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As the saying goes,
"Knowledge is power."
Here in Leafshade Hamlet, the people have carefully observed the crenhearts. Some lost their lives in the process, but at least now there are fewer casualties as compared to previous ones.
It is said that during summer, the crenhearts start their aggressive hunts while they become defensive during winters. It was never discovered why they tend to become defensive in the winter and act strange at the beginning of the season.
Now, as the weather is starting to get warmer, it is noted that within one day, the crenhearts will begin their assault on the neighboring lands. They are faster than normal people, stronger than four braves combined, and have tough skin capable of surviving stone spears and wolf claws.
Only their eyes are soft, with their underbelly having fewer scales and more muscles.
(Groma's POV)
"Stay focused brother, if any of those crenhearts escape or lunges at you, retreat. They won't be able to outrun you."
I say this while putting my hand on Gorak's shoulder.
I apply red marking made of blood on him as it's our way of marking the battle commander.
"May the spirit of Hamlet guide you to success"
He nods and starts his battle cry with 12 braves joining later. This puts a smile on my face.
"For Leafshade Hamlet"
"Hoo-ah"
"Hoo-ah" x12
Now this starts to boil my blood but unfortunately my duty as a chief is to safeguard my settlement first.
*Sigh
'I was looking forward to this fight myself.'
With a sad heart and fake smile, I start walking towards my house.
(At night near river of nightmares)
*Rustle *Rustle
Sounds of leaves rustling could be heard in the vast plants and trees near the River. The creature has black eyes and starts to walk towards water. Due to moonlight the creature is identified as a deer.
*Snap
A loud snapping sound is heard as a crenheart crushes the neck of a deer from underwater. After a miserable attempt to back away, the deer goes limp while the crenheart drags it to the shore. Perhaps smelling blood in the air, other crenhearts emerge from the water, following the first one. They are oddly selfish when it comes to sharing the prey.
*Swoosh X3
Three spears suddenly fly towards the first crenheart. Out of the two that hit, one bounces off from the defensive scales of the crenheart. The other spear hits it right in the eye, causing the crenheart to drop the food from its mouth and start retreating in water.
The Braves are throwing spears towards three other crenhearts who are trying to pounce on the dead deer.
Unfortunately no spear is able to penetrate their scales and they start sprinting towards the Braves.
The braves are divided into two groups, both positioned adjacent to each other. The frontline has braves with stone shields and spears. Behind them, two braves stand for support with wooden clubs. Further back is a brave skilled at throwing spears. The same formation is seen in the second group, with Gorak positioned near the frontline with a spear.
Two braves stand far away, watching while holding torches. If things worsen, they will signal for the evacuation. One peculiar thing about the crenhearts is that they are attracted to fire rather than being afraid of it. They like ash and sometimes even sleep near campfires after massacring entire families.
The braves with torches watch in anticipation and nervousness as the confrontation starts.
The first crenheart lunges at the shield, its jaws snapping shut on one of the spears. The braves are knocked back but manage to hold their footing. Another wave of spear attack is made, accompanied by two club attacks aimed at the beast's head. One brave manages to stab the first crenheart in the eye. The beast roars in pain but continues to fight, trying to bite through the shield.
Gorak picks up the heavy net and, with precision, throws it at the crenheart who is attempting to lunge at him. The crenheart crashes to the ground, unable to break free from the net. Now that the crenheart is fixed in one place, it is easier to target its eyes.
With a powerful blow, Gorak stabs the spear into the eye of the crenheart. A frenzied roar is heard as the crenheart tries to roll.
"Help me hold this"
Shouts Gorak as his grip on the spear falters.
Two braves move towards the net and start pulling on it. This causes the crenheart to get stuck upside down.
Not letting this opportunity go, one of the brave jump and impales the muscular underbelly of the crenheart. After a small roar and strong shaking, the crenheart stops moving and goes limp.
The win is short lived for Gorak as both of the crenhearts stop attacking nearby shields. They lunge at him with red eyes and improved speed.
Unfortunately the two braves are caught first and their limbs are snapped by crenhearts. Once caught by a crenheart, the only outcome is death as their teeth casually break bones while their hind teeth can even grind largest bones.
All 12 Braves look in horror as those crenhearts eat two of their tribesman in front of them. The shield bearers move forward to entrap them.
Their formation begins to falter as the crenhearts became stronger. One crenheart manages to bite through a shield, gravely injuring the brave behind it and destroying the shield. However, the brave with a crazy expression, rips his own hand while kicking the crenheart.
"Ahhhhhhh"
"I will not die today you hear me o beast"
Others quickly follow with shields to stop the crenheart from launching another attack as another brave tries to stop the bleeding with a rope. They manage to pierce the throats of the two crenhearts, finally killing them.
The last remaining crenheart silently retreats into the deep water.
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(A.N.: Not too many fights but this was necessary for the development of the background lore.)