“Yes. Keep inflicting damage to its body and tail,” Ghislain instructed firmly.

“That’s impossible! Even its eyes aren’t weak points. How do you plan to do this? It’s not too late to retreat—”

Before Gillian could finish, the Blood Python attacked him, seizing the opportunity.

BAM!

Gillian barely dodged the blow, and Ghislain shouted again, “Hurry! Keep focusing on its body! If I’m alone, it will only target me!”

With no other choice, Gillian withdrew to the rear.

The Blood Python, seeing Ghislain as its main threat, turned its full attention to him, its eyes gleaming with malice.

Kaaaargh!

The serpent’s massive head shot toward Ghislain with lightning speed, intent on finishing him in one strike. It ignored Gillian, only occasionally whipping its tail to keep the mercenaries at bay. Its only goal now was to kill Ghislain, the one who had tormented it for so long.

BAM! BAM!

Ghislain expertly dodged the attacks, all the while waiting for the right moment to strike.

With even its eyes no longer a vulnerable target, it seemed impossible to defeat the Blood Python with their current strength.

Had he been at the same level as in his past life, he would have already sliced through its scales and body with ease.

But that power was beyond his reach now.

So, he had to use whatever means were available to him in the present, even if it meant risking his life.

‘I didn’t want to use this... but there’s no other choice!’ Ghislain thought grimly.

BAM! BAM!

Kaaaargh!

Focusing all his attention on dodging, Ghislain didn’t even attempt to attack. His mana reserves were running low, limiting his speed, but his technique had been honed to a level beyond mastery. No matter how many times the Blood Python attacked, he continued to evade with precision, frustrating the monster to the brink of its patience.

No matter how clever the creature might be, in the end, it was still just a monster.

‘Come on.’

Ghislain taunted the Blood Python by dodging its strikes with only the narrowest margin, goading it into a reckless charge.

Kaaaargh!

The serpent lunged at him with its massive jaws wide open, driven by instinct.

At that exact moment, Ghislain stopped moving altogether. He stared calmly into the gaping maw of the beast, showing no intention of dodging.

From the sidelines, Kaor, who had been watching the scene unfold, screamed in horror.

“This... this lunatic! He’s really lost it!”

Belinda, barely conscious and watching through bleary eyes, muttered weakly, “Please... just run away...”

“Lord! Don’t do it!” Gillian shouted in alarm.

But it was too late. Ghislain leaped directly into the Blood Python’s mouth.

Ghislain winced at the intense venom in the air, but a grin spread across his face.

Just as he had anticipated, the inside of the Blood Python’s mouth was lined with soft flesh, unlike the hard, impenetrable scales on the outside.

‘Good. This will work.’

But there was no time to feel relieved. The venom seeping from the creature’s fangs was already burning through his clothes.

This venom was powerful enough to kill even large monsters in an instant, which was how the Blood Python had earned its fearsome reputation as a ruler of the Forest of Beasts.

Ghislain could temporarily shield himself with mana, but it was only a stopgap. He needed to kill the serpent and escape as quickly as possible.

He activated his second and third mana cores, causing mana to surge through his body.

At that moment, the Blood Python began to move its tongue and throat muscles, attempting to swallow him whole.

“Ugh!”

As he was dragged further into the serpent’s throat, Ghislain focused his mana into his sword and drove it into the roof of the creature’s mouth.

Schrrk!

Kaaaargh!

The Blood Python’s head jerked upward in pain, letting out a deafening scream.

Gillian, who had been attacking the serpent from the outside, saw the creature thrashing wildly and retreated for a moment. With the serpent’s head flailing about, its mouth was no longer visible, making it impossible to attack.

But they couldn’t just stand there and do nothing.

Even if Ghislain died, they had to kill the Blood Python if they wanted to survive.

With that in mind, Gillian climbed onto the serpent’s body, making his way up to its head.

He figured this was their best chance, while the creature was disoriented and thrashing.

“You bastard! Spit him out!” Gillian yelled.

BAM! BAM!

Gillian slammed his mana-infused axe into the Blood Python’s head over and over again. Its scales began to crack and break under the repeated blows, and blood started to flow from the new wounds.

The serpent, too focused on the pain from Ghislain inside its mouth, was unable to avoid Gillian’s strikes. Even its tough scales couldn’t withstand the constant barrage from Gillian’s mana-powered axe.

Kaaaaargh!

The Blood Python threw its head backward and collapsed to the ground, hoping to crush Gillian beneath it.

BAM!

The ground shook from the impact, but Gillian managed to jump away just in time.

And this gave Ghislain the opportunity he needed.

With the serpent’s head upside down, it made it easier for him to drive his sword deeper into the roof of its mouth.

Ghislain planted his feet firmly and channeled all of his mana into his sword, unleashing a massive surge of energy.

All three of his mana cores were now spinning at full speed, releasing an overwhelming torrent of mana through the blade and into the serpent’s head.

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

Kaaaargh!

The Blood Python screamed in agony, jerking its head violently as Ghislain continued pouring mana into the creature’s skull.

But he held on, gripping the sword embedded in the roof of its mouth, refusing to let go.

Kaaaargh!

The serpent’s entire body convulsed, writhing uncontrollably as it tried to shake off the pain. Its fangs released venom in all directions, spewing it from every tooth.

An enormous amount of venom filled its mouth, melting everything it touched.

Ghislain wrapped himself in mana to protect against the deadly toxin.

Hissss!

The venom sizzled and steamed as it came into contact with his mana shield, burning away furiously.

“Ugh!”

It had become a battle of endurance—whether Ghislain could withstand the venom long enough to kill the Blood Python, or if the serpent would manage to shake him off first.

Kaaaargh!

In its desperation, the Blood Python began smashing its head into the ground, trying to dislodge Ghislain.

BAM! BAM!

But no matter how violently it shook or how hard it hit the ground, Ghislain’s sword remained firmly lodged in the roof of its mouth.

He had already resolved to see this through to the end, even if it cost him his life. He continued to pour every last drop of mana into his attack.

“Ugh!”

Blood started trickling from the corner of Ghislain’s mouth.

With all three mana cores activated, his body was beginning to break down. He hadn’t fully grown into his power yet, and his body couldn’t handle the strain.

Hissss!

Amidst the thick, poisonous fumes, a dark red haze began to emanate from Ghislain’s body, swirling around him.

Kaaaargh!

Seeing the crimson smoke rising from the serpent’s mouth—a sight they had witnessed before—the mercenaries grew tense.

All they could do now was wait and hope that their leader’s insane gamble would succeed.

“Ugh!”

Ghislain’s body was reaching its limit. The overwhelming force of his mana had already torn apart his muscles, and now his bones were beginning to crack under the pressure.

But even as the pain threatened to overwhelm him, Ghislain refused to stop.

He continued to unleash every ounce of mana he had, even if it meant burning through his lifespan in the process.

At this rate, his body would completely break down before the venom could kill him.

“Aaaaagh!”

He screamed, forcing himself to stay conscious.

‘If I lose consciousness now, it’s over.’

From the moment he had dedicated his life to the sword, an easy life had never been an option. And it never would be.

All he could do was give everything he had in the present moment.

Kaaaargh!

The Blood Python’s movements became noticeably slower. It stopped smashing into the ground and merely swayed weakly.

Ghislain realized it was time to make his exit.

If he stayed inside any longer, he would either pass out and be swallowed, or be melted by the venom.

As the serpent’s head drooped, Ghislain released his grip on the sword and used the last of his strength to hurl himself out of the creature’s mouth.

Thud!

He hit the ground hard but was too exhausted to move any further.

“Lord!”

Gillian rushed toward him, trying to pull him away from the battlefield.

Hissss!

“Ugh!”

The moment Gillian touched Ghislain, his hands were burned by the searing heat.

The venom mixed with Ghislain’s mana was radiating an intense heat, burning everything it touched.

Gillian concentrated his mana into his hands, barely managing to pull Ghislain away from the battlefield. He laid Ghislain on the ground, but even then, Ghislain’s body continued to emit steam, his mana battling against the venom.

The heat was so intense that the nearby mercenaries had to step back, unable to endure the scorching air.

Even in his weakened state, Ghislain's gaze remained fixed on the Blood Python.

Kaaaaargh...

The serpent was bleeding heavily, its eyes filled with venomous rage as it glared at Ghislain. Tears of blood dripped from its eyes as it struggled to keep moving.

“Protect the boss!” one of the mercenaries shouted.

“Don’t let it get close to him!” another echoed.

The mercenaries raised their weapons and formed a protective barrier around Ghislain, ready to fend off any attack.

Kaaaaargh...

But the Blood Python’s movements were sluggish. Its massive form swayed, and its breathing became labored.

“Strike it down!” Gillian roared.

The mercenaries surged forward, eager to land the killing blow.

Kuuung!

Just as they were about to strike, the Blood Python collapsed, unable to hold itself up any longer.

“Is it dead?”

“No, it’s still alive!”

“Let’s finish it!”

Kaor, wielding his sword again, shouted, “Avoid the venom! Focus on its body—cut it to pieces!”

Even as it lay on the ground, the Blood Python’s tongue flicked weakly, its breath ragged. It still held onto life, but no one was afraid anymore.

“Waaaah!”

The mercenaries charged, their weapons piercing through the Blood Python’s wounds, driving their swords and spears deep into its flesh.

The Blood Python could only writhe feebly, unable to put up any resistance as its body was torn apart.

As he watched the mercenaries finish off the creature, Ghislain’s voice came out in a hoarse whisper.

“Thank... goodness... It’s finally... over...”

The mercenaries put all their strength into their final strikes.

Slash! Crack!

Bit by bit, the Blood Python’s massive body was reduced to a bloody mess. It lay motionless, its once-mighty form now battered and torn beyond recognition.

As its blood stained the ground, the serpent’s once-intimidating eyes slowly closed.

The ruler of the Forest of Beasts—the unstoppable force that had terrorized the land—let out its final breath.

Kaaaargh...

With one last, weak cry, the Blood Python died.