The blue flames fiercely clung to the pillar fragments, their strength apparent, almost annoyingly vivid in their brightness.

"…"

A low growl.

In the midst of this, I felt the sharp gaze of what once was Jeoksusa (the Red Water Snake). The betrayed look in his eyes stung a bit.

“…Isn’t life about helping each other out?”

I forced myself to ignore his gaze. Then again, I suppose calling it "life" doesn’t make sense anymore, considering neither of us is exactly human.

Heh.

“…Damn it.”

I muttered a feeble joke to myself, though it didn’t make me feel any better.