Kapitel 78: The Most Fearsome Beast
"This beast feeds on spiny creatures like the one we barely managed to capture," explained the dwarf.
Then, concern arose: would they really be able to face such a strong creature and survive?
Joe understood the gravity of the situation, but suddenly remembered that his intelligence ability was constantly evolving, and he believed he could find a solution. He knew his greatest strength wasn't physical but mental.
"Do you still have white glue balls?" Joe asked the dwarf artisan.
"Yes, Mr. Joe, I still have almost a dozen of them."
"Great. And what else do you have?"
"Two sleep-inducing balls."
"Only that?"
"Just that."
"Okay, then we can create a defense for ourselves if this terrible beast attacks us, as you fear."
"Mr. Joe, this animal doesn't usually attack immediately. It studies us for a while before striking. Even though it's ferocious, it only attacks when it's certain it can win."
"Interesting…" Joe observed. "We're facing a dangerous and intelligent beast. This challenge will be excellent for developing skills against enemies as persistent as it. How about we capture the animal alive?"
The dwarf, already accustomed to Joe's absurd ideas, was once again amazed.
"Mr. Joe, this animal is not tamable. It's extremely dangerous! Only experienced hunters in groups can face it. Alone, it's impossible. And when captured, it struggles so much that it sometimes ends up dying. It never surrenders to its adversaries."
"And what's the name of this fearsome beast?" Joe asked curiously.
"We dwarves even hesitate to say its name, fearing it might attract it. So, we call this beast *Fortigran*."
"I don't want nicknames, Mr. Benki. Don't be so fearful. Tell me the real name of this beast."
"'Bone Crusher.' When it attacks, it bites with such brutal force that it breaks any bone. If it grabs you… prepare to live with a mutilated body for the rest of your life."
"Then someone has to distract it while I prepare the environment."
Joe thought for a moment and then called Queen Florida, quickly explaining his plan.
Five minutes passed before the beast began showing signs of attack. Joe had already evaluated several possibilities and was ready to meet it on the ground. He observed the creature approaching through the branches of the trees, crawling slowly.
The beast leapt directly to where Joe was waiting. But, to its surprise, the ground gave way, and before both could fall, little Joe hung by a thin yet sturdy rope the dwarf artisan had lent him for this moment.
Only the creature fell into a three-meter-deep hole that Joe had discovered moments earlier and had quickly ordered the ants to line with plenty of dry leaves and rotten branches.
A quick and perfectly executed task, thanks to Queen Florida coordinating her subordinates.
The loose ground prevented the beast from finding support to climb. As it couldn't gain traction to escape, the beast slid down, dragging its claws through the soft earth that offered no firmness or support to scale the wall and get out.
Meanwhile, Joe and the dwarf artisan threw branches and stones into the hole, distracting the creature. The ants, seizing the confusion, descended and began stinging the animal. Queen Florida, with her powerful jaws, attacked the beast's legs, breaking one of them.
Frightened, the bone crusher tried to jump out of the hole, but several white glue balls were thrown at it.
Although the glue didn't harm the animal, it compromised its vision. Mixed with leaves, stones, and branches, the substance further hindered its movements. The broken leg increased the beast's suffering.
Trying to defend itself, it attempted to bite Queen Florida, but new balls—this time yellow and sleep-inducing—were thrown. The bone crusher, unable to fathom how such insignificant figures could devise an effective plan, grew confused.
The beast gathered all its strength to jump out of the hole—three meters wasn't too much for it. But suddenly, several white glue balls burst around it. Though they caused no harm, they blinded it further, mixing with leaves, sticks, and stones, creating significant obstacles for its escape.
As it took steps, its broken leg throbbed painfully. It attempted to bite the ant queen, but more balls—this time yellow ones—hit it. The beast sensed it might lose its keen sense of smell, far more acute than any human's.
Unfortunately for the creature, it was too late. Struggling to breathe amidst the chaos, it inhaled a large amount of sleep-inducing powder.
The glue was already obstructing part of its respiration. Inhaling deeply in an attempt to breathe, it drew in a significant amount of the powder, making it drowsy.
The beast tried with all its might to stay awake, sensing that if it closed its eyes, it might not open them again.
But the effects of the powder were too potent. Despite its fierce will, tremors overtook its body, and at last, it collapsed, fast asleep within the hole.
The dwarf artisan and Joe wasted no time. With the ants' help, they fully immobilized the creature and pulled it out of the hole. The hunt for that beast had ended.
Before continuing with the hunt, the artisan wanted to discuss the captured beast's fate with young Joe.
"What shall we do with the bone crusher?"
"We'll send this dangerous creature to the mountain excavated by the ants. There, you can secure it safely. I'll leave it under your supervision. After all, you're a skilled artisan. I'm sure you can create a special cage it won't escape."
"Don't worry, Mr. Joe. When they come to retrieve this beast, I'll leave some dwarves supervising it, keeping it under the effect of the sedative at all times. That way, we can avoid bigger problems until you decide its fate."
With the decision made, the conversation took a different turn. The artisan, speaking in a serious tone, began:
"Finally, we have a moment to discuss something important, Mr. Joe."
"I'm listening. Please, go ahead," Joe replied.
"What I witnessed today made me realize I'm dealing with someone rare. I lost faith in humanity long ago. To me, all humans were arrogant and conceited, especially the nobles. But you, Mr. Joe, despite being so young, demonstrated unparalleled bravery and admirable character."
Joe listened intently without interrupting as the artisan continued:
"Even as the master of your ants, you did everything to protect them from harm or loss. This is a nearly nonexistent quality these days. Moreover, your feats speak for themselves.
You captured small, ferocious beasts on your first attempt—something that would take us weeks of training. You even captured a Noctiguara alive, a dangerous and resilient creature.
And most impressively, you lured and captured a bone crusher. That act alone places you in the class of heroes… I know no one who has done anything similar without completely destroying the beast."
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein