The scene picks up where Dev was thinking, "Munna's guild can never do any good..." Just as that thought crossed his mind, a rude voice interrupted him. It was Sagar, a member of Munna's guild.
"What are you thinking about? Hurry up and get across this river by boat!"
Everyone quickly boarded the boats. As they rowed deeper between the island and the riverbanks, the waters suddenly began to stir. Giant waves surged unnaturally. Some boats were overturned violently.
Then, without warning, a monstrous creature emerged from the river. It looked like a mutated eagle-serpent hybrid, with wings and clawed feet. It let out a blood-curdling screech and began attacking everyone in sight.
Screams filled the air as it snatched a man from one boat, tore him apart mid-air, and devoured him. Blood sprayed into the river. Chaos erupted.
Dev watched in horror, clenching his fists. *"I knew it... Munna could never be trusted..."
Without a second thought, Dev leaped into the river and began swimming towards the monster. By the time he reached, the beast Varkor—had already killed and consumed 10 people.
Meanwhile, Munna, watching safely from a distance, turned to his right-hand man, Rohit.
"Our boat is ready, right? As soon as that beast is full, we'll slip through and steal the egg. It'll fall asleep after feeding. As long as no one attacks it, we'll be safe."
Sagar smirked. "Boss, that's a brilliant plan."
As they spoke, the river turned red. Varkor impaled one man through the chest with its beak, then flung another like a ragdoll into the rocks. One woman tried to swim away but was torn in half by Varkor's claws.
Dev had reached close. Most survivors were fleeing to the riverbanks, allowing Dev to approach the island unseen.
As he emerged from the water, he noticed dozens of corpses scattered. The beast had finally stopped—it had eaten enough and began to curl up for sleep.
Munna's men started moving their boat toward the island.
Dev summoned his hidden golden armor and vanished into the shadows.
Munna's men disembarked and moved in one direction. Dev followed quietly.
Then he saw it: Another sacred-level beast, similar to Varkor, was guarding a massive egg. The moment it sensed danger, it unleashed a thunderous roar and charged Munna's men.
Blood splattered across the trees as the sacred beast attacked. It ripped Rohit's arm clean off. Another man was bitten in half. Three more were crushed under its weight.
Munna, now cornered, launched a powerful attack using his special weapon. The beast fought back brutally but was weakened. Eventually, Munna struck the killing blow, panting and bleeding.
As he went to collect the egg, a blur appeared.
Dev, now cloaked in golden armor, snatched the egg and ran.
Munna stood frozen, confused.
"What... what just happened?!"
Realizing the theft, he gave chase, but his injuries slowed him. Only a few of his men had survived. He chased Dev a short distance, but it was hopeless.
Dev escaped deep into the forest, finally removing his armor and finding a safe place to rest. The egg gave off a warm, delicious smell.
As he began to cook it, nearby basic and mutant beasts were drawn by the scent. Dev fought and killed them—about 10 total.
"That should be enough meat to last until I reach the base," he muttered.
He then consumed the egg. A system message popped up:
You have consumed the egg of the Sacred Beast Varkor. You gain 10 Sacred Beast Points. Total: 40.
"Just a few more mutant points and I'll reach my goal," Dev whispered. "Currently at 80. I also have 60 medium-level beast points."
He sat quietly, resting by the dying fire.
"I'll move tomorrow morning."
That night, the area remained quiet—no beast dared approach the one who had slain so many.
By morning, Dev continued through a vast valley, carrying meat from the slain beasts that wouldn't spoil quickly.
Suddenly, a rumble echoed behind him.
The ground vibrated. Dust clouds rose. Dev turned around.
He froze.
Something massive was approaching.
What did Dev just see? What terrifying force lies ahead in the valley?
End of Chapter 9