"Thud!"
James didn't hesitate for even a second after the charge. His claws shot forward, precise and brutal, driving straight into the neck of a fallen teratorn. The result was instant. Blood sprayed out in a sharp burst, and the head separated cleanly from the body.
"Too slow," he muttered, already moving again before the corpse even hit the ground. There was no pause or hesitation. He rushed the next one immediately. The bird had just managed to flap its wings and lift slightly off the ground when James slammed into it mid-motion. His claws dug deep into its back, hooking into flesh, and with a violent twist, he dragged it down and smashed it back into the ground.
"Rrr—!"
He pinned it hard, one paw locking its body in place while the other tore into it with raw force. A sharp crack echoed as the wing was ripped free, bone snapping under the strain. Blood poured out rapidly, spreading across the ground as the bird convulsed. James stepped back slightly, watching it struggle. "…You're done birdie now make those disturbing sounds in hell ." He didn't even bother finishing it. That wound was enough.
He lifted his head and let out a furious growl, his claws still dripping blood. The remaining teratorns didn't need a second warning. Wings flapped wildly as the entire flock scattered in panic, fleeing without looking back. The message was clear to them .
"Finally," James exhaled, watching them disappear into the distance. "Some peace "
Two system notifications followed immediately, confirming both kills and adding twenty more Gene Points. That made today's total ridiculous.
"Forty-five in one day… not bad at all." He felt a clear sense of progress now. "Ninety-five more… almost there."
Behind him, Mom and Dad seemed visibly more relaxed now that the noise was gone. Mom let out a low approving sound, brushing against him briefly. Even Zack and Zoe looked fired up, clearly annoyed by the birds earlier. The moment things settled, both of them rushed toward the dead teratorn, immediately starting to tear into it like they had a personal grudge.
James walked over as well to those dead birds, deciding to try it. One bite in—he paused. "…hmm, hell nah." The meat was bad. Sour, stringy, and barely worth chewing. Feathers stuck everywhere, making it worse. "This is complete trash." He lost interest almost instantly.
Zack, on the other hand, had zero standards.
He was happily chewing through feathers and meat alike, completely unbothered. Crunching, chewing, swallowing like it was the best thing he'd ever tasted. James stared at him for a second. "…I don't know whether to respect that or be concerned."
Then Zack went one step further.
His eyes locked onto the bird's beak.
"…Don't you dare eat that ."
Too late.
Zack grabbed the curved beak and bit down.
Crunch.
James blinked. "…I'm done. I'm actually done." He shook his head and stepped away. "You win. I can't compete with that."
After eating their fill from the horse, none of them were hungry anymore. That single hunt would last them days. Once they finished, Mom and Dad began leading them back.
Halfway through the journey, the sky finally gave in.
Sudden Heavy Rain.
Before it fully hit, Mom and Dad guided them under a massive tree for cover. Mom lay down first, calling them in with a low sound. Zack and Zoe immediately pushed into her side without hesitation. James didn't wait either. The temperature had dropped fast, and the wind cut through his fur. He pressed himself into the warmth beneath her body.
The difference was instant.
It feels Warm and Safe with mom .
Dad stayed outside, positioning himself to block the wind and rain, taking the full force of it without moving. The storm intensified quickly, rain crashing down in sheets, thunder rolling across the sky.
Inside that small space, though, it felt distant.
Mom shifted slightly, using her paws to pull the cubs closer, licking away the water from their fur and keeping them warm despite being soaked herself. James felt it clearly—the effort and care of his mom.
His body finally gave in to exhaustion. Muscles relaxed and the warmth pulled him under.
Within minutes, James was asleep.