The bear's massive shadow enveloped them.Its claws crashing down.
James shut his eyes, raising his hands to shield his face, bracing for the pain—But none came.
Instead…Something warm splashed across his face,metallic scent filled the air. Slowly and puzzled, he lowered his hands.
The bear's head slid from its body dropping between his legs. His eyes widened in shock scrambled back, dragging Van with him.
The massive body collapsed a second later with a heavy thud, sending dust into the air.
"You guys okay?"
A voice came from beyond the fallen beast.They both turned toward it.
As the dust slowly cleared…
A figure stepped forward.
She wore green armor crafted from layered scales, each piece catching the moonlight with a faint shimmer, it hugging her form closely, outlining her slender waist and natural curves without restricting her movements.
In her hands she held daggers, both dripping with fresh blood, their edges gleaming faintly in the dim light.
Slowly, she stepped toward them.The daggers in her hands vanished without a trace.
Reaching up, she removed her helmet.Long purple hair spilled down her back, swaying gently with the night breeze.Her crimson eyes—sharp and piercing—locked onto James.
His breath hitched slightly as their eyes met.
Her features were striking. Smooth soft skin and lips that curved easily into a confident smile.
She studied him for a moment… a playful, almost teasing expression formed.
"Like what you see?"
"Beautiful."
The word slipped out before he could stop it.She paused, clearly surprised.
A second later, it hit him.
Did I just say that out loud?
James quickly looked away.A smile spread across her lips as she knelt beside him.
"You're an interesting one," she said softly.
Her gaze shifted from James to Van's injured thigh.The moment she saw it, her expression turned serious. Then without warning,she pulled the spike out.
"AAHH—!" Van screamed.
"Hey—!" James started, alarmed, before he could react, a green liquid appeared in her hand out of nowhere.
She poured it over the wound.The liquid glowed faintly as it spread, the light seeping into the injury.
James and Van stared, stunned.
"What… was that?" James asked.
Van looked at her as well, waiting for an answer.
"It'll heal him," she replied simply, standing up. The bottle vanished just as quickly as it had appeared.
Van blinked. "Like… a healing potion? From games?"
She glanced at him, then gave a small nod. "Yeah… something like that."
For a brief moment, her expression drifted—like she was thinking about something else.Then she shook it off.
"Guess you're the smart one," she said, looking at Van.
Her eyes shifted back to James, the teasing smile returning.
"And you… you're cute. But still too young."
"I'm twenty-one. And who are you?" James shot back, a bit too quickly.
She turned, already walking away.
"Out here?" she said over her shoulder. "You're still a child."
She paused briefly.
"You can call me Viper."
"Wait—"
James called after her, helping Van to his feet.
"Stop!. What are you doing?"
Rachel's voice cut in interrupting his words. James turned quickly.She stood nearby, supporting Emily. Her gaze fixed on another figure.
A man in heavy brown armor, with short black hair,crouching beside Jake. In his hand he held the same glowing liquid pouring it carefully over Jake's wounded back.
James rushed forward a hand stopped him.
Viper.
She held him in place, her grip firm.
"Relax. He's with me."
James still tried to pull free, but it was useless. Even with all his strength, her grip didn't budge. Instead It tightened slightly.
He turned, about to speak—but the cold look in her eyes silenced him instantly.She held his gaze for a moment…slowly released him and walked toward the man.
James stared at his hand. It was red from the grip and his bone aching. Then at her retreat figure.
She's… stronger than she looks.
He followed behind rubbing as he thorough.
They reached the man.Viper turned slightly.
"This is Iron."
Iron stood, his eyes briefly scanning James, he turned and walked away without a word.
"Did I do something wrong?" James asked, confused.
Viper shook her head, a faint smile on her lips.
"No. He's always like that."
She started after him, then added,walking towards iron.
"You should check on your friend."
Viper approached Iron, who stood near a tree, arms crossed.
"You should've waited," he said without looking at her.
"They would've died," she replied.
"Then that proves they are weak."
"They'll learn. They just got here—give them time," she said, her tone softer.
He scoffed.
"Fine. Let's see how long their luck lasts."
Viper sighed, her gaze drifting back to the group.
James crouched beside Jake, examining his back.The wound was already healing fast, fast beyond normal standard.
He stared at it, his mind racing.
"Dude—stop spacing out and help me up," Jake said.
James blinked. "You're awake?"
"Been awake. Saw that guy come out of nowhere and pour glowing juice on me," Jake muttered. "Now help me up."
James helped him slowly. Jake winced as he stood.
"You sure you're okay?"
"Yeah… just hurts."
James supported him carefully, one arm around his back, avoiding the wounded area.
Rachel approached with Emily on her back.
"How is he?" she asked, her eyes scanning Jake's condition.
"I'm fine," Jake said with a forced smile.
"We'll rest in the cave."
Viper's voice cut in. She had returned, with Iron behind her—his gaze lingering on James with clear disapproval.
Rachel hesitated, wanting to argue—but one look at Jake and Emily made her stop.
She nodded.James did the same.
"Guys—look what I found!"
Van limped toward them, holding up a pair of brown gauntlets, with jagged spikes at the knuckles.The fingers were pointed almost like the bears claws. In his other hand were three silver coins.
"Oh? You're lucky," Viper said, glancing at them. "For an E-rank monster to drop equipment."
James examined the gauntlets closely.
"Just like monster drops in games," Van said excitedly. "And this must be the currency here."
A distant howl cut through the forest making the group tensed.
"Alright—inside the cave," Viper said quickly. "We don't want to be out here when night falls."
Questions hung in the air—but no one argued.They all moved quietly into the cave the warm air hitting them skin.
Iron entered last. A small pouch appeared in his hand. He scattered its contents around the cave entrance, then silently took a seat near it.
James watched him closely, curiosity burning in his eyes.
"Lay him here," Viper said.
James turned.A large animal hide had been spread on the ground. Emily already lay on it, with Rachel beside her.
He paused for a moment—then gently lowered Jake onto it, making sure his wound didn't press against the surface.
Afterward, he sat down beside Emily.