Golden's legs trembled as he carefully stepped over jagged black stone. The violet sky pulsed faintly above him, the hum of the world vibrating through his chest. Every shadow made his stomach twist. He wasn't just alone… he was exposed.
Then he saw it.
Three massive heads. Eyes glowing like molten fire. Teeth long and sharp. The ground shook with its weight. The Cerberus.
Golden froze. Panic surged through him. His mind raced. I can't fight it… I can't fight it…
The Cerberus lunged before he could think. One massive claw slashed through the air, and Golden barely twisted aside. A second claw followed—too fast. Pain exploded across his chest as the claw tore deep into him.
He stumbled backward, hands pressing desperately against the wound. Blood soaked through his shirt. He gasped, staggering, vision blurring.
No… I'm going to die… this isn't how it's supposed to happen!
Golden's mind spun. He had read countless isekai novels. He knew the tropes. He knew what should exist: systems, panels, abilities… a way to survive even when overwhelmed.
He screamed, voice cracking:
"System! System open! System panel open!"
Nothing. Only the violet hum, pulsing through the jagged terrain.
It's real… and there's no help coming.
His breaths came ragged. Blood continued to drip from his chest. Panic clawed at him again—but a glimmer of thought sparked. I've read enough novels… there's always someone, something, that can save you. Maybe… maybe it's a unicorn.
Golden scanned the distance. And then he saw it: a unicorn, gleaming faintly, its coat shimmering like polished metal, eyes glowing blue.
The Cerberus roared, turning its three massive heads toward the unicorn. Lightning crackled between them—enemies by nature, mortal foes.
Golden fell to his knees, gripping his bleeding chest. Pain blurred his vision. He screamed again, half in panic, half in instinct:
"Please… help me! Heal me!"
The unicorn raised its head, energy crackling around its horn. But Golden knew the odds weren't 100%. Divine-grade creatures didn't always act predictably. I might die anyway…
Golden's mind raced. I can't fight the Cerberus. I can't control the unicorn. I can't survive if I just wait. I… I have to take a bet.
He pressed himself against the jagged stone, vision narrowing on the unicorn. If I can just get a strand of its hair… maybe I can survive. Maybe I can use it to heal myself. But if I fail… The thought of dying made his chest tighten even more.
His hands shook, his vision swam with pain. The Cerberus advanced again, snarling, lightning crackling between it and the unicorn. Golden knew every second counted.
Golden reached for a shard of stone, readying himself to dash toward the unicorn. Every nerve screamed in terror. Every instinct whispered survival.
One chance… one opening… I have to take it…
Lightning danced between Cerberus and unicorn. Blood soaked his chest. Pain lanced through him with every heartbeat.
And then… he moved.
If I fail… I die. If I succeed… maybe I live.
Golden lunged toward the unicorn