Chapter Forty-Nine

As Muichiro pressed on through the enigmatic and seemingly infinite floor of the dungeon, an entire day had passed on the surface world, and there was still no sign of his return.

Demeter, the goddess of the Familia, couldn't shake off her growing worry. Her concerns for Muichiro were deeply rooted in the unique connection shared between gods and their familia members—a soul link that allowed gods to sense when one of their children perished.

Although she hadn't felt that loss yet, Demeter knew that wherever Muichiro was, he was still alive.

'Please come back safely child.'

.....

(The dungeon)

In the depths of this mysterious floor, Muichiro's eyes, which had previously been dull and devoid of emotion, widened slightly as he finally glimpsed what appeared to be the end of this uncharted territory.

In the distance, an immense wall of clear ice stretched for miles, its crystalline surface interrupted by a colossal opening that resembled a door.

This gateway lay approximately 15 kilometres away, and between Muichiro and this potential exit stretched a monumental cobbled bridge, spanning over 1000 meters.

"Prrri~Pii."

Pii, Muichiro's newfound companion, chimed excitedly and fluttered around him, their connection palpable as the tiny energy creature seemed to share in his anticipation.

Gently, Muichiro picked up Pii and placed them on his shoulder, ready to walk ahead to the exit of the unknown dungeon area.

However, as he progressed, covering only a quarter of the bridge's immense length, a sudden wave of alarm coursed through Muichiro's body.

An ominous feeling of impending danger washed over him, setting his senses on high alert.

Without hesitation, Muichiro swiftly retrieved Pii and leaped back to the bridge's edge, seconds before a deafening explosion resonated through the air.

*BOOM!!!!*

Muichiro's gaze fixated on the very spot he had vacated just moments ago.

Where he had stood seconds earlier now loomed the colossal head of a gargantuan serpent.

Its scales glistened with pristine white, catching the dim light from the bioluminescent surroundings.

Its eyes, like sapphires of malevolence, shimmered with a bloodthirsty blue, and a magnificent gem-adorned its forehead, glowing with a mysterious allure.

The creature's body, previously concealed beneath the bridge, now effortlessly coiled around nearly half of its immense length, extending well over 500 meters into the abyss.

Pii emitted a combination of fearful and relieved chirps, their tiny form shivering with trepidation as they nestled on Muichiro's shoulder.

The pair watched in awe as the behemoth-like serpent fully emerged, its sheer size dwarfing their imaginations.

This majestic creature bore an uncanny resemblance to the one that had previously attacked Muichiro, though the former assailant paled in comparison to this newfound titan.

With deliberate precision, the serpent retracted its yawning maw, displaying rows of gleaming fangs, and raised its head high, its predatory gaze locking onto Muichiro.

An intense and unspoken exchange occurred between the two beings, each observing the other with unwavering fighting intent.

Muichiro gently placed Pii at the edge of the bridge, their tiny form brimming with fear and worry but also a sense of trust in their protector. Muichiro then pivoted to face the serpent.

With a deliberate flourish, he unsheathed his katana, the blade gleaming under the ambient bioluminescent illumination.

The katana bore a light blue tint, that seemed to have glowed for a singular second, but then disappeared.

Determination was etched on Muichiro's face, his expression mirrored by a peculiar, almost human-like smirk that graced the serpent's countenance.

There was no hesitation, no waiting for the perfect moment—only the recognition that one of them was going to be leaving here alive.

.....

As Muichiro stared down the immense serpent, its eyes gleamed with a fierce intelligence.

This was no ordinary monster; it was a formidable opponent with a terrifying arsenal of unknown abilities.

His fingers gripped the hilt with a calm confidence, and his stance spoke volumes of his masterful swordsmanship.

He knew this would be a challenging battle, and he had to rely on every ounce of his training.

The serpent coiled its massive body, preparing for an assault. Muichiro could see the gem embedded in its forehead, glistening ominously. He sensed an aura of malevolence radiating from the creature.

Without warning, the serpent lunged forward, its enormous maw gaping wide, revealing rows of glistening, venom-dripping fangs. Muichiro's heart was steady as a lake as he sidestepped the venomous bite, feeling the gust of icy breath that followed.

As the serpent's attack missed, Muichiro seized the opportunity and slashed his katana with blinding speed.

[Wind breathing Second Form: Claws-Purifying Wind]

His sword cut through the air, sending a shockwave towards the serpent's head.

However, the creature's invisibility ability allowed it to partially evade the attack, resulting in a mere graze along its scales.

Muichiro felt a stinging sensation as the serpent's fangs grazed his hand, delivering a dose of its paralytic venom.

His muscles tensed momentarily, but his superhuman physique and skill of nature's blessing helped him shrug off the effects. There was no room for hesitation.

The serpent hissed menacingly, its head weaving in a hypnotic pattern as it prepared another attack.

This time, it unleashed a petrification spell. Muichiro's body began to freeze, and for a brief second, he felt immobilized.

But the moment of vulnerability was fleeting, and he managed to break free, barely evading a devastating ice-breath beam that froze the ground beneath him.

Muichiro knew he couldn't afford to underestimate this creature.

With determination, he harnessed his element control skill, channelling his inner energy.

His katana became infused with elemental power, creating a shimmering aura around the blade and his person.

The serpent recoiled slightly, sensing the surge of energy emanating from Muichiro.

They circled each other, predator and prey, locked in a deadly dance. Muichiro's eyes never left the serpent's, his instincts razor-sharp. He knew he had to strike precisely to win this battle.

With a swift and calculated movement, Muichiro lunged forward.

His blade cut through the air like a streak of lightning, and with precision that only a grandmaster swordsman could achieve, he aimed directly for the serpent's neck.

*BOOM*

Lightning engulfed Muichiro's body as rouge blue plasma bolts flew in all sorts of directions scorching the ground and the earth.

[Nature's blessing: Active - Thunder breathing First Form: Thunderclap and Flash]

The serpent reacted swiftly, but Muichiro's speed was unmatched. His blade met the creature's scales, and with a single, powerful stroke, he severed the serpent's head from its body.

A gush of black blood sprayed everywhere and stained the ice and the bridge below.

As the serpent's lifeless body collapsed, Muichiro felt a wave of something wash over him.

The battle had been fierce, and he had faced an opponent with a multitude of deadly abilities.

Taking a deep breath, Muichiro wiped his blade clean and sheathed it.

However, Muichiro's triumph was short-lived.

As he stood over the severed head of the serpent, ready to move back to get Pii, Pii, perched at the edge of the bridge, chimed in horror.

His instincts kicked in just in time as he turned to witness the unthinkable.

Before he could react, the serpent's severed head opened its wide maw and unleashed its devastating ice breath once more.

This time, Muichiro didn't have the element of surprise.

Ice crystals shot towards him like deadly spears...and it was a direct hit.

*BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!!*