The unforgiving sun beats down on us, turning the desert into a furnace. Sweat beads on my forehead despite the approaching dusk. "Ugh, this heat is unbearable!" Aveline whines, fanning herself frantically with her hand.

"Even the evening can't escape its grasp," I agree, wiping moisture from my brow. "It feels like we could be roasted alive before reaching Matyr." Glancing at Ruby, I ask, "Are you holding up alright?"

She offers a weak smile. "I... I think so, Rai..."

Rodger, ever the pragmatist, scans our attire. "Speaking of managing," he says, "you two are weighed down by all that metal. No wonder you're sweltering in that iron and chainmail. We, on the other hand, are faring a bit better. This young lady's outfit seems well-suited for any weather," he remarks, gesturing towards Ruby's black gambeson.

"Maybe you have a point," I sigh. The thought of removing my armor flickers across my mind, but the dangers lurking in the vast desert quickly squash it. "Should I remove this armor instead?"

Aveline, ever the voice of caution, chimes in, "Absolutely not! We need to be prepared for anything."

A wave of frustration washes over me. "Fine, fine. I just hope we get there soon," I mutter.

Fuller, our guide, offers a ray of hope. "Don't worry," he says, pointing towards the horizon. "Once we cross those plains, Matyr is within reach. Just a couple more hours, tops."

Relief tugs at the corners of my lips. "That's good to hear."

Ruby, her ever-present concern etched on her face, squeezes my hand. "Would you like me to cast a cooling spell? I think I might be able to manage a simple one..."

"Appreciate it, sweetheart," I reply, wiping sweat from my brow with my arm. "But I think I can tough it out for a few more hours."

Aveline rolls her eyes ever so slightly, a silent commentary on our exchange. Ruby, oblivious, simply offers a small smile, her own way of showing understanding. The journey stretches before us, a test of endurance under the relentless desert sun.

...

The ground trembles beneath our feet. Aveline whips around, scanning the endless dunes behind us. "Did you hear that?" she hisses, her voice tight with tension.

"Hear what?" I ask, momentarily distracted from the oppressive heat.

"Something's moving," she insists, eyes narrowed. "Around us."

Rodger tenses, raising his right hand and closing his eyes. Silence hangs heavy in the air, broken only by the groaning wind. Then, another tremor rattles the earth.

"There's something wrong," he murmurs, voice barely a whisper.

"What is it, Dad?"

He holds a finger to his lips, urging silence. From his perspective, a faint, rippling aura emanates outward, like sonar waves searching the environment. This is his Hunter Instinct, a honed ability to sense the location of friend, foe, and beast alike.

As he breathes in slowly, a surge of danger jolts him – a presence emanating from our front left. Panic flashes in his eyes.

"FULLER, SHARP LEFT, NOW!" he roars, his voice a stark contrast to the desert's stillness.

Fuller swivels in his seat, confusion etched on his face. But before he can react, a colossal explosion erupts from the sands ahead, a monstrous geyser of dust engulfing the area. And then, from the swirling maelstrom, a creature rises.

A Desert Naga! This enormous serpent, easily thirty meters in length, boasts a dark grey hide those shimmers with reptilian scales. Its head, adorned with menacing spikes, sports two glowing yellow eyes that fixate on us with predatory hunger. Two mouths gape wide – the upper lined with a terrifying array of razor-sharp teeth, the lower smooth and toothless. Powerful forelimbs, each tipped with three wicked claws, jut from its sides, while a pair of wing-like fins unfurls gracefully above its head, forming a jagged, protective cone. The sight is awe-inspiring, terrifying – a leviathan of the desert awakened from its slumber.

Rodger's jaw drops in a silent scream, a stark contrast to the desert's muted roar. "By the divines..." he rasps, voice choked with disbelief.

"Seriously?! That's the MONSTER the villagers were prattling on about!?" I screech, fear lacing my voice as I gape at the colossal serpent. "I was hoping our luck wouldn't be THAT good!"

Panic erupts in the carriage. "It's coming! MOVE, MOVE, MOVE!" Aveline screams, her voice high-pitched with terror.

Fuller, his face pale, yanks the reins with all his might, urging the horse to veer left in a desperate attempt to escape. But the Desert Naga, its senses keen, has spotted them. With a sinuous slither, it propels itself towards the fleeing carriage, a monstrous blur of sand and scales.

The horse, terrified, bolts forward, aiming straight for a pile of wooden debris – the remnants of unfortunate sandboats that met a gruesome end. As they barrel closer, the earth trembles, and the colossal serpent plunges with fearsome speed, disappearing beneath the churning sand.

"It's going underground!" I yell, my heart hammering against my ribs.

Rodger, sweat beading on his brow, strains to activate his Hunter Instinct. His eyes dart around frantically, searching for any sign of the creature. But the sand reveals nothing... for now. A prickling unease crawls down my spine. "I don't think this is over," I mutter, my voice laced with a tremor of dread.

...

!!!

"FUCK!! EVERYONE, JUMP!!!" Rodger screams, adrenaline coursing through his veins. We scramble out of the rickety cart, desperation fueling our movements.

Fuller, our guide, isn't so lucky. His panicked yelp cuts through the air as he realizes his saddle is cinched tight, tethering him to the terrified horse. The monstrous Desert Naga erupts from the sand with a bone-chilling shriek, its maw agape like a monstrous gateway to oblivion.

Fuller and his horse disappear in a flash of gnashing teeth and thrashing scales. A guttural scream rips from Fuller's throat, swallowed whole by the creature's deafening roar. My stomach lurches. Bile rises in my throat, mirroring Ruby's violent expulsion beside me.

"Ruby!" I grab her shoulders, worry etched on my face. "Are you alright?"

Her face contorted in disgust, she chokes out a reply, "I-I don't... Ugh!" Another wave of nausea overcomes her as she throws herself up.

"We can't stay here!" I bark, urgency sharpening my voice. "Everyone, get to the debris field, now!"

With trembling hands, I help Ruby to her feet, guiding her towards the scattered wreckage that offers a semblance of cover just in front of us. Aveline and Rodger are already sprinting ahead, their figures blurring in the distance.

"Damn it, Fuller!" I curse under my breath, my gaze locked on the monstrous serpent savoring its gruesome meal.

Rodger's voice booms across the wasteland, "There's no time to waste! We need to move!"

He sprints towards the open plains bordering the dunes, Aveline hot on his heels. Ruby, pale and shaken, clings to me. I scan the grotesque creature, its serpentine body rippling with satisfaction.

"Are you feeling better, sweetheart?" I ask softly, brushing a stray tear from her cheek.

"I think so..." she mumbles, her voice barely a whisper.

I pull her into a quick embrace, wiping away the spittle that stains her chin. "It's okay," I murmur, my voice thick with emotion. "We need to get out of here. Now."

Ruby offers a weak nod, her eyes filled with a mixture of terror and gratitude. We lock hands, and I squeeze hers reassuringly. Together, we sprint towards the safety of the plains, the deafening roar of the Desert Naga thundering behind us.

"Incoming!" Aveline's voice shrieks. We scatter like startled rabbits, scrambling for any form of cover.

"We can't outrun it on foot! We need a distraction!" I yell, desperation clawing at my throat.

"Consider it done, kid!" Rodger's voice echoes back, laced with grim.

"Ruby, stay close," I instruct, my hand instinctively flying to the hilt of my spear.

Aveline mirrors my movement, steel flashing in the harsh desert sun. Rodger and Ruby take their positions at the edge of the debris field, their faces etched with grim resolve.

"We target its hide! Hit it hard and fast, then scatter when it reacts!" I bark, a plan forming in my mind.

"Sounds like a plan to me!" Aveline replies, a steely glint in her eyes.

With a shared look of encouragement, we charge towards the monstrous serpent, ready to face the unimaginable horror that awaits us.

...

The battle begins.

The Desert Naga lunges, its razor-sharp claws flashing in the sunlight. "Dodge!" I roar, flinging myself to the right alongside Aveline as we attempt to parry the attack. But the sheer power of the creature sends us flying, the impact jarring a grunt from my throat.

As the beast rears back for another strike, a fireball streaks through the air, erupting in a brilliant detonation against its side. The creature shrieks in frustration, recoiling with a jolt that sends sand scattering.

"You alright?" I gasp, scrambling to my feet. Aveline offers a curt nod, her hand tightening around her sword hilt.

"Let's attack from the flanks!" I yell, already sprinting towards the opposite side of the creature. My trusty Sa Yuri spear sings through the air as I launch into a piercing stance.

"[Gale Thrust!]" I bellow, channeling my energy into a powerful lunge. The spear connects with the serpent's side, but its hide is like iron. It takes three desperate thrusts before the tip finally pierces deep, but...

It's stuck! Panic flares as I yank on the spear, but it's lodged firmly. With a snarl, I abandon the weapon as the creature snaps its maw at me, claws flashing.

"Damn it, my spear!" I roar, frustration clawing at me.

"General!" Aveline's voice cuts through the chaos. Two arrows streak through the air, aimed for the creature's eyes. I dive to the left as the serpent swats at the projectiles, another fireball erupting nearby with a deafening boom.

Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

Seizing the opportunity, Aveline explodes forward. Her Steel Sword flashes in a deadly arc as she unleashes her "[Propaslash]" technique. A brutal three-part strike – a diagonal slash from upper right to lower left, followed by a horizontal sweep, and finally, a spinning descent ending in a downward blow from upper left to lower right.

A geyser of yellow liquid erupts from a gash torn in the serpent's side. It lets out a deafening roar, the sound so potent it forces Aveline to leap back several steps, her face etched with a mixture of slight triumph.

We retreat! Aveline and I bolt towards Ruby and Rodger, who acknowledge us with hurried nods as they fall back. The colossal serpent roars in fury, the sound rumbling through the air, but its awareness of our next move slows its pursuit. This is our window.

The four of us charge across the sand, my gaze darting across the landscape. Three figures emerge on our left – Marauders, I recognize them instantly even though they are my first encounter-- The magical creatures. Similar to giant scorpions, they boast smaller heads and bodies colored like the desert sands themselves.

"Sweetheart, I have an idea!" I shout over the pounding of my feet.

"Say it!" Ruby replies, her voice strained.

"Remember the twisting arrow you created back in the underground tunnels?"

"The Spinning Mana Arrow?"

"Exactly! See those giant scorpion things on the left? We need you to create the arrow and target the Desert Naga first. Then, aim for the Marauders!"

"I-I understand!" Ruby skids to a halt, determination hardening her features. She dives into her spellcasting, her staff crackling with magical energy as I stand protectively in front of her, unarmed.

"General, what are you doing!?" Aveline's voice cracks with worry.

"Keep going! We'll catch up!"

"But—"

"No buts! Just GO!!" I bark, my voice laced with urgency.

Aveline hesitates, then throws me a worried look before nodding curtly.

"Alright, kid, but don't do anything reckless!" Rodger throws over his shoulder, a mix of concern and trust in his voice.

"You can count on me, Dad!" I yell back, a grin tugging at my lips.

Aveline and Rodger disappear into the distance, swallowed by the endless plains.

"Ready!" Ruby announces, her voice brimming with nervous energy. "[Spinning Mana Arrow!]".

A swirling orb of mana erupts from her staff, morphing into a twisting arrow that shoots towards the Desert Naga. The colossal beast lets out an enraged hiss, swiping a massive claw at the projectile. With a flick of her wrist, Ruby redirects the arrow, sending it hurtling towards one of the unsuspecting Marauders.

The creature lunges after the arrow in a serpentine motion just as it explodes against the Marauder in a blinding flash. The remaining Marauders screech in confusion, turning their sights on the Naga, assuming it to be the attacker. The tables have turned – predator becomes prey as the Marauders charge towards the enraged serpent, who now finds itself facing a new kind of torment.

"Wow, I can't believe it actually worked," I breathe, a surprised laugh escaping my lips. "Let's get out of here," I murmur, squeezing her hand. We turn and retreat at a leisurely pace, the enraged roars of the Naga and the pained screeches of the Marauders fading into the distance behind us.

...

"We made it!" Aveline's voice cuts through the air, ragged with exertion.

"Barely," I manage, sucking in a deep breath.

"That was... a good call, kid," Rodger admits, offering me a gruff thumbs-up.

I crack a tired smile. "Thanks, Dad."

Ruby, however, is faring worse. Her legs tremble, her grip on her staff white-knuckled, and her breaths come out in ragged gasps. Fear clouds her eyes.

"Sweetheart, are you alright?" I ask gently, concern lacing my voice.

Silence. Her gaze flickers around, vacant and terrified. The faze memory about Fuller getting eaten by that monster haunts on every inch of Ruby's body.

I pull her into a tight embrace. "H-he just... G-get killed and e-eaten by t-that thing, d-didn't he...?" she whispers, her voice barely audible.

I nod, offering a silent apology. "There's nothing we could've done..."

"I... I'm scared, Rai... I..." Her legs buckle beneath her, and we sink to the sand together. I hold her close, my gaze darting to Aveline and Rodger.

"We should rest here for the night," I announce, my voice firm despite the tremor in my heart. "We can continue at sunrise."

Rodger shrugs, defeated. "Seems like that's our only option. I'll scout for a safe campsite."

Aveline disappears into the debris field, gathering wood and stones for a fire. Rodger closes his eyes, focusing his senses on the surrounding area.

"Alright, that should do it," he declares after deciding a nice open spot around the debris field nearby. "Who takes first watch?"

"I will," I reply without hesitation. "Once Ruby calms down, I'll start watching until you two can take over."

Aveline frowns. "I don't think so, General. Let us take the first shift. Your father's an archer – he could use my help as backup."

"Ugh, fine," I concede with a sigh. "You win. I'll take my time for her then."

"Good. But no funny things with her out here in the open, understand?"

"Like hell there will be!" I scoff.

Aveline lets out a tired chuckle and starts arranging makeshift beds for herself and Rodger from scavenged leathers.

"...Ruby, please stay with me," I murmur, my voice a soothing balm against her fear.

She nods faintly, clinging to me. I press a gentle kiss to her cheek, stroking her hair.

"I'm sorry," she whispers, her voice barely a breath.

"Don't be," I reply softly. "We'll get through this. Together."

...

Minutes tick by. Ruby curls up on my lap, her grip tightening on my hand. She lifts her head slightly, peering up at me with tear-filled eyes.

"Are you feeling better now?" I ask softly, stroking her hair in a comforting rhythm.

"Mmn," she mumbles, a hint of her earlier strength returning to her voice. "Thank you for taking care of me..."

A small smile tugs at my lips. "I'll be staying awake for the next watch," I inform her. "Why don't you get some sleep? I know you must be exhausted."

"No," she protests, shaking her head. "I want to watch over with you."

"Silly girl," I tease, unable to resist pulling her closer. I shrug off my armor, leaving me in just my black sleeveless shirt.

We melt into each other's embrace, a silent promise exchanged in a tender kiss. The kiss lingers for a while, a much-needed comfort in the aftermath of the ordeal.

"How's it?" I murmur against her lips.

"Hmm," she replies, her eyes fluttering closed. "I feel like I'm getting addicted..."

A soft chuckle escapes my lips. "There's no turning back now, is there?"

She simply hums in agreement, her arms tightening around my neck. Our kiss deepens, tongues intertwining in a passionate exploration. Desire flares, hot and fierce, but the watchful eyes of Aveline and Rodger in the short distance hold it in check.

"I want nothing more than to keep going," I whisper, frustration tugging at me. "But..." I glance towards our makeshift campsite. "Perhaps another time?"

Ruby nods, burying her face in my chest. "Another time," she echoes, her voice muffled. "When it's just the two of us."

"I can wait," I assure her, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead. "Sleep now, sweetheart. We need to be strong for tomorrow."

"You too, dear," she murmurs drowsily. "Sleep well?"

I nod, leaning down for another deep kiss. "I love you, sweetheart."

"Love you too, Rai..." she whispers before snuggling back onto my lap, her hand clutched tightly in mine. As I watch her drift off to sleep, a wave of relief washes over me. At least for now, she's safe. And that's all that matters.

...

"Hope we're not interrupting anything, Aveline," I call out, already suspecting she's listening.

Aveline jumps slightly, a gasp escaping her lips. "...You got me," she admits, sheepishly walking towards me. Her gaze softens as she lands beside me, taking in Ruby's peaceful slumber.

"Seems she gets to see the softer side of you, huh?" she teases with a hint of amusement.

I offer her a playful smirk. "Sorry to disappoint."

"W-what's that supposed to mean!?" she stammers, flustered.

"Nothing," I hedge, letting out a sigh as I turn my gaze to the vast expanse of the night sky.

She hesitates, then speaks in a softer tone. "You don't have to apologize, General. I'll always have your back. As your Huskarl, I—"

"We've discussed this, Aveline," I cut her off, my voice firm but gentle.

"S-sorry," she murmurs, her head bowed.

Taking a deep breath, I meet her gaze with a serious expression. "If anything were to happen to me, if I was ever truly on the brink... please don't follow me."

A gasp escapes her lips. "Wh-what do you mean?"

"I want you to keep living," I press on. "Even if it means wandering aimlessly. As long as you're alive, I know you'll find something better."

Her hand trembles slightly. "Y-you can't mean that..."

"No, I'm not dying, are you crazy?" I chuckle, trying to lighten the mood. "Just...thinking ahead, that's all. So I don't have to worry about things even after I'm gone. Just like..." I trail off, my gaze flickering to Ruby.

Aveline gives me a searching look. "General...you're truly unpredictable sometimes," she says, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "Any other Huskarl would be putty in your hands with that kind of talk. A kind and generous leader like you is a rare thing."

"Really?" I raise an eyebrow, surprised by her perspective.

"I'm going to get some sleep," she announces, stretching. "Let you and the old man handle watch duty. Don't want to accidentally become wife number two, now would I?" she teases with a wink, heading back towards her makeshift bed.

"Nuu-uh...Rai's mine... Mine..." Ruby mumbles in her sleep, her hand clutching mine tightly.

"Adorable," I whisper, a fond smile gracing my lips.

Aveline throws a playful glance back at us. "Sounds like the girl already claimed you," she says with a chuckle before settling down for the night.

Left alone with my thoughts, I gaze up at the star-dusted sky. "One burden lifted," I murmur, a deep sigh escaping my lips. "But I wonder...can I get even stronger to protect them?"

"Alpha. Just you wait. I'll get stronger. We'll settle this score."

From beside me, Rodger approaches while letting out a weary sigh.

The silence stretches between me and Rodger, punctuated only by the crackling fire and Ruby's soft breaths. I watch the embers dance, their dying glow mirroring the exhaustion etched on my father's face.

"You know," Rodger finally says, his voice gruff, "sometimes I forget you're still just a kid."

I raise an eyebrow, a wry smile tugging at my lips. "Just a kid who finally managed to save your life today, dad."

He snorts. "Stubborn as a mule, that's what you are. And now, you've grown up from a crybaby to this savage, fearless being, almost to a fault. Where in the world did you even learn to pull off a maneuver like that with the spear?"

I shrug, a pang of regret twisting in my gut at the mention of my lost weapon. "I spend times 'practicing' with those drunks, while protecting Amy back then..."

A nostalgic smile softens his features. "Never thought it would actually stick with you this time."

"It did." I glance towards Ruby, who sleeps soundly on my lap. "I wish... I was this strong enough to protect her back then, dad..."

Rodger's gaze follows mine, before he shakes his head firmly.

"I've decided that I had to do something," I say, my voice firm despite the tremor in my heart.

He then sighs, leaning back against the makeshift shelter.

"She's lucky to have you, both my daughter, and her," Rodger says, his voice thick with emotion. "This time, you're both incredibly lucky to have each other."

I look down at Ruby, her face peaceful in sleep. "We are," I agree, a warmth spreading through my chest.

"I hope, she can watch both of you here from afar."

He reaches out and squeezes my shoulder, a silent reassurance that speaks volumes. I return the gesture, a newfound target hardening my resolve. The desert stretches out before me, vast and unforgiving. But together, I know we can face anything it throws our way.

#

End of chapter 08.