BXBX NOVEL Chapter 145: The Surging Tide Of Beasts
Blood gushed forth in torrents, and within moments, the wounded supernatural creature lay lifeless.
In seamless coordination, the number of these supernatural entities dwindled significantly.
They scarcely had time to comprehend the actions of the humans before succumbing to death, their essences extracted and claimed as spoils of war.
This scene was witnessed by Enzo.
With the aid of the Ring of the World Ritual, he was able to observe the events unfolding at the jungle\'s edge, and he felt a sense of astonishment at how effortlessly the tribespeople hunted the supernatural beings.
In his estimation, combat would not unfold so easily.
Although he had relaxed the criteria for becoming a tribe\'s warrior and totem warrior, the number of those capable of gathering the necessary resources remained dauntingly few.
It is imperative to acknowledge that ordinary humans are profoundly weak in the presence of supernatural beings.
Relying solely on numerical advantage to slay these entities would exact a grievous toll.
Currently, at most, only one percent of the tribe had ventured into the realm of the supernatural.
This statistic might seem astonishing to other tribes, but for Enzo, it was still far too scant; he required more individuals to enter the supernatural domain.
The same holds true for the supernatural beings.
In comparison to humans, beasts reproduce with relative ease. Even formidable supernatural creatures can give birth to multiple offspring at once.
This might serve as compensation for their lack of wisdom.
As the strength and intelligence of supernatural beings reach certain thresholds, this compensation diminishes, and they may find it increasingly challenging to conceive offspring due to their overwhelming power.
Yet, the supernatural entities congregating at Plata Plain—
The vast majority are of the Level 1, possessing limited wisdom and strength, while only a few are of the Level 2. Enzo has yet to encounter any of the Level 3. They seem to be absent from the jungle.
Additionally, their numbers are considerable.
"Although our kin have gained the upper hand in battle, this does not equate to victory. Moreover, remaining on the fringes of the jungle for defense is not a prudent strategy."Enzo contemplated.
At that moment, Freya approached.
She was carrying a ceramic pot. The pot\'s opening was covered with a lotus leaf, sealed with clay and bound with twine. A rope was also attached to the round body of the pot for convenient carrying.
Curiously, Enzo inquired, "What is this?"
With a smile, Freya replied, "It\'s a drink made from sweet potatoes that Amy gave me."
Upon hearing this, Enzo understood.
He had indeed discussed the art of brewing with Amy before, but the matters regarding the High Tower had delayed this endeavor, and he had since forgotten.
To his surprise, Amy had managed to create the drink after all.
Enzo took the pot, broke the clay seal, and lifted the dried lotus leaf.
Immediately, a rich aroma wafted forth.
After tasting a sip, he found the flavor unlike what he had remembered; it possessed a slight bitterness, yet in this world, it could undoubtedly be deemed a unique elixir.
"Freya, is there anything else?"Enzo asked.
Freya nodded and continued, "I have been beset by an unsettling premonition. You have lifted the curse from me, and Chloe is bound to notice. He is not a magnanimous person and is likely to gather a force to wage war."
After listening, Enzo felt no excessive concern.
Would Chloe rally people for an assault?
Certainly.
This, Enzo was unequivocally sure of.
Moreover, he hoped that Chloe would send someone over.
The surroundings of the jungle and Plata Plain had descended into chaos, beset not only by waves of beasts but also by a maddening Potion... Yet, it must be noted that only through chaos can opportunity arise.
The Crimson Star Tribe has amassed sufficient strength.
It is time to take the next step, to seize Plata Plain and expand the tribe\'s territory.
In Enzo\'s vision, Plata Plain would serve as a natural pasture. Once they occupied the vast expanse, they could breed mounts in abundance and raise yaks, thereby facilitating the travel of the tribe\'s members.
There was even the potential for acquiring flying mounts.
However, all of this hinges on successfully occupying Plata Plain, and the key to that lies in dealing with the supernatural creatures lurking within the depths of the plain. Enzo could only hope that the battle team dispatched by Chloe would arrive swiftly.
Yet, it seemed that Enzo\'s plans were unraveling.
In the ensuing days, no large-scale army appeared at the edges of the plain.
Instead, the supernatural creatures orchestrated one assault after another, resulting in numerous injuries among the tribe members and the loss of over twenty lives—an outcome that was unbearable for Enzo.
While he could heal the wounded.
Death was beyond his power to amend.
Thus, a war council was convened for the Crimson Star Tribe, with Enzo participating personally.
In the conference hall, Lupus, one of the captains of the Battle Squad, spoke first. "Lord Enzo, I believe we can no longer afford to remain passive. The longer we delay, the more unfavorable our position becomes. In these past few days of fighting, we have observed that the number of beasts, particularly the supernatural creatures, has been increasing significantly. Given their inherent special abilities and formidable combat prowess, if they gather in sufficient numbers, it is likely we may not be able to withstand them."
This was not an exaggeration.
The assembly in the hall consisted of individuals seasoned by battle, fully aware that if this menace were not thwarted, the tide of beasts centered around the supernatural would easily rend the defenses at the jungle\'s edge, posing a grave threat to the Crimson Star Tribe\'s encampment.
At that moment, catastrophe would inevitably ensue.
It was imperative to alter our strategy.
Yet, how to proceed remains an enigma to the assembly.
For many tribes and their members, the likelihood of spending their entire lives within a confined territory, engaging in the monotonous rhythm of hunting and feasting, is high. This impending beast tide may very well be their first—and possibly their last—encounter with such a phenomenon, leaving none with experience to draw upon.
Enzo found himself in the same predicament.
He was at a loss for a viable plan to confront the surging tide of beasts.
However, one principle he holds dear is this: the best defense is a good offense.
In the face of human ingenuity, the ferocity of beasts and supernatural beings poses a limited threat to the assembled humans, provided they are prevented from gathering cohesively.
Thus, Enzo spoke up, "Let all participating tribesmen break into smaller groups and disperse into Plata Plain."
The crowd was puzzled.
Wouldn\'t dispersing into Plata Plain mean a death sentence?
As murmurs of confusion spread, Clara suddenly rose to her feet and exclaimed, "What a brilliant proposal from Lord Enzo! We could operate in the form of adventurer squads, sending an adventurer team into Plata Plain to hunt only solitary beasts or supernatural entities, steering clear of the larger packs. This strategy would not only ensure the safety of our tribesmen but also effectively diminish the reinforcements of those supernatural beings."
Gradually, the assembly began to grasp the intricacies of the plan.
Indeed, Clara\'s assertions merely scratch the surface; there are myriad other factors yet to be considered.
The tribal members divided into groups to enter Plata Plain, allowing Enzo to observe the transformations unfolding across the expanse through their vigilant eyes. Because they dispersed, the supernatural beings were unable to confront such numerous tribesmen all at once.
Moreover, a crucial element looms—food.
While the beasts possess formidable strength, their sustenance demands are equally substantial.
A protracted conflict would inevitably strain the supernatural side first, indicating that delay serves as an admirable strategy. The decision to infiltrate Plata Plain in smaller contingents undoubtedly facilitates this objective while simultaneously dismantling the support forces of the supernatural beings.
This approach yields multiple advantages.
With Enzo\'s suggestion and Clara\'s elucidation, the assembly swiftly solidified their subsequent plan, which was subsequently communicated to the other tribesmen.
However, to ensure their safety, not all were permitted entry into Plata Plain. Only those adventurous squads meeting certain criteria could gain access.
Even so, the number of members entering Plata Plain reached well into the thousands.
Additionally, Enzo resolved to venture into Plata Plain himself.
This proposition met with unanimous dissent from Amy, Tia, and others.
Even Freya voiced her disagreement, stating, "Enzo, this is exceedingly perilous. The ability to amass such formidable creatures is not something ordinary supernatural beings can achieve. You hold the esteemed position of priest within the Crimson Star Tribe, and your personal safety is of paramount importance. One could even argue that while others might encounter misfortune, you, above all, must remain unharmed."
Freya\'s words garnered unanimous agreement from the assembly.
Upon hearing this, Enzo shook his head and remarked, "To confront this impending beast tide, relying solely on the valor of our kin is insufficient. Even if we were to succeed, the cost would be exorbitantly steep, a price that could spell the annihilation of the Crimson Star Tribe. I will not permit such a fate to befall us, and you needn\'t attempt to dissuade me. I am resolute in my understanding."
"Furthermore, I am no fool. I will flee from peril when it arises."
Despite his assurances, concern lingered in the hearts of those present.
Yet, Enzo, invoking the authority of a priest, issued commands that none dared to defy.
As they prepared to depart, Mina approached.