Chapter 7

Probably, this is the sixth time I've died.

First, I'll back away. I'll slowly move to the dead end, tiptoeing.

Alright, it's the usual dead end. There's no way to go further.

Even if I stay quiet, the Black Tiger will definitely come. It's certain that the flashlight on my smartphone will work. This time, I'll blind it with the flash before it can bite me.

Even though the space is dimly lit, the flash will be quite effective. I'll slip past while the tiger's eyes are dazzled and run with all my might.

And if there's a fork or some place to hide or hide in ahead, that would be perfect.

However, I feel a bit strange about how calm I am. Have I become more composed or toughened up... It seems that after dying multiple times, one can become resigned. Humans can get used to bad environments quickly; it's a sign of our high adaptability.

The familiar Black Tiger came into view as usual. It's a huge tiger, no matter how many times I see it.

Well, are you going to enjoy me again this time?

Come on, come closer. There's a man here with just the right amount of meat for you to eat.

It seems to be on guard because I'm calm like last time. Then, I'll hold up the ballpoint pen and charge in, just like last time, to make it easier to trace my movements!

The closer I get, the more vicious its face looks. Of course, if it were the first time, I'd feel a level of despair and terror.

But, sorry. I've already gotten used to it.

When I got as close as the Black Tiger did last time before it pounced, it pounced again, just as expected.

"Take this!"

I used the camera function on my smartphone to flash the light at point-blank range.

"Yaaaan!"

It worked this time. The Black Tiger is covering its eyes with its front paws and thrashing on the ground. I should be able to escape now!

I keep my distance to avoid hitting it and run straight ahead.

"Alright, alright, alright, alright! Perfect!"

I can't help but clench my fist. The joy is overwhelming, and a thrill runs through my body. My body is shaking with emotion, but I can't stop running.

"Calm down, calm down. It's not over yet."

That's right, what comes next is important. I pinch my face with both hands to stop the grin. It made a good sound, but it helped me regain some composure.

Even though I've been running for about two minutes, the path is still straight, and there's no fork.

Suppressing a bad feeling, I keep moving forward, and finally, the scenery in front of me changes.

There were only bare rock walls and ceilings, but now there's a double door in front of me. Although there was no place to hide or any forks, if I open this door and run in, I can escape from that Black Tiger.

When I touch the plain, knobless door, a freezing coldness spreads through my palm. I lean my whole body against the door and push with all my might!

"Move, damn it!"

Fuuuuuu. Move, move, move!

Even if all the muscle fibers in my body tear, please, just move!

Blood rushes to my face, and my head spins, but I don't ease the pressure. This is the decisive moment. Whether I can get through this will determine my life.

"Damn it, damn it, damn it, damn it!"

I push the door with all my strength, beyond my limits.

If I can't open this, I'll never escape from here. I'll be eaten forever. So, please!

"Door, open---"