A colossal flesh-toned worm loomed before us. Sleek and smooth like a snake, yet headless and fangless, its body stretched endlessly into the darkness.
Horror struck as we recognized it - a roundworm, parasitic resident of the sea monster's gut.
While these creatures normally inhabit digestive systems of humans and animals, this ancient specimen rivaled a python in size.
Though parasites usually just absorb nutrients rather than attack, we stayed wary of this prehistoric beast.
The giant worm, startled by our presence, slithered away into a hidden crevice.
A flash of sympathy crossed my mind for the sea monster - here we were, disrupting its stomach and disturbing its parasites. If that worm burrowed into vital organs, the consequences could be lethal.
Minutes dragged as we slogged t
