into the depths of Sunny Forest. There, he knew, he would reign supreme.
Banning would be his, one way or another!
·
Upon entering the forest, Tyler began searching for a particular “trace.” He had previously discovered related “clues” on the outskirts of Sunny Town during a nocturnal excursion.
[Click paragraph comment from quotes from Chapter 106]
Little did he know, that discovery would prove invaluable tonight.
“Moto-chan, you hide somewhere else.” (Evilkind language)
As they neared the final battleground, Tyler dismounted, unwilling to burden Moto-chan further.
Unexpectedly, Moto-chan refused to leave. The steed even gripped Tyler’s arm in its mouth, urging him to remain astride its back.
“Very well, let us face life and death together, side by side!”
Tyler smiled warmly, filled with courage as Moto-chan accompanied him.
·
Moments later, Tyler and Moto-chan arrived at the final battleground, ready for the decisive confrontation.
Soon, the Crimson Serpent King’s hissing drew nearer.
Tyler glanced at the “T” carved into his palm, then hurled every remaining smoke bomb he possessed!
In an instant, the forest was enveloped in a dense fog, obscuring all sight.
“Hiss hahaha… Banning, did you really think such a simple trick would work on me?”
The voice of the Crimson Serpent King echoed nearby as it slithered closer, forked tongue flickering.
“Whether it works or not isn’t for you to decide.”
Tyler fired a blind arrow towards the source of the serpent’s voice, only to hear the crisp sound of it being deflected.
“Hiss, that barely tickles. Is that really your last resort? Are you so afraid of the magic sword’s backlash that you dare not use it?”
Splurt’s mocking words continued, but Tyler remained unfazed. Everything was going according to plan.
With a sharp twang, Tyler loosed another arrow, striking the Crimson Serpent King once more. Again, it merely glanced off, but Tyler could tell from the sound that his foe was drawing nearer.
—(The serpent’s progress is slow. It claims the smoke has no effect, but I believe otherwise.)
“Hiss… Hey, is this really your final struggle? Is this all you’ve got, as a fellow member of the Shadow Serpents Society?”
The Crimson Serpent King’s position was now even closer. Tyler could discern its massive form amidst the fog.
Just then, a gust of wind swept through the forest, dissipating the haze and leaving Tyler exposed!
“Hiss hahaha!! Do you see? Even the winds are aiding me!”
The Crimson Serpent King roared with laughter, now a mere hundred yards from Tyler.
At such proximity, the colossal serpent could lunge at Tyler, ending the battle in an instant!
Yet Tyler remained calm, even stowing his bow and meeting Splurt’s gaze directly.
“Is it truly a cause for celebration, a simple gust of wind?” Tyler inquired.
“Hiss… Stop pretending. I know you’re about to wet yourself in fear, hiss hahaha!”
The Crimson Serpent King continued to inch closer, determined to minimize the distance before striking, ensuring a lethal blow.
“You’re the one who should be worried about wetting yourself, Splurt. Oh, I’m sorry, I forgot you’re not even wearing pants right now.”
Tyler flashed a mocking grin, utterly devoid of fear.
“Ah, you persist in your delusions even as death looms near. If you could slay me, why would you wait until now?”
“I sought to grant you an opportunity for redemption, Splurt…”
Tyler gazed solemnly at the Crimson Serpent King, observing its stealthy approach. He refrained from hindering or retreating, hoping Splurt would draw nearer.
“Heedlessly, you squander this chance in the afterlife, you fool!”
Splurt continued to inch forward – just three more feet, and he would be able to sink his fangs into the detestable Banning in two seconds!
Just then, Banning raised his hand, signaling Splurt to halt.
“Splurt, if you proceed, only death awaits you. This is my final warning.”
—『Combat Occupation Skill ‘Deceiver – Lv10’ has been activated and remains in effect…』
“Ah, my gratitude…”
Ignoring the caution, Splurt advanced and surreptitiously readied his ambush. However, before he could complete his preparations, the enigmatic Banning suddenly shouted!
“Hatchlings! Slay this serpent!” (Evilkind language)
Instantaneously, a multitude of carrion rat hatchlings emerged from the shadows, frenziedly leaping upon the Crimson Serpent King and gnawing at its scales!
Splurt was taken aback, aware that the Sunny Forest was carrion rat territory, but ignorant of the sheer number of hatchlings present.
The revelation that Banning could manipulate demonic creatures, potentially a Demon Tamer or Beastmaster, further astounded him.
Despite this, he dismissed the threat.
“Haha, laughable! How can these tiny little rats harm me?!”
With a flick of his tail, Splurt crushed numerous carrion rat hatchlings. Even though more continued to emerge from their underground burrows, they could not damage the Crimson Serpent King’s sturdy scales.
Yet, Banning also laughed, unnerving Splurt.
“Splurt, if I were you, I wouldn’t harm another’s offspring in their lair.”
Pointing behind Splurt, Banning struck fear into his heart.
“No… impossible… I lured the Rat King to the northern wasteland…”
Trembling, Splurt glanced back to behold the Poison Blade Rat King leading a swarm of Giant Carrion Rats and Raging Carrion Rats, charging toward him.
His body now covered in the carcasses and blood of carrion rat hatchlings, Splurt appeared as the ultimate provocation.
“BANNING—!!!”
Realizing of the trap dawned upon,Splurt, desperate to drag Banning down with him. He looked ahead only to discover that, in the brief moment he had turned away, Banning had already mounted his horse and fled.
All that awaited Splurt was a dark, tidal wave of carrion rats.