Chapter 3

3rd Pov

The air was slowly squeezed out of him as the snake hissed in an instinctual delight, as the it watched the intruder slowly lose consciousness.

??? Pov

I could feel my consciousness fading fast as my lungs were devoid of oxygen. Knowing I would probably regret it I did the only thing I could think of, with another round of pain and a small flash of light I changed back into my human form. With a thud I landed. Before the snake could grab me again I rolled out of the way.

"Open up the shop!"

I yelled at my Therianthropy system.

*Ding

[Beast list: 1]

[Store]

[Inventory]

[Hidden]

[Balance: 100]

With a sigh of relief I decided to use my AI

"Jax I need you to find me something from the store that will help me kill this thing!"

I felt the equivalent of a salute as screens started popping up. However I couldn't look at them for long as the serpent had recovered from the surprise of me turning back into a human. It rushed forward with what I could only assume was an annoyed hiss. Running I slid behind a few large rocks narrowly dodging the subway sized snake. I continued to run turning around the corner and slipping through another few rocks, I could hear it as it rushed behind me quickly gaining ground.

"Jax got anything yet?!" I yelled over the sound of the grinding of scales against stone.

(I'm still searching but I have one thing that might save you… though I would not recommend it)

Snorting in morbid amusement.

"I don't think I have much choice in the matter Jax."

I jumped behind another set of rocks. A heavy silence permeated the air before,

*Ding

[would you like to purchase: Random Item Ticket 100 BP

Would you like to use Random Item Ticket?

Y/N]

Mentally slamming the Y button I dove out of the way of yet another lunge from the snake. A bright flash and clatter drew my attention to a Viking long sword, it was sleek in design simple and practical.

*Ding

[Item: Savagery

Grade: Unique

A sword imbued with an energy of savagery, this blade is a growth item, meaning that it can improve.

Improvement conditions: Kill powerful creatures, ???]

With a groan of slight desperation I picked up the sword and turned to the snake, I had some experience with the weapon, however nothing extraordinary. I was mostly a student of YouTube and the local martial arts club my Mom had forced me to join, I still remember when she would take me there and wait until it was over. A pang of sadness at remembering her almost cost me my life. Rolling out of the way I watched as the side of the serpent moved by, instead of running away this time I braced myself perpetual to its side, gaining momentum by swinging my sword from my right shoulder I brought the blade up and about and then down cutting a long deep slice into the snake, another rumbling his told me that the cut hurt.

Thus began a game of death tag. I would barely dodge the snake before leaving a cut and scampering away.

Finally the snake's blood loss caused it to collapse, with a exhausted cheer I walked over to my fallen foe. Raising my sword high above my head I stabbed down and into the snakes brain killing almost instantly.

I stumbled back the sword falling from my nerveless hands, I felt the soreness and pain from running around, sliding on the floor, rolling, getting grazed by the fast moving reptile, and finally my hole body being almost completely crushed. Groaning in pain I saw the screen again.

*Ding

[Quest completed!

You have found a safe place to rest for the night, one where no other creatures will be able to attack you… except for the giant snake that is.

You defeated the giant snake and secure the cave as your own!

Rewards: 400 beast points]

With a slightly pain smile I chuckled to myself. "All in a days work."

I could feel the slight emotions of worry from my new personal AI.

(Are you okay, if you need healing the shop has a few potions that might be able to help.)

However I was so tired, as I came off my adrenaline rush. I could feel as it drained out of me and with it the energy to stay awake, slowly I watched as the serpent disappeared from my sight a feeling of relief, guilt, and strangely enough victory.

"No Jax… I think, *yawn, I'm just going to take a nap,"

I felt his grudging acceptance at my response. Finally I let sleep claim me.m