Chapter 45 - 44

In reality, I actually already noticed that the apes had had some goals in mind since some time ago. It was because, during those raids that we were forced to participate in, it seemed to me that the monsters had two aims in mind. One was to eradicate and destroy all the ant nests that were scattered deep inside this jungle-type area, while the other was to seal and block the pathways that the ants had used to invade this place.

At that time, I simply thought that the apes were trying to completely isolate this place to prevent the invasion of the ants. But looking at it now, it was clear to see that all of those actions were simply in preparation to launch this all-out counter-invasion. Most likely, these apes had done all of that to ensure the safety of their home. After all, if those nests and pathways weren’t sealed or destroyed, there would be no way that the monsters could send their full force because of the worry that their own home would be attacked while their best fighters were away. So, given the fact that the apes were now preparing to march for a counter-invasion, then it was safe to say that the monsters were now confident that the ants wouldn’t be able to invade their home territory. Though probably as another safety measure, I still could see a few guards that would likely be left behind in order to protect this place.

Upon realizing all of that, I couldn’t help but curse. 'Damn it!! It seems like I got captured in a really bad time!'

Of course, given the sheer scale of this counter-invasion, it was all but certain that these apes had been preparing and planning this for quite a long time. After all, every monster that had gathered here looked strong and had a lot of experience in battle. But because these apes normally hunted in groups, their individual growth rate must have been relatively slow. And while it was true that this was simply my assumption based on my memories while living with a pack, I still didn’t doubt it because I personally experienced a sudden growth spurt when I was forced to fight and hunt by myself. Then there was also the case of my fellow monster prisoners who all seemed to be pretty strong as well. Most likely, all of them had also gone through the same experience as I had in the hands of these apes. So, naturally, given the time and effort that it took for me, it was pretty obvious that this fact was also the same for those other monster prisoners as well. In essence, this operation must have been a long time coming, and it just so happened that I was captured during the final phase of their preparation, which in the grand scheme of things, honestly s.u.c.k.e.d.

'I’m so incredibly unlucky…' I couldn’t help but sigh.

But while I was wallowing on my bad luck, I also began to realize the purpose of pitting us (the monster prisoners) against each other. 'So, that’s it huh? That fight club was just a means to both choose and prepare the candidates for this counter-invasion… In short, beyond providing the regular apes with entertainment, that fight club is just a means to an end just like us. But given our number, how are they planning to keep us all in check?'

Being that this was a counter-invasion, these apes would have to fight inside the enemy territory. Because of that, it would be pretty much impossible to pull the same strategy as before and use us as the bait. And while it was true that it was possible to do that at the beginning of the battle, the apes would still be eventually forced to fight those ants head-on. In such cases, it would only be detrimental for them to let us fight with them because there was a huge possibility that we would betray them. In short, bringing us into battle would be the same as carrying a ticking bomb that could explode in their faces at any given moment. Of course, it would be a little bit different if they have something to threaten us into obedience. But as far as I know, they didn’t have anything like that nor they could pull it off during a desperate fight. In fact, I even doubt if the Gigarillon’s threat would work in the middle of chaotic combat.

'If so, what is their plan for us? It can’t be that they are going to offer us as a gift for a ceasefire, right? I mean, from what I saw thus far, there was no way that those ants would accept something like that. Because no matter how much I think about it, those ants operate like some sort of plague or parasites. And of course, that Gigarillon surely knows that and that monster isn’t someone dumb to try.'

While I was busy trying to understand the Gigarillon’s plan, the army of the apes began to march forward. And unlike the raids before, no monsters in the forest dared to attack or hinder us. Most likely, the sheer number of apes scared the heck out of them so all of them just run away on sight. Though to be fair, the mere fact that this army was being led by the Tronobo, Pronobo, and obviously the Gagirallon might just be the biggest reason for their fear. I mean, seriously, even I would do the same if I was put in their position.

'Yep, this is definitely a terrifying scene…'

From that moment onwards, the apes easily plowed through the jungle without any interference. And strangely enough, it seemed like even those plant monsters felt some ounce of fear because they simply let the army peacefully pass by. Though, I guess it would be more accurate to say that they simply couldn’t do anything. After all, if a plant monster happened to be on the army’s way, they were all mercilessly cut down without being able to resist. But if I was asked which of them was the most pitiful in this slaughter, I would say that it was those Vinip monsters. Why? Well, it was because the apes seemed to be actively hunting them down in order to gather more vines along the way. Most likely, some of these monsters would use those vines as weapons during the battle. In essence, it was an effective way to gather some materials along the way.

Because the march remained uninterrupted throughout the journey, it didn’t take too long for the army to finally reach the boundary of the jungle-type area. And of course, because this jungle-type area was also shaped like a dome just like that swamp-type area from back then, the entrance and exit of this place were also reminiscent of that pathway I saw beyond the lake where the Swamp Drake resides. The only difference this time was that the pathway was bigger and wider compared to the one I saw before. From the way it looked, it seemed like this pathway could accommodate this army of apes.

'As far as I know, this is the biggest pathway in this place so far. And from the looks of it, these monsters must have intentionally left this path open and chose to seal the other smaller ones. Pretty clever if I say so myself.'

From a strategic standpoint, it would be incredibly inefficient if a huge army like this was forced to march inside a small space. Because given the normal size of the pathway I had seen so far, it would simply be too cramped for this huge army to use. And given that they were also carrying us (the monster prisoners) with them, a small space like that would simply be disadvantageous for them. Not to mention there was also the possibility that they would be attacked by the ants during their march. If that scenario happened while they were inside a small space, the army wouldn’t be able to properly fight back, and in the end, their huge numbers would end up as a liability instead. Though, of course, there was also the option of moving the army little by little. But in that case, it would hamper the speed of the operation and there would be an exponential chance that their army would be discovered before they could even launch their surprise attack.

Honestly, I didn’t know if this was simply a coincidence or if the Gigarillon really thought this out. After all, this was an incredibly complex and well-calculated move even for that intelligent monster. And to be frank, I really think that it was just a coincidence because it was just too unbelievable that the Gigarillon could come up with this plan. Though in the case that this was really planned, then that was just downright unbelievable and terrifying.

After that, the army of apes began to change their marching formation probably to travel easier inside the pathway. Then with the Gigarillon on the lead, the army cautiously moved inside. Luckily, the army didn’t encounter any ants, so the journey had been peaceful and uneventful thus far. Of course, despite that, I couldn't help but be curious as to why the pathway seemed so lifeless and abandoned. Because it wasn’t just the fact that there were no ants inside, in truth, there were literally no living things inside. Honestly, it was more like the cave had been completely swept instead of left behind. It was as if someone had intentionally made it that way so that the apes wouldn't encounter any problem during their march.

Just beyond the small temporary base that the ape guards had made, there were three split paths. And for some reason, some apes had brought us (the monster prisoners) in one of those paths. Behind them, the Tronobo, Pronobo, and Gigarillon were following as if they were trying to guard their subordinates against us. Then, finally, after traveling for about a minute, the apes began to untie us. But because the three powerful monsters were guarding our movements, we couldn't even dare to fight back because it was painfully obvious that the three wouldn’t hesitate to kill if we tried.

'What is it this time?' I couldn’t help but wonder.

But, as if reading my mind, I saw the Gigarillon flashed an ominous smile. Seeing that, I instantly knew that something bad was about to happen. Unfortunately, before I even managed to take action, the Gigarillon had suddenly punched the wall.

A deafening rumbling sound filled my ears. And as if resonating with that sound, the whole area also began to shake. Looking around, I saw multiple cracks spreading on the ceiling and the wall.

Witnessing that, immediately knew that the area was about to cave in. And without losing any minute, I tried to chase after the apes who were running away. Unfortunately, the ceiling near upfront began to fall apart effectively separating us from them. But in the midst of all of that, I could swear that I saw the Gigarillon smile before turning away.

At that moment, I finally realized. 'This is the plan of that guy from the very beginning!!'