Bear Monster

Bandage POV

My eyes opened after a quick nap. It couldn't have been more than two hours. The sun had already set, but there was ample light around the clearing.

Two bonfires were burning, each surrounded by a group of people—five in one, four in the other. It almost looked like a picnic spot.

The first group of five was the one I had seen earlier—the chief-class player and his team. They had finished cooking their monsters and were now enjoying their meal. The smell of roasted meat even reached me.

The other group of four consisted of Blaze and the two kids. With them sat a new face—a fat guy who was devouring his meal like there was no tomorrow. Which, considering our circumstances, could very well be the case.

The kids sat with their backs to me, but Blaze was facing my direction. Coincidentally, our eyes met. She stared at me for a moment before abruptly looking away.

Why? Oh well, maybe it was the glare from the girl who was dozing off with her head on my shoulder.

I tried to move my head and immediately felt my cheek brush against hers. It was cold. And soft. Sitting so close to a girl—shouldn't I feel something?

Of course, I was feeling something. Dread.

"Yo... an mo... ow?... eat..." she murmured drowsily, likely too exhausted after all the killing. She didn't bother lifting her head or letting me shift positions.

My paralysis was almost gone—I could stretch my arms and legs—but the pain and wounds remained.

My stomach growled, but I ignored it.

I wasn't the only one skipping a meal. Four other players, seemingly part of their own team, were scattered around the clearing, some leaning against trees, others sleeping straight on the ground.

That made fifteen of us here. Where were the other five? Still in the forest, perhaps.

"Hey... I gotta mind some..." I mumbled, but the only reply was a soft snore.

She had already fallen asleep. This was my chance.

After calling out a few more times to be sure, I carefully lifted her head off my shoulder and leaned it against the tree.

Then, with unsteady feet, I stood up and walked toward Blaze's group.

"Um... Hello? Miss Blaze?" I called out as I approached. Immediately, all four of them turned to look at me. This was probably the first time I was properly speaking to Blaze.

"Huh? Who are you? A freeloader? These monkeys are mine," the fat guy spat, bits of food flying from his mouth. How delusional was he? There was no way I was going to—

Wait. A monkey? That's what they were eating?

"Nah, don't worry. I don't want your... food."

"Ah! It's the kind mister!" The little girl I had saved quickly stood up and ran toward me. "Are you alright, mister? I was scared... too scared..." She clasped her hands together as if pleading for something.

"Don't worry, I'm perfectly fine," I reassured her. No need to tell her I was still in pain.

"If it isn't the boyfriend... Is she okay with you being here?" Blaze rolled her eyes. "Well, come have a seat."

I smiled awkwardly, patted the girl's head, and sat down. "I just wanted to thank you for saving my life. If it weren't for you, it would've been game over for me. And about Boxcutter—don't mind her words. She's... not the most stable person."

"Boxcutter? What a cool name!" the boy exclaimed between bites. Apparently, he wasn't going to thank me. Brat.

"Is that your girlfriend's name, Mister? That woman... I came to thank you while you were asleep, but she chased me away," the girl said.

"Ah... I apologize for her behavior..." Wait, why was I apologizing for her? Damn it.

"Must be easy sailing for you, huh? Having a strong teammate like that. Who else is in your squad?" Blaze asked, still not looking at me.

"Just us two for now. She's not open to more teammates at the moment."

"Ah, so your girlfriend has the upper hand in the relationship... Typical beta," the fat guy sneered.

"Well, I wouldn't exactly call her my girlfriend per se..."

"Huh? But she said she was," Blaze remarked, looking confused.

"Ah, actually... umm..."

Something cold and metallic pressed against the nape of my neck. A sharp sting followed.

Don't tell me...

"What are you doing here, partner? Leaving your girlfriend alone to chat with other women?" Her voice was ice-cold as she grabbed me by the scruff of my collar.

"Wa—wait a sec—!"

She didn't let me finish. With surprising strength, she yanked me backward.

"Hey, wait—what's your problem?" Blaze shot up to her feet in my defense.

"Yeah, don't be rough with Mister!" the little girl added, standing up as well.

"You wanna fight?" Boxcutter raised her blade threateningly. "Don't test me. I don't hesitate to cut down monsters or homewreckers."

"Bring it on. I can't let you do whatever you want... Your relationship is clearly abusive," Blaze retorted, stretching out her palm.

"Lol, a catfight," the fat guy muttered.

"Yeah, yeah, fight on!"

"Give us some entertainment!"

"My bet's on the one with the cutter!"

The other players chimed in like this was the most exciting thing they'd seen all day.

"No, no, wait a second—!" I tried to intervene, but they were already glaring daggers and crackling with tension.

GROWL. GROWL.

Before anyone could react further, a deep, guttural growl echoed through the clearing.

The air shifted. A heavy, oppressive presence settled over us.

Then, we saw it.

A massive, bear-like monster emerged from the trees, drawn by the scent of food. Its bloodshot eyes locked onto us, and its sharp claws glinted in the firelight.

Everyone froze.

"It's a bear monster... Run!"

"It's a bear monster... Attack!"

Different players had different reactions, but as for my two lovely companions, they were still locked in their death stare.

It wasn't until the bear stomped dangerously close that they finally noticed it.

Simultaneously, their gazes shifted to the beast.

"You..."

"Don't disturb us, you damn monster."