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The ground shook again, louder this time, and the guttural sound intensified, a primal echo that seemed to tear through the dry morning air. Jhon stopped the bus abruptly, the indestructible tires gripping the smooth asphalt. His eyes fixed on the radar. The Green Supply Box stood there, imposing and promising, but the threat that guarded it was palpable. The heat, already approaching 40 degrees Celsius, made the atmosphere even more oppressive.
A massive silhouette emerged from behind the rocks, revealing a colossal creature. It was a Mutant Minotaur (Rank F), a giant with twisted muscles, leathery gray-green skin, and red eyes bloodshot with fury. Its bovine head sported sharp, curved horns, and its front paws were enormous claws, ready to tear. Its roar vibrated the very air, a sound promising violence and destruction. The creature stood between John and the box, an imposing guardian.
"A Mutant Minotaur (Rank F), John! He's tough and strong! He'll need everything you've got!" Loli warned, her voice stripped of its usual playful tone, now purely focused. "He's far more dangerous than the Gray Beast. His hide is like armor, and his attacks are devastating. This is not a monster to be underestimated!"
Jhon took a deep breath, pulling the Enhanced Desert Eagle from its holster. He didn't like head-on combat, but sometimes there was no choice. He stepped off the bus, the heavy, familiar weapon in his hands, feeling the heat of the asphalt beneath his boots. His Predatory Sense was heightened, mapping the Minotaur's slow, powerful movements.
The Mutant Minotaur stomped its paws against the ground, kicking up dust and small pebbles. It growled, fixing its eyes on John, and then, with surprising speed for its size, it charged. The earth trembled beneath its paws.
BANG!
Jhon fired the first shot, aiming for the Minotaur's massive head. The Enhanced .50 caliber round ricocheted off the creature's leathery skull, leaving only a superficial scratch and a trail of smoke. The Minotaur didn't even flinch.
"Shit! His natural armor is insane!" Jhon thought, taking a few steps back.
"I warned you, Jhon! The head and chest are the most protected points! Try the knuckles, or if you have good aim, the eyes!", Loli advised.
The Minotaur came close, its massive claw grazing where Jhon had been seconds before, tearing the air violently. Jhon rolled to the side, avoiding the blow. He fired again, this time aiming for the Minotaur's knee joint.
BANG! BANG!
The two Enhanced .50 caliber rounds struck home. The Minotaur shrieked in pain, and a trickle of black blood oozed from the wound. He staggered, his charge losing momentum. This gave Jhon a split second to react. He reloaded the Desert Eagle with reflexive speed.
"The eyes, Jhon! This is your chance!", Loli shouted.
The Minotaur, still stunned, raised his head. John aimed with surgical precision.
BANG!
A single shot, true. The Enhanced .50 caliber projectile struck one of the Minotaur's red eyes. The creature let out a horrifying roar of agony and slashed its claws at its face. The eye exploded in a spray of blood and pus, and the Minotaur began to spin disoriented, crashing into one of the rocks surrounding the crate.
BANG! BANG! BANG!
Jhon didn't hesitate. Three quick shots, aimed at the Minotaur's second eye and, finally, its throat. The Enhanced .50 caliber rounds found their mark. The creature staggered, its massive body swaying, and then collapsed with a crash that shook the ground one last time. Dust rose in a dense cloud, covering the monster's inert body. The smell of gunpowder, blood, and death filled the air.
"Unbelievable, Jhon! You took down an F-Rank single-handedly with just a few shots! My former master would have panicked and thrown everything he had at him, and he still probably would have been crushed!" Loli exclaimed, her voice a mix of admiration and shock. "Last night's carnage was just the beginning, wasn't it? You're a true hunter!"
Jhon approached the Minotaur's body, the Desert Eagle still in his hand. The creature was immense, its twisted muscles relaxed in death. He felt a pang of exhaustion, but adrenaline still coursed through his veins. The silence of the desert seemed to have returned, heavy and oppressive.
practical and geared towards long-term survival.
"Good choices, Jhon! It's always good to have improved medical supplies and water. And extra ammunition never hurts! You're very pragmatic, you have no time for sentimentality. My old master once tried to improve a piece of twig into a magic wand. He almost blew up the camp. Oh, how I miss your antics!" Loli rambled.
A light enveloped the First Aid Kit, transforming it into:
Advanced Medical Kit (Rare): A complete first aid kit with hemostatic bandages, powerful antiseptics, fast-acting painkillers, and self-adhesive sutures. Capable of treating serious injuries and speeding recovery.
The 200 rounds of .45 caliber ammunition multiplied in a silent burst of energy.
Pistol Ammo (.45 Caliber) (Common) x 10000: A massive amount of standard ammunition, specifically for .45 caliber pistols, enough for countless engagements and to supply any need.
The Water Canteen (Common) glowed brightly and transformed into:
Purifying Cliff (Rare): A canteen made of durable material with an integrated filtration system that purifies any type of water, making it drinkable and rich in essential minerals for the body. Keeps water fresh for long periods.
"Jhon! An advanced medical kit and a purifying canteen! These are excellent for your survival and health! And 10,000 rounds of .45 caliber regular ammunition! Jhon, you're richer in ammunition than any army I've ever seen! The carnage you'll be able to cause with this is... impressive!" Loli exclaimed, her voice tinged with an almost sinister admiration.
Jhon saved the items. With this amount of ammunition and a canteen that purified water, he felt even more prepared for the challenges ahead. He checked the clock on his HUD: it was almost 6:00 PM. The sun was beginning to set, painting the sky with hues of red and purple, and the 300-meter radar continued its relentless scanning. The crate hunt had been fruitful, but the night promised more than just finds.