Madness of the Blue Blood Labyrinth - Chapter 16

A giant, single-eyed snake as long and thick as a utility pole.

The Spray Python, despite its massive size, moved with startling agility as it appeared, spewing a purple haze that looked like mist or smoke straight at Rize, who was waiting for it.

—

“This thing doesn’t have fangs. Instead, it’s got spray glands, and as the name suggests, it showers its prey in a deadly, instant-acting poison.”

—

Poison. That’s a pretty dangerous word, and it made me hold back an instinctive step forward.

But despite taking a direct hit, Rize didn’t so much as flinch.

—

“*Purification.* It wards off anything impure—poison, acid, mud, dust, even blood splatter.”

—

She’s got a useful skill. I had been wondering why she looked so clean despite trudging through dusty labyrinth floors and muddy forest zones.

And her makeup hasn’t even budged. If I had to guess, it probably blasts off any sweat or grime as soon as it forms.

—

“Cost me a lot, but it’s worth it. My skin hasn’t had a single breakout since.”

“I’ve heard some resistance skills come with skincare benefits. How much did it run you?”

“Thirteen million yen at auction. Every time it’s listed, there’s a bidding war.”

—

A woman’s dedication to beauty is terrifying.

—

After a few unsuccessful attempts to poison her, the Spray Python seemed to realize it was pointless.

It shifted tactics, using its massive, muscular body to try to constrict her, hoping to take her down by sheer force.

—

But it missed, slipping right through her like she was a ghost.

Rize hadn’t moved an inch.

—

“*Astral Form.* Basically, it nullifies physical attacks.”

“Invincible, huh?”

“Not quite. I’m weak to elemental attacks while it’s active, and it’s exhausting to keep it going.”

—

The Spray Python, likely baffled by this, paused. Meanwhile, Rize casually stepped back to gain some distance.

At last, she raised her scythe.

—

“Huh…?”

—

I tilted my head, squinting.

It didn’t look like I was imagining things.

—

The scythe was pulsing, like a heartbeat.

With each beat, it grew larger, swelling ominously.

That must be her fourth skill.

—

“*Cursed Womb.*”

—

Rize looked too worn out to bother explaining, but before I could even consider looking it up on my terminal, a chill ran down my spine, warning me to activate *Blood Surge* and leap out of the way.

—

“Aaaaahhhhhhh!!”

—

A roar that sounded more beast than human.

The scythe, now beyond menacing and almost monstrous in shape, was swung in a sweeping arc, scattering a sound that was like crazed laughter.

—

“That… was close.”

—

A radius of several dozen meters. The grass, shredded, charred, and rotted, showed clearly the area of the scythe’s reach.

I was barely half a step outside the range.

—

…Honestly, I’m not sure exactly what Rize did, but this is probably something *Iron Blood* couldn’t block.