Chapter 40 – Near-Death Experiences Are Not Fcking Funny

Crossing the Mountain – And Almost Dying Like 10 Times

The mountain pass was supposed to be dangerous.

What I didn't expect was how absolutely f*cking ridiculous it would be.

✔ Rockslides that nearly crushed me and the horse.

✔ A hidden cave that turned out to be a monster nest.

✔ A sudden earthquake that almost sent me tumbling off a cliff.

I groaned, gripping the reins. "This place is actively trying to murder me."

The sword hummed. "Oh yeah. I'm loving this."

I scowled. "Shut the f*ck up."

Even my horse looked done with this sh*t.

It snorted as if saying, "I didn't sign up for this."

I sighed. "Yeah, well, neither did I."

---

The Worst Near-Death Experience Yet

At one point, I was riding along a narrow cliffside path.

Everything seemed fine.

Then—

A f*cking eagle the size of a damn carriage swooped down, talons aimed at my head.

I barely ducked. "WHAT THE F*CK?!"

The horse reared up, nearly throwing me off.

The eagle screeched and went in for another pass.

I slashed mid-air, forcing it back—but my attack barely scratched it.

The sword hummed. "Yeah, so, fun fact: That thing's called a Storm Eagle. And they like picking up people and dropping them off cliffs."

I scowled. "YOU COULDN'T HAVE SAID THAT SOONER?!"

The eagle swooped down again.

I grabbed the reins, urging the horse forward.

"Run, you dumbass! RUN!"

We bolted down the narrow path, the eagle screeching behind us.

I barely made it into a tunnel before the thing slammed into the rock wall.

I panted, glancing at my horse. "We are NEVER speaking of this again."

The horse just huffed.

Tch. Stupid bird.

---

Finally, The Town is in Sight

After what felt like a lifetime of suffering, we reached the top of the mountain.

From there, I finally saw it.

A town built in the valley below.

✔ Surrounded by towering walls.

✔ Heavy fortifications—clearly prepared for monster attacks.

✔ Smokestacks from blacksmiths, signs of a bustling trade hub.

I smirked. "Finally. Civilization."

I nudged the horse forward. "Let's get this over with."

---

Stopped at the Entrance – By a F*cking Tiger Rider

I barely made it to the main gates before a figure blocked my path.

A girl riding a massive tiger-like monster.

She had short, silver hair, a scar over one eye, and a cold expression.

✔ Wore light armor, clearly a warrior.

✔ Spear strapped to her back, ready to fight.

✔ Her tiger? Easily bigger than my damn horse.

She glared down at me.

"State your business, outsider."

I sighed. "Can I at least get a 'welcome to the town' first?"

She didn't blink. "Answer the question."

Tch.

Great. First I almost died ten times, and now I had to deal with Miss Ice Queen on a Tiger.

I cracked my neck. "Alright. Fine. Let's do this your way."

---

Final Thought – This Day Just Keeps Getting Worse

✔ I survived the mountain. Barely.

✔ Now I had to deal with a warrior girl and her oversized cat.

✔ And I hadn't even started looking for the artifact yet.

I sighed.

"This better be worth it."

---

To Be Continued…