Seeing Alex's smile, the tribe recognized it. It was the same smile he showed whenever he encountered something interesting.
As Alex approached the tree to examine the result of Fuji's punch more closely, he was visibly impressed.
"Wow, this really makes you incredibly strong. If this is Scar's level of strength, my chances of winning are low. It makes me wonder why, with this power, he didn't kill that crocodile before. With this strength, it seems possible."
Hearing Alex, Fuji scoffed.
"Hmph. He didn't kill that crocodile simply because he didn't want to. He used to say they were alike, so he never even tried." Fuji's voice was laced with anger as he recalled how Scar allowed the crocodile to live, even after it killed many members of the tribe.
"Well, I see this actually works," Alex said, "but you still need to answer a few questions. How many of these do you have left? And does Scar still have any? Just because he couldn't make more due to a lack of materials back then doesn't mean he hasn't figured out a way to do it by now."
It would be great if this substance were truly just a strength pill. However, judging by Fuji's flushed skin and raised hairs, Alex suspected it was more like a massive adrenaline boost. The reddened skin and his physical state were signs of a rapidly circulating bloodstream. If Fuji were injured—even with a small cut—it would likely result in uncontrollable bleeding. Without an immediate transfusion, he would die. Fuji probably didn't know this, as no one had been injured during their tests, but the risks were too great for Alex to consider using it himself.
Fuji, slightly out of breath, answered Alex's questions:
"We still have seven left. I brought three with me—well, now it's two. As for Scar, I doubt he has any. The material he called the reagent wasn't from here. It came from outside."
"Outside? What do you mean? Where did it come from?" Alex asked.
"From the desert," Fuji replied. "What he needs is giant worm blood."
"Giant worms? That's the reagent? And why wouldn't he be able to get more?" Alex inquired.
"Because they're gone. Scar found the last one, but there are no more. There are smaller ones, but the large ones have disappeared," Fuji explained.
"How can you be so sure? What if there's still one out there?" Alex pressed.
"When we were exiled, we passed through the desert and survived," Fuji said. "That's how I know. Before, even one worm made traveling through the desert a death sentence."
"Uh-huh, I understand a bit more now," Alex said thoughtfully. "But I think this is going to be a long night."
"I'm ready to answer any questions you have. I hope this helps secure your victory so you can finally defeat Scar once and for all," Fuji said resolutely.
The sun illuminated the land below as animals awoke and others retreated to sleep.
Members of Scar's tribe began making their way to the place where it all started—the first arena.
Scar was already there, standing atop the platform, awaiting Alex's arrival.
After some time, Alex and his tribe appeared. Alex led the way, flanked by Max and Aurélio on either side, with the rest of the tribe following behind.
Ascending to the arena, Alex stood face-to-face with Scar.
"Finally, this will end. Ready to lose?" Alex said sarcastically.
"Hmph. All of this just because you couldn't accept my offer," Scar retorted. "But now, I won't hold back. You'd better be ready."
Scar wielded his club, while Alex held his spear. The two leaders stood poised, ready for their duel.
As they took their positions, Alex spoke to Scar:
"I met a friend of yours. I think you'll have a lot of explaining to do!"
Calmly, Scar responded:
"I know Fuji spoke to you. This competition was fun, but there can only be one of us."
"Haah!" Scar was the first to attack, launching himself at Alex.
And so, the duel began.