Bab 52: The Next Day, Hunting More Dragons
The sun had barely risen over the horizon when the hunting groups prepared for another challenging day. Colonel Cleaner watched his men as they organized themselves at the Last Refuge Base. The euphoria and confidence gained in the past week seemed to have solidified, but an underlying tension permeated the air. Victory over smaller dragons did not erase the fear everyone felt toward larger and more powerful adversaries.
"Good morning, soldiers!" exclaimed the Colonel, drawing everyone's attention. "Today, we are going to step up the level of our hunts. Prepare yourselves for something more challenging."
The soldiers exchanged glances, some wondering what could be more challenging than what they had already faced. The last week of battles and victories had left scars, but it had also awakened a team spirit that hadn't existed before. Now, with Sergeant Kowalsk as their leader, they were ready to face anything.
In the command room, Kowalsk gathered with the group leaders to discuss the day's strategy. Thilaíla, the telepath, was present, as well as Gareno and Troy, the dragon ally of the sergeant. Dr. Kami was also there, equipped with bottles and vials of potions and sedatives for the dragons.
"Today, we will go after stronger dragons," announced Kowalsk, his gaze firm. "But don't be mistaken, these are not like the ones we've hunted before. They have companions and are more alert."
"Do you have something in mind?" asked Gareno, as he observed the maps showing the locations of the dragon sightings.
"Exactly. We will divide into groups of three. Each group will have a specific objective. Shadow Group will focus on capturing a lone dragon, while Attack Group will distract another. Ambush Group will be responsible for intercepting any that try to flee. It's vital that we work in sync."
The soldiers nodded, and the tension increased as they prepared for what was coming. An hour later, the groups dispersed into the forest, adrenaline coursing through their veins.
Shadow Group, led by Thilaíla, moved cautiously through the dense vegetation. Using her telepathic powers, she began locating a stronger dragon, a specimen larger than the previous ones. Communication between the soldiers was silent but efficient. When she finally signaled that she had found one, the soldiers positioned themselves.
"It's close," murmured Thilaíla, focused. "It's surrounded by others. We need to be quick."
But before they could act, the dragon let out a deafening roar and took flight, drawing the attention of the others. Attack Group, led by Gareno, was only a few meters away, ready with their strategy.
"Now!" shouted Gareno, and everyone began running toward the dragon, trying to lure it. However, deep down, they all knew the situation had quickly changed.
"This doesn't look good," said a soldier nervously.
Suddenly, the skies were filled with screeches. Enemy dragons began to appear, emerging like shadows from the clouds. They were larger and fiercer than any they had ever seen.
"Retreat!" shouted Kowalsk, who was with the ambush group. "It's a trap! We need to get out!"
The soldiers ran, but the enemy dragons were fast. In an instant, the hunt turned into a desperate battle. The dragons attacked with claws and fire, and chaos ensued.
Thilaíla, using her telepathic power, tried to calm the more vulnerable dragons. She focused on one of them, attempting to paralyze it with her mind. But as she did, the situation grew increasingly dire.
"I can't control them!" Thilaíla shouted as a dragon stared at her with ravenous eyes, preparing to strike.
"We need reinforcements!" Gareno exclaimed as he dodged a blow.
Amid the fight, Doctor Kami was in action, throwing his sleep-inducing "pellets" at the dragons. Some exploded in the air, causing nearby dragons to fall into a deep sleep. But the enemy dragons were more resilient, and even with Kowalsk's tactics, many continued their assault.
Chaos spread quickly. The soldiers fought valiantly, but one by one, some began to fall. However, all managed to stay alive, using whatever they had at hand. Determination and the will to fight were visible in their eyes, but the dragons' power challenged them in ways they hadn't expected.
The battle raged on fiercely, and a group of enemy dragons began approaching the Last Refuge Base. Colonel Cleaner watched from the safety of the base, his chest tightening with concern. He knew the only option was to send Drakissa's dreikis into the fight. With a gesture, he signaled for Drakissa and her warriors to advance.
The presence of the dreikis quickly helped turn the tide of the battle. They drew the attention of the enemy dragons that swooped near the ground, and the element of surprise was a game-changer.
Gareno, with his special gloves, showed no mercy; once he managed to mount one of them, his powerful punches forced the dragon to yield under the painful impact.
As they got closer to the ground, Doctor Kami awaited with his ability to neutralize the actions and almost invulnerability of the dragon.
This was more than enough for Sergeant Kowalsk, from a distance, to finish off the enemy with his Super Sniper 4.1 rifle without even being seen by them.
The soldiers watched their comrades fighting side by side with the dreikis, creatures that had once been their enemies.
"Let's go! Advance!" shouted Kowalsk, motivating his men to fight even harder.
Reinvigorated by the reinforcement of the dreikis and the combined efforts of the three heroes in battle, the soldiers regained their strength and managed to repel some of the enemy dragons. The coordinated attacks proved effective, and each team member learned to trust one another even more.
Finally, after an intense and exhausting battle, the few remaining enemy dragons retreated. The soldiers, though tired and wounded, had survived and learned a valuable lesson about the importance of strategy and collaboration.
Kowalsk, however, didn't stop giving orders to his friends, while Thilaíla tried to stun the most vulnerable dragons. If they got within Gareno's reach, he made sure the beast would crash to the ground, whether it wanted to or not. And with Doctor Kami's inhibiting presence, the dreikis finished the job, or Sergeant Kowalsk took care of it himself.
As the dust of battle began to settle, Colonel Cleaner walked over to the soldiers, pride clear on his face.
"You showed courage and determination," he said, looking at each of them. "Today, although you weren't as effective as the heroes of the base, you not only survived but also became stronger as a team. We'll learn from this experience and prepare better for the challenges ahead."
The soldiers, exhausted but filled with determination, raised their weapons in respect. The base was safe, and despite the challenges they faced, everyone knew the fight was far from over. But together, they were stronger.
Deep down, Thilaíla felt the day wasn't over yet. Even though they had taken down more than 25 dragons, she knew that if bigger enemy dragons came after them, the outcome could be different. The smaller ones could return as well, and their presence still loomed like a shadow of fear over Base Último Refúgio. With every new challenge, the team would have to remain united, ready to face whatever came next.
"Don't be so sad, Troy. Your wings are growing fast, and soon you'll be the greatest dragon hunter around here," said Kowalsk.
"Sergeant, are you serious?"
"What is it, Gareno, are you going to say something stupid?"
"You know he's a dragon, right?"
"So what? And what are you?"
Gareno lowered his head. After spending so much time with that group, he had truly forgotten what he was — a horrible experiment. Realizing he shouldn't have said that, the sergeant walked over, gave him a smack on the head, and added, "An old, grumpy, insufferable man..."
Smiling again, Gareno complained, "Are you sure you're talking about me or yourself?"
The experience of that fight not only strengthened their friendship but also the determination of everyone involved in the battle. It also prepared them for what was to come. They all knew that, despite their victories, they were only at the beginning of a much longer and more treacherous journey than they could imagine.
And as for the heroes of the base? That night, they would feast on dragon barbecue, thanks to the skill and talent of the old and gifted Doctor Kami.
— Bab baru akan segera rilis — Tulis ulasan
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone