58 Defense Battle at 100 Meters Above Ground ④

Thanks to the shedding from leveling up, the torso and legs were released from the ape's grip.

Two old hides were clutched in the ape's hand, layered one over the other.

Most of the apes were knocked to the ground by the collapse of the thread network, but those attached to the makeshift homes remained intact.

Yet, the body was already caught in the threads of the简易 home.

Additional threads were applied to immobilize completely, and the fangs delivered a definitive strike.

At the moment the final one was pierced through, a breath of relief escaped.

The wave has not ended, but one has been overcome.

A whip strikes the heart, threatening to slacken.

The battle is not yet over.

The apes have not yet been eradicated.

Cannot relax until they are all destroyed.

Immediately exited the makeshift dwelling to observe the scene below.

There, a horrifying scene unfolded.

Apes, ensnared by threads, their movements frozen, crushed upon the ground—remnants of their kind, flattened beneath others.

And amidst this gruesome spectacle, surviving apes still retaining combat will.

I immediately began deploying new threads against the wall.

The apes had not yet surrendered.

Once they reorganized, they would launch another assault.

I needed to prepare in advance.

Reinforcements were still arriving.

Seriously, how many more are coming...?

Cut it out.

And among those reinforcements, one presence should not be there.

"Failed to identify status: Baguraguratch LV3."

"Failed to identify status: Baguraguratch LV4."

"Failed to identify status: Baguraguratch LV6."

A mouth resembling that of a massive crocodile.

From that mouth, countless jagged, vicious fangs like saws were visible.

The body length appeared to be at least double that of a regular ape.

Broad in width as well.

A deformed giant ape stood there.

This was the first monster seen in this expansive area.

The species name of apes was Anoguratch.

A similar name—should have been noticed.

That giant ape was an evolutionary offshoot of apes.

A monster that should not have arrived as reinforcement for apes had come.

Three of them appeared slowly.

Their levels were low compared to what I had seen, but as upper-tier monsters, even low levels could not be disregarded.

Apes themselves were formidable opponents if properly engaged—there was no reason to assume their evolutionary form would be weak.

Judging by appearance alone, the creature was clearly凶悪. It was far stronger than apes—this was the correct perception.

Not quite earth dragon class, but still three enemies stronger than apes.

Difficulty level increased.

Stunned motionlessness lasted only an instant.

The movement of the surviving apes triggered my awareness, forcibly pulling me back into reality.

The apes avoided the fallen mass of thread, circumvented it widely, and began scaling the walls from both sides.

Their movements indicated clear caution toward the thread.

Truly difficult opponents.

I maintained vigilance over the giant ape while adding more thread.

The giant ape remained still.

Their coordination with the apes was not particularly active?

That would be ideal, but optimism was unwarranted.

Constant attention to their movements was required.

The apes would not throw stones again.

The effect was minimal. The fallen thread mass obstructed their aim, and their projectiles no longer reached me.

They abandoned stone-throwing. Focused solely on climbing the walls.

That would suit me better.

It had a subtle effect.

HP decreased. Movement impaired.

Better if it weren’t there.

Then the giant ape moved.

Slowly lifted a rock.

Wait—rock!?

I just lifted it lightly, but that rock—it’s the same one attached to the makeshift home!?

It was firmly embedded in the ground, yet it came out easily?

That rock was so heavy even a thin slice was unbearable?

What are you going to do with that rock?

Hold on—what are you swinging it for?

No way—?

I retreated from the makeshift home in haste.

Immediately after, the rock struck like a projectile, piercing the makeshift home.

When the dust settled, the makeshift home was crushed flat beneath the rock.

You’re kidding.

What kind of power is that.

A blow like that would be fatal—no question.

Fortunately, there are no suitable rocks near the giant ape.

That absurd cannonball won’t be coming again.

But the makeshift home—our final defensive line—was destroyed without resistance.

From here on, I must fight without the shelter.

That is unacceptable.

The loss of defensive cover is a problem, but the lack of stable footing is worse.

I was able to intercept the ape before because I had solid ground—enough stability to focus entirely on offense.

Now, without a secure base, my body could fall at any moment.

I am tethered to the ceiling by thread, so I won’t fall straight down—but I remain exposed.

Any such opening would not go unnoticed by the apes.

I make my decision quickly.

Construct a platform—anyway, as quickly as possible.

While this is being done, no other thread placements can be made. But if the apes advance, there will be no time to build a platform.

If I don’t do it now, I’ll regret it later.

Good.

Platform complete—large enough for me to stand and operate.

Now, face the apes here.

Second phase of the defense operation—commencing.