But hell, the chimera was massive. And nightmare's fuel.
The lion's body alone was literally the size of a truck, golden fur rippling over muscle, claws like short swords.
A goat's head protruded from its back, it's horns curled and it's vertically slit eyes mad with rage.
The serpent tail whipped through the air, fangs dripping what could only be venom, hissing flames licking from its jaws.
Then… It charged!
Everything happened at once. Quite fast, actually.
Tamar was the first to react, bow drawn in a fast blur.
"Move!" she shouted at me, voice harsh but definitely protective.
Two Arrows flew: one pinning the serpent tail to the ground, another burying itself in the goat's neck.
Heka surged forward like a wall of calm ferocity, spear thrusting to meet the lion's charge
She took a skimming claw across her thigh but ignored it. Moving to stab deep into the beast's shoulder and blood sprayed, sizzling where it hit leaves.
Indicating that its blood of it must be intensely hot.
Martha laughed: wild and exhilarated, as she vaulted onto a low branch before launching herself onto the chimera's back.
How audacious.
Her daggers flashed as she sliced into the goat head with a dull thud, riding the resisting beast like it was a rodeo.
"Come on! Die, you ugly bastard!" she shouted in delight.
It was Lulu's turn: she planted her staff, blue eyes fierce with concentration.
Then vines erupted from the earth, thick and thorny, wrapping around the lion's forelegs and yanking it off balance.
"I've got the legs!" she called, voice trembling but still strongminded.
Sara fought standing beside me, her sword singing through the air.
She parried a blast of fire from the serpent, as if it was a spurt from a water gun.
But the heat of the flames singeing nearby leaves.
"Benjamin: now! Bind it!" Sara called.
Alright. It's time to showcase what I've learned!
I mumbled the spell I was taught.
Then I reached for the magic pool inside me… and it responded instantly, feeling like a roaring river was flowing inside my stomach.
Subsequently, a blue light flared from my hands, forming chains of energy that wrapped around the serpent tail and the lion's torso, holding it still for precious seconds.
The chimera thrashed, flames scorching the air, but the squad pressed the advantage quickly.
Tamar's arrows found all its eyes. Heka's spear pierced more deeply. Martha finally severed the goat head with a savage twist of her body and blades. And finally, Lulu's vines crushed its bone.
Though it still was trying to fight back, Sara delivered the final blow: leaping high, sword plunging through the lion's heart.
The beast paused… then collapsed with a thunderous crash, its body emitting shimmering mist that rose toward the canopy.
Wow… I can't believe these girls trusted me with their lives like that… It felt quite heavy.
But honestly, for a moment there I thought things were going to get nasty.
For now, only heavy breathing and the crackle of dying flames filled the air.
Then Martha whooped, sliding down the dead monster like it was a slide. "That was so incredible!"
Heka leaned on her spear, bloodied but smiling faintly as she looked at me. "You held it perfectly. Good job on your first try."
Lulu ran over, hugging me impulsively before pulling back, blushing like she had acted under control. "Y-Your magic was beautiful, Benjamin."
Even Tamar gave a grudging nod, wiping sweat from her brow. "Not completely useless in a fight, I suppose."
Sara suddenly pulled me into a fierce kiss, almost claiming me…
Though I could tell—she was proud.
"You were magnificent," she whispered, but her eyes flicked toward the sisters with that same subtle tension.
Ugh, would they drop that already?
*
While the others harvested the chimera's essence—fangs, scales, a vial of lingering fire—Lotus drew me by my hand aside to a quiet stream tumbling over smooth stones.
"Sit with me a moment," she said, voice rich and calm.
The others' voices had faded into the distance.
I sat beside her on a moss-covered rock.
But hey, up close, the lines on her face told stories, even though her golden eyes were bright, her body was still powerful and curved beneath the armor.
"You see, I've walked these woods for four thousand years now," she said quietly. "I am the oldest among us, and have seen queens rise and fall, forests burn and regrow. Though, time changes everything… except longing, don't you think?"
I looked at her, at her golden eyes. "I think… you're beautiful, Lotus. Age didn't take that away. It added to it, if I could say. You're like one of these ancient trees around: deep-rooted and enduring in strength. I truly admire you!"
A faint flush rose in her cheeks.
But she chuckled softly. "Sweet words from a young man. But… am I not far too old for your bed, Benjamin? My fires have burned low. I believe we should leave such things to the daughters."
The stream bubbled beside us. In the distance, Martha's excited laughter rang out, Tamar's sharp voice commanding.
Hmmm. Alright!
I leaned in and kissed her: very gently, delicately, but extremely respectfully.
Mostly a brush of our lips that carried genuine warmth.
She stiffened for a heartbeat, but then softened, returning the kiss briefly. But then pulled back.
Is she not resisting her desires too much? I feel like she's… lonely.
"If you ever wanted," I said quietly, "I would be honored to… you know… do something together with you. But not out of obligation, I promise. It's because… I see you, I guess. All of you here. You've all become something very special to me!"
Lotus slowly touched her lips, eyes softening with something rather tender.
"The gods chose well when they sent you to us, Benjamin Mark. But… my time for that has passed. Go back to Sara. She guards you jealously, and rightly so."
I just nodded, respecting her choice.
But as I stood, a quiet notification flickered in my vision:
[New Insight Gained: Elder Wisdom – Minor longevity echo from proximity.]
Longevity? Did my lifespan increase?