All Heavens: Starting with the Predator, I'm No Longer Human

Looking at the perfectly clean, burr-free cross-section of the cervical vertebra, Nike was filled with astonishment.

He reached out and touched the cold bones, as if he could still feel the smoothness of the blade as it sliced ​​through the muscle tissue, like a blade gliding through water.

Looking away, one could see a clear wound under the armpit of the Thunder Hammer Beast's forelimb; that was the fatal wound that had killed it.

The wound was the size of a bowl, and the surrounding skin and internal muscle tissue were charred black. He didn't know what kind of weapon could cause such damage.

But judging from that precise, fatal blow and the Thunder Hammer Beast's complete lack of resistance, it was far beyond what their small team could handle.

Add to that the sharp weapon that severed its head entirely, and this was unlike anything they knew of from any hunter—in their understanding, no creature could do such a thing.

This is a completely unknown creature that enjoys hunting, proving itself by taking the lives of powerful prey, and taking their heads as trophies.

Moreover, these monsters seem to possess the ability to disappear, making them invisible so they can ambush people from the shadows.

Based on the information provided by the old chieftain and the analysis of the scene, Nek explained everything he knew to the Na'vi around him and warned them to be vigilant.

As the Na'vi who is best friends with Nek, Liad also possesses considerable strength. But can they possibly win against an enemy they can't even see?

It wasn't that he underestimated himself, but judging from the corpses of the old patriarch and the Thunder Hammer Beast, this hunter lurking in the shadows was a creature that his small team members couldn't possibly contend with.

He wasn't afraid of dying, but he was afraid of dying without ever seeing the enemy and without knowing why.

"Nek, I'm not questioning your and the old patriarch's decision, but based on your analysis, this monster is beyond our ability to deal with."

"Why don't we go back and wait for news... Didn't the priest say this was a test for her? I believe Nettini can pass the next test on her own..."

He didn't want to throw his life away for some unfounded accusation. Since Netini had been captured by this monster, it was clear that the monster's only target was her.

Since so much time has passed and the monster hasn't attacked them yet, it means that it's not interested in them.

Why provoke her? Besides, the chieftain's wife, the "priestess," said this was Eva's test for Nettini, proving she wasn't dead. She might just come back on her own; there was no need for them to take the risk.

Liad's words were echoed by the others. In their view, since the "priest" in the tribe, who was also Netini's mother, said that this was a test, what were they worried about?

"Yes, Nek! Even the old clan chief has been persuaded by the high priest, so what's the point of us still searching for her here?"

"Why don't we go back and wait for news..."

"Netini is the 'Melody Woven by the Forest,' blessed by 'Eva.' I believe she can pass the test on her own..."

The other Na'vi surrounding the Thunderhammer Beast's corpse offered words of comfort. It wasn't that they didn't care about their missing kin, but rather that they believed in the priests within their tribe who could communicate with "Eva."

"Stop talking!"

Naik's face turned grim. He was well aware of the danger of this mission, and even the old patriarch advised him to relax.

But who knew about the promise he made with Nettini—to never let her be alone again? It was a promise they made when they were children, but now that he'd been captured by the monster, he had broken his word.

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If she were left to face that unknown species alone again, what despair would Netini fall into? As her only good friend, I absolutely cannot stand idly by, even if it means sacrificing my own life…

"If you want to leave, I won't stop you. Even if you're alone, I'll bring her back."

Naik's tone was firm and powerful, his knuckles white from gripping his fist so tightly.

Those around him who wanted to persuade him were speechless. They didn't know why Nek was so persistent. Even Liad, who was closest to him, only knew that he and Neytini were childhood sweethearts.

The two had been inseparable since they were very young, but he had no idea why they were so close.

I vaguely remember that when they were very young, Netini couldn't get along with anyone. It was only after Nek set an example that Netini gradually started playing with everyone.

Liad said helplessly, "Since you insist on this, I have no choice but to go along with you."

Seeing that Nike was determined to search, he gave up on trying to persuade him further and, as a good friend, decided to accompany him.

Even knowing he was facing an invincible opponent, he decided to fight alongside his friend, even though this choice could very well lead to his death, and he did not regret it.

"You owe me... huh..."

Before he could finish speaking, a tremendous force came from behind him.

Immediately afterwards, he felt a sharp pain in his chest, as if his body had been pierced by a cold stick.

He looked down and saw indigo blood dripping from the strange spearhead on his chest.

The smell of blood, accompanied by a feeling of power rapidly draining away, swept over him. Everything before his eyes began to slow down. He could clearly see the terrified look in Nek's eyes when blood splattered on his face, and he could also see the incredulous looks on the faces of the others around him.

"puff--!"

With the spear pulled out, Liad, now powerless, collapsed to the ground.

"Be careful!"

The sudden turn of events caught everyone off guard, and it wasn't until then that they realized what had just happened.

Nek could only watch helplessly as Lead, who had just been trying to persuade him, was pierced through the chest by a spear that gleamed with a cold light.

The indigo blood, still slightly warm, sprayed onto his face, looking as beautiful as a blooming fairy flower.

But this scenery was presented to him at the cost of his life.

The rage burning within him almost consumed all reason. He raised his hand, drew his bow, and shot an arrow behind Liad—there was a spot out of place, presumably where the monster lurked in the shadows was.

As expected of the team leader, even in unexpected situations, he can quickly make the most advantageous decision.

On the contrary, the others began to panic, not knowing where to point their weapons, and could only look around in fear, trying to find the hunters hiding in the dark.

"Whoosh—!"

With the sound of two arrows tearing through the air still echoing in his ears, Nek knew that the target had changed position.

He quickly nocked his bow again, paying close attention to the slightest movement around him, his ears twitching as he tried to catch the smallest sounds.

The arrow pierced deep into the soil, its fletching trembling slightly from the immense force.

Just then, Nek suddenly aimed at his teammate beside him and, to his puzzled look, shot an arrow, the bowstring in his hand twanging loudly.

Without the slightest hesitation, he drew his bow again and shot at it...