5. Armadillo

The sun pierced through the trees. Green leaves fell to the ground. Caused by the inconsistent gentle and strong winds.

The trees rustled and the birds sang. A morning of relaxation and calmness could be perfect for a day of arduous labor. But what the day holds could determine the mood of a person.

Seti wasn't calm nor happy at all. Feeling nervous and unfulfilled with the situation at hand. In his eyes, there was not a single person capable of strenuous work faced in the sun. Even dealing with the risk of being attacked by a Giant Armadillo.

This and the future day would certainly be stressful for Seti.

They slept in the forest, covered by the leaves. It wasn't as cold the last time they had slept. The leaves were at least a better insulator than the grass. Even though the experience was uncomfortable at best. It had enough time for Seti to close his eyes and refresh the lack of energy he had.

By the time he woke up. He sat on a rock and stared at a random pebble. Trying to recollect his memories from the time he farmed. Grabbing a stick from the ground, he outlined the farm and separated certain areas. But he couldn't forget the pressing situation he was in.

How can I help Asumi? How can I harvest before winter? Almost everything here is unfamiliar to me. Sure, I found some wild Einkorn wheat… It's not something that would grow within 30 days. Oh my god… I have never been this stricken before. Worried about his lack of knowledge, he tried to calm himself down by taking a few breaths.

Then there is that Armadillo… I wish I wasn't a farmer. I wish I wasn't even here in the first place!

In the distant grass, there was a shadow that walked and toppled the vegetation. It discreetly moved within the tall grass. Unfortunately, it couldn't be seen by Seti and co. It never prowled inside the forests due to the numerous obstacles and predators that lurked inside. The creature was seemingly fast and knew how to wait for the perfect time. The reason was the stream of strong air that propels the creature on its frontal shell.

Yes, it was the same creature as before. The giant armadillo was capable of charging at high speeds. Leaving damage to its surroundings. A formidable foe but vulnerable if the conditions were right.

It hid in the hills where it would take cover. Anticipating any prey that came out of the forest. The area was deceptively peaceful. No cattle or other animal had noticed the imposing threat.

Unfortunately, Seti decided to head out of the grasslands. While everyone was asleep in the leaves. He stretched his limbs and felt a slight comfort. He yawned before heading out to the river.

He had not seen any single dangerous animal in the forest. Figuring that the grasslands were much more dangerous. The only faunas he could disclose were peaceful birds and critters.

Once he was on the river, there were only the horned cattle drinking from the water. They drank in groups seemingly unaware of what's to come next. He glanced at the flat portion of the grassland. There were patches of toppled grass and dirt. All following a jagged line leading to the hills.

Curious, he then observed the hills where he could sense the breezing wind. Seti was growing uncomfortable. He slowly backed down even though he hadn't noticed the giant armadillo. I don't like this…

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Then a strong pat to the back surprised Seti. He turned around and whimpered. "Oh my god!... Oh my god."

It was the pale girl. She had already woken up after Seti went out to the grasslands. She flinched and backed away from Seti.

She did various gestures as she tried to communicate with Seti. He was dumbfounded and never knew what to say. He said."I don't know what you're talking about."

I wish Asumi was here. He never knew what to do. Although at the same time he felt relieved that he wasn't alone. She touched him, checking parts of her body. Curious about his clothing and weak physique. When she glanced away her eyes widened.

She on the other hand looked alert. Her eyes were fierce and Seti could feel the heat from her hands. He was confused as to what was happening. She looked up and pushed Seti aside.

"Huh? What why?!" Surprised, he questioned the pale girl. There was a growing shadow on the ground. He looked up and saw a giant rolling oval falling from the sky.

Shocked, he quickly retreated to the river until he stumbled to a rock. He splashed on the river and scared away the cattle. The pale girl on the other hand was slowly heating up. Smoke started appearing from her skin and mouth.

The giant armadillo unrolled itself and faced the pale girl. On the edge of the frontal plates there lies a large gap. Two holes were gaping from both sides. The wind quickly burst through the hole. The sharp wind had cut the grass.

The pale girl stood and readied her body for a fight. The armadillo screamed at her and charged with its legs. Whilst releasing dangerous sharp winds from the front. She quickly stepped to the sides and successfully avoided the charge. It struck the trees, razing the surroundings like a domino.

She clenched her fists and headed for an attack. Approaching the frontal plate before being battered. The giant armadillo wailed in pain as the impact passed through his shell. The pale girl repeatedly bashed the giant armadillo's shell. It became harder for the giant armadillo to contract its shell. The cracked shell parts also pierced the gentle flesh beneath it.

It slowed down in pain. It tried to regain its composure but its grumbling never stopped. The pale girl never hesitated to target the legs however the giant armadillo dodged it.

It screamed in pain afterward as it was harder to move. It desperately gushed out multiple sharp winds from the hole. So much so that the ground was already being dug up by the force of the wind. The ground lifted through the air and got caught into one eye of the pale girl. She stepped back annoyed, intensely rubbing her eyes in hopes of removing the dirt.

However, this gave time for the giant armadillo to initiate an attack. It readied itself as it once again blew multiple pointed gusts of wind. The ground was dug and a slew of dirt came flying into the air. The surrounding grass and nearby trees were cut off. Her arms were cut but were not lethal. She was only lucky that a sharp wind managed to miss her by an inch.

She was getting pissed and her body had begun heating up once more. To the point that her body couldn't maintain the high temperature. She took a few breaths to try and maintain herself in battle.

Soon a fire appeared out of her hands. She was surprised to see her hand go up in flames. Her eyes were glowing like a star. Her mouth became a smile and charged ahead of the giant armadillo.

However, she was sweating profusely and had no signs of stopping. Seti had noticed this early one and found it to be problematic. Oh no… she's gonna dehydrate…

She ran like a bull fighting a matador. Tightening her fists to attempt at shattering the giant armadillo's frontal plate.

Her hand struck the hard shell. The impact of the punch blew away the armadillo. Its shell had shattered and pierced its flesh. It struck vital blood nerves and bright red blood spilled over the body.

It wasn't dead but it was definitely unconscious. If left alone it would die a much painful death.

Seti was amazed by what had happened. Wow… All I can say is wow. Speechless, he remained stunned by what had just transpired.

Asumi and others had finally arrived at the grasslands. Asumi was battle-ready and held a wooden spear in her hand. While the young child was keeping close to the crippled old man. It's done! Then who defeated it?

Asumi was curious and looked at the pale girl who stood nearby the body of the giant armadillo. She was dizzy and lightheaded. Her legs gave up and fell to the ground. Asumi finally found the answer to her question.

She quickly ran towards her and hastily brought her to the river. Only now that Seti came back to reality and saw the gist of the situation. She looked back to the river and saw Asumi feeding the pale girl with freshwater.

He shouted to Asumi."Hey! Isn't dangerous to drink water from the river!"

"What do you expect! They're a nomadic tribe, their stomachs are probably stronger than ours!" She continued feeding the pale girl.

He asked more."Have you seen their fight! It was cool! I was just standing here safely! Stunned and too focused on both of them!"

She answered."No! By the time I got here the monster was probably dead!" Seti suddenly went speculative. Strange, she's not even hiding her peculiarities. It's as if she knew what would happen. Did she come from this world or is she…

The pale girl eventually returned stable. She woke up looking at the eyes of Asumi. She gestured to her and asked her name to make sure she was conscious."Who are you?"

"Debba". She spoke for the first time, which surprised Asumi.

"Who are you?..." Said the curious and shocked Asumi. It looked like her first surprise had finally come.