Chapter 41:The Serpent's Sorrow
[Inside the Serpent's Mind]
The moment Yuta's palm touched the serpent's corrupted scales, a blinding light consumed him.
When his vision returned, he was floating in a vast ocean of memories — the water glowed faintly blue, rippling like glass under moonlight.
Then, he saw it.
A young serpent, smaller and peaceful, gliding through endless waters alone. Its eyes reflected stars — but no warmth. It wandered aimlessly through different lands, rivers, and seas, searching for something it couldn't name.
> Yuta (whispering): "You were… alone, weren't you?"
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Memory 1: The Beginning
The serpent drifted near a small village by a lake — this very one. He saw laughter, firelight, and people living freely. But soon, a demon army descended upon the land. The serpent's eyes flashed in rage. With a mighty roar, it rose from the waters and obliterated the demons in a single strike of magic and water.
When the battle ended, the villagers stared in awe — and fear. Mothers clutched their children. Warriors raised their spears.
Only one man stepped forward — an elderly figure with calm eyes.
> Village Chief Yuto: "You… you protected us. Tell me, great serpent — what do you seek?"
> Serpent: "A home."
The village chief smiled softly.
> Yuto: "Then rest here, guardian of the lake. Let this be your home."
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Memory 2: A Bond of Years
Time passed, and Yuto visited the lake every day. The serpent awaited him at the shore, where the two spoke beneath sunsets.
> Yuto: "You're quiet today."
Serpent: "Humans are loud creatures. You're the first who listens."
Yuto (chuckling): "That's what friends do."
The serpent blinked slowly, warmth flickering in its gaze. "Friend… I like that word."
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Memory 3: The Farewell
Years blurred. Yuto grew old, his steps slower each day. One evening, he came to the lake for the last time, leaning on his cane.
> Serpent: "You're fading, old friend."
Yuto (smiling weakly): "We all fade. Even stars do. Promise me… you'll protect them when I'm gone."
> Serpent: "And who will I talk to when you are gone?"
> Yuto: "My daughter… Miko. She will continue what I started. She'll understand you."
The next dawn, the serpent waited — but Yuto never came again. It howled at the sunrise, the lake trembling with its grief.
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Memory 4: The Lonely Pact
Miko, Yuto's daughter, eventually became the new chief. Though timid, she honored her father's wish and visited the serpent. Their talks were brief, her voice shaky, but she tried to smile each time.
One day, she said,
> Miko: "You seem… lonely. My father once said you longed for company. If… if someone stayed with you in the lake, would that help?"
The serpent tilted its head. "Someone to stay… with me?"
When Miko asked for a volunteer, one villager stepped forward, smiling bravely. The serpent took the human gently and vanished beneath the waters.
But the next generation… misunderstood.
The tale of companionship turned into a ritual of sacrifice.
Each year, one person was "offered" to the serpent to "appease its hunger." Fear replaced respect. Devotion turned into obligation.
The serpent's heart broke — yet it stayed silent. For even if hated, it still protected them.
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[Outside – The Real World]
While Yuta witnessed this tragic history, Elara, Kael, and the others battled chaos outside.
The lake boiled as corrupted fish and monsters emerged from beneath the black waves.
Ursa's axe cleaved through a scaled beast; Dred shouted, "They just keep coming!"
Kael stood at the center of the ritual circle, shadows swirling around his arms. "Hold the line! Yuta's inside — he's close!"
Elara's sword blazed with lightning as she sliced through another creature, sweat dripping down her cheek.
> Elara: "Synoh, how's the village!?"
Synoh (telepathically): "Under control! We're holding the barrier, Captain. Don't die before I bring reinforcements!"
Elara smirked even amid the chaos. "Hah… as if I'd let a rookie outrank me that easily!"
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[Back Inside the Mind]
The final memory faded. Yuta stood before the serpent's spiritual form — now smaller, older, and sorrowful.
> Serpent: "So you've seen it… my sin. They called me a god, then a monster. I only wanted… a place to belong."
Yuta stepped closer, his hand glowing faintly.
> Yuta: "You protected them… even when they forgot your kindness. You're not a monster. You're just… lonely."
The serpent's eyes trembled.
> Serpent: "Lonely…"
> Yuta: "Let's end that loneliness — together."
He reached out. A bright light surrounded them — a roar echoed through both worlds.
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[Outside – Finale of the Chapter]
The lake exploded with radiant light. The corrupted water turned clear again.
The monsters fell, lifeless. Kael shielded his face from the blinding flash.
When it faded, the massive lake serpent rose once more — its scales now shimmering with calm azure glow. Yuta stood on its head, exhausted but smiling faintly.
> Kael (grinning): "He did it… the brat really did it."
Elara (smiling, lowering her sword): "That's Division 9's summoner for you."
The serpent lowered its head respectfully before Elara and Kael.
> Lake Serpent: "You fought bravely. My mind is free… and I shall protect this land once more."
Elara nodded, sheathing her blade. "Then we have an understanding. But next time you cause chaos…"
> Serpent (chuckling): "You'll have my permission to strike me down."
They all laughed faintly, exhaustion and relief washing over them as the dawn rose above the lake.