Snow sprayed, and blood flowed.
Hiking Bears never attacked humans first, but they had little fondness for anyone who failed to observe mountain etiquette. That swipe carried tremendous force. Even Drake, an Ancient Zoan with a skull as hard as a Tyrannosaurus's, could barely withstand it.
Drake shook his dazed head, roared, and charged. Twisting his neck, he sank his fang-filled jaws deep into Hiking Bear's waist.
Squelch!
Blood immediately poured from the wound. Hiking Bear shrieked in pain, raised both paws high, clasped them together, and smashed them down onto Drake's back.
Thud!
The blow landed squarely. Drake, still biting down, could not dodge. His throat filled with the taste of blood, and he spat out a mouthful.
His jaws loosened, and he staggered backward.
But Hiking Bear gave him no chance to recover. Furious, it stepped forward and swung its right paw in an arc, slamming it into Drake's head once more.
Bang!
Already badly injured, Drake could no longer stay on his feet. Hiking Bear's swipe sent him flying into a jutting boulder, shattering it beneath him.
Rooar!
Hiking Bear bellowed, showing its enemies its strength. Its savage presence washed over the remaining crew, chilling them to the bone.
Even their captain had been knocked aside in just a few blows. What could they possibly do?
Run. That was all.
But it was already too late.
The danger came not from Hiking Bear or the Lapahns closing in behind them, but from the mountain itself. Amid the chaos, the noise shook loose the snow above. It began rolling down the slope.
Rumble!
The deep thunder stopped every living creature in its tracks. They stared behind them at a long white serpent rushing closer.
Countless trees and rocks vanished beneath the snow in an instant, leaving no trace.