From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent ( Anthea )
Chapter 316

Anthea stood there with a snake in her grasp, its tail wrapped tightly around her arm, its black and white patterns starkly visible. It was a sight that could send shivers down one's spine. Yet, there wasn't a hint of fear on her face. She was as calm as if she were holding a piece of rope instead of a live snake.

"Ann, you're amazing!" Karen gave Anthea a thumbs-up, proud of her choice in a granddaughter-in-law. "With that courage and skill, who could match up? Forget Rebecca! Not even a hundred Rebeccas could measure up to a single finger of her granddaughter-in-law." Thinking of Rebecca's future regret made Karen's heart swell with joy. She couldn't wait to announce to the world that Anthea was her chosen one. But alas, it wasn't time yet. She had to wait a little longer.

Adah was in awe, looking at Anthea with pure admiration. She had never imagined Anthea wouldn't be scared of a snake! Karen had planned other heroic rescues, but they seemed unnecessary now. Anthea didn't need protecting at all!

"Actually, snakes aren't that scary," Anthea said with a smile. "As the saying goes, 'strike the snake at its vital point, and it can't bite.' I've got it right where it can't hurt anyone."

"Where's that vital point?" Adah asked, her curiosity piqued.

Anthea walked over, showing her, "See, this is the spot. Give it a try?"

"I-I can't..." Adah retreated behind Mrs. Christensen, terrified. Snakes were terrifying. Cold and scaly, they sent shivers down her spine.

"Don't be afraid! It's just a snake," Karen said, trying to keep her composure, though her legs were shaking.

Anthea reassured them, "Mrs. Christensen is right. There's nothing to fear. Why don't you try, Adah?"

"I'd rather not..." Adah was covered in goosebumps.

Sherman stood aside, a faint smile playing on his lips as he watched the scene unfold. He'd met many people in his life, but Anthea was truly one of a kind. Fearless. A fighter. A snake catcher. A healer. A chess player. A tech genius. She was like a treasure chest of surprises, and he wondered what else she might reveal.

The snake, harmless and a natural predator to pests, was let go by Anthea. "Off you go. Don't scare people for no reason. You're lucky it was me today, or you could've ended up in a soup." Once freed, the snake slithered away quickly. Anthea dusted off her hands and stood up.

Adah handed her a bottle of water, "Here, Annie, have some water."

"Thanks, Adah."

After a short break, the group continued their hike. To give Anthea and Sherman some alone time, Karen said as they prepared to descend, "Sherman, there's a chapel further down. Your mom and I will go make a wish. You two head down ahead of us."

Adah nodded in agreement. Sherman simply nodded. Karen turned to Anthea, "Ann, with your skills, I'm entrusting Sherman's safety to you on the way down."

Anthea replied confidently, "Sure, no problem!" Sherman raised an eyebrow. Did he look like someone who needed looking after? So, the group of four became a pair.

Sherman and Anthea, one dressed in simple modern attire and the other in a classic style, didn't clash but complemented each other beautifully. Their route down wasn't the same as the way up, offering them new vistas. Amidst a thicket, Anthea stumbled upon wild raspberries, known locally as brambleberries, tart and sweet to taste. In Anthea's time, rapid technological advancement had led to severe environmental pollution, putting many species on the brink of extinction.