Chapter 43: Hunting Grimcrawlers

Just then, Mir's words are interrupted by a faint rustling in the underbrush. Kovar gestures sharply for silence, and they both crouch lower, peering through the dense foliage. The Grimcrawlers have stopped, their antennae twitching as if they've caught the scent of something nearby.

A forest hare, oblivious to the danger—hops into view, sniffing at the leaves. The Grimcrawlers' bodies tense, their movements becoming synchronized as they slowly fan out, surrounding the unsuspecting animal. Var nudges Mir, and they watch closely, eyes widening in quiet fascination as the Grimcrawlers' tactics unfold.

"Look at them," Var murmurs, barely moving his lips. "They're working together, almost like… like hunters."

The lead Grimcrawler, slightly larger than the others, moves forward, its mandibles clicking softly. It emits a low, almost inaudible hum—a signal. Instantly, the others respond, creeping forward with eerie precision, their legs barely making a sound against the forest floor.

The hare, oblivious, continues nibbling on a leaf. The Grimcrawlers tighten the circle, positioning themselves strategically, anticipating the hare's movements. Miro swallows hard, gripping his spear tightly but not daring to move.

"They're closing in," he whispers, eyes fixed on the scene before them. "It's… it's almost like they're reading each other's minds."

The lead Grimcrawler raises its forelegs, and with lightning speed, the entire group pounces. The hare lets out a shriek as it tries to dart away, but the Grimcrawlers are faster, blocking every escape route. Within seconds, the hare is overwhelmed, and the hunters watch in horror as the Grimcrawlers' mandibles tear into their prey.

Mir said. "That's… brutal," he mutters, his voice barely audible.

Var nods grimly, a look of solemn understanding in his eyes. "They hunt with precision, just like us. But they're faster, stronger. And they work together without a word." He pauses, watching as the Grimcrawlers share the kill, tearing it apart with clinical efficiency.

As the Grimcrawlers finish, the hunters notice something peculiar. One of the Grimcrawlers breaks off from the group, picking up the body of the hare in its mandibles. It turns, heading toward the deeper woods, away from the others.

Var's eyes narrow, and he nudges Mir. "This is it. We've got one alone."

Mir, understanding the opportunity, nods and tightens his grip on his spear. "Just one… Maybe we can actually take it down."

Var gestures for silence, and the two begin to stalk the creature, moving quietly through the underbrush, keeping a careful distance. The Grimcrawler's pace is steady, each step heavy and deliberate.

They wait until the Grimcrawler reaches a clearing, far enough from the others that no alarm will bring reinforcements.

Var raises his spear and signals to Mir. "On three. We rush it. Aim for the joints; they're not as tough there. Keep moving, and don't let it pin you."

Mir swallows hard and nods. "Right. Three."

The two spring from the brush, rushing the Grimcrawler. Kov strikes first, his spear glancing off the creature's hardened exoskeleton, narrowly missing the softer joint. The Grimcrawler lets out a sharp clicking sound, its mandibles snapping as it drops the hare carcass and turns on them, antennae thrashing.

"Move!" Kov barks as he darts to the side, narrowly avoiding a swipe from one of the Grimcrawler's powerful legs.

Mir lunges, jabbing his spear into the creature's side, managing to wedge it into a narrow gap. A thin stream of dark fluid seeps out, and the Grimcrawler screeches, swinging its mandibles wildly as it tries to shake him off.

"Hold it steady!" Mir cries out, gripping his spear tighter as the creature thrashes. But the Grimcrawler is strong, impossibly strong, and it twists, nearly tossing Miro off balance.

Var takes advantage of the distraction, slipping around to the other side. He raises his blade high, plunging it down into another joint. The Grimcrawler shudders, its movements slowing, but not enough. With a powerful thrust of its legs, it knocks Mir back, sending him sprawling onto the forest floor.

"Var!" Miro gasps, blood trickling from a gash on his arm as he struggles to get up.

Var grits his teeth and lunges again, striking at the Grimcrawler's antennae. His blade slices through one, and the creature screeches, staggering back. But just as he moves to strike again, one of the Grimcrawler's legs lashes out, catching him in the ribs and sending him crashing into a tree.

"Let's do it together!" Mir calls, his voice hoarse but fierce.

Var nods, rallying his strength. The two of them move in unison, each focusing on the weakened joints and gaps in the armor. Blow after blow, they press on, dodging the creature's attacks, ignoring the pain of their injuries.

Finally, with one last thrust, Var's spear drives deep into the Grimcrawler's vulnerable underside, piercing through its core. The creature's mandibles twitch, its body shuddering as it collapses in a heap, motionless.

Panting, Mir slumps to the ground beside the fallen Grimcrawler, blood staining his tunic. "That… was no ordinary fight," he mutters, his voice barely above a whisper.

Var, clutching his side, nods grimly. "No, it wasn't. These things… they're on another level. And this was just one." He glances back in the direction they came from, knowing there are still many more out there.

Mir's gaze hardens, even as exhaustion overtakes him. "If we're to hunt these things, we'll need more than weapons and armor. We'll need everyone to be prepared for the kind of fight they bring."

Var offers a grim smile. "Then that's what we'll do. But for now… let's get back and tell the chief this good news."

Var and Miro don't waste time. With careful effort, they hoist the Grimcrawler's body onto a makeshift stretcher crafted from thick branches and sturdy vines. The creature's weight strains their muscles, but they push through the pain, the promise of a reward fueling their steps.

Var's face is set with determination as they trudge back toward the village, his grip tight around the vines. "We're bringing this one home. The chief promised anyone who could bring back one of these beasts would get armor made from its shell."