Chapter 56: Worry and Wonder ( 56 )

As Javier was celebrating his victory, a shadow darted out from the treeline. One of the remaining snake-wolf hybrids lunged straight at him, its fangs bared and venom dripping.

"Oh, you sneaky little—" Javier barely had time to react. He quickly spun on his pekko, unsheathing his longsword. With a powerful swing, he sliced the monster cleanly in mid-air.

SLASH!

The snake-wolf blood sprayed everywhere, drenching Javier from head to toe.

"Ewwww!! Disgusting!! Blergh..." Javier gagged, shaking his head in horror. He wiped at his face with his sleeve, only to smear the sticky, redish-black goo further. "Ugh, gross, gross, gross! Why does it smell like rotten fish!?"

He looked down at his once-pristine shirt and pants, now completely soaked in monster blood. His pekko squawked, turning its head to give him what felt like a judgmental look.