Chapter 37: Hunting The New Threat (part3)

But the victory is short-lived.

The spikes, though sharp, barely pierce its hard, metallic armor. The beast screeches in rage, thrashing wildly at the bottom of the pit, its legs kicking up dirt as it tries to free itself. The wooden spikes splinter under its weight, some snapping completely as the creature's powerful limbs push against the walls of the pit.

"Damn it," Barok mutters, gripping his spear tightly as he watches the creature struggle. "The spikes didn't go through."

Tygari curses under his breath as the creature writhes at the bottom of the pit, the wooden spikes doing little more than slowing its monstrous strength. The other hunters, hidden in the shadows of the trees, emerge at his signal, spears in hand, eyes wide with a mix of fear and determination.

"Now!" Tygari commands, his voice sharp and urgent.

Amara, Lorka, Rylis, Farin, and Jynra step forward in unison, their spears raised. With a grunt of effort, they hurl them down into the pit, aiming for the creature's softer joints and underbelly. The spears whistle through the air before striking the armored beast with dull thuds. Some find their marks, piercing the thin gaps in its exoskeleton, but many bounce harmlessly off the creature's thick, metal-like armor, clattering back into the pit or onto the ground.

"Keep hitting it!" Amara shouts, launching another spear, her face taut with concentration.

The ant-guard screeches in rage, the sound reverberating off the walls of the pit. It thrashes violently, knocking loose several spears that had managed to penetrate its joints. The few that remain embedded only seem to fuel its fury.

Farin growls in frustration. "It's not enough!" he bellows, watching as his spear bounces off the creature's carapace. His muscles strain, readying another throw.

Suddenly, a new horror unfolds before their eyes.

With a savage grunt, the ant-guard shifts, its claws digging into the earthen walls of the pit. Incredibly, it begins to climb—scaling the vertical sides of the hole as if it were running on flat ground. Its legs move with terrifying speed and precision, gripping the dirt and stone like a creature born for this environment.

Barok's eyes widen in shock. "By the gods, it's climbing!"

Tygari slams the butt of his hammer into the ground, snapping them back to reality. "Get back! Everyone, fall back!" he yells, his voice breaking through the shock.

Rylis stumbles backward, eyes wide with terror. "It's coming out!" he shouts, his voice shaking. He tightens his grip on his spear, but doubt flickers in his eyes.

The ant-guard pulls itself higher, its body now half out of the pit, its many legs scuttling with unnerving agility. Dirt and debris crumble around it as it surges upward, its powerful claws leaving deep gouges in the earth.

Tygari raises his hammer, eyes blazing with determination. "We're not done yet!" he snarls. "Prepare yourselves!"

The group spreads out, their hearts pounding, knowing the real fight is just beginning.

The creature bursts free from the pit, its massive body surging up and out with unnatural speed. Its metallic exoskeleton gleams under the moonlight, limbs splayed out in every direction like a living fortress. Each claw, leg, and mandible moves with terrifying precision, ready to block and strike at every angle.

"Spread out!" Tygari bellows, swinging his hammer with all his strength. The hammer lands on the creature's side, but the impact only makes a hollow clang, the vibrations traveling up his arms. He grits his teeth as the beast retaliates, one of its sharp limbs darting toward him. He dodges just in time, rolling to the side.

Barok is next to attack, thrusting his spear toward the creature's underbelly. It's a well-aimed strike, but the beast blocks it with one of its legs, deflecting the spear upward with a swift motion. The sheer coordination of its movements is overwhelming. Every time they land a blow, the ant-guard counters, using its many limbs to both defend and attack simultaneously.

"Damn thing's a walking fortress!" Barok snarls, sweat dripping down his face. He throws his weight behind his spear again, only to have the creature block it with another limb.

From the side, Jynra darts in, her smaller frame allowing her to weave through the chaos more easily. She strikes quickly, aiming for the joints where the armor is weakest. But even her speed is met with fierce resistance. The creature twists its body, blocking her thrusts with a sweep of its legs, while two others swipe at her, forcing her to retreat.

"This isn't working!" Amara shouts, throwing her spear with all her might. The spear glances off the creature's shell and skids into the dirt.

"Keep at it!" Tygari grunts, dodging another strike from the beast's claw. "We wear it down!"

The battle drags on, each of them taking turns to attack, but the creature deflects every blow with its many limbs. It's relentless, spinning and striking, its mandibles snapping dangerously close to whoever dares get too near. Each minute feels like an eternity, the hunters growing more desperate as exhaustion sets in.

Suddenly, a cry pierces the chaos. Jynra, too close to the creature, finds herself caught. One of its razor-sharp legs lashes out, impaling her side. The force lifts her off the ground, and she screams, her body twisted in agony as the creature's leg pierces through her flesh.

"Jynra!" Rylis shouts, rushing toward her, but Tygari holds him back.

"No!" Tygari roars, his eyes locked on Jynra's impaled form. Her face is pale, her eyes wide with shock and pain. The creature's mandibles open wide, preparing to slice her in half.