"It... isn't? But why?" Erik stammered. "How does that make any sense? This Teppeki Shen Gaoren showed no intention of migrating before, so why would it suddenly..."
His expression grim, Altaïr swept aside his Ghillie Mantle and stood. "You can work out the exact reason yourselves. We need to find a way to stop it."
It was plain to everyone that although this Teppeki Shen Gaoren was slightly smaller than the base-species Shen Gaoren they had encountered, its shell was far harder and its attacks far more powerful.
All of Manti Town's defensive fortifications had been designed to withstand attacks from ordinary Shen Gaoren. None of them accounted for high-temperature assaults.
The molten rocks raining from the sky, combined with the torrent of scorching flames that had incinerated a base-species Shen Gaoren in mere moments, would likely destroy Manti Town's walls in an instant.
The Professor's expression was equally grim. He watched the Shen Gaoren slowly walk away, then glanced at the pocket watch in his hand.
"Its pace is gradually increasing. Judging by the acceleration and top speed it displayed before fighting the base-species Shen Gaoren..." The Professor closed his eyes and calculated in silence for several seconds. "Less than three and a half days."
"Less than three and a half days?!" Isis's eyes widened. "Doesn't that mean it'll arrive even sooner than we originally expected the Shen Gaoren to reach Manti Town?!"
"Correct. Manti Town will face an even stronger enemy with even less time to prepare."
"Not necessarily stronger." Altaïr took a deep breath. "It killed the base-species Shen Gaoren, but it took serious damage in return. To put it dramatically, it's barely hanging on by a thread right now."
Morgan's eyes lit up as if he had found a lifeline, and his voice rose several notches. "Right! It only looks steady on its feet. It must be extremely weak. Just now, it had to rest for a long time before it could even stand!"
The Professor's gaze grew pensive.
Ultra-giant creatures like Shen Gaoren possessed such tremendous vitality that even when limping, they could still have a terrifying amount of stamina left. There were countless historical cases of them enduring attacks from scores of Hunters and relentless Cannon fire, hobbling all the way to a fortress wall. Even under repeated bombardment from fortress Cannons and Dragonators, they would destroy the walls with their claws and acid before the Hunters' despairing eyes, then continue limping onward.
Of course, he would not voice such discouraging thoughts in front of the Hunters.
The old scholar spoke in a low voice. "We must return to Manti Town immediately and inform everyone there of the situation. We need to use the few days we have left to prepare specifically for this threat..."
The Professor fell silent for a moment. Truthfully, under these circumstances, even he did not know what Manti Town could do to prepare, or whether any preparations would be enough.
A Lone Species like Guren Shen Gaoren or Teppeki Shen Gaoren had never attacked a town before. There was no precedent to learn from. Realistically, Manti Town's chances of successfully repelling the attack were not high.
Human lives were always more important than a town. If the chance of holding it was below seventy percent, they should consider a full civilian evacuation rather than merely moving everyone into shelters.
Once he returned to Manti Town, he would do everything in his power to persuade the town leader to order an evacuation. That was the conclusion his rational assessment had led him to.
Altaïr could roughly infer the Professor's thoughts from his silence and expression.
"Professor, I have another plan."
The Professor narrowed his eyes at him. "What plan?"
"Shen Gaoren possess astonishing vitality and endurance. According to the records, they can walk for months without rest, even sleeping while on the move.
"The injuries it sustained in the previous battle may be mostly healed by the time it reaches Manti Town. That regenerative ability could wipe out what little chance of victory we have left."
"...That's true."
Altaïr glanced at his companions, took a deep breath, and said, "Here's my plan. You and Erik take Hibiki back to Manti Town as fast as possible and report what happened.
"Our squad will stay behind and do everything we can to intercept the Shen Gaoren and slow it down."
"No." The Professor shook his head decisively. "You've already tried that. You simply can't break through the Teppeki Shen Gaoren's defenses. Taking such a risk would be pointless..."
"It won't be pointless." Altaïr's tone was unusually serious. "Most of the Teppeki Shen Gaoren's obsidian armor was shattered by the base-species Shen Gaoren's charge.
"I watched it carefully just now. Two of its legs have lost the protection of their obsidian outer shells. With sustained, repeated attacks, we have a chance to injure it.
"Besides, our main goal isn't to wound it, but to disrupt its pace and rhythm.
"That way, it won't be able to sleep while walking steadily and accelerate its recovery. We might ensure it reaches Manti Town with those wounds still unhealed, or perhaps even worsened.
"That should improve the defensive operation's chances of success."
Altaïr paused for a moment before continuing. "Of course, I know our efforts may not change anything.
"I won't gamble with the townspeople's lives, so I hope you'll make organizing the evacuation your priority once you're back in Manti Town.
"As for the defensive operation, whether to keep preparing to face the enemy or abandon the town and retreat is a decision I'll leave to you and Miss Nightmist.
"Whatever you decide, we'll do everything we can to buy you as much time as possible."
The Professor looked up at the others, trying to gauge their thoughts.
Isis had lowered her head to check her remaining Gunlance shells, while Nymera and Morgan loaded their Bowguns.
"...I understand. Be careful, and don't push yourselves."
After that brief warning, the Professor called to Erik, who was still somewhat dazed, and they both climbed onto Hibiki's back.
Nymera patted Hibiki's large head and murmured a few words. The Palamute growled, broke into a run, and became a swift blur, carrying the two scholars into the rolling volcanic mountains and vanishing in an instant.
Altaïr looked at his companions, who stood ready for battle.
Without wasting time on words like "Sorry for deciding for you" or "Anyone who wants to back out is free to do so," he began issuing combat instructions in rapid succession.
"Nymera, Morgan, you're carrying a limited amount of Ammo. Don't worry about rate of fire or volume. Even if it takes ten minutes to line up a shot, make sure every round strikes the most vulnerable point and worsens the target's wounds as much as possible."
"Understood."
"Got it."
Altaïr turned to Isis. "The armor on both of the Teppeki Shen Gaoren's front legs is damaged. I'll attack the front left leg; you take the front right.
"Keep attacking in the most energy-efficient way possible. Don't recklessly use powerful moves, and don't get greedy. We have no room for mistakes."
Isis objected. "The Shen Gaoren's right claw is broken, but its left claw is intact. Attacking from its front left is more dangerous. I'm the heavily armored one, so let's switch. I should take the left side."
"No matter how strong you are, you can't withstand a Shen Gaoren's attack. I'm more agile and can dodge more easily." After rejecting Isis's objection, Altaïr swept his gaze over the others. "Anyone else have questions?"
Sajji raised a small paw high. "I can't do much on the ground, meow! I want Hakucho to carry me onto the Shen Gaoren's head so I can look for an opening, meow!"
"Me too! I can crawl into its wounds!" Clawdia raised her steel claws as well.
Altaïr hesitated for two seconds, then nodded slightly. "Use your own judgment. Stay safe.
"This is going to be a prolonged fight. Don't fall behind. Begin the attack!"
* * *
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