Chapter 29: The Monster from Beneath the Sands

After packing up the tent, the two continued east, riding atop Tyrant's broad shoulders. For reasons unknown, they were repeatedly assaulted by monsters along the way. Fortunately, Tyrant's formidable strength meant each attack was crushed almost instantly, barely slowing their progress.

Lin Huang found this odd. In the past, when Tyrant traveled, other monsters would always steer clear, or at least remain hidden. Attacks had been rare to nonexistent. Yet in just a few hours, they'd been ambushed four times, and each time by creatures far weaker than Tyrant, as if they were volunteering for death.

According to common sense, regardless of intelligence, all monsters instinctively avoid danger—a behavior ingrained by evolution. Such deliberate self-sacrifice was highly unusual.

Around one in the afternoon, when the desert's heat reached its peak, Lin Huang and Fatty spotted a dilapidated house in the distance and decided to pause for a rest.

This building was a supply station established by the Hunter Association. Disembarking from Tyrant, the two walked toward it. Judging by the weathered exterior, the house was clearly decades old—not a temporary station set up for the assessment, but an original structure. The Hunter Association often constructed supply points in the wilds for travelers' convenience.

"With the way this house has weathered, I'd say it's been here at least thirty years. No telling if it's been abandoned," Fatty remarked offhandedly.

"Even if it was abandoned, it's likely been reactivated for this assessment. It's right on our route to the endpoint, and this area is the midpoint of the assessment track. Placing a supply station here weeds out those who can't even complete the first half, while boosting the chances for those who make it this far," Lin Huang reasoned, convinced there would be supplies inside. "Let's check it out."

Inside, they found a warehouse stocked with barrels of water and high-energy rations.

Fatty cheerfully made his way to the shelf of rations, rummaged around, grabbed a pack, and immediately tore it open, crunching loudly as he ate.

Lin Huang casually took a barrel of water and stowed it in his storage space, then approached Fatty. "Are you very hungry?"

"A bit. These chips are my favorite brand," Fatty replied, seemingly on purpose to irk Lin Huang, licking his fingers with exaggerated satisfaction.

"If you're hungry, then hurry up and cook. One pack is enough, you know the rules," Lin Huang said as he stepped outside. The rule he referred to was an unwritten law every hunter followed: only take what's necessary from supply stations.

The supplies were meant for travelers in urgent need—sometimes a sip of water or a bite of food could save a life. Those not in immediate need should take only what they require.

Despite his thick skin, Fatty wouldn't openly violate this code. After finishing the pack of chips, he took another and stored it away, grabbed a barrel of water, and left the house.

Lin Huang sat on the shaded porch, sipping water. Seeing Fatty emerge, he reminded him, "Wash your hands before you cook!"

There was no denying Fatty was a skilled cook, though a bit careless about hygiene.

Watching Fatty wash up, Lin Huang finally let him begin cooking. In no time, Fatty prepared roasted meat, and the two sat under the shaded porch, eating barbecue and drinking plain water.

"I actually brought some beer before I came. Thought it'd be nice to enjoy on the way, but it got confiscated before the assessment even began," Fatty complained.

"This is an assessment, not a vacation, you know?" Lin Huang replied, amused by Fatty's carefree attitude—always seeking enjoyment wherever he went.

"Barbecue has to be paired with beer! Who eats barbecue with water?" Fatty said, indignantly.

Lin Huang considered it; barbecue with water did seem an odd combination.

"All right, enough complaining. Once we finish eating, let's get moving. We need to reach the foot of the snow mountain before nightfall," Lin Huang said, sticking to his planned schedule. At Tyrant's current speed, they'd arrive in six or seven hours.

After the meal, Fatty quickly tidied up the utensils, and the pair set out again.

Tyrant charged forward under the blazing sun, sand reflecting a dazzling gold in the light. Lin Huang and Fatty donned sunglasses, looking almost like tourists.

Not long after, Lin Huang noticed movement in the distant sand—a subtle shifting, as if something lurked beneath. He quickly removed his sunglasses and stared toward the disturbance, but saw nothing.

Lin Huang frowned, pointed in the direction of the anomaly, and called to Fatty, "Did you see the sand moving over there?"

"I didn't see anything. You're probably just seeing things. There's no wind, so any movement in the desert is easy to spot," Fatty replied, unconcerned.

Just as he finished speaking, the sand in the distance began shifting rapidly, surging toward Tyrant's path.

"There really is something!" Lin Huang shouted. At that moment, Tyrant seemed to catch a scent and grew restless.

Tyrant's unusual reaction heightened Lin Huang's vigilance, signaling that the intruder was likely dangerous. Uncertain what they faced, Lin Huang gripped Tyrant's beard with one hand and drew his Gray Eagle 17 with the other.

"Tyrant, stop!"

Lin Huang issued the command, realizing the creature was faster than Tyrant. If they fled, they'd likely be caught, making defense harder. Better to stand their ground and confront the threat directly.

"Fatty, be ready to fight. This one's probably not easy to handle," Lin Huang warned.

Fatty was already prepared; he'd noticed Tyrant's unease and sensed their opponent was formidable.

Tyrant abruptly halted, chest heaving rapidly—Lin Huang could feel his heart pounding.

Gray Eagle 17 aimed at the undulating sand, Lin Huang fired repeatedly.

With few explosive rounds left and unable to fully lock onto the target, he used standard Gray Eagle 17 ammunition.

Yet the bullets seemed ineffective, failing to impede the creature's advance and ringing out like shots against thick metal plating. Lin Huang realized the rounds hadn't penetrated its defenses.

Fatty, familiar with the Gray Eagle 17, saw the bullets fail and his expression darkened.

Tyrant roared furiously, growing increasingly agitated...

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[As promised, an extra chapter for making the rankings. Since I got on the list past 11 last night, I couldn't add it then, so it's here today. More extras tonight and the next two days. If recommendation votes break ten thousand, there'll be another bonus on Friday!]