Chapter 67 - The Snow

Jacob looked at the professional tributes gathered in front of him and began to explain his bold plan to eliminate the beast that stalked them in the arena. He took a moment to make sure everyone was listening attentively and carefully listened for any kind of warning signal from his intelligent assistant.

"Listen, everyone." Jacob said with a firm yet persuasive voice, "Our best chance of survival is to join forces and confront the mutated beast together. We have the resources and the ability to do it, but we must work as a team and be willing to take certain risks."

The professional tributes exchanged cautious glances, aware of the danger of the situation. Cato, as the group's leader, seemed to carefully consider Jacob's words.

"I propose that we place mines in strategic locations, creating a deadly trap for the beast." Jacob continued. "Our goal is to stay hidden and cover multiple targets while patiently waiting for the beast's attack. When the time is right, we will detonate the mines and put an end to it once and for all."

Some tributes expressed their concerns and doubts, but Jacob reassured them with determination in his eyes. "I know this involves taking risks, but it's our best chance of survival. Together, once we eliminate the beast, we won't have to worry about anything."

Cato nodded slowly, acknowledging the logic behind Jacob's plan. "It's a risky plan, but if we all collaborate and follow the instructions to the letter, we might succeed."

Clove waved her knife and said, "I have no problem with it. By the way, where is the girl from District Twelve?"

All eyes turned to Jacob and Foxface. "She's injured and unable to move, so she didn't join us."

Marvel frowned and said, "There are five of us. Why don't we kill the beast head-on?"

"I've seen how Thresh, the boy from District Ten, was torn in half when doing what you suggested." Jacob lied a little in his words.

Cato looked at Jacob and said, "Well, let's not waste any more time."

Jacob nodded, grateful for Cato's receptiveness and the rest of the professional tributes. "Let's work together as a team. Cover the designated targets and stay alert. When the beast attacks, we'll be prepared to finish it."

"Will that beast come to us?" Clove was curious about this point.

"The creature will find us, trust me, we'll know it's coming."

With the agreement in place, Jacob and the professional tributes began to organize themselves, distributing the mines and taking up their strategic positions. It was a risky gamble, but the only option they had to confront the beast and ensure their survival.

In the dampness, surrounded by fog and cold, they prepared for the final showdown. With hearts filled with anticipation, they waited patiently, some, including Jacob, had their doubts, but in a way, they were all using each other to kill.

...

As the hours passed, Jacob could perceive how the fog gradually thickened around the Cornucopia. Visibility decreased, and the atmosphere became even more tense. Each of the tributes held their assigned positions, forming a protective circle around the designated area.

The cold intensified with each passing minute, seeping into the competitors' bones. The drizzle began to fall softly, adding a layer of moisture to the already frigid atmosphere. Water droplets slid down the tense faces of the tributes, mixing with the sweat of effort and anticipation.

Jacob, hidden atop the Cornucopia, adjusted his grip on the Kusarigama and observed the surroundings attentively. Although the fog hindered visibility, his instinct told him that the moment was near. The sound of the constant dripping of rain mixed with the accelerated beating of his heart.

The minutes seemed eternal as tension built up in the air. Each tribute kept their gaze fixed on their position, ready to act at any moment. The fog enveloped them like a ghostly veil, adding an air of mystery and danger to the situation.

Jacob felt adrenaline coursing through his veins, his mind on high alert. He knew that any wrong move or tactical error could cost them their lives. The rain increased in intensity, creating a gloomy and challenging atmosphere.

The wait became unbearable; every second seemed to stretch in time. Jacob's heartbeat synchronized with the patter of raindrops on the surrounding vegetation. He kept his gaze fixed on the fog, expectant, ready to act when the time came.

"I'm starting to believe we're wasting time. Why should we trust those people?" Marvel was restless and losing his sanity with each passing minute.

"Shut up and don't ruin the plan that can lead us to victory." Cato remained impassive, as if none of this affected him.

And finally, amidst the dense fog and persistent rain, a deafening roar shattered the silence. The sound echoed from the depths of the forest, announcing the arrival of the mutated beast. It was the moment they had been waiting for.

Rrrr!

Jacob tightened his grip on his weapon, knowing that the decisive battle was about to begin. The fog and rain became natural allies, enveloping the battlefield in an aura of uncertainty and danger.

With vigilant hearts and a carefully devised plan, the professional tributes prepared to confront the beast, trusting that their unity and strategy would lead them down the best path each one desired to take. In the midst of darkness and the hostility of the surroundings, the fate of all the tributes was about to be determined.

Jacob's eyes were cold, and his gaze occasionally shifted towards Marvel, who seemed to have different thoughts at this moment.

Jacob received detailed reports about what lay hidden beyond the dense fog. Through the highly sophisticated vision of the intelligent assistant, he was provided with valuable information about the enemies' location, their numbers, and the distance at which they were situated.

He was informed that there were three mutated dog-class beasts hiding behind a group of trees about 50 meters southeast of the Cornucopia. They were agile and ready to attack. Though they didn't pose a significant threat in terms of quantity, they were a trio to be reckoned with.

Furthermore, about 100 meters northwest of the Cornucopia, two more beasts waiting for something were detected.

However, the most concerning were the beasts still lurking in the area. According to the reports, there were two of them stalking in the vicinity of the fog, approximately 30 meters south of the Cornucopia. These beasts were resilient and agile, capable of stealthily moving through the underbrush and attacking any unsuspecting target. Though not as numerous as initially anticipated, their presence remained a concern for Jacob as he hadn't witnessed their greatest concern.

The received information also revealed that half of the mutated beasts that initially attacked the beast had been subjugated by it and were now under its control. These converted beasts, serving as the beast's subordinates, were unpredictable and extremely dangerous, as they acted without reason and attacked any target that crossed their path.

Jacob absorbed the received information, aware of the complexity and danger posed by the situation. It was crucial to make strategic decisions and coordinate movements carefully to ensure the group's survival and eliminate the beast once and for all.

With the information in mind, Jacob planned his next move, evaluating the best strategies to confront and neutralize the beasts.

It was time to act with intelligence and cunning to achieve victory and ensure the survival of all those fighting against the threats in the arena.

"[Master, the beasts have surrounded them!]"