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"Pupper," you say, and the alpha that's been following you stalks out of the shadows on the forest. Astra gives a little meep when it - who is nearly as tall as you are while standing on all fours - strides up next to her. He's a handsome boyo, with sleek black fur striped with shocks of gold like lightning. "Keep Astra safe, will you? Those mushrooms on its back smell explosive, and there might be a splash zone."
The wolf nods.
The elf panics.
"W-W-Why is a <span class="mu-i">alpha stormwolf</span> here!?" Astra keeps her voice from a shout, but the whisper is harsh and coarse. She does her best to avoid letting out another meep when your pupper gently grabs the collar of her shirt in his mouth and tosses her deftly onto his back. "Stormwolves are the most dangerous monsters on the first floor, outside of the region bosses! You know, the monstrously powerful things you need to slay to draw out the Floor Guardian?"
"Is the chimera there one of those region bosses?" you ask. Your voice is calm as still waters.
"Probably!" Astra replies, still in a slight panic. Her eyes widen. "Wait, wait, wait, you're not planning on fighting that thing alone, are you? You need a full party if you hope to-"
Unfortunately, before she can finish her unnecessary tactical advice, you've already strode out into the clearing and approached the chimera. The great beast, with a lion's head, a serpent for a tail, an eagle's wings, and the curled horns of a ram stirs at your approach, its eyes burning like crimson embers. You can smell the death of a hundred adventurers upon its breath, and see the venom dripping from its tail.
"Harum... are you an offering from some foolish adventurers?" the chimera rumbles. "Do they think of me as my lowly brother minotaur, who might be swayed by the gift of a beautiful maid? Tell me where the companions who send you to your death hide, fair maiden, and I shall slaughter them for this insult and permit you to go free."
"You are a moste noble beast, chimera," you say as you approach the unguarded creature. He preens at your praise, rumbling with pride... and not taking you for a threat. You need to correct that assumption. Stroking his glorious mane, you continue, "However..."
Your arm goes from stroking the creature to grabbing it by the neck.
Your grip is too strong and too tight for the chimera to escape it, no matter how much he flaps his wings or struggles with his powerful legs. You vaguely feel the teeth of his tail shatter in an attempt to bite your skin, as you shift your stance to gain better leverage. With a mighty heave, you hoist the beast up into the air, and then slam it in suplex to the ground with such force that its death is instant and painless.
<span class="mu-s">What spoils do you claim from the monster?</span>
>A lion pelt cloak that further increases your defenses.
>A feathered earring that will help you jump higher and further.
>A horned headdress that will increase your magic power.
>A serpent fang dagger imbued with potent venom.
