“Of course this isn’t the best approach since we got this handy dagger,” I said, walking towards the group. “Here’s the dagger back, Rick. I’ll go fetch another one.”

Since my back was facing Rick, I couldn’t tell his reaction, but I assumed it was some sort of green light as he no longer spoke.

I proceeded to repeat my actions again, catching another snake close by its fangs. This snake was about to sink its fang into my hand when I used my other to restrict its movements.

I went back to the group's location with the snake in one hand, the other outside my pocket in case anything unexpected happened.

“Rick, give me the dagger. I’ll do the demonstration while you explain. I doubt you have enough strength to slice it without instantly killing it.”

“You do have a point. Very well!”

With his confirmation, he handed me the dagger. I then stabbed the snake in the middle of its body with the tip of the dagger. The damage was enough for blood to flow out yet not enough to be life threatening.

I poured mana into the dagger’s gem, the gemstone lighting up. I pushed the dagger through the monster's body, slicing it in half. The snake monster lower body fell as the other half dangled from my hand.

The gemstone continued emitting light until the monster stopped moving, the body then disappeared however instead of the usual dissipation, its body glowed the same color of the gemstone.

Soon the light disappeared, leaving no trace of the monster nor the supposed unrefined mana stone. The only trace left was its dried blood on the ground.

“This is how we normally do it. When the monster is near its demise, we pour mana into the gemstone to send the signal it needs to store the body.”

As he continued his explanation, the gemstone changed to its original color yet the shade was significantly more vibrant.

Due to this, I decided to pour mana into the gemstone. This time nothing of similar nature occurred, the monster body suddenly appeared from the ground as if it went through it.

The monster was clearly not alive, given the obvious lack of movement. The monster’s blood was dried up, the red changed into a dark red with a tint of brown.

Both parts were present, but separated as it was cut in two pieces. I picked them up, moving them side to side.

Yeah, there’s no mistaking it. It's dead.

Now, why would I check something clearly not alive. Well, I would hate for the monster to all of a sudden be alive and attack me. The chances are close to impossible yet whenever you let your guard down that’s when it strikes.

Trust me, I should know.

“The gemstone is designed to store a single corpse, but as you can see—!” Rick said, stretching his arms in my location as if showing off an expensive item at an auction. “Adventurers usually choose to simply take the body out and store it physically in the bag.”

“This can work for a couple of times depending on the monster. The main reason behind being able to do it is because it was originally made to store high level monsters and preserve the corpses.”

This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

“As such it probably wasn’t the best idea to use it, ehehe…” he said, scratching his cheek, gaze averted.

“So will we be using it for the final monster?” asked Rona.

“Yeah, that’s the plan,” I said, handing the dagger to Rick.

Since he was nearest to the bag he should store the dagger. I still have to get my sword back from wherever I left it.

“I see.”

I tossed the corpse to Rick, but since he was occupied with the dagger I just gave to him, the corpse was sent flying towards the nearest person.

“Eek!”

“Hm?”

Since I recently went and picked up my sword, I couldn’t tell who shrieked like a girl. Well, assuming it was like a girl I’m guessing it is one.

I turned around, there stood Cynthia holding her hand together as she stared at the snake’s corpse with a fearful expression.

“A-a-ah…? I…e-e-ehhhh!”

“Are you okay?” I asked, trying to be considerate.

Definitely.

“D-d-do I l-l-l o-okay?” she cried, glaring at me.

“Well not exactly.”

I shrugged causing her glare to intensify. However when I picked the monster's body she took a step backwards, her glare completely disappearing.

I glanced at the snake then at Cynthia and then back at the snake. My strange behavior made Arakawa turn in my direction. Leon covered his mouth as if he began understanding my upcoming actions.

“It appears you’re scared of snakes.”

“…mhm! Mhm!”

I see.

…

…

Why not?

“Eh? W-w-why are you getting c-c-c-clos-ser?”

She stared at me with puppy eyes, desperately trying to change my mind. Cynthia tilted her head and held her hands together in an attempt to appear less harmful.

“The puppy's eyes won’t work on me.”

I raised my arm and acted like I was going to throw it towards her, she flinched giving more reason to actually throw it.

Nah, I’m joking.

Me doing that?

Never.

“Leave the poor girl alone,” said Arakawa, crossing her arms. “You’re only making her fear stronger.”

“Tchehhhh? I was only trying to help her overcome her fears.”

I burned the snake monster’s corpse with a simple fire spell. I then approached the fearful Cynthia, and placed the palm of my hand on her shoulder.

She moved her gaze upwards, our eyes making eye contact. I smiled, and then took a deep breath in and out.

At first she was confused, but with time she mimicked my actions. She soon calmed down, her hand hovering over chest.

“Are you okay?”

She nodded as she stared at my hand. I took my hands off her shoulder. I left her alone to give her some time alone.

Still waiting for her to learn of all the types of snakes they are, monster and regular ones. She should probably overcome her fears of them soon before it causes any problems.

Unfortunately it’s too soon to have her do such a thing, it usually takes time. While I would love to be patient, there really isn’t much time here.

Worst case scenario we encountered a python boss monster, and at best we continue killing these weak monsters resembling snakes. But as we all know, nothing happens as expected. Which means, luck isn’t on our side.