The morning mist drifted slowly above the wetlands surrounding Loktak Lake. The quiet village of Irang rested near the water's edge, where wooden houses stood above the damp ground and fishermen prepared their boats for the day. But despite the peaceful scenery, fear lingered among the villagers. For weeks, something terrible had been appearing near the lake at night. Livestock had disappeared, and rumors spread that a villager had been dragged into the dark waters. The people believed it was a monstrous snake.
Standing near the edge of the village path were three figures sent by the Sorcerer Academy: Lanthaba, Yaikhomba, and their teacher Kondonglei Wakheipam. Today was the day they would investigate the creature and determine whether it was truly a Lairois or simply a dangerous animal.
Yaikhomba stretched his arms and looked toward the distant lake with excitement.
"So this is Loktak," he said with a grin. "I've heard so many stories about it."
Lanthaba remained focused, his eyes scanning the surrounding area. After a moment, he turned toward Kondonglei.
"Miss Kondonglei," he asked calmly, "why do the villagers believe the snake isn't ordinary?"
Kondonglei crossed her arms slightly and looked toward the water.
"The police actually captured the creature once," she explained. "But it escaped. According to their report, the snake was about fifteen meters long… and it had two horns on its head."
Both Lanthaba and Yaikhomba stared at her in surprise.
"Two horns?" Yaikhomba repeated.
Kondonglei nodded. "Because of that, they believe it's a Lairois—most likely a creature born from the fear humans have toward snakes."
Yaikhomba's eyes suddenly lit up with excitement.
"That sounds just like the mythical dragon Poubi Lai!" he exclaimed. "My father told me stories about it when I was a child. Poubi Lai was a man-eating serpent that once terrorized villages. But eventually it was defeated by the Kabui Salang Maiba. It's an amazing story!"
Lanthaba shook his head slightly.
"It's not the same creature," he said. "The snake we're hunting may resemble Poubi Lai, but it isn't part of that legend. This one is a Lairois, an embodiment of evil. That's why we were sent to eliminate it."
Yaikhomba scratched his head but smiled.
"Well, either way… it sounds like a great mission."
Their conversation ended as the three of them finally reached the shore of Loktak Lake. The massive body of water stretched far beyond the horizon, its surface covered with floating vegetation known as phumdis. The wind rippled gently across the lake, but beneath that calm surface something dangerous waited.
Kondonglei stepped forward and turned to her students.
"From this point forward, you two will locate the Lairois yourselves," she said. "I will guide you and give instructions when necessary. That is what the headmaster ordered for this mission."
Lanthaba and Yaikhomba nodded immediately.
Lanthaba looked out across the lake and spoke thoughtfully.
"It might be difficult to find the Lairois in such a large area. What should we do, Miss Kondonglei?"
Kondonglei answered without hesitation.
"Lairois are creatures of darkness. Most of them appear at night. Some can emerge during the day, but only when there are no sorcerers nearby. If we want to lure it out, we need to perform a ritual."
She stepped forward and raised her hand slightly.
A wave of spiritual energy spread outward as she formed a Barrier. The air shimmered like transparent glass as the invisible wall surrounded them.
"From the outside," she explained, "no one will be able to see what happens inside this barrier—not humans, and not the Lairois until we call it."
Yaikhomba whistled softly in admiration.
"Your barriers are amazing, Miss."
Kondonglei ignored the compliment and continued.
"Prepare the ritual."
Lanthaba and Yaikhomba immediately began working. They gathered several pieces of leather and placed them carefully into a circular formation near the lake's edge. Inside the circle they drew ancient symbols used by sorcerers to summon hostile spirits.
The final step required blood.
Without hesitation, both of them cut their palms slightly and allowed a few drops of blood to fall onto the symbols.
The leather circle slowly absorbed the blood, glowing faintly as spiritual energy spread into the lake.
Then they pushed the ritual circle into the water.
The lake surface became strangely still.
Lanthaba and Yaikhomba waited silently.
Kondonglei watched carefully, her eyes focused on the water.
Minutes passed.
Then suddenly—
"It's here," she said quietly.
The lake exploded.
Water surged upward as an enormous serpent burst from beneath the surface.
Both Lanthaba and Yaikhomba jumped back in shock.
The creature was massive.
Its body stretched across the water like a living bridge, easily over fifteen meters long. Its scales were pale white, covered with dark circular spots. Two large curved horns grew from its head, and its eyes glowed with savage hunger.
The monstrous Lairois Serpent hissed violently.
Lanthaba reacted instantly.
"E-FLUX Technique—Chimera Fang!"
His right arm transformed as claws and sharp animal-like features emerged, enhancing his strength and cutting power. He dashed forward and slashed across the serpent's body.
The creature flinched slightly.
But the damage was minimal.
The serpent immediately retaliated. The water around it rose into the air as it manipulated the lake itself, sending waves crashing toward Lanthaba.
Before the attack could land, Yaikhomba stepped forward.
"Crystallokinesis!"
Dozens of sharp crystal fragments formed around him and shot forward like bullets.
They struck the serpent's body.
But the scales were incredibly tough.
The crystals shattered on impact.
Yaikhomba frowned.
"The skin is too hard," he muttered. "We need to weaken it."
He quickly turned to Lanthaba.
"Distract it! I'll target the eyes!"
Lanthaba nodded immediately.
He activated another ability.
"Fauna Adaptation!"
His movements became faster as cheetah and more agile as he rushed toward the serpent again, slashing repeatedly with Chimera Fang.
The creature focused entirely on him.
At that exact moment—
Yaikhomba acted.
"Crystallokinesis—Spike Shot!"
Several long crystal spikes formed and launched directly toward the serpent's eyes.
They struck perfectly.
The serpent roared in pain.
Its movements became unstable.
"Now!" Yaikhomba shouted.
Lanthaba seized the opportunity.
He raised his hand forward.
"Meiraton!"
A powerful fire cannon erupted from his palm and slammed into the serpent's wounded face, exploding in a burst of flame.
The creature screamed as its body recoiled violently.
Both Lanthaba and Yaikhomba smiled.
But their relief lasted only seconds.
Suddenly the serpent gathered water around its body again. Thousands of small droplets formed in the air.
Then they shot forward like bullets.
"Move!" Kondonglei shouted.
She dodged instantly.
Yaikhomba reacted slightly too late.
A droplet pierced his shoulder.
Lanthaba was struck in the leg.
Pain shot through his body.
But he quickly recovered.
"Anti-Gravity Systems!"
The water around him lifted into the air, forming a floating barrier that absorbed the next wave of deadly droplets.
Yaikhomba also created a crystal shield in front of himself.
Now they had a moment to counterattack.
Lanthaba rushed forward again.
"E-FLUX Technique—Insect Summoning!"
Dozens of small insect-like creatures formed from spiritual energy and flew toward the serpent's body.
They attached themselves to its scales.
Then—
They exploded.
The weakened scales cracked open.
"Perfect!" Lanthaba shouted.
He poured all his Thawai energy into Chimera Fang.
With a powerful leap, he slashed across the exposed flesh.
The wound opened deeply.
The serpent roared in agony.
Then suddenly—
It lunged forward and swallowed Lanthaba whole.
"Lanthaba!" Yaikhomba shouted.
He immediately launched dozens of crystal bullets at the serpent's head.
But they barely slowed it down.
Inside the creature's stomach, darkness surrounded Lanthaba.
The stench was unbearable.
Half-digested human flesh floated around him.
"…This smells horrible," he muttered.
Then he raised his hand.
"Meiraton."
Flames ignited.
The fire spirit emerged from his rage and exploded outward.
The serpent's body suddenly expanded—
Then erupted from within.
A massive explosion burst from its stomach.
Moments later, the gigantic serpent collapsed lifelessly into the water.
Silence returned to the lake.
A moment later—
Lanthaba climbed out from the burning remains, breathing heavily.
He collapsed onto the serpent's body.
"That stomach was full of human flesh…" he groaned. "And it smelled terrible… I'm taking a rest."
A few minutes later, Yaikhomba and Kondonglei walked over.
Yaikhomba looked relieved.
"You idiot… I thought you were dead."
Lanthaba simply gave a tired smile.
Then he looked at Kondonglei.
"Miss… does this mean we completed the mission?"
Kondonglei crossed her arms.
A small smile appeared on her face.
"…Yes."
Lanthaba continued.
"Then… what about our rank? Will we rank up now?"
Kondonglei looked at both of them for a moment.
But instead of answering immediately—
She simply smiled.
And the chapter ended.