Chapter 366: Assassin vs Dragon

Luke sprinted through the forest, heart pounding so hard it drowned out the world—each beat a war drum echoing inside his chest. The cold bit into his skin like shards of glass, trying to slow him down, but the raw heat of adrenaline burned beneath it, forcing him forward. The air was thick with smoke and melting snow, trembling with the wyvern’s roar that tore through the heavens above.

Fire streaked across the canopy, lighting the woods in violent flashes. Snow hissed into steam. Trees split and burned, their smoke turning the air sharp and heavy with the stench of scorched wood. Shadows danced across the trunks like wailing ghosts painted red by the fire’s glow.

The ground shook with every beat of the creature’s wings. Branches cracked overhead, and the stink of sulfur mixed with smoke until it filled his lungs. They’d been scattered when the beast dove. The impact had hit like a meteor, hurling him through the forest. Now, he was alone—surrounded by twisted trees, smoke, and the faint echo of distant screams. Melted snow mixed with mud beneath his boots, and hot vapor rose in waves that stung his eyes.

But an idea began to form. Reckless. Desperate. His only shot.

His gaze flicked through the system interface until it stopped on one of the familiar’s skills coiled beneath his clothes.

[Corrosive Venom (Ultra-Rare)]: The Jormungandr releases a controlled venomous fluid from its fangs, capable of coating a target without corroding it immediately. The venom, thick and adhesive in texture, clings to the surface for a few moments before triggering its corrosive effect.

“Coat my arrow with venom,” he ordered, already pulling his bow free, his hands trembling from cold and adrenaline.

“Come on. Open your damn mouth,” he muttered.

Artemis smirked. Hey, it’s Mr. Shitpants’ first time. That’s a little big for him to handle.” Artemis quipped in her usual, mocking tone.

Luke ignored her. The sarcasm was a comfort, in a way. Proof that they were still alive. For now. Beneath his collar, the small serpent shifted. Franky lifted his head, eyes glinting wet and dark.

“You want me to… put venom on that?” he asked, hesitant.

“Yes. Now.”

“But my venom… it’s not that strong—”

“Just do it. Trust me.”

The little serpent obeyed. It slithered free from under his clothes, skin cold and slick as it wound its way to the arrow. The tips of its fangs glowed faintly green. A drop of thick, oily fluid gathered there, then fell, spreading over the point. The smell hit instantly—acidic and metallic, like rust and blood.

Luke watched as the liquid coated the arrowhead completely, turning it a wet, luminous green. The venom seemed alive, pulsing faintly, catching the firelight in sickly waves.

He didn’t have much time.

Drawing a slow breath, Luke nocked the arrow and raised the bow, every muscle pulled tight. His eyes locked on the direction of the sound—the heavy, wet rumble of a living furnace.

“I thought you said you hated using poison,” Artemis whispered in his mind.

“When have I ever not been a hypocrite?” he muttered, teeth clenched as he pulled the string to its limit. “I just don’t want to die.”

The ground shuddered beneath him.

A torrent of fire ripped through the trail ahead, turning snow to vapor and air to knives. Luke dropped, rolled through the steaming slush, and came up in a single fluid motion. Heat seared his coat, his skin burning beneath it.

He exhaled once, steadying his grip.

The hunt had begun.

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

“Besides… that’s still acid,” he muttered, adjusting his grip on the bow.