Arthur dragged Ririko along as they ran, her feet sinking unevenly into the sand.
She couldn't help glancing back at the sea... and her eyes went wide.
An enormous wave suddenly surged from the sea, a wall of water rapidly rising dozens of meters high. Inside its crest, she saw a dense mass of black bodies churning.
The monsters had long, twisted limbs that flailed in the water, as though they weren't particularly satisfied with the old village chief's less-than-fresh flesh and were eager to find a fresher source of food.
Ririko panted as she ran. "What are those monsters? A local specialty?"
Arthur dragged her forward. "They're the Trench! They've been in a bad mood lately, but I didn't think they'd get this violent!"
Dick ran beside them, his flip-flops nearly flying off. He looked back, his voice rising in pitch. "What the hell are the Trench-"
Before he could finish, the enormous wave crashed onto the beach.
The wall of water, laden with sand and broken shells, swept all three of them into the sea. Their bodies tumbled several times as though they'd been thrown into a washing machine, and bitter, salty water poured into their noses and mouths.
Ririko felt a powerful current slam into her head.
Before she could shout anything, her vision began to blur, then went completely dark.
Ririko coughed up a large mouthful of briny seawater, her throat burning as though it had been scraped with sandpaper.
She opened her eyes and found Arthur kneeling beside her, his rugged face drawing closer and closer, his lips puckered into an exaggerated circle.
Ririko raised her hand and slapped Arthur across the cheek.
Despite the slap, Arthur's expression turned delighted. His excited voice startled several seagulls into flight.
"You were practically dead! I was