"In simple terms, a powerful enough threat has emerged around our territory, one that could endanger the survival of our tribe. To ensure the tribe's future, we must relocate to a safer place," the chieftain explained.
"A threat to our tribe's survival?" Jordan's face showed disbelief. "You mean those tiny people with their steel contraptions? You're saying they're a threat to us?"
"Yes. We've already lost two tribesmen and had twenty-seven others injured in a single skirmish. Losses like that, we can't endure many times."
"But even with those losses, isn't relocating too extreme? We lose warriors during major hunts all the time. Why is this situation any different?"
"Those tiny people are too numerous. Our entire tribe has fewer than a thousand members, but those people can mobilize tens of thousands in a single attack. Their numbers are overwhelming. We can't match them in sustained conflict."
"Numbers alone are enough to make us retreat?" Jordan found this explanation hard to swallow. He could accept retreating from a stronger enemy, but retreating because of sheer numbers? That went against his warrior's pride.
"They're not just numerous. They possess many powerful weapons. Even if we kill thousands of them, they can quickly replace their forces and mount another attack. Meanwhile, every time we lose two or more tribesmen, it's a significant blow to us."
"Chieftain, I'm not trying to go against your decision. I trust your wisdom, but I want to see these so-called powerful enemies with my own eyes. I don't believe they'll keep coming once they suffer enough losses."
The young giant's battle spirit flared as he spoke. He had already made up his mind to face these adversaries himself.
"Jordan, I'm telling you—they are countless."
"Let them come. If they have any sense, they'll retreat when they see enough of their comrades fall." Jordan's tone was unwavering, his voice brimming with pride and confidence. He believed that his strength alone could protect the tribe from this crisis.
The chieftain sighed. "It seems words alone won't convince you to follow the tribe's decision to relocate. Fine. I'll have Glowstone take you to the area those small people have occupied. But listen—do not act recklessly."
"Understood!"
Excitement shone in Jordan's eyes. Though his opponents might have seemed weak, he was eager to challenge them and prove himself against their strange devices.
"Jordan, that over there is the territory those small people have claimed. Be cautious and don't get too close. They may be weak, but their contraptions can hit targets from great distances. Getting struck by one of their weapons hurts—a lot."
Atop a hill that, to giants, was little more than a gentle rise, a gray-skinned giant lay flat, guiding the pale-skinned Jordan beside him.
Ahead of them, the plains sprawled outward. However, the landscape was now dotted with large, strange steel machines. These contraptions groaned with mechanical noise, gears grinding and hissing as white-hot steam billowed from countless pipes. The steam created an oppressive cloud cover above the plains, blocking out the sun.
"Wasn't this our hunting ground?" Jordan growled, his rage simmering as he looked at the once-familiar land now defiled by industry.
"It was," Glowstone sighed, glancing at the scars on his body—reminders of past battles. "But it belongs to them now. We tried to reclaim it, but every attempt failed, costing us dearly."
"It still belongs to us," Jordan declared, standing tall atop the hill, his eyes burning with fury. "I'll take it back."
"Jordan, the chieftain warned you not to act impulsively!" Glowstone urged, his voice panicked. "Get down! They'll spot you!"
"I'm not being impulsive. I've observed the enemy and prepared for this fight." Jordan turned to his companion and grinned. "Besides, it's already too late. They've seen me, and their attack is coming."
No sooner had Jordan spoken than a deafening sound filled the air. Countless metal spheres were launched from large machines, forming a dark swarm in the sky as they hurtled toward the hill.
"Watch out! Those are 'flesh-ripping spheres.' Don't let them touch you!" Glowstone shouted in warning. He recognized the deadly projectiles immediately, recalling their devastating effect on tightly packed formations.
Each sphere was embedded with curved blades designed to tear through flesh. Though more commonly used against large groups, they were still dangerous to giants.
But Jordan was unfazed. His battle-hardened instincts told him these weapons posed no real threat to him. He clenched his fists and swung at the incoming projectiles.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
The pale-skinned giant's fists collided with the spheres, sending them flying one after another. Below, the small people operating the machines gawked in disbelief.
"What kind of monster is this?! He's deflecting the flesh-ripping spheres like they're nothing!"
"Just how powerful are these creatures from another world?!"
"How many lives will it cost us to conquer this place?"
"It doesn't matter. The kingdom is overpopulated as it is. War is a convenient way to cull the numbers. Whether we win or lose, the kingdom won't suffer."
"We lack resources but have plenty of people. Stop wasting time—deploy the armored corps. Conventional attacks are useless against this thing."
Fifteen minutes later…
"Fall back! Fall back! We can't handle this monster! We need stronger weapons!"
"I can't believe this. We established this forward base less than three days ago, and now it's on the verge of annihilation."
"Do you think this will finally make the higher-ups rethink this whole 'otherworld exploration' idea?"
"Not a chance. The resources in our world are almost depleted. The people will demand more expeditions, no matter the cost."
"Then someone needs to survive to bring back intel. We can't afford total annihilation."
"Is that all they've got? And they thought this was enough to make my tribe relocate?"
Amidst burning wreckage and the scattered remains of twisted steel machines, Jordan stood tall, his face etched with disdain. He glanced at Glowstone, who now stared at him with awe.
"Go tell the chieftain—there's no need for us to move!"
"Understood!" Glowstone nodded fervently.
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