The phoenix speed was extremely fast, and within seconds it had pounced on a slow-moving survivor.
With a shrill cry, the phoenix stomped its foot on the survivor's body.
Amidst the survivor's terrified screams, the phoenix ripped her open, her intestines spilling out with her blood.
What was originally a camp for plane crash survivors instantly transformed into a horrifying human abattoir.
Here, humans were no longer the dominant creatures, but had been reduced to food for the phoenixes.
Honestly, faced with the tragedies unfolding before my eyes, a fire of rage churned within me. This situation, watching my own kind die before my very eyes while I was powerless, made my eyes feel like they were about to spew fire!
I wished I could pull out my gun and turn back to fight the phoenixes.
But my remaining reason told me that I had to protect myself first, so that I could avenge these innocent people later!
Moreover, although my physical fitness had greatly improved, fierce beasts like the phoenix, which were naturally at the apex of the food chain, were simply beyond human strength to contend with.
Even if I and Zhuo Ya went back for a counterattack, the best outcome would be a Pyrrhic victory.
Last time's experience had already told me that these phoenixes had tough hides. If I didn't hit their soft spots, my pistol would only penetrate their fur, causing no significant damage.
Furthermore, their speed was incredible; one slip-up would mean death.
More survivors were caught by the phoenixes, knocked to the ground, and all hope of survival was extinguished.
I stiffly turned my head away, no longer looking at the gruesome scene behind me, and ran with all my might into the depths of the forest.
Now, all I could do was rely on the fate of the remaining survivors. It was a case of every man for himself.
I didn't know how long I had been running in the forest, but gradually the cruel cries of the phoenixes ceased to reach my ears. Only then did I have the leisure to take stock of the people around me.
Only Zhuo Ya and Gulinina were with me, along with two other women who had been lucky enough to keep up.
Out of the dozen or so survivors, several had been killed by the phoenixes during the initial attack. The remaining survivors had scattered, and now only these four were with me.
A multitude of emotions welled up in my heart.
If Gulinina hadn't been pulled out by me, then only those two other women had survived. Fellow countrymen with whom I had spoken just hours ago were now separated by death; there was no greater tragedy in this world!
Seeing that there was no longer any movement from the forest behind us, I was about to catch my breath and discuss our next course of action with Gulinina, when suddenly the bushes ahead began to rustle again. With a piercing shriek, a slightly young phoenix emerged from the undergrowth.
From its cruel,异瞳 (yì tóng - heterochromatic eyes), I could only discern its greed for us, as if in its world, everything was food.
Even though this phoenix had not fully matured and its size was not as terrifying as the adult ones, it was still not to be underestimated.
One of the women who had been running with us had completely lost her strength and collapsed on the ground, tears and snot streaming uncontrollably down her face. She looked utterly pathetic.
The young phoenix hesitated slightly upon seeing our small group. It emerged from the bushes and took a few steps towards us before stopping, seemingly waiting for its companions.
With a powerful enemy lurking outside and a companion who couldn't run within, I had to make a swift decision in this critical moment.
I couldn't afford to hesitate any longer. I whispered to Gulinina, "Take these two women and run towards the foot of the mountain. Run as far as you can. We'll meet up there tomorrow."
I casually pointed in a direction away from the phoenixes' nest, on the other side of the mountain. We would cross this mountain tomorrow and return to our settlement.
I had already decided that since this little phoenix dared to pursue us alone, I would end it quickly and decisively here to cut off the phoenixes' pursuit.
Otherwise, we would all be dragged down and killed.
Currently, I couldn't be sure if more of its companions were following close behind.
If they were, it would undoubtedly lead to a fierce battle.
In the haste of the moment, I couldn't possibly take care of Gulinina and the other two women.
The two women I didn't know were already in a very poor state, running breathlessly and covered in sweat. Their faces were a sickly white. If they continued to flee, they would either be caught and eaten by the phoenixes or simply die from exhaustion.
Allowing them to leave first would not only preserve their lives but also relieve me of any worries.
Gulinina also understood the urgency of the situation. She silently nodded at me, then, along with another woman, helped the woman who had collapsed to her feet and turned to head in the direction I had indicated.
Seeing that three of its potential prey had suddenly decreased, the little phoenix let out a few anxious cries and slowly moved closer to us.
Come on, you little beast!
If you had brought your companions, I would have retreated. But with just you, a mere fledgling, you're practically food delivered to our doorstep!
Zhuo Ya and I exchanged a tacit glance and entered a combat stance, our bodies tensed, carefully observing the little phoenix's movements and searching for any weaknesses.
Zhuo Ya and I were unlike the other unfortunate survivors. If we were to judge solely by human combat strength, we would be considered top-tier. Even in ancient times, we would have been formidable warriors.
Today, I'll teach you a lesson and show you why humans have stood at the top of the food chain for millennia without perishing!