Trapped in Another World With No Magic

Chapter 165: Nine Minus One Part 2

The cold, squeezing grip of the dark depths of a hidden lake press inwards on Treia's skin, while the crushing hold of a terrifying lurker of the same subterranean swamp threatens to break every one of her bones. Her body feels completely fragile now, like it might pop at any moment as would a gossamer bubble. Pain is searing every nerve ending she can process, from the deep parts of her skeleton to the burning fire in her lungs demanding she inhale a new breath.

Even if she wanted to inhale the water that surrounds her, which would drown her as quickly as any other means might take the gatonine's life at present, the pol'vapporr's powerful hand-like appendage has no intention of granting her enough room for her chest to expand even a little.

She can taste the bitter marsh water on her tongue from it filling her gaping mouth as she tries to inhale. She can barely think of anything other than trying to move even a little bit so she can try to fight for a breath.

Meanwhile, what little light squeezes into the hidden lake is fading as the gatonine woman loses consciousness. Her last breath has already been forced out of her body by the monster, and now, the most she can do is pray everyone else makes it out safely.

No... I... I want to live, too! P-Please, let me live! I'm not ready to leave my family! My friends! Hestori! Germeil! Mother! Father! I... I'm sorry! Please don't let me die! Please... Daniel...

Krak-KABOOM!

A terrifyingly loud boom splits Treia's delicate ears, and the monster shrieks as it finally releases her. She still hasn't even seen it, as it was moving her through the water with its long arms, apparently reaching up from the bottom of the lake.

With her armor and having virtually nothing left, Treia continues to sink into the water as the light brightens only briefly.

However, her body demands an inhale the moment she is free of the monster's clutches, and swampy water instantly floods her respiratory tract. She coughs in futility, no longer having any air to cough out.

As her consciousness truly slips away, she feels somewhat like the water suddenly begins to glow faintly and move away from her.

***

Treia coughs as light starts to trickle into her consciousness. Sensation is starting to come back to her, starting with the burning in her lungs and displaced liquid in her throat.

However, the burning in her lungs is replaced by a pounding on her chest, and she coughs and vomits once more. She is still coming to her senses, but she can tell that she is being moved by someone else to lay on her side, helping her spit up the water and other fluids she inhaled.

"That's it, Treia. Clear it out and breathe."

She recognizes the voice, and were her eyes not filled with tears already, she would begin sobbing almost immediately.

When she can finally focus and tilt her eyes, she finds Daniel kneeling over her as he keeps watch over her. There are rifle shots booming in the forest, and it sounds like a battle.

"It doesn't have ignityal sacks," remarks Daniel, seeming to read her mind.

"Its brain also isn't in its head like the dragons, so they're barraging it with volleys." Daniel looks over Treia in the direction that Treia is turned toward. "We're winning."

Senn steps up close beside Daniel, matching gazes with Treia. "How are you feeling, Treia?"

The gatonine tries to speak, but she coughs. Daniel takes her hand to reassure her, and she squeezes it firmly. She wants to cry, but she's wholly exhausted, and she's missing the battle.