Chapter 7: Desperate Measures

Olutola rolled to the side just in time, narrowly avoiding the beast's crushing blow. He struggled to his feet, his body aching but his mind sharp. This wasn't over yet.

The other hunters kept their distance, launching attacks from afar to distract the beast. It was clear that they needed a new strategy.

"Olutola, fall back!" Adebayo shouted, his voice strained. "We need a new plan!"

Olutola hesitated, but he knew Adebayo was right. They regrouped behind a collapsed building, catching their breath and assessing the situation.

"This thing is tougher than we thought," Adebayo said, grimacing. "We need to find its true weak point."

Olutola's system continued to analyze the beast, searching for any hidden vulnerabilities. Suddenly, a notification popped up in his vision.

System Alert: Hidden Weakness Detected.

He stared at the highlighted spot on the beast's underbelly, just beneath its left rib. It was a small target, but if they could hit it, they might have a chance.

"I found it," Olutola said, pointing to the spot. "We need to hit it there."

Adebayo raised an eyebrow, his expression skeptical. "You sure about this? We don't have room for errors."

Before Olutola could reply, another hunter, a burly man named Ibrahim, scoffed. "You found its weakness, huh? What are you, a beast whisperer now?"

Several hunters laughed, and Olutola felt a flash of irritation. "I'm serious. We need to hit that spot."

Adebayo, however, saw the determination in Olutola's eyes and nodded. "Alright. We'll cover you. Get in close and take it down."

As they prepared for another assault, Olutola felt a sense of calm wash over him. He reached into his pocket, pulling out a small pouch of Igbo. It was a potent hybrid strain, a mix of Canadian Loud and Godfather OG, known for its calming effects and clarity-enhancing properties. He had picked it up from his trusted dealer just the night before the hunter rank exam.

Rolling a joint with practiced ease, he lit it and took a deep drag. The familiar sensation of everything slowing down brought clarity to his thoughts.

"Oh yeah," Olutola murmured with a grin, exhaling a plume of smoke. "Niiiiiice one."

One of the younger hunters, Tunde, chuckled nervously. "Really? Now's the time for a smoke break?"

Olutola ignored him, focusing on the task at hand. The hunters launched a coordinated attack, drawing the beast's attention away from Olutola. He moved swiftly and silently, his system enhancing his agility and precision.

Just as he was about to strike, the beast turned, its eyes locking onto him. Olutola's heart pounded, but he didn't hesitate. He lunged forward, driving his blade into the hidden weak point.

The beast roared in agony, its massive body convulsing. For a moment, it seemed as if they had won. But then, with a final, desperate swipe, it knocked Olutola aside, sending him crashing into the rubble.

Pain exploded through his body, and darkness crept at the edges of his vision. He struggled to stay conscious, his hand instinctively reaching for his blade.

"Olutola!" Adebayo's voice cut through the haze. "Stay with us!"

The other hunters rallied, delivering the final blows that brought the beast to its knees. It collapsed with a thunderous crash, its body finally still.

Adebayo rushed to Olutola's side, helping him sit up. "You did it," he said, relief evident in his voice.

Olutola nodded weakly, a small smile playing on his lips. "We did it."

As they made their way back to the Hunter Association, the other hunters began to murmur among themselves.

"Did you see that?" one hunter said. "He really knew where to hit it."

"Maybe he is a beast whisperer," another joked, earning a few chuckles.

Adebayo patted Olutola on the back. "Looks like you've earned their respect. Keep this up, and you'll be leading your own squad in no time."

Olutola couldn't shake the feeling that this was just the beginning. The challenges ahead would be even greater, but he knew he was ready. With his unique system and the support of his fellow hunters, he would face whatever came his way.