In the meantime, I had to keep distracting Cerberus so he wouldn't go after Crab. When the giant hound caught sight of me again, he let out a furious growl and charged straight toward me. But this time, he wasn't just running. When he was close enough, he leapt at me, using those powerful legs of his. He had learned by now that chasing me on foot wasn't enough—jumping was the fastest way to close the distance.
I fell hard to the ground, completely caught off guard. I hadn't expected that leap. I scrambled to get back up, but Cerberus wouldn't let me. He slammed one massive paw down on my chest, pinning me flat on my back. Thick, sticky drool dripped from all three of his mouths, soaking my face. I struggled to break free, but the more I thrashed, the harder he pressed down with his paw.
Trapped, I started feeling around the ground desperately, searching for anything I could use to jab into the beast's leg. But—
There was nothing. Nothing at all.
Why is it that when other protagonists are in danger, they always happen to find the perfect weapon at the last second? But me? Not even a stick?
Coincidence doesn't work for everyone. Especially not for background characters like me.
Cerberus grinned—a wide, terrifying grin. He looked pleased, like he was savoring the moment of finally catching me. All three of his heads lowered at once, jaws wide open, ready to devour me whole. I shut my eyes tightly and braced myself for the end.
Was I really about to be eaten by this monstrous dog?
But just before he sank his teeth into me, a pained howl tore from his throat. He flinched, lifting the paw that had been pinning me down.
I didn't waste the opportunity. I wriggled free with everything I had and scrambled away from beneath him.
"H-hurry, Sept! Over here!" Crab shouted, clearly thrilled but anxious.
It was him—Crab had come to my rescue. He stood trembling with a torch in hand. That blazing fire had saved me from becoming Cerberus's next meal. He had poured oil over the torch and scorched Cerberus's side, sending the beast writhing on the ground as it tried to snuff out the flames in the dirt.
I sprinted toward Crab, who was still visibly shaking. I couldn't believe the bravery he'd just shown.
"Thanks, Kinos… You showed up just in time."
"N-no problem…" he stammered, his voice still trembling.
Cerberus managed to extinguish the flames licking at his body, but his entire hide was now scorched and covered in angry, blistered burns. The stench of charred flesh filled the air. His flaming eyes looked even more savage than before. He growled, deep and low in his throat—a clear warning.
He was pissed. Anyone could see that.
And then, with a crazed roar, Cerberus charged at us.
He'd gone berserk!
Run!! That was the first thought that flashed through my mind.