“Are you two sure about this? Really there is no need.” The village chief said desperately as Bryson and Florence made their way to where the villagers said the serpent last attacked.

  “Don’t worry, it’s cheaper than hiring some adventurer or mercenary to take care of this.” Bryson assured him as he stopped in front of an area of wilderness, “The last attack came from this direction right?”

  “Yes, we believe it made a den somewhere over there, but is this necessary? You already delivered the supplies, you have no need to endanger yourselves.” The chief pleaded.

  “You’re worried about having Coldwater affiliates getting killed on your watch aren’t you?” Bryson guessed.

  “Well, it’s not going to help us if it happens yes.” He admitted, “But I’m worried because this is a massive monster! It can eat an adult in one gulp, it’s dangerous.”

  “We’ve dealt with monsters before. Lo-, Bryson here should handle any monster in the area. He’s a mage specifically trained for fighting monsters like this.” Florence said quickly correcting herself.

  “A mage?” The chief said in surprise, “Well that would explain why he’s so small. But if he truly is a mage then I have full confidence in him. But still must you go with him?”

  Bryson narrowed his eyes at the unintentional slight but said nothing while Florence answered, “Since he has arrived with me here, it is only natural for me to be with him as he fights. Even though I am confident in his abilities I should be there in case something goes wrong.”

  “That is very thoughtful of you.” The chief said nodding his head.

  “Well then shall we be off?” Bryson said before he noticed someone else approach them.

  Florence turned around and was greeted by the cleric who bowed deeply to her, “Thank you both for your generosity. May Afa guide you heroes on this quest.”

  “Thank you for your blessing.” Bryson said with a nod.

  “Have you memorized what I told you?” Florence asked the cleric.

  “Huh? Oh yes, your instructions have been great. Many of the patients already mentioned improvements.” The cleric said with a wide smile.

  “Make sure to remember everything and tell the other herbalists. I will be checking them when I get back.” Florence ordered sternly.

  “Yes, once more good luck!” The cleric said before giving another bow as Bryson and Florence walked off.

  “What was that about?” Bryson asked once they were out of earshot.

  “I had told him how to better treat the patients earlier.” Florence said.

  Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.

  “I know that, I saw you writing prescriptions and everything. I meant how it seemed as though you almost had a student there.”

  “Oh, that. It is unlikely that I will be returning here so it would be best for the one in charge of medical treatment to know at least the bare minimum.” Florence answered.

  “That is rather kind of you.” Bryson noted.

  “I should be complimenting your kindness Lord Bryson.”

  “Hmm?” Bryson said glancing at her.

  “You really didn’t need to deal with this serpent, it’s not a task set by your parents.”

  “Well, I’ll be honest it’s more for me to vent than anything. I’m not really doing this to help anyone but myself right now.”

  “Still, it is a kind act to do Lord Bryson.” Florence said respectfully.

  Bryson gave a grunt in reply before changing the topic, “So why in the world is there a monstrous serpent here in the first place?”

  “It’s unlikely any due to anything supernatural. Large mutated serpents do traverse through the ocean, it is likely that due to recent storms it found itself washed up here. There have been reports of such instances occurring in the past. But usually in larger towns with more of a defence force.”

  “Lucky for them that we came along then huh?” Bryson said as he noticed something on the ground.

  “What is it?”

  “Snakeskin.” Bryson said as he picked up a piece of shredded snakeskin as large as his face.

  “This close to the village?” Florence looked around.

  “They did say it attacked near here.” Bryson said as he studied the skin, “There’s mana in this.”

  “Pardon?”

  “There’s a specific mana pattern in this… I think I should be able to track it.” Bryson said as his eyes glowed bright white. Looking at his surroundings in this state he noticed traces of the snake monster more clearly.

  “Can you track it?”

  “Yes, I- woah.” Bryson paused as he stared at Florence.

  “Is something wrong?”

  “No, it’s just, using these eyes on you now… you look different.”

  “Different?” Florence asked cocking a head to the side.

  “It’s hard to explain, it’s not exactly like a visual change… just I guess you look brighter.”

  “Is that a good thing?”

  “Not sure.” Bryson said before unintentionally blurting out, “It’s nice to look at.” Florence blinked in surprise as Bryson quickly turned from her, “Let’s move.” He said quickly.

  “Yes Lord Bryson.” Florence said as she felt a sudden urge to smile which she suppressed.

  ***

  After about an hour-long trek Bryson and Florence followed the invisible track to a small cave. Though cave was being generous, it was more or less just a hole in the ground. A hole that could fit several people through it, but a hole nevertheless.

  “This is its den?” Bryson asked.

  “Hmm, it looks like a nesting den.”

  “Aren’t all dens for nesting?”

  “I mean it’s made specifically to help protect eggs.” Florence explained as Bryson slowly looked at her.

  “There are eggs down there?” Bryson asked looking down at the dark hole.

  “Most likely yes, at the very least the serpent will be there preparing to give birth. Spring going into summer is a time when snakes prefer to lay eggs, even mutant ones. It is unlucky for the villagers that it nested near them.” Florence said as she pulled out her mini cannon.

  “Can we just blow this area up and be done with it?” Bryson offered.

  “No, it would cause excess damage to the area.” Florence said shaking her head.

  “What if I collapse the thing?”

  “It will dig out.”

  “How about I flood the place?”

  “The serpent swam here. Both the creature and its eggs will be able to survive underwater for a period of time.”

  “Fire?”

  “All the way down that tunnel? Would it reach? With this damp environment?”

  “What about burning all the oxygen there?”

  “Same issue with trying to drown them.” Florence reminded him.

  “You’re saying we have to crawl down there?” Bryson said making a face.

  “I can go alone.” Florence offered.

  “No.” Bryson grumbled, “We’re going together.” He said as he looked down into the damp hole. Just my luck. He thought to himself as he prepared his trip down.