It fought back, only to be blasted several times by strange weapons. And then those green-uniformed humans actually ran away looking wronged. But it had just eaten. It only wanted to rest peacefully and put on some fat. Why were they acting like the victims? After that, it hid deep in the mountains, finally able to sleep in peace. Then the deep freeze ended. Things warmed up. It could eat small animals and nap happily. But ... it hadn't even been that long. Just a few days, really—before the weather suddenly swung hot again. The giant python scrambled to hide in a nearby cave, hoping the heat would pass if it just stayed put. Who could have guessed the temperature would keep climbing, hotter and hotter, until its whole body felt wrong? And it was lazy by nature—pythons were never built for fast movement, and they were famously slothful. One meal could keep them sprawled out for days. If they ate enough, they could go a whole month without moving much at all. But now? It was so hot it couldn't even lie around comfortably. Then that hateful woman showed up again—the one who broke its horn. It carried all its old grudges and new grudges together and wanted to eat the woman and that big fat black dog in one bite. But instead ... it got completely crushed. The giant python used its simple brain and still couldn't understand what had happened. All it wanted was to stretch out, eat then sleep, sleep then eat, sunbathe when it felt like it, and dig a hole to hibernate when it was in the mood. Why was that so hard? Until ... it arrived in this magical place. This place was paradise. Food appeared in front of it without hunting or fighting. The temperature was perfect, the humidity felt right, and it even had sunshine for lounging. It could coil however it wanted, dig holes however it liked, and no one destroyed anything. A life like this? It was living its best life.It even reminded the python of those days before the apocalypse, when it lay on sand inside the zoo. It felt like childhood again. Even the woman and that little cat that kept provoking it started looking somewhat acceptable. It wasn't leaving. No matter who told it to go, it was staying right here. Caroline had no idea about the giant python's thoughts. All she saw was a snake that looked more and more useless every day inside the storage space. She had been planning to throw it out during dangerous moments and let it wipe out enemies. But now? It looked like a champion slacker. The snake's eyes practically sparkled with a desire to lie flat and give up on life. Just like the other mutated animals, its product bar still showed "Calculating..." Caroline looked at Raven. "Raven, why do I feel like I got scammed?" Raven tilted his head and wagged his tail, answering with a few soft barks. Caroline didn't get it, but Jasper laughed. "Raven says, if you don't like it, he can get really big and just eat the golden python." Caroline glanced at the giant snake and shook her head. "Wait a bit. When the storage space upgrades, we'll see whether these mutated animals can produce anything. If not, or if the stuff is useless, I'll turn it into a stew." The giant python, sunbathing happily, knew nothing about her plans. It only felt the breeze, the good food from earlier, and pure comfort. Meanwhile, Caroline didn't realize she had been gone for several days. Even though she sent one quick message through Raven, everyone below was already panicking. They had no idea why she hadn't come back. "Tyler, do you think ... maybe she's hiding from you on purpose?" Denton had already started to acknowledge Caroline as Tyler's partner in private. Tyler frowned but stayed silent. He didn't believe Caroline was that kind of person.But Denton wouldn't stop making guesses. So when Denton repeated for the 13th time, saying, "Tyler, do you think Caroline took your gift, thought about it, and felt guilty ... so she doesn't dare come back?" Tyler finally stood up and walked toward the door. "I'm going to look for Caroline. Stay home." Denton, thrilled, waved goodbye. "Okay, Tyler." Then he turned to Nelson. "Nelson, look, Tyler's finally gone and Caroline's not here. I'm bored to death. Come out and play! I know a place nearby full of mutated flies. We can catch a bunch for Caroline to play with!"