Chapter 99: Bite (1/2)

Fortunately, the snake attack lasted only a few moments. In its trajectory, the side structure next to the observation tower was wiped out.

Walking hundreds of meters along the beach and cutting the sandy soil as if it were made of plastic, the dark ray barely touched Yoichi's foot.

Having predicted a ranged attack, the young tamer managed to jump just before the dark beam, which crossed the entire coastal stretch in less than two seconds.

After exhausting the energy, the Hebigure shut its jaws, swallowing the rest of the dark gas. Unlike any demon encountered so far, that giant snake demon had managed to revive after a fatal headshot and had enhanced its body, strengthening its outer structure.

Although only for a few seconds, Enatsu succeeded to communicate his impressions: the merchant had seen other Hebigures in the past, but none of them was of that size, nor had ever fired a ray of dark energy.

Yoichi got up from the ground, opening his hand and freeing Kenji. The young Nightblades tamer had used his body as a human shield, protecting his Nekage.

With his arms still enhanced by the black scales, he quickly charged on his knees and began to run towards the enemy. Enatsu had moved away, intent on helping out.

After realizing that even the fearful merchant intended to contribute to that battle using his utility skill, Shioko began to run, too. Yoichi travelled a wide curve to the right; the red-haired girl went to the left.

At the same time, Enatsu activated the power of his winged Oracle. Swapping his view with Sora's, he took wing into the night sky, flying over the giant purple-eyed snake.

”Watch out!” he yelled. ”This monster is preparing to counter your attacks!” – enjoying a privileged view, Enatsu guided his friends from above. As the Hebigure's stomach emitted strange guttural verses, digesting that obscure substance, Sora's clear sight caught a glimpse of something weird.

The snake's eyes were pointed at Shioko, knowing that, shortly before, she threw it a mortal blow. Nobu's light illuminated the area along with the moonlight, the reflection of which bounced off the surface of the calm sea.

”Aaargh!” Yoichi yelled during the charge, clenching his fists and pumping his forearms. His eyes framed the snake's face while the gas kept caming out of its large, sharp-cornered nostrils.

Enatsu flew using Sora's body, looking at the enemy from above. The giant demon's tail began to writhe, and the bone spikes at that precise spot stretched out slightly.

It was as if they reacted to the tension of the muscles of that sturdy and long body, which pushed them out as it pleased. ”Don't get too close. It's a trap! It's about to hit you using its tail!” Enatsu yelled, alerting his companions.

Encouraged by the fact that they had a leading voice, Shioko and Yoichi continued their advance, attacking the Hebigure from both the right and the left. Having started her run before Yoichi, Shioko reached the dark demon before her comrade, activating Nobu's power.