So I'm a Snake, Who Cares?

"Secret Stage 3 of Armament No. 0 is actually just using three functions that are difficult to use normally in stages."

That's what Duiman said.

When talking about Armament No. 0, that old prosthetic maker's eyes always sparkled.

"The reason they're difficult to use normally is because permanent strain is put on the prosthetic. There are functions like launching blades that can be replenished. But Secret Stage 3 is different. Because it reduces the lifespan of the parts themselves made of black iron..."

Madam Rila didn't think herself particularly smart, but she was at least a diligent student.

She listened carefully to Duiman's words.

"Of course Stage 1 can be used regularly. Since only the springs take tension."

He took out a spring made of black iron and set it on the ground.

Then put several bricks on top.

The spring didn't bend.

Only when Duiman himself got on and bounced did it bend slightly.

"Black iron is strong. But it's definitely also a metal with excellent elasticity. Several such springs of different thicknesses will be installed in the prosthetic. Stage 1 is forcibly compressing these springs that normally wouldn't bend."

That was the secret to exerting power that couldn't normally be produced when throwing a punch.

Even throwing that strong bear was a Stage 1 technique.

"You need to be especially careful from Stage 2. You'll probably have to come to me for repairs after using it."

Duiman gave Stage 2 technique a separate name.

Compared to casually naming Stage 1 technique something about springs, he was definitely a prosthetic maker who knew romance.

"The technique's name is Steel Flower."

When the springs' tension reaches the extreme point of bending, the prosthetic's parts spread apart one by one.

The parts that were normally tightly and compactly joined spread apart, becoming like flower petals.

And when impact is added to the parts bent to their limit?

No, when something is struck with it?

It rebounds with a tang and tears flesh and crushes bone.

"But be careful using it since you could hurt yourself too."

Madam Rila listened carefully to Duiman's words.

And as a result of using Stage 2, Steel Flower, in actual combat.

"That was terribly, painful."

The lion's body was in tatters.

But flesh was squirming and filling in real-time.

He hadn't died and revived. Regeneration seemed to be an ability the lion gained with his new evolution.

More powerful firepower was needed to kill him.

Madam Rila's arms were no longer even flower-petal shaped.

With the parts that exploded and tore the lion's skin in tatters, she looked like she was wearing rotted and withered flowers dangling on her arms.

She recalled Duiman's words.

'Stage 3 is the last resort. Since you won't be able to use the prosthetic at all after using it once. Since it can't be repaired either, you absolutely must not use it.'

Why make such a function while saying absolutely not to use it?

Duiman's eyes dangerously sparkled as he said that.

'Absolutely, absolutely must not use it. Okay?'

A contradictory heart that hoped the prosthetic wouldn't break while also hoping that function would be used.

'...However, if you do use it, you must tell me what happened.'

Rila promised she would.

If she could return alive that is.

She never thought she'd use Stage 3 this quickly.

"What else do you have left?"

"..."

She didn't answer the lion's question.

She wasn't confident in making him lower his guard with words, and didn't want to needlessly raise his alertness either.

Tick.

A glass panel protruded from her forearm.

A bright red circle drawn in its center.

'Put the target in the center...'

The activation method was simple.

Just pull the switch with 'a feeling like bending your thumb'.

The leisurely lion startled and stepped back.

He seemed to be trying to dodge. Did he have some kind of threat detection skill?

But it was already too late.

Click.

The switch was pulled.

Then, two springs that had only been accumulating power until now are released at once.

They strike two magic stones inside the prosthetic with an impact like a shell hitting.

The magic stones shatter while shooting sparks.

And simultaneously spewing massive mana and propulsion, the half-destroyed prosthetic separates from the shoulder and flies.

The pair of prosthetics like a butterfly's wingbeat.

Thus the technique's name is 'Blood Butterfly'.

Like a butterfly drawn to the scent of blood.

The chunks of black iron shot at Ambejeu at an amazing speed.

Kwajajajak!

It struck Ambejeu with powerful physical force.

Even that powerful lion could only roll on the ground wrapped in metal.

"Heok, heok..."

Rila exhaled heavily.

She too had received many wounds. Read new adventures at My Virtual Library Empire

And two worst wounds were added.

From the prosthetics that were practically torn off.

Blood dripped, dripped from both arms.

And.

Rila, still lacking knowledge, said words she shouldn't have.

"Di-did I finish him..."

Twitch, Ambejeu moved.

Through the gaps between the prosthetics firmly wrapping his head, black mane stuck out as if alive.

Tuduk, tuk.

Pieces of black iron fell apart.

Ambejeu's head that still maintained its shape inside was revealed.

Though one side of his face was crushed with an eyeball dangling, he was clearly alive.

"Whew, hoo, this time, I really almost died."

"..."

"That was the last one, this evolution."

The lion grinned.

Even he probably couldn't evolve and revive infinitely.

Was this the last chance?

"Too bad."

Even his crushed face was gradually regenerating.

Madam Rila charged in while igniting her fading fighting spirit.

"Uwaaaah!"

But what could Rila do without her prosthetics?

Inevitably Rila was flung away.

Teong!

Her body hit a rock.

Blood spurted from her mouth.

Her back felt like it was shattered.

Hududududu-

The heavy rain fell endlessly.

Ambejeu walked over leisurely.

"Does it hurt?"

"Y-you."

"Don't run away."

Ambejeu bit Rila's right leg.

And shook his mane violently.

Wudududuk-

With jaw strength that could crush steel, her right leg being crushed was inevitable.

"Uwaaaaaaah!"

"You will surely be a delicacy."

He crushes the other leg the same way.

"Uwak, kuaaaah!"

Rila screamed from pain like her head was burning.

"Booosss!"

"Hooh."

She unconsciously called for the boss.