Cruel

"What the hell is that?" Dilos couldn't help but curse aloud.

The appearance of those two semi-humanoid lizard monsters was truly shocking—no, horrifying.

This behemoth possessed a head nearly the size of a small car, a hideous visage that blended human and reptilian features. The sharp teeth lining its upper and lower jaws were packed as tightly as upright short blades, leaving no doubt that it could easily tear a person to shreds.

Its massive body stood five meters tall, packed with taut, bulging muscles that radiated terrifying explosive power just by looking at them. Its thick limbs resembled both a human's and a beast's, each tipped with nearly a meter-long, sturdy claw. Its wrists and ankles were almost as thick as half a small car, and a thick, long tail extended from its tailbone.

Then there were those white scales reflecting a chilling light... everything about it was terrifying.

Dilos secretly compared the gap in strength between himself and the creatures, only to realize with helpless resignation that, given his current power, he would only have a chance to run if he encountered even one of them, let alone two.

Better not show myself to them yet. I'll hide and see how things develop. If it comes to it, I'll just grab her and bolt. With my abilities, these monsters won't be able to catch me if I decide to run.

Dilos thought to himself, then pulled back with Qin Jiayin to hide behind rows of cargo. At the same time, he poked his head out slightly, carefully observing the situation outside.

Thud!

Thud!

Thud!

Thud!

Thud!

Thud!

Thud!

Thud!

The two terrifying behemoths walked slowly, step by step, but the deafening sound of each footfall constantly applied pressure to the people hiding nearby.

During the chaos earlier, not everyone had managed to flee the street; many, like Dilos, had found small shops or other obstacles to hide behind. Although these two monsters brought immense psychological pressure to those hiding, the instinct for survival forced them to suppress their fear and remain in places where they couldn't be seen.

Just stay hidden. Once these monsters leave, it'll be safe.

Most people thought this way, but Dilos had a bad premonition. However, knowing nothing about these monsters, he could only stay put and quietly observe the situation.

Suddenly, Dilos's keen eyesight caught sight of a middle-aged man in an expensive suit, his slightly plump body trembling as he hid under the chassis of a large truck.

Thud!

With that sound, the two lizard monsters suddenly stopped when they reached the truck. Their flat, narrow nostrils flared, as if sniffing for something. After a second or two, those hideous heads turned in unison toward the middle-aged man's hiding spot.

The atmosphere seemed to stagnate for a moment, but after two seconds, everything changed.

One of the lizard monsters lashed out with its tail, striking the truck with a loud, booming crash. The immense force sent the multi-ton truck flying; it tumbled through the air once or twice before slamming into nearby vehicles with a thunderous roar.

The lizard monster ignored the truck it had sent flying, instead fixing its golden, slit-pupiled eyes on the spot where the truck had been. There stood the middle-aged man in the suit, his slightly small eyes wide with terror as he stared at the two massive lizard monsters before him, his flabby flesh trembling uncontrollably from fear.

Who is this idiot? Of all the places to hide, why there?

Dilos cursed under his breath while secretly analyzing the lizard monster's capabilities.

It easily sent a four- or five-ton truck flying; its strength is definitely something I can't contend with!

Just as he was thinking, the lizard monster began to move.

ROAR!

The lizard monster let out a massive, deafening roar, bent down, and snatched the man up in its hand.

"AAAAAAHHHHHH!!!"

The middle-aged man screamed in terror, twisting his body frantically in a desperate attempt to struggle. But how could an ordinary human compare in strength to such a monster? Even as he screamed, the lizard monster's giant maw, filled with terrifying teeth, snapped shut.

Crunch... crack.

As the sound of shattering bone echoed, the middle-aged man's upper body vanished completely. The scent of blood made the lizard monster feel exceptionally excited, but just as it prepared to eat the remaining portion, it was slammed aside by the other lizard monster, which had also been stirred into a frenzy by the smell of blood. The latter violently snatched the remains from its companion, tossed them into its mouth, crunched down, and swallowed.

Seeing its food stolen, the first lizard monster didn't dare to fight back, simply because the other was larger and stronger! Biological instinct told it that this was the time to back down.

Dilos turned his head away to avoid looking at the gruesome scene, while Qin Jiayin beside him covered her mouth in horror, trying to keep from screaming, her petite frame trembling uncontrollably.

No, I can't stay here. Dilos made his decision. The creatures had a keen sense of smell; if they stayed, they would surely be discovered by their scent.

If I wait until then, there will be no chance to escape. If I'm going to run, it has to be now!

It wasn't just him; several other people who had been hiding also began to flee.

If they had stayed hidden earlier for a shred of psychological comfort, the lizard monsters' brutal behavior had now completely shattered that comfort.

These people rushed out of nearby shops one after another, running toward streets where the lizard monsters weren't present, some even screaming in a loss of sanity. This move completely exposed them to the eyes of the two lizard monsters.

Having just tasted the deliciousness of human flesh, the two lizard monsters had developed a craving for it. Since the previous man clearly hadn't been enough to fill their stomachs, well...

"ROAR!!"

With a deafening roar, the two lizard monsters moved. They stepped onto the surrounding vehicles, no longer moving slowly as before, but breaking into a run!

They split up, charging toward the fleeing people!

Although they appeared somewhat clumsy due to their size, they were ultimately faster than humans. Furthermore, in a street clogged with vehicles, the humans' running speed was restricted. Under these circumstances, it didn't take long for the people to be caught by the two lizard monsters and meet their ends as prey.

Dilos had anticipated this outcome for them the moment they started moving. However, he was truly powerless to help. As the two giant monsters went to hunt them down, he grabbed her, used his static adhesion ability to cling to the wall, and quickly escaped upward!