Its fangs flashed toward Akaimo's neck—
It was almost over for Akaimo.
But then—
Time stopped.
Everything around him froze.
The air, the snake, the forest itself—motionless.
Akaimo felt it clearly.
Time hadn't stopped for the world.
It had stopped for him.
He didn't know how.
He didn't know why.
But he knew one thing—
This was his chance.
He moved instantly, escaping the snake's strike just before reality snapped back into motion.
The danger was gone.
They rushed toward the pond.
There were no snakes left—only the dark purple liquid, quietly rippling.
Shino:
"Now, Akaimo—fast!"
"Use the tools Sensei gave you. We'll guard you."
"But don't take too long."
Akaimo immediately began collecting the sample using the special tools.
At that moment—
Several merus monsters emerged from the darkness.
Shino:
"Don't worry, Akaimo. Just finish your job."
"We'll protect you—no matter what."
The team formed a tight shield around him.
The monsters surrounded them from all sides.
Then—
they charged together.
Shino fought using precise hand movements, striking down every monster that came too close.
Shizuku grabbed one of the sharp bamboo Jeisuke had given her, using it to keep the monsters away from both herself and Akaimo.
Even though the enemies were low reberu, Waku was forced to step in.
His presence alone shifted the battlefield.
Jeisuke:
"Hey, Shino—should I use my tornado move again?"
Shino:
"Never."
"It'll only attract more monsters from farther away."
Jeisuke:
"Got it."
"Wooden Punch."
Thick, hardened wood wrapped around both of Jeisuke's arms.
He charged forward, smashing the monsters with raw, brutal force—
fighting like a monster himself.
The remaining creatures panicked and began to retreat.
One of them shouted as it fled:
"We won't let you escape this forest so easily."
Jeisuke:
"We'll see about that."