So I'm a Snake, Who Cares?

Though she held the position of 'Advisor', she had the leadership to fully serve as the boss.

"Kuwoong."

"Woowoong-"

"Kung, kung!"

The monsters following Rila responded with disciplined postures.

"We're going to regroup with the boss."

Above Advisor Rila stood the indomitable boss snake, a presence that commanded respect throughout these dark halls. Its reputation preceded it like a shadow.

The other monsters dwelling in these depths knew well of the boss - whispered tales of its power spread through every corner of their domain. Some claimed to have witnessed its might firsthand, while others only knew it through hushed stories shared in darker corners.

About the amazing snake that shifted between shadows and light, its scales flowing from deepest black to brilliant white like the tide of night and day. Each transformation was said to bring with it a different aspect of its power, though few lived to tell of both forms.

And that mighty serpent had given its command, its will as unbending as steel. The order rang with finality through the cavernous space.

For Rila to protect the crew and withdraw from battle, to preserve their forces rather than waste them in needless conflict. The command was clear, yet weighted with implications.

It would be a lie to say that Madam Rila felt no hesitation, her inner turmoil hidden behind a mask of calm authority. Her centuries of service warred with her immediate instincts.

There was one reason for the hesitation, one thought that gave her pause despite her unwavering loyalty to the boss snake's commands. It sat heavy in her mind like a stone in still water.

'Goodbye, rabbit.'

The gentle rabbit who had taken care of her when she was with the black group.

She regretted not being able to even say goodbye to him.

However, Rila is not an incompetent advisor who can't distinguish between public and private matters.

Rila succeeded in naturally pulling her group to the rear of the battlefield.

It was just as they were carefully trying to withdraw.

When suddenly, who would have thought they would appear.

"Umm, mm."

Rila tensed up as if frozen.

What appeared was an ashen bear with faded fur.

The leader of Black Night.

The bear wasn't alone. He was accompanied by several of his generals.

They too had focused on filling their bellies rather than contributing to the battle.

The black rabbit was practically the only general who fought properly.

"Is this, your group."

The bear looked over the zoo animals.

They must look worthless in his eyes. He might think they're just gathering rejects who couldn't adapt.

'Dangerous.'

Had he noticed their desertion?

If so, they would have to fight.

Though she wasn't confident of winning, if she used her prosthetic arm, somehow the time...

Rila quietly released the functions of her prosthetic arm.

Preparing to use that function that Master Duiman had told her not to use unless absolutely necessary.

But what came from the bear's mouth was something different.

"I thought you would make a good grand general."

'Black Moon Phase Elder Bear Besaron' wearing a nice monsterly smile.

If you're wondering what the bear is saying now.

"I've never liked Reinhertz, that rabbit, from before."

"..."

"I saw you accompanying the rabbit. Here's my proposal."

A greedy bear.

The boss really hated this bear.

Madam Rila hadn't thought much of it before, but now that had changed.

"Why don't we share that rabbit?"

While a war was happening.

The one called leader was thinking about eating his own subordinate who was fighting the hardest.

"If you, ambush him, I'll rush in and end his breath."

"..."

"I'll give the magic stone to you, gorilla. And you'll become the new grand general. What do you think?"

Madam Rila was truly shocked.

Did he think she would accept such a proposal?

To betray her companion and take the magic stone by cutting open the rabbit's stomach.

Rila thought for a moment and came to a conclusion.

'This is, serious...!'

She finally felt how the monsters in the zoo were somehow twisted.

They were really expecting it.

That Madam Rila would accept the proposal and help them eat the rabbit.

Though she wanted to reject it outright.

'But.'

It was obvious what would happen if she refused here.

The bear and others would try to eat the zoo animals and Madam Gorilla first.

Then they would strike the unsuspecting rabbit from behind.

Thump thump thump.

Her heart beat violently.

The boss had told her to return immediately.

But could she let the rabbit die so meaninglessly like this?

Rila had no idea what to do.

She squeezed her eyes shut.

'If it were the boss, what would the boss have said?'

What would the white snake have said?

Somehow, she could clearly predict what the boss would say.

'Do whatever you want! Go for it!'

That's surely what he would say.

Madam Rila's eyes snapped open.

"Alright, let's do it."

"That's a good thought. Hohoho!"

"Wait a moment, let me talk to my subordinates."

And Madam Rila called the rattlesnake.

The rattlesnake she had made deputy advisor here.

'Rattler.'

She whispered quietly.

'Take everyone to the boss.'

She gave that instruction and promised.

'I'll definitely return.'

The rattlesnake nodded.

==

According to the pouched rat, not all the subordinates had died.

Sadly, several including the anteater had gone to the afterlife, but many had escaped.

"Ssssak!"

I gathered those ones.

And finally succeeded in escaping.

When we went to the meeting place agreed with Madam Rila, new members she had recruited were already waiting for us.

Zoo Animals, assemble!

Just as I was about to rejoice at finally being complete.

'...What? Where's Rila?'

Madam Rila was nowhere to be seen.

Instead, a pitch-black rattlesnake came up and said.

"Sak! Ssssssat!"

What are you saying!

'Stop that and show me your tail.'

Then the rattlesnake, somehow looking embarrassed, showed its tail.

I grasped that tail.

When I used the Crown of Connection, I could hear the whole story from the rattlesnake.

'...These, cowardly bastards!'

A zoo full of scheming and plotting.

The clumsy ones cannot survive.