The Isekai Game

Que?

It wasn't a run nor a freight. She remained calm while walking through the icky swamp.

Not a minute went by without her looking around ten times. She even walked into a few, stabbing into their necks. They definitely had the physicality to crush her. But with well-timed attacks and a few key body movements, she was able to subdue them and move on.

She hit mucky land for a bit which was a relief. Stepping up was like a stairway to heaven. Dropping back down into more mucky black water was worse than hell. This time when she rose up, it was up to her waist.

Raising Masamune out of the water, she began walking further out, "Why, why... Why must they put me through this? I sound like a crazy lady talking to myself out here".

Continuing to look throughout the dark swamp, she rotated herself, hoping she was going the right way, "This is it. Crazy Vanessa, just walking through a swamp for everybody to see".

Obviously, nobody was there to care. But it clicked that there were no wooden monsters coming at her. Something else was strange. The part of the swamp was both deeper and wider. And the damn sun was still not brightening the day.

Looking around, Vanessa was knocked from her feet. She splashed her way to tread water. This monster was clearly different. Not only was that a large smooth tentacle, but it didn't trigger her sensory ability. 

Another smack from the tentacle flipped her over in the water and dragged her by the ankle. She gasped for air, refusing to quit as the tentacle seemingly dragged her through the entire swamp. 

Tugging one way or another was utterly useless. So was attempting to do anything with Masamune. This was it. If this didn't stop soon, she would surely surrender. But no matter how many times she told herself that, she couldn't bring herself to quit. Instead, she endured every gush of water that shot up her nose. 

At one point the tentacle stopped, letting her float on the water. She began regurgitating right before it continued dragging her. However, something clicked. She began watching the lumps in the water every chance she got. Holding her breath was key. By doing so, she could focus on finding the assailant versus enduring its beating. 

A large lump was spotted further out in the swamp. It had to be the beast. The tactic was clear. Slam her around for an easy close kill. It was a common tactic amongst animals, such as snakes and birds, in the wild. 

She thought quickly, barely managing to sheath her blade through the turmoil of continuous smacking. Her body dangled on as though the life was taken from her little body. A couple minutes of that and the creature was satisfied. 

It calmed its whaling to a gentle draw of its tentacle to bring her body in. She laid there barely breathing as she was dragged through the swamp.

This was it. She felt the rise in the water, signifying she was approaching the creature. Her foot was raised into the air, leaving her body dangling.

The creature rose 20-feet out of the water. It was nasty and green with webbed armpits. Its teeth were long like its 3-foot long jaw. And judging by its large muscles, Vanessa realized this creature wasn't physically weak in close combat. 

She smashed her free-heel into the tentacle, "Kick".

Though it was a mere kick, the impact pounded the tentacle to squiggle her free. Dropping into the water, she remained calm to rise back up to face her opponent. 

Right when it threw its fist across towards her, she flipped out her shotgun and fired ice bullets. 

Those icy stings were nothing to sneer at. Each one shook the creature back a bit. To avoid its tentacle, she remained close despite shooting. 

The creature mustered the strength to resist her bullets enough to smack her into the water. She stumbled to rise above, just to get smacked down again. 

Her shots were less frequent as she was now battling its claws pounding her body. She could barely keep her balance. If it wasn't for the thing's obnoxiously large size, she would've missed every shot. 

Somewhere in this stagnant moment, a black water snake-like dragon slammed into the beast, knocking it back by a good bit. A smaller water dragon bit at its head, wrapping its body around the creature's neck. 

Another bit into its liver, yanking its hooked teeth through its skin. No matter how loud the creature screamed, Vanessa's sympathy meter remained low. Rather, she was happy to hear this thing squeal for its pain. 

Every time a water dragon bit into it, her heart would skip a beat. She didn't even bother paying attention to her surroundings. Seeing the creature in pain made her body jump from excitement. 

After a couple of minutes of struggling, the water dragons tore off the creature's head. Flesh tearing away from its body was another level of enjoyment for Vanessa. 

She smiled as the creature's body was dragged down into the swamp. It was enough to satisfy her for a moment. 

But when she turned around to thank her grey-haired friend, a familiar voice called, "Vanessa! Vanessa! Vanessa dear, you need to get out of that swamp before you get sick"!

Ms. Dia stood by a tree shouting for her return whereas Vanessa's jaw wanted to drop. She was hesitant at first but given there were no other options, and the fact Gula saved her, she swam to the old lady who once tried to kill her. 

When near, Ms. Dia reached out her clammy hand to pull Vanessa up into the thick brush, "Careful now. You're still wet and slippery". 

Climbing up, Vanessa felt a wind cool the slimy water on her body which caused her to shiver, "A-and cold". 

"Well don't worry deary. I'm gonna take good care of you. No tricks this time either".