The terrain leading to the abandoned building was terrible. There was no paved path so we had to be careful when climbing down the rocky and steep mountain.
What made it even more difficult for us was the fact that we needed to carry the injured people.
I didn't have any troubles since my physical strength was already beyond the normal level, but for the others, it wasn't the same.
The survivors with low stamina were already showing signs of exhaustion.
"Hurry up, everyone! The monsters are catching up on us!" Jonathan shouted.
He probably noticed it as well. If we continue with this snail's pace, it was only a matter of time before the Devourers would catch up.
In the game, I didn't even hesitate when I abandoned the characters who were slowing down the rest of the group. However, this was reality. Doing that would lower the group's morale and it might even cause infighting in the group.
"Are you guys alright? Can you still run?" I stared at Apple and Uncle Fabian.
"I'm still fine, but Uncle Fabian is already exhausted," Apple responded worriedly.
The old veteran was breathing heavily with his back bent. From the looks of it, he was already close to his limits.
"I-I can still run. Go ahead and don't worry about me."
Uncle Fabian forced out a smile.
I stopped running for a moment and put the little girl on my shoulders. "Hold on tight, Lia. Don't let go no matter what happens."
"Owkie." The little girl obediently wrapped her tiny arms around my head.
After making sure that her legs were secured around my neck, I beckoned to Uncle Fabian and Apple. "Apple, hop on my back. I'll carry Uncle Fabian."
The two hesitated when they heard my words.
"Will you be alright carrying all three of us by yourself?" Apple muttered.
"Just do as I say. We need to hurry up! The monsters are almost here!"
Hearing my words, they no longer hesitated.
Apple shyly climbed on my back while I carried the old veteran.
The total weight of the three combined put a lot of pressure on my body so I could only add some stat points to my strength and stamina.
+ 5 Strength
+ 5 Stamina
Both my strength and stamina reached 20. Now, I'm only left with 5 unallocated stat points. I decided to keep them in case an unexpected situation happened.
As soon as I increased my strength and stamina, I no longer felt burdened by their weight. To give a perfect analogy, it felt like I was carrying a backpack filled with a few items.
I increased my running speed to catch up with the group.
"Jonathan!" I called out.
Jonathan turned his head and was taken aback when he saw me carrying three people.
Kevin and the others also curiously looked over. They all showed similar reactions when they saw my situation.
"What's up?" Jonathan asked.
"Up ahead, we might encounter some wild animals. Have those who can fight prepare to engage them." In the game, my characters were always attacked by wild animals in the second stage of level 1.
"Wild animals? There are wild animals here?" Kevin was stunned.
"From what I remember, there is a wild animal sanctuary nearby so it's possible," Martin remarked.
His words served as a good excuse for me.
"What kind of wild animals are we talking about here?" Jonathan asked as he looked at me with a serious gaze.
"I'm not sure either. It could be a pack of wolves or a lion pride. It depends on how unlucky we are." I replied.
In the game, the wild animals that spawned in the second stage of level 1 were random. Most of the time, it was just a pack of wolves. I rarely encountered a lion pride. However, what I'm worried about most is if we encounter a bunch of venomous snakes. They are the most dangerous since their poisons could be lethal to ordinary survivors.
"Wolves? And there's even a lion pride here?" Kevin's eyes widened.
"Hey, dude! Be careful! You're carrying an injured man so stop moving around." Martin reminded him.
"Ah, yes! Sorry!"
"There are venomous snakes in the forest as well so you guys better keep your eyes peeled and watch your steps," I warned them with a stern voice.
Everyone's faces turned grim upon hearing my words.
"Alright. I'll inform the others." Jonathan nodded his head.
A while later, I noticed that the survivors looked more tense. This was good since we could minimize casualties with everyone being this careful and cautious.
When we were halfway through our destination, we finally encountered them. Furthermore, it was a lion pride consisting of over twenty adult lions!
"Everyone, stick together! Don't show your back to the lions!" Jonathan shouted as he led a group of fighters to scare off the lions.
The rest of the survivors were scared witless. It was a primal instinct to be scared when faced with such a ferocious animal. Not to mention that there was a whole bunch of them here.
The alpha of the lion pride roared aggressively as it slowly made its way towards our group. The rest of the pride followed behind it while issuing threatening growls.
"Keep your weapons up and continue shouting!" Jonathan shouted to the group.
Unlike the Devourers who knew no fear, the lions were more cautious. When everyone started shouting, they were intimidated. Even the alpha didn't dare get close to the group.
"It's working! Keep it up!"
'They are wasting too much time.' I clicked my tongue in annoyance.
"You guys get down first. I need to settle this matter quickly." I muttered.
Hearing my voice, Apple jumped down from my back. I also put down Uncle Fabian and Lia.
"You guys stay here. It won't take long." I took out my sword from the inventory space.
Seeing me approaching the lion pride with a cold gaze, everyone immediately made way for me.
"You guys follow me to kill these lions! We have to move faster!" I shouted to Jonathan and the other fighters.
Jonathan adjusted his glasses. "I miscalculated. Killing them is indeed the best option." He muttered as he raised his spear.