BXBX NOVEL Chapter 259 : Beast wave
Krisella glanced at him and then shifted her eyes back to Lyerin.
Lucas and his government associates, dressed in polished suits and carrying high-tech weaponry, stood slightly back, observing with a mixture of awe and apprehension.
The ground trembled as another massive creature prowled into view.
This one looked unlike any they'd encountered before.
It was sinewy yet muscular, its skin covered in dark, armor-like scales that caught the sparse light, casting eerie shadows across its grotesque, horned face.
Your next chapter awaits on m v|l-e'm,p y r
Its breath puffed out in hot, visible blasts, carrying a stench of rot that permeated the air, making the tribe members cringe.
Lyerin narrowed his eyes.
The creature's presence felt... different, and he knew immediately that this wasn't just another random beast sent to instill fear or test their strength.
He could sense a new intensity, a deliberate escalation in the creatures now sent against them.
It was as if the Asura race was gradually increasing the difficulty, pushing his tribe members to their limits, watching to see if they would break.
With a wave of his hand, Lyerin signaled his Pig Orcs forward.
They roared in unison, forming a defensive line, their massive forms dwarfing the humans they swore to protect. Yet even they seemed hesitant this time, their usual confidence checked by the aura emanating from this new beast.
"Chief!" Gregor's voice cracked slightly, betraying his fear. "That thing… it's not like the others."
Lyerin's gaze flicked to Gregor. "It doesn't matter. Hesitation is what makes a beast stronger than you. Stand firm, and remember that fear is a weakness you cannot afford." His voice was calm, but the edge of authority was unmistakable.
Gregor swallowed hard, nodding as he readied his weapon. Krisella, beside him, placed a hand on his shoulder briefly, a silent exchange of courage.
Lucas, stepping closer to Lyerin, whispered, "Are you certain they can handle this? It's clearly stronger than anything they've faced before."
Without taking his eyes off the creature, Lyerin replied, "If they don't learn now, they never will. This is how we survive."
The beast's eyes glinted red, narrowing as it sized up its opponents. Without warning, it lunged, its speed unnatural for something of its size. The tribe barely had a moment to react. Shouts erupted, some stumbling back as it charged forward, but Lyerin held his ground, barking orders.
"Form up! Shield the weaker ones! Do not let it divide you!"
One of the Pig Orcs charged ahead with a guttural roar, swinging its axe downward, hoping to halt the creature's progress. The beast deflected the blow with a swipe of its claws, and the force of the clash sent a shockwave through the clearing, rattling bones and sending dust into the air. The Pig Orc staggered back, momentarily stunned.
Lyerin clenched his fists, his voice cutting through the chaos. "Gregor! Krisella! Fall in line with the Orcs—stay close but don't interfere. Learn. Watch its movements and adapt!"
Gregor, pale but resolute, obeyed, his eyes locked on the creature as he moved into position. The beast's gaze flickered toward him, its lip curling in a snarl, as if it sensed his fear. It took a step forward, its claws scraping against the ground, leaving deep grooves in its wake.
Krisella whispered, "Gregor, focus. Don't let it see your fear. Think of everything you've survived so far—this is just one more trial."
He nodded, taking in her words as the beast let out a feral growl, a sound that vibrated in their bones.
At that moment, Lucas's voice came again, lower this time. "These… Asuras, they're testing you, aren't they?"
Lyerin gave a curt nod. "They're testing everyone here. To the Asuras, strength is the only thing that matters. If we falter, they'll keep sending beasts until we're broken."
Lucas clenched his jaw, clearly unsettled by the reality of the situation. But before he could respond, the creature lunged again, targeting Gregor this time, its claws reaching out with deadly precision.
Gregor's eyes widened, his body tensing as he raised his weapon, but his fear slowed him.
The claws would've reached him if not for one of the Pig Orcs, who threw itself into the path, absorbing the brunt of the attack.
The impact sent the Orc staggering, but it quickly rebounded, lashing out in retaliation.
Lucas, observing the spectacle, finally seemed to understand the depth of the danger they faced. "And you… you just keep training them this way?"
Lyerin's eyes glinted. "They'll either become warriors, or they'll be left behind. That's the price of survival."
The battle continued, each of Lyerin's tribe members facing their fears as they fought back against the seemingly insurmountable foe.
Every time someone faltered, Lyerin was there with his booming voice, pushing them forward, refusing to let fear rule their hearts.
As they faced the next wave of monsters, the atmosphere grew thick with tension.
The earth beneath them trembled as the beasts advanced, snarling and growling.
These monsters were not like the others—they had an air of raw brutality, twisted shapes with jagged spines and elongated limbs, eyes glinting with hunger and malice.
Gregor, still nursing his injuries, positioned himself at the back, his face pale but determined.
Krisella stood nearby, gripping her weapon tightly, her gaze flickering between the creatures and Lyerin, as though looking for some sign of reassurance from their leader.
The Pig Orcs, towering and unyielding, flanked Lyerin's sides, their eyes trained on the enemy, waiting for his command.
The monsters lunged forward, claws extended, and the air filled with the sound of growls and thuds as they made contact with the first line of defense.
Lyerin barked orders, his voice cutting through the chaos like a whip.
"Hold the line! Don't let them break through! If you all let them get through, don't blame me for not saving you!"
One of the tribe members hesitated, his eyes wide with fear as a massive beast, with rows of fangs gleaming in the dim light, charged directly at him. He froze, rooted to the spot.
"Move, or it'll be your last mistake!" Lyerin's voice thundered, snapping the man out of his fear.
He stumbled back, barely managing to dodge as the creature's claws swiped at him, tearing into the earth where he'd been standing moments before.
Another member, emboldened by Lyerin's command, rushed forward, spear raised high.
He thrust it into the shoulder of one of the beasts, a roar ripping from the creature's throat as it staggered, momentarily thrown off balance. But before he could retreat, another beast, more cunning than the rest, lunged at him from behind.
Its jaws snapped dangerously close, and he twisted, throwing his arms up in a desperate defense.
With a sharp whistle, Lyerin signaled one of the Pig Orcs, who sprang into action, swinging its massive club with terrifying force.
"Destroy them!" he commanded eagerly.
Bam! The creature was knocked aside, crashing into a pile of rocks, dazed but not defeated.
Krisella took the opportunity to charge forward, slashing at a creature's legs, causing it to stumble. She barely dodged a retaliating swipe, stumbling back but holding her ground.
The monsters regrouped, clearly more intelligent than the usual beasts. They circled, watching, waiting for any sign of weakness.
The tribe members breathed heavily, some of them limping, but each one steeled themselves, clutching their weapons with renewed determination.
Lyerin's gaze was sharp, evaluating every move, every hesitation, and every burst of bravery.
This was what he needed—moments that would push his tribe members to their limits, forging them in the fires of battle. His voice rang out once more, calm yet commanding.
"Fight like you've got nothing left to lose! Prove your worth, or you're just food for these beasts that roam the land!"
The taunt sparked something in them; fear turned to desperation, and desperation turned to ferocity.
They charged again, their movements now more coordinated, each taking cues from Lyerin's commands.
"Fire! Don't hold back, release all the bullets, let it all goooooo!"
They fought with everything they had, the sounds of clashing weapons and pained snarls filling the air.l
Bam! Bam! Bam!
Yet, one beast managed to break through, heading straight for the injured Gregor.
Krisella saw it, and without hesitation, threw herself between Gregor and the monster, her weapon clashing against its hide with a clang that reverberated through the air. She staggered, but didn't falter, her face set in fierce determination.
Lyerin's eyes flicked over the scene, and a hint of satisfaction played at his lips.
They were struggling, yes, but they were leveling up under him. And that's what mattered.
Finally, with one last coordinated effort, the tribe members managed to drive the beasts back, their howls of pain and anger echoing into the distance as they retreated, defeated—for now.