SWNOVELXO Chapter 30: The Chimera Crusade
The armored car dropped them at the base of the Crimson Peaks, a jagged mountain range that scraped against the sky like broken teeth. The air was thin and cold. As they approached the designated area, they found a small, ramshackle camp filled with goblins. They were small, green-skinned creatures, but instead of brandishing weapons, they looked up at the party with wide, fearful eyes.
With Gluteus taking the lead just in case it was a trap, they cautiously approached. One of the goblins, wearing a slightly larger hat than the others, stepped forward.
"Help," the goblin pleaded in broken English. "Big monster... take leader. Leader is... life."
Kenjiro smirked, crossing his arms over his chest. The livestream drone was already active, hovering nearby. "And what will we get for it?" he asked, his voice full of practiced arrogance. "You know, the Chimera is a powerful monster."
"We give money!" the goblin said, nodding eagerly. He conferred with his kin and then proudly presented Gluteus with five miserable-looking copper coins.
Kenjiro stared at the pathetic offering, his face a perfect mask of "Are you serious right now?"
"Okay," he sighed dramatically for the camera. "We will take your money. BUT, I also need your strongest warrior to come with us. And... an official alliance between the goblin tribe and my party."
The goblin eyes widened. He nodded furiously, shaking Kenjiro's hand with both of his. A moment later, a goblin even larger than the rest, carrying a crude stone hammer, joined their ranks.
The climb up the peak was treacherous. As they ascended, strange, wriggling worm-like creatures began to fall from the cliffs above, landing around them.
"Eww, uggh! What are those things?!" Kenjiro grossed out, dancing to avoid them.
The goblin warrior simply picked one up and popped it into his mouth. "This protein for body," he said, chewing thoughtfully. Kenjiro felt his stomach churn and almost vomited on the spot.
They finally reached the Chimera's lair, a wide plateau near the summit. The beast—a monstrous fusion of a lion, a goat, and a dragon—was asleep. Curled up near its massive claws was the unconscious goblin leader.
"Perfect time to save," their goblin ally whispered, before promptly running forward and bonking the Chimera on its draconic head with his hammer. The beast's eyes snapped open with a furious scream, swatting the goblin warrior away with its long neck.
The fight was on. Gluteus charged in, his shield raised. Lyrielle began casting healing spells. DragonSlayer69 flanked the beast, his sword flashing. Kaito zipped around with a second camera, capturing dynamic angles. And Kenjiro? He stood back, narrating for the stream.
"As you can see, my loyal viewers, my powerful party is engaging the beast!" he announced, striking a cute pose. "With my brilliant leadership, this will be over in no time!"
The chat exploded. Femboy Coins rained down.
Bombom is looking perfect today!
We can see some of his gorgeous behind from that angle!
Let's make him angry!
DragonSlayer, glancing back, yelled, "Do something, you small, cute thing!"
"SHUT UP! I'M ALREADY DOING SOMETHING!" Kenjiro shrieked back.
"Yeah, you're doing nothing, thanks," DragonSlayer retorted.
"It ain't gonna work," Gluteus grunted, straining under a heavy blow.
That was it. Kenjiro struck a pose. "What do you mean it ain't gonna work, bro?! I left home, ATE like a beast for this damn thing! BIRL!" He rushed at the Chimera's tail, kicking and pushing at the thick scales. "Time for the show! The monster is getting out of jail!"
The Chimera didn't even notice. His hits were pathetically weak.
Is it working? the chat asked.
Maybe he should use that shadow thing!
"Maybe try using that butt for once," DragonSlayer laughed.
"YOU KNOW WHAT?!" Kenjiro roared. A powerful, dark aura erupted around him. His shadow peeled from his back. "I'M TIRED OF YOU, DRAGONSLAYER!" it boomed, not at the warrior, but as a declaration of intent. The shadow blurred, appearing before the Chimera and unleashing a brutal torrent of punches. The beast cried out in pain as the phantom fists connected with its face. One final, mighty punch sent the Chimera flying, skidding toward the edge of the plateau.
"I'M GOING TO KILL YOU, DRAGONSLAYER!" the shadow roared.
The Chimera, knowing it was defeated, scrambled to its feet and leaped from the peak, its leathery wings catching the air as it flew away.
"The Chimera is flying away!" Gluteus yelled.
Kenjiro turned to watch it escape. "NOOOOOOOOOO!" he screamed as his shadow dissipated, leaving him sore and kneeling on the ground.
Lyrielle rushed to his side. "W-we still h-have the g-goblin leader."
"Yeah, the goblin leader..." Kenjiro mumbled, before whispering, "I could've made so much more money if I didn't stop hitting that stupid flying thing."
Just then, Kaito swooped in with the camera, focusing it directly on Kenjiro's rear as he knelt. "And here we have the great view from our glorious Bombom's victory pose!"
Kenjiro's head snapped up. With a furious scream, he lunged at Kaito, tackling him and the camera to the ground. The livestream abruptly ended.