*Huff Huff Huff Huff*
Under the blistering desert sun, a dark elf gasps for air as he pushes his legs to the limit. His breath comes in ragged bursts, his sprint motivated by what chases him.
A Giant Desert Cockatrice, a B-tier monster, trails close behind. An apex predator in the known areas of the Great Humilean Desert, this creature views the elf as another meal in a harsh ecosystem already starved of sustenance.
Unlike its forest-dwelling relatives, which sport a blend of chicken and wyvern features, the Giant Desert Cockatrice boasts a serpentine body and a rooster's head. Its beak brims with serrated fangs meant to tear victims apart.
Yet, despite the looming beast's pursuit, the elf exhibits an eerie calmness. No trace of panic on his face, as if he's already experienced similar trials before.
"NOW!" the elf shouts.
A short distance away from the elf and the cockatrice, a mound of sand suddenly rises, revealing an armored figure gripping a sword and shield. A grin tugs at his lips as he prepares to face the monster. The cockatrice's time to react is slim, and it opts to devour whatever appears before it. Its jaws gape, exposing a grotesque maw.
"EAT MY SHIELD!"
.
.
.
CRUNCH!
The armored warrior delivers a powerful shield bash, rippling shockwaves that disturb the nearby sand. The cockatrice's beak shatters, the force magnified by the creature's own momentum.
Remarkably, the armored figure emerges unscathed. With [Fortify] bolstering his defenses, he confronts the monster head-on.
While the cockatrice remains dazed, a girl dressed in novice mage clothing prepares her attack-a spell requiring meticulous preparation.
"O potent goddess of lightning and storm, Uil, lend me your strength and accept my deepest gratitude..."
As her incantation unfolds, a small dark cloud materializes in the sky.
.
.
.
"THUNDER CALL!" The mage screams with confidence.
In an instant, the cockratice got struck by a lightning strike. Paralyzing the creature and burning him inside out. Despite the thunderous attack, the monster is still alive but unable to move.
Seeing that the Cockatrice is subdued. Two figures appear behind a large rock. One is a girl wearing an unusual cleric clothing and another is a dark skinned man wielding a sword.
"Blessing of Power - S"
"Enchant weapon - M"
Both spells invigorate the darker-skinned man among them, who readies his sword as he advances toward the cockatrice.
Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
"This is for all villagers you killed. Rest in Piece." The dark skin man said with solemn voice.
Leaping onto the cockatrice's head, he raises his sword, aiming for the creature's skull.
[Comet strike]
His strike buries the sword into the cockatrice's head, the impact creating a sizable dent in the skull and sinking it deeper into the sand.
The cockatrice's brain is obliterated. The monster perishes without resistance.
The man hops down and rejoins his waiting companions.
"Is that thing really dead?" the armored man queries, brushing sand from his body, armor, and hair.
"Indeed. Given that its brain is now a goop" the mage responds, an amused grin playing on her lips as she gazes at the fallen foe.
"Huff huff huff... Water... Please..." The elf remains tired on his running.
"Here's your water. Good job!" the cleric cheers the elf, handing over a canteen that the elf eagerly drains.
"Not enough... Claustrine... Could you douse me with you spell?" the elf requests.
"Sure thing." The mage conjures a minor spell, manifesting a blob of water that she trinkles down onto the elf.
"Ah..." The elf sighs, relief flooding him as his body cools.
"I could use a water bath too." the armored man mutters, irritated by the sands inside his armor.
"Later. Dismantle this thing first." the mage says while pointing his finger on the dead cockatrice and also showering the elf with water.
"But why he got a bath first? Unfair." The knight protest as he watch the elf enjoying the bath.
The mage, slightly disgruntled. Suddenly stops the shower to the dismay of the elf.
"Awwwww..." The elf sadly said.
"Happy?" The mage said while looking to the knight.
"Ugh... Fine. Just have enough water on standby. I don't want the stench sticking on me." the armored man grumbles.
"Heh, why bother when you'll wash off with soap and cologne back in the city anyway?" The mage chuckles.
"Well, smelling good draws the ladies in," the armored man grins.
"Then just wash later when we already reach the city." The mage said with a smug.
"You annoying..." The knight just sigh. Tired of talking with the mage who also amused.
"Hey, are you alright? Need healing?" The cleric's concern directs her to the armored man, who responds with a pat on her shoulder.
"Don't worry about me. My body's sturdy as ever," he asserts with pride.
"Thank god," she smiles.
"Hey! We've got dismantling to do," the swordsman calls for aid.
"Coming!" The armored man follows the swordsman's call.
After two hours of work, they dismantle the monster, collecting valuable parts: the heart, vials of blood, and the poison sack for alchemy. The tail feathers serve as decoration, the cocketrice's comb and wattle, and the eyes as evidence of their feat. Although they desire the beak, its destruction renders it useless. They decide to take meat to share with the townsfolk who posted the Cocketrice request.
"These critters are really hungry and waiting huh?." the armored man notes, eyeing the pack of desert spiked hounds and draconic vultures that have gathered.
"No doubt. They'll feast once we leave." the swordsman agrees.
"And so will we! A town feast awaits with all this meat. I wish they'll whip up something special." the armored man enthuses.
"Yeah, yeah. We'll going to eat and get drunk, the Grand Ecstasy way." the swordsman smiles with a touch of excitement.
"Alright, packed up! Let's get cleaned and head back!" The armored man hoists their haul.
"Let's roll. We leave the rest you guys!" the swordsman bids farewell to the vultures and hounds.
With the two departing, the pack of Spiked Hounds and Draconic Vultures immediately descend on the carcass.
After stowing the materials in their Bag of Storage, Grand Ecstasy ventures back to town. The town celebrates as the menace that blocks their trade route is finally dead. They cheer even more when Grand Ecstasy gives them a lot of Cockatrice meat.
In an instant, the townsfolk prepares all sorts of dishes and serves all the ales. The town partied until the sun settles down.
The four comrades along with the townsfolk dance, drink, and sleep contentedly that night.
The following day, Grand Ecstasy receives their quest completion proof and bids the town farewell. Ready to return to the city for some well-deserved relaxation, they set off for journey back home.