Mia, standing at the rear, also spotted the Bone Serpent. After judging the distance and the snake's size, she felt that the three of them would have a hard time defeating it.
And if they got caught in a fight, it would easily draw the attention of other undead.
Mia lowered her voice. "I can lure it away while you open the chest, but don't make too much noise. There are other undead wandering nearby."
"I'll draw it with my bow. Once it leaves that spot, you can move. Don't make any unnecessary noise. Wait until I've lured it farther away before you act. If you spot other undead approaching midway, stop and stay still."
Carl asked, "How far are you taking it? How will we meet up?"
Mia had already turned and moved toward the side. Crouching behind a taller chunk of rubble, she drew her bow.
"Go until I can't see you and you can't see me. Then I'll come find you."
The arrow flew out and struck the ground in front of the Bone Serpent with a sharp sound.
The Bone Serpent turned its head toward where the arrow had landed. It did not move immediately, remaining still for a moment before beginning to slither in that direction.
As its body left the area beside the iron chest, it left several grooves in the ground.
Once both Mia and the snake had completely vanished from sight, Carl could no longer hold himself back.
Carl stepped forward twice and crouched before the iron chest. He tried to lift the lid, but it would not budge.
He lowered his head and examined the edge of the lid. An iron padlock hung from the clasp. The lock itself was not large, but its shackle was thick, with little rust on