In previous years, they would stockpile food in advance, arrange shifts for guarding beastmen, and reassure their gers… because hunting was impossible for a full month during the tide.
But this year, with no warning, many beastmen were still out hunting. The tribe’s defenders were severely understaffed. Worse still, Yuan Heng - their strongest warrior, was absent.
In the past, no matter what happened, as long as Yuan Heng was present, everyone felt secure.
This year, not only was Yuan Heng gone, but they also lacked enough beastmen, drastically weakening their defenses. And most terrifying of all, their healer had ventured into the jungle’s safe zone. He might already be trapped in the beast horde or worse…
All these sudden crises weighed heavily on every beastman’s mind.
A full month—would the tribe’s food stores last? If not, they’d have to hunt despite the horde… which was practically suicide…
Wang Jin knew the beast horde was dangerous - a black wave of massive, frenzied beasts couldn’t not be dangerous, but he hadn’t realized it lasted so long - amonth.
Before leaving, the man had said he’d return in four or five days… Did that mean he’d have to fight his way through a horde of mindless, savage beasts…?
"......" Wang Jin's expression turned grave.
They waited until nightfall... but Lai Yuan still hadn't returned...
They lit the lamps, too anxious to eat, gripping each other's hands tightly.
"A-Jin, don't worry, it'll be fine," Mu ger repeated softly, though it was unclear whether he was comforting Wang Jin or trying to convince himself...
Wang Jin stood up and brought out all the prepared medicinal paste in the house, scattering it across the table. Mu ger watched in confusion.
Wang Jin said, "During this time, everyone might get injured. These were made earlier by Brother Heng and left at home. When Lai Yuan comes back, have him distribute them to the beastmen, they can’t afford to get hurt now."
Hearing this, Mu ger quickly nodded.
"Jin ger is truly impressive, thinking of all this." A voice suddenly came from the doorway, Lai Yuan and Xiao Ruo walked in.
When Mu ger saw Lai Yuan, he immediately rushed over, carefully checking him. Lai Yuan's heart softened, and he quickly reassured, "It's fine, I'm not hurt."
"I'm hurt," Xiao Ruo said pitifully, stretching out his arm, which bore a claw mark. He had tied it tightly with a cloth strip, so the blood wasn’t flowing freely.
He stepped forward, took a jar of medicinal paste, and applied it himself. "We can't lose too much blood now. Fresh blood and raw meat will attract the savage beasts. Be careful when preparing food too."
Mu ger said, "Who has the mood to cook now? So... Is Xi ger found?"
Lai Yuan shook his head, his expression heavy. "No. Even A-Hua is missing... The leader and the others he took out are all injured and need medicine right now. Jin-ger’s supplies will be useful."
Xiao Ruo added, "Right, Jin ger, since you know a bit about medicine, go with Mu ger to Xi ger’s house later. Help the old healer. He’s treating the wounded, but his hands aren’t as nimble anymore, and the others don’t understand his methods... You know a little, so go assist."
"Alright," Wang Jin agreed.
"ROAR!" A sudden roar shook the entire house, and a massive shadow loomed over the walls. Mu ger staggered, nearly falling, but Wang Jin quickly steadied him.
Lai Yuan and Xiao Ruo paled, each grabbing one of them and rushing outside.
Outside, a giant lizard with blood-red eyes crouched on the roof, its body covering most of the house. Its jaws parted, and its long tongue lashed out, snatching a piece of raw meat from the wall.
"!" Xiao Ruo’s face darkened with fury. "Dammit! Who hung that meat?!"
Mu ger and Wang Jin exchanged glances, both shaking their heads.
Wang Jin scanned the area and spotted Yue ger in a corner, grinning eerily.
"!" Wang Jin’s eyes widened in shock.
Is this lunatic insane?! Scheming like this at such a time. Does he want the entire tribe to perish?!
The others didn’t seem to notice Yue ger. Xiao Ruo shifted into his tiger form, confronting the giant lizard. The beast let out another deafening roar, and soon, the ground trembled—more creatures were approaching!
Lai Yuan’s expression darkened. "It’s too late. Once one savage beast finds this place, a whole pack will follow. At least we’re remote enough that the rest of the tribe won’t be affected. A-Mu, you and the others need to find the leader! Run toward the center of the tribe, now!"
Mu ger shook his head, face pale. Wang Jin gritted his teeth and pulled Mu ger to run, but after just a few steps, they found their path blocked by several more giant lizards...
Under the dim moonlight, the newly arrived lizards’ grotesque, scaly bodies were illuminated, their red eyes fixated on the group as if they were nothing more than slabs of meat on a platter.
Their tongues flicked restlessly between jagged teeth, as if ready to lash out and drag them into their maws for a feast.
Mu ger’s face whitened, his legs trembling as he clutched his stomach tightly.
His child wasn’t even fully grown yet...
Wang Jin's face was equally bloodless, his legs trembling beneath him, only raw determination kept him on his feet. Lai Yuan stepped forward, shielding them both, baring his fangs at the lizards. Yet the beasts showed no fear, lunging forward and clashing with Lai Yuan’s tiger form.
Wang Jin and Mu ger retreated a few steps. Wang Jin’s gaze darted around, searching for the culprit—only to see Yue ger sneaking away toward the tribe’s center while they were distracted.
Fury surged in Wang Jin. He had thought this madman was acting recklessly, endangering the entire tribe—but no, he had planned this. Knowing their home was isolated, he had used raw meat to lure the lizards here, blocking their escape...
All while he slipped away unnoticed!
What a flawless scheme!
Blind with rage, Wang Jin charged forward, dragging Yue ger back by force.
Mu ger gasped. "Yue ger?! Why are you here?"
Then, remembering the raw meat hung on the wall, realization struck him...
"You..." Mu ger pointed at Yue ger, speechless.
Yue ger struggled in panic. "Let go! Let go! I need to go home!"
"Home?" Wang Jin let out a hollow laugh, his trembling fingers yanking Yue ger’s hair, forcing him to look at the lizards. "You think you can escape those things?"
"Wang Jin!" Yue ger snarled. He had almost gotten away until this bastard dragged him back!
"Even if you could run, did you really think I’d let you?" Wang Jin hissed, pulling him closer to the beasts.
Mu ger grabbed Wang Jin’s arm. "A-Jin, don’t go near them, it’s dangerous!"
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