As it turns out, this beetle was far more powerful than I am in terms of physical might and durability. The club, which was made out of the claws of the spider that I had killed, and mind you, was able to harm me, did little to no damage to this beetle, which only made me feel worried. Just how on earth would I be able to defeat it?
I didn't have the time to think about that as I quickly tried my best to dodge as the beetle went on to charge at me once more. Luckily, I was able to dodge quickly simply by moving side to side. As it turns out, this beetle, aside from being able to move fast, can also charge like some rhino, no pun intended towards its name. The speed and power that it holds is no joke either, as one wrong move and I would be a pile of guts and shell on the sandy ground.
But luck was on my side as, like its namesake, it can only charge forward and not side to side. As such, I did what a sane being should do when their opponent can only move forward. I moved to the side just as it was about to smash right at me. I would have lied if I wanted to, but that made my heart go still. If I hadn't done that and arrogantly taken that charge head-on, then I would have been dead.
Yet I was still unlucky as the beetle was able to stop its charge.
The abrupt charge caused gale-force winds to blow all around the beetle itself, which only made me worry even more than I was. This thing was able to stop the force of its charge like it was no big deal. That can only mean that it has the durability to withstand its own power.
This was bad for me, as it's going to be harder for me to try and kill it. The only thing I was able to kill was the Urchin and the spider. The first, even though it had a hard outer layer, its insides weren't that hard, as when its only means of attack was blocked, it was susceptible to being gutted by my pinchers. The spider was a tricky one, as that thing only underestimated me as if I wouldn't bite it. But then again, I still harbor a few wounds in my carapace.
So how would I be able to deal with this thing?
I could maybe try and trap it, but that's just a quick fix and wouldn't hold it much longer. Either way, how would I be able to trap it? I mean, I could try and do a hole, but beetles can fly, so that wouldn't work. Entanglement wouldn't either, since all I could use are some vines, as this thing is strong enough to bypass that, no problem.
So I had to think of another way to dispose of this thing without causing me so much damage.
As the minutes go by, and I try my best to think of a couple of ways on how to deal with this beetle, I try my best to dodge it. It has been getting harder and harder to think of one solution, as I was getting really tired.
Then I remembered one key detail that I should have thought about. I couldn't kill this beetle; maybe something else.
So in a feat of sheer despair and adrenaline, I bolted for it towards an area where I hoped those things would be able to kill it.
Of course, the beetle catches up to me as I run towards my destination.
I didn't have the time or equipment to traverse the jungle safely, as I had done in the past. So I had to do the next best thing and carve a path towards where I found them.
This act in it of itself is a double-edged one unless I act fast, as one wrong move, then I too would be in more trouble than I could handle. That beetle behind me certainly says so.
If I am not wrong, then their lair would be a few miles away from where I found those humans in the past. Once I get to that area, then I will have to pull off a maneuver quickly in order to send it towards them.
I would have thought of it now if it weren't for the fact that the beetle was still trying to get me.
This made me more anxious to the point that I thought of using the stuff that I was passing by as a distraction, so that I would be able to get enough time to do so. It didn't take too long for me to do so as I picked whatever I could along my stride, and then I proceeded to throw it at the back.
I didn't dare to look back as I continued to throw anything I could at the back. From tree trunks to decent-sized boulders, even a helpless monkey. Did I feel sorry for that last one? Maybe a little bit, but once the adrenaline is pumping in your bloodstream and your life is on the line, then you will do what it takes to keep yourself alive. Yes, I am a psychopath for doing that, but I don't care either way when a hulking, massive beetle is chasing me!
Speaking of beetles, it would appear that what I had done somewhat stopped it for a bit, but that is still something that I could see as a good thing, since I could take a breather for a little bit.
This is also the perfect time to check whether I was close or not.
Much to my disappointment, I was not that close to where I needed to be. There are still a few miles left for me to tread through before I arrive at that location. Not only that, but I had to think of a way to make the beetle fall for this trap I just thought about. If I don't think of a way, then I will be crushed to death by that thing's charge.
...wait...it can't be that simple, right?
At that point, I might as well try at this point. So, as I could unfortunately hear the beetle getting close. You would think that this thing would have just stopped and simply stopped chasing me, but I guess that it has some sort of hot-tempered behavior.
I put those thoughts aside as I get back to trying to reach the place that might help me or kill me.
After a few more turns and jumps over a few places, as well as throwing a few things at the beetle. It was such a tiring experience, but once more, fear and panic are such great motivators.
I prayed in hopes that I reached the area. Like the gates of a holy land, I saw a familiar area. I would have smiled right there and then if it weren't for the fact that it was a dangerous place. That only meant that I had to do this quickly.
As such...I stopped, turned around, and waited for the beetle to reach my place. It came with a bang and a trail of destruction, as I knew for sure that its eyes were locked towards me.
With my club still in my right pincher, I raised it high up and waved it. I was not expecting it or anything, as its eyes zeroed in on me. It then continued its charge right towards me.
As for me, I waited for it to be close enough, and by close enough, I meant that I simply quickly walked to the right and let the Beetle fly past me, and headed straight at the foot of a cave entrance.
Once that happened, I quickly left the area as the sound of hissing filled the area.