Predator

59

The mercenaries had no time to deal with him as they began to hear the soft, urgent footsteps coming through the surrounding bushes. The sounds grew closer and were accompanied by a nauseating stench.

In East Africa, there is an animal about the size of a dog. It has a long neck, shorter and weaker hind limbs, a short torso, high shoulders, and low hips. The back of its neck has long mane-like hair, and it possesses strong, conical premolars, developed carnassials, and degenerate molars. Its jaw is robust and strong, capable of easily crushing bones. Most importantly, it is a scavenger with an extremely sensitive sense of smell.

Led by a dominant female, the hyenas eyed the feast before them hungrily.

The elephant herd quietly encircled, protecting their calves in the center, with their tusks facing the drooling hyena pack.

Liam released Amelia, his voice low as he leaned into her ear. "Run."

When different groups encounter each other, hyenas are known for their fierce competition over food. They didn't dare challenge the herd of African elephants, so they turned their aggression towards the humans.

Someone fired the first shot, igniting the battle. All around were the screams of mercenaries being mauled and the howls of wounded hyenas. Amidst the chaos, no one noticed Amelia.

She ran towards Mike, trying to pull the iron chain embedded in the ground. As she grasped the chain, a soft elephant trunk suddenly extended and, with a light but powerful tug, pulled the chain free from the earth.

Mike, despite the pain, struggled to his feet. His moist trunk brushed against Amelia's palm in a gesture of affection.

"Go with them. You're going home."

"You're free."

Mike's injured leg trembled slightly, and the massive elephant head nudged into Amelia's embrace lovingly before the herd protected him and led him away.

**

Meanwhile, the fight continued. S, dragging a mechanical leg, watched his mercenaries valiantly fend off the hyenas. His anger reached a peak as he looked at the cause of his ruined plans. He pressed his gun harder against Danny's head, intending to throw him to the hyenas.

"Shooting you is too easy."

"You should be fed to the dogs, watching your guts being ripped out while you still breathe."

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Amelia running towards them, calling out Danny's name.

"Is that woman with you too?"

"You and her are both going to hell."