Yes, yes, yes, yes!

"No, no, no," Diane protested. "Don't even think about it."

"Yes, yes, yes, yes!" Bruce retorted with a smirk.

Bruce couldn't see Diane's expression as she stood behind him, but he could imagine her shock and fear after witnessing the colossal monster. Diane was brave, having fought on even after nearly losing her life earlier, but she wasn't foolish. While Bruce saw an opportunity, Diane saw certain death.

"Are you blind?" Diane asked. "Can't you see that such a monster is far beyond our capabilities? A single swing of its arms could pulverize us!"

"I'm not suggesting a direct confrontation," Bruce shrugged. "We can find ways to weaken the monster before getting close enough to attack and kill it."

"How do you propose we weaken a monster like that without getting ourselves killed in the process?" Diane questioned.

"You lack imagination, don't you?" Bruce frowned. "Give me a few minutes, and I'll come up with a plan to defeat that colossal monster."

Diane glared at Bruce, frustrated by his reckless ideas. But since they hadn't encountered any other survivors thus far, she decided to wait and hear his plan.

"Don't look at me like that," Bruce said. "Imagine the power we could gain if we obtain those swords. With improved reach, strength, and durability, they will make us formidable. The long sword will likely be twice, or perhaps three times, as powerful as our current weapons. With such weapons, the small fry we've encountered won't pose a threat. And for you, Diane, it may even bring you closer to becoming a mage."

Diane found his reasoning flawed, but after a few seconds, she and Chris understood the underlying message. If they wanted to harness magic and their energy recovery relied on fighting monsters, having powerful physical weapons would be advantageous. They didn't need immense physical strength, just enough to wield the weapons effectively. Plus, increased strength would also bolster their HP, making it impossible to ignore.

"I've figured out how to defeat that beast," Bruce suddenly declared.

"How?" Diane asked, skeptically.

"It's simple. We attack all the hydrants along the way and lure the monster toward them while knocking down the power poles," Bruce replied.

Diane stared at Bruce in disbelief for several seconds. It sounded ludicrous, an absurd plan that didn't make any sense. On the other hand, Chris, despite his cautious nature, analyzed the plan seriously.

"Amazing," Diane said sarcastically.

"Right?" Bruce said confidently. "You can praise me more. This is the kind of plan only a true genius could conceive."

"Your stupidity knows no bounds," Diane said. "Let's get out of here, Chris, before his foolishness gets us killed."

"Hold on," Chris interjected. "Actually, it's not a bad plan."

"Too late," Diane sighed. "Don't make me say this again, Chris. It's madness. Even if his plan works, I doubt all of us will escape unscathed."

"I know it's risky," Chris nodded. "But imagine how much power that thing will accumulate if we leave it be. It likely destroyed an entire building and will continue to do so. The faster we kill it, the more lives we can save. And besides..."

"And besides?" Diane frowned.

"I really want to become a mage," Chris admitted with an embarrassed smile. "To use magic to its fullest, I'll need a powerful weapon."

Diane facepalmed. She understood his desire, but risking so much for the sake of convenience and an uncertain future seemed naive. Bruce's infectious enthusiasm must have influenced Chris, who was now seeking fun amidst survival.

"It's impossible," Diane declared. "We can't make all those hydrants spray water over the monster, and knocking down so many power poles is equally impossible."

"We don't have to do it all," Bruce clarified. "We only need to do half. I'm certain our Fireballs can make the hydrants explode. As for the power poles, the stone golem will knock them down for us."

Finally, Diane comprehended Bruce's plan. To lure the monster, they would need bait. By doing so, the creature would pass near the power poles, causing them to collapse.

"The fastest among us will be the bait," Bruce declared.

"Of course," Diane said sarcastically. "You chose that because there's no way you could outrun us."

"Jesus Christ," Bruce sighed. "You manage to annoy me with every sentence. Relax a little, tall lady."

"What did you call me?" Diane raised her voice.

"I'll lend you this too, Christopher," Bruce said, passing his helmet to Chris. "You're undoubtedly the fastest among us. Although I doubt the monster will catch you, this will provide some protection, just in case."

"Alright," Chris said, taking a deep breath. "How should I proceed?"

"I see four hydrants between us and the Stone Golem," Bruce explained. "It would be great if we could make all four spray water onto the monster, but we shouldn't be greedy. Luckily, two hydrants are on the east side of the street, and the other two are on the west. So, if you succeed in luring the monster and making it step on the hydrants, you can activate half of them. Diane and I will handle the rest."

"Don't call me that!" Diane protested.

"Just knocking down a few power poles should generate enough electricity to fry the monster, even if it's made of earth," Bruce added. "We don't need the monster to hit all the power poles. Once it starts attacking them, it will already be drenched with water."

Bruce pointed his right hand toward the hydrant closest to the golem, just twenty meters away. The hydrant was already leaning to the side. A single Fireball shot from Chris would trigger the plan.