Allie eats, enjoying the ride. Her arm has stopped hurting, but she doesn't think it'll be useable for a little while. She attempts to see if something magical could be done to heal it-

Huh, strange. It HAS been magically healed, the residual aura is quite obvious. Doesn't match anyone you know, though.




You stop for a moment to discuss whether you all should continue on your current path. The conversation seems to have reached a standstill when you hear a tapping sound and notice there is an otter walking on the car's hood. It looks at you with otter-y eyes.


MEANWHILE



Bright and Emi take the tunnel without incident. The customs officer raises an eyebrow at the ork's assault rifle, but lets them pass as all licenses seem to be in order.

Right after leaving Seattle territory, your path detours from the main road, and you begin driving towards the Cascade mountain. The asphalt becomes progressively more uneven and covered in potholes the farther you drive.

"Huh, this place seems to not see many visitors. I wonder why?"

Suddenly, you notice a figure standing on the middle of the road. A horned bear blocks your path, standing a full ten feet tall. It looks at you with unblinking eyes, and issues a low roar of warning.



What will you do?

The elf looks at you meekly.

"M-magic? I'm just a grade II research manager, I don't have any sort of- EEEEEEEEEH!?!

She shrieks in surprise as the otter flies straight at Backsmasher's face! Thankfully, the troll ducks, and the creature lands headfirst into the seat's headrest, squirming angrily.

...is it stuck? Seems so, it can't seem to pull its rodent teeth off the tear-resistant nylon fabric.



MEANWHILE



Emi winks at Bright and gives him an encouraging smile.
"Oh honey, I'd never miss a chance to see you using your muscles~"

The bear roars its challenge once again, and slides into a practiced boxing stance.



What will you do?

You guys are awfully scared and desperate over a little otter.

I just don't want otter decapitation happening inside my car.

Backsmasher smashes the otter! It takes 7P damage and is slain with a crunching sound. Just to make sure, he passes the carcass to Allie, who's ready to do some good old-fashioned guillotine murder. She props the creature's neck against the glass of the opened window.




Vargall lunges at Allie, attempting to avoid his beloved ride becoming even more bloodstained. His manly troll biceps bulges as he-

...

There is something deeply disconcerting, even frightening, about seeing a lithe elf girl effortlessly holding back a muscular ork's arm. She gives it a little twist to get her point across, then presses the Up button on the car door.

*splurt*



Well, now everyone in the back seat is a lot... Redder. Better hope that critter didn't have rabies!



MEANWHILE





Bright accepts the bear's challenge, and prepares to parry its first hit.


The bear launches a powerful Haymaker at Bright, who deftly blocks it with his forearms, taking no damage!

Bright ottoman slaps the bear with his stunglove, but the creature's thick hide is too electrically resistant! The bear takes 1S damage.

Bright attempts to put the bear on a submission hold, but it is far too strong to restrain easily! The bear breaks free with a roar.


From the bike, Emi cheers and watches the fight with unconcealed excitement.




What will you do?