Chapter 38 Wyvern

Leaning against the tree, I let out a sigh of relief as Rose disappeared behind the spruces.

"Why was she even here?"

I muttered to myself, trying to sort out my thoughts. A sharp pain shot through my shoulder, causing me to flinch and refocus my attention.

I had deliberately insisted on staying in the dungeon, avoiding too much contact with Rose. She was like a light, a protagonist, and being with her would shine a spotlight on me, a person who wanted to remain in the shadows.

Lifting my hand to ruffle my hair, I felt warm liquid sticking to my face. Quickly, I took out some cloth from my Inventory and wiped the blood off my face.

"I must've looked creepy..."

Recalling Rose's slightly perplexed face, I shrugged my shoulders. I couldn't change anything now, so it was better to just forget it.

Screech...

I heard a distant screech, and this time, there was no blizzard to disturb it - it was the sound of a wyvern.

"How did it even escape from Trygnomy?"

Looking at the steel pillars in the distance, I frowned. Throughout my five years of gaming experience, there has never been a breach of Trygnomy's dungeon. Yet, it had happened...

Or maybe it had, but it was hidden from the public?

Scratching my cheek, I pushed these thoughts aside and looked towards the mountains in the north.

Rose was correct - the nearest exit of the dungeon was in that direction, and she would probably escape the dungeon safely...

Probably?

Suddenly, a bad premonition arose within me.

This was an event that didn't happen in the game, and the unknown was starting to suffocate me.

What if she died? Who would take Rose's place as a protagonist?!

I unknowingly started gritting my teeth, thinking of the worst.

"Even if I was there, I couldn't change anything, I'm too weak..."

I tried to argue with myself, but my arguments fell short as another screech of the wyvern, this time coming from the north, echoed through the mountain range.

"Shit..."

I took a deep breath, trying to calm my heart.

I had thrown out the option of going to help Rose immediately. Although she was an important factor in saving the world, I believed that risking my life wasn't worth it.

I could survive with three protagonists - it would be hard, but it was possible.

Some might call me cruel, but it was the truth. I would much rather sacrifice someone than risk my own life. I had no hero mentality. Sure, I would help people in danger, but only if the chances of me surviving were above 30%.

In this scenario, I didn't even dare to think that I could fight or escape from a flying monster. Wyverns are relentless, and their stamina is unending. Even if our speeds were similar, I would be on the losing end.

Screech...

Another wyvern's screech echoed in the distance and my eye twitched.

"I should help her though..."

Even though I valued my life more, I needed Rose to stay alive and to be honest, I kind of wanted to make the main characters' lives easier, so...

Crackle...

A golden layer of Mana covered my body, sticking to my skin like a thin film.

I carefully manipulated it to retract, moving it to my face and then my throat. With utmost concentration, I split the layer into smaller spots and reshaped it, turning it into something that looked like scales.

Despite the sweat running down my face, I didn't dare stop supplying Mana. Any hesitation or lapse in concentration could ruin my work in an instant.

Click...

After a few minutes of intense effort, I heard a satisfying click and let out a sigh of relief. My work was finally done.

I moved my tongue around my mouth, testing the newly formed scales on my throat. Satisfied with the result, I raised my head towards the sky and tensed my throat muscles, allowing the compressed Mana Scales on my neck to release their energy.

Screech...

A thunderous, inhuman roar erupted from my throat, drowning out even the wyvern's screech. The sound reverberated off the mountains, echoing throughout the vast mountain range.

Screech...

The wyvern's response was almost immediate, and I couldn't help but grin in satisfaction. My plan had worked.

"Mission accomplished..."

I murmured to myself as I dashed off in the opposite direction.

A grim smile was spreading on my face. Although I somehow managed to replicate the Wyvern's voice masterfully controlling Mana, which was very very hard, I could already hear the sound of flapping, meaning that the Wyvern was already near.

Screech?

The wyvern screeched again, searching for its companion, but to no avail. It began pulsating its Mana, attempting to locate any beings nearby.

Luckily, I was already out of its range and remained undetected.

"I hope Rose had time to evacuate..."

Exhaling in relief, I dashed to the nearest boulder and hid behind it, praying it would shield me from the Wyvern's watchful gaze. The beast flew overhead, its body constantly radiating Mana, creating ripples in the air and highlighting its strength.

As I peeked at the monster's body covered in scales, I noticed a spear made of pure ice protruding from its side. A spark of recognition ignited within me, realizing the weapon belonged to Rose.

'If I've done all that and she's dead, I will...'

My words trailed off as a stupid Yeti emerged from its hiding place. Climbing out of the snow and bellowing a loud roar, the creature was oblivious to the colossal flying monster hovering above.

I felt almost sad, watching as Yeti slowly raised its head towards the sky, freezing in place as it spotted an alpha predator hovering above.

Thud...

Before it could even let out a cry, Wyvern pounced on Yeti, using its powerful hind legs to press it to the ground and swiftly biting off its head.

As I witnessed the gruesome scene, goosebumps erupted all over my body. My eyes were transfixed on Wyvern as it devoured Yeti whole, the sound of crunching bones and tearing flesh echoing in the air.

I knew that if I had been even a few seconds late in running, I would have suffered the same gruesome fate as poor Yeti.

'Never ever, will I help her escape from such being...'

I made myself a promise, I knew I would break in the future.