Alex silently prayed while sweating in his camouflage suit. Soon, a big head popped up from the rustling bush, with red eyes, a red mane, and two long tusks.

Alex was happy at first but soon was horrified as he saw the cow size red warthog slowly came out of the bush.

Alex was shaken as the humongous warthog appeared in front of him.

Damn it, this Redhog is sure cunning. Such a ferocious beast, yet hiding behind a bush. Alex scolded.

Alex threw away the hamster, trying to distract it, but the red warthog's gaze stayed on him. Its sinister red eyes silently watched Alex.

There was a distance of 50meters in between them, which can be covered in few breaths. Alex was still in semi kneeling position, with a bow in his hand. When the Redhog took one step, Alex raised his bow and aimed the stainless steel arrow at the Redhog.

The Redhog also moved swiftly, leaving behind a red blur. Alex trained his bow but felt a hot breath on him. The fast Redhog was already a few meters in front of him. Involuntarily Alex rolled away from the oncoming charge.

All those rolling in the dirt in the military camps finally came in handy.

Alex heard the thundering hoofs passing beside him. Without wasting any time, Alex, in a semi kneeling, aimed at the Redhog's back. His breathing became even as he trained his bow at its knees. He pulled the 225Kg (500 lbs) strong bow and released the arrow. The arrow zipped through the air and hit the soft part of the knees, but unfortunately, it stopped halfway, hitting the knee bone.

Alex did not wait to look at the results and started running in between the trees. He heard an angry growl behind him, which made him run even faster. For the first time after his strength increase, Alex ran with all his strength. He felt the breeze on his face and saw the trees flew by.

What a fast speed! His legs moved like a machine and ran agilely, leaving the wounded Redhog far behind. Alex felt exhilaration in the newfound freedom. 

After some time, he felt something wrong. He was running in the wrong direction. He was far inside the crater, and if he went any further, he would be welcomed by the Night wolves.

Alex's heart jumped and stopped immediately. He looked around and saw no abnormalities.  Alex sighed in relief.

He made a U-turn and started running once again. But was intercepted by the Redhog. Alex dodged the Redhog with some difficulty and ran in a different once again. He hit the brakes as the cliff blocked his path. When he turned back, he saw the Redhog catching up.

Alex sighed at his own mistakes.  He forgot all those retreat paths he planned due to his fear. What a rookie mistake!

Now, Alex was between a rock and a hard place. There were no other options other than to face the Redhog. With his back to the cliff, Alex took his last stand. He cast aside the bow, as the skull of the Redhog was very sturdy, while the chance of accurately hitting the eyes was minuscule.

He took out the M1-machete and dropped the scabbard. The cold steel gleamed under the sun as he raised the M1 high above his head.

After looking at Alex, the Redhog charged even faster towards him, with its head stooped low, and the tusks pointed at him.

Alex's mind was completely calm, but his heart started beating faster.  With every beat, his mana became more and more excited. With his sword raised, his mind and energy became focused. A faint blue aura slowly spread from his heart to the rest of the body until the blade was covered.

The Redhog's charge was like red thunder. In a few seconds, It was already in front of Alex.

Alex saw the charging Redhog with its sharp tusks about to pierce him. Without any reservations, he swung his blade. The quick blade made a blue blur and touched the Redhog's head.

Bang! The charging Redhog stopped abruptly in front of Alex. Its huge body made a small pit on the ground. With his hands aching, Alex stood still as all of his energy was exhausted. Alex stumbled to a side with difficulty.

The Redhog shrieked in pain as it started shaking his head vigorously.  . Alex saw the machete stuck on the Redhog skull, but there was not much blood. Looking at the shrieking and rolling Redhog, the blade must have pierced its thick skull and may have touched the brain.

Alex took out the gun from behind as he decided to put the guy from his misery. Alex did not use his Glock-19 till now due to its loud sound, which may alert the wolves, and there was no guarantee it will penetrate its defenses. Now with no more mana left, he had no other choice.

Alex raised his gun and tried to aim at its eyes. The Redhog, which was shaking, looked at Alex's movements and instantly became vigilant. Without hesitation, it turned around and ran.

Alex was dumbfounded as he saw the Redhog back in the distance.

This Redhog was very smart, Alex lamented.