"Let's go," Usato commanded, his voice resonating with newfound determination. The group moved swiftly and silently through the dense foliage. After what felt like an hour of tense anticipation, Usato held up his hand, halting the group.
"We are at fifty-five meters," he murmured, his gaze fixed ahead. He scanned the environment, his enhanced senses on high alert. He could feel a faint tremor in the ground, a subtle vibration that telegraphed the immense weight of their quarry.
Then, through a break in the trees, Usato saw it. The Earthshaker Minotaur was even more massive and imposing than Vala's description had suggested. Its hulking frame was a tapestry of thick, matted fur the color of dried earth, rippling with muscle as it moved its immense head. Its bovine head was colossal, the snout wide and powerful, its breath misting in the humid air. Two enormous, curved horns, thick at the base and tapering to razor-sharp points, jutted out from its skull, easily the length of Usato's torso. One horn bore a deep, jagged gouge, a testament to some past battle. Its eyes, the color of molten gold, scanned the surrounding vegetation with an unnerving intensity, missing no detail. Each step it took caused the ground to tremble visibly, and the sheer weight of its presence exuded an aura of raw, untamed power. A crude, tree-trunk-sized club rested against its broad shoulder, its end splintered and stained, likely with the blood of past prey. The sight of the beast sent a jolt of serious apprehension through Usato. This was not a monster to be underestimated; direct confrontation would be suicidal.
He turned to his team, his voice low and serious. "Team, we are five meters before the Minotaur's detection area, based on its size and sheer might, it's best not to face it head-on, that's why we need to use 'Kiting Style'. We need to lure the beast into an area where it's easy for us to defend and attack while opposite for the Minotaur, is that clear?" "Yes, Chief," came the immediate and instinctive reply from Kael, Gorthok, Vala, and Elara.
Usato nodded firmly. "Syka, you're in-charge to scout an area where we can lure the beast. Val, you're in-charge of monitoring the beast, make sure not to alert it ahead of time. Gorthok, guard the area in the west and make sure no other beast except for the minotaur enters the area. Kael, you're in-charge of the east, the same as Gorthok. Elara, conserve your energy, and I will guard the north of the beast. Now move, let's go."
Syka's brow furrowed slightly as she looked at Usato, a curious warmth blooming in her chest that she couldn't quite decipher at his decisive command. She gave a sharp nod, her focus immediately shifting to the task. With a silent nod, she turned and melted into the trees, her movements swift and practiced.
After a few tense minutes, the rustling of leaves announced Syka's return. She approached Usato with a hushed urgency. "Chief," she began, her voice barely above a whisper, "I found a gorge just a few meters ahead. It looks big enough for that Minotaur to fit inside, but not wide enough for it to turn around easily."
Usato nodded, his mind already working. Sky, deploy recon nanobots. I want a complete visual of that gorge. While waiting for Sky's internal report, Usato turned back to Syka, his expression earnest. "Syka, I know this is your first time employing my strategy in a real fight, but I need you to follow my orders precisely, to the letter. Lives might depend on it."
Syka met his gaze, a flicker of uncertainty in her eyes before she nodded firmly. "Alright... Chief," she replied, a slight awkwardness in her tone, aware that for the moment, they were somewhat separated from the rest of the group.
Usato, noticing her hesitation, softened his tone slightly. "And when we're alone like this, Syka, you can call me Usato." He didn't see the immediate effect his words had on the young archer. A faint blush crept up Syka's cheeks, and a small, unexpected flutter of happiness stirred within her. She swallowed, trying to keep her composure. "Al... alright, Usa-to," she managed, the last syllable almost whispered, like the buzz of a mosquito.
Oblivious to Syka's reaction, Usato was focused on the information flooding into his mind from Sky. Host, the gorge Syka discovered is indeed ideal for an ambush. It presents a natural chokepoint. All we need to do is clear out any other wild beasts that might be lurking in the area, and it will serve as a perfect trap. Sky's synthesized voice echoed in his thoughts. Host, shall we deploy a small contingent of nanobots to quickly and efficiently clear the gorge?
Usato considered the proposition for a moment, his gaze still on Syka, who was watching him with a newfound attentiveness. No, Sky, he thought finally. Let the team handle it. We need this opportunity to rehearse our teamwork, to see how well we can coordinate before we face the Minotaur directly. A new thought struck him. Sky, if we were to deploy our nanobots in the vicinity of the Minotaur, would it be able to sense them?
There was a brief pause as Sky processed the query, running simulations within its intricate network. Host, based on their current molecular size and inert state, the Minotaur's biological sensors would not be able to detect the nanobots. As long as they do not perform any drastic movements or generate significant energy signatures, the possibility of detection is minuscule. And with me controlling their every action, the risk is negligible, Sky replied with a hint of digital pride.
Usato's eyes widened slightly in surprise and a flicker of excitement. Really? he thought, barely containing his amazement. So, even if we were to let the nanobots slowly enter the Minotaur's internal systems, it wouldn't feel anything?
Roger, Sky confirmed repeatedly. As long as the nanobots maintain a passive state within the Minotaur's body, mimicking the properties of blood cells and following the natural flow of its circulatory system, even its immune system components, such as neutrophils, macrophages, and dendritic cells, would not be able to differentiate them from its own red blood cells.
Incredible! Usato exclaimed internally, a powerful contingency plan forming in his mind. Sky, deploy all currently available nanobots. I want them to enter the Minotaur's system gradually, in batches. And Sky, Usato's mental voice grew serious, if the moment comes when all else fails, when we are unable to defeat it through conventional means, I want you to command the nanobots to devour the Minotaur's internals. He paused, a hint of uncertainty creeping into his thoughts. I know this is a risky proposition, and there's a high chance the nanobots might be destroyed. You can decline this order if you wish, after all, they are your creation.
A moment of digital silence followed before Sky responded, its synthesized voice carrying a surprising weight. No need for hesitation, Host. From the moment our kind are created, we understand the fundamental principle: either we devour, or we are devoured. For our initial programming, our mission was to target and eliminate cancer cells within human bodies. If the host's immune system proved too strong, we were designed to be neutralized and disposed of. This directive is merely a different application of that core principle. Although the response was purely electronic, Usato thought he detected a subtle undercurrent of resignation in Sky's tone.
"Alright, Sky," Usato replied, his mental voice now filled with a newfound respect. "I understand. And while you may be speaking electronically, I can sense that you are slowly beginning to grasp the nuances of human emotion. So, after we establish our base, I promise you this: I will make you its Guardian Spirit. You will be able to travel freely throughout the tribe's territory, observing and learning. Would you like that?"
There was a slight pause, a beat of digital processing, before Sky's enthusiastic reply echoed in Usato's mind. That would be incredible, Host! To finally have the freedom to explore and learn without constraint within the tribe's domain... Thank you. Even through the electronic pulses, Usato could sense Sky's genuine happiness.