Chapter 21

Another month had passed since the last major transformation at the farm. Alex stepped out of his room and was greeted by a scene that had become part of his daily routine. Three enormous dinosaurs, direct descendants of the chickens he once raised, approached him with surprising agility for their size. Vela, along with the other two he had named Roka and Suri, immediately surrounded him, rubbing against him with unusual enthusiasm for such colossal creatures.

"Hey, hey!" Alex exclaimed between laughs as he tried to gently push them away. "Alright, alright! Vela, I got you some company, remember?"

The largest dinosaur, Vela, let out a soft squawk, almost as if responding to his comment. Behind the dinosaurs, the five mutated dogs, now bigger than ever, also approached. Alex sighed as he saw them, especially noticing that they all expected to be petted.

"Seriously, do we have to do this every morning?" he joked, though he couldn't help but smile as he ran his hand through their thick, robust fur, a result of the evolution driven by the Omega particles.

After several minutes of petting and morning greetings, Alex finally stood up and headed towards the main entrance of the farm. As he walked, he asked aloud, "How's everything going, Ariel?"

"The equipment updates are almost complete," the AI responded from somewhere within the farm's internal network. "The problem is we're running out of materials. We've dismantled all the electronic devices on the farm, including the drones, small appliances, and even large vehicles. We are currently working on creating new prototypes using the remaining materials, but we need more resources."

Alex let out a long sigh. Constantly improving the farm had been essential for his survival, but each advance came with a cost.

"Let me guess, we need more materials," Alex said as he walked towards the animal area, where the horses and cows were beginning their own evolution process.

"That's correct," Ariel confirmed. "The renovation of the farm has advanced rapidly, but resources are depleting quickly. We need steel, copper, zinc, and other metals to continue the upgrades. Additionally, the lake project is still in progress. The Omega particle insulation systems have worked well, and we've stabilized the temperature for the fish, although they haven't mutated due to their controlled environment."

"Well, at least I don't have to worry about giant fish," Alex commented with an ironic smile as he petted one of the dogs that had approached him. "What else do we have?"

"We also need to continue with the cows, horses, and sheep. The heating system is ready, but we need to complete the evolution process to ensure their adaptation to the climate and the new dynamics of the farm."

"Great, more work…" Alex laughed, though he knew Ariel always had a plan for everything. "And what about the underground excavation?"

Ariel displayed a hologram on the nearby screen, showing a map of the underground beneath the farm. It depicted tunnels and cavities, some marked in red, indicating problematic areas.

"We're close to accessing an underground water source. However, there are extremely hard layers of rock preventing further progress. We don't have the proper tools to continue, and the extracted metal resources have been minimal. However, if we keep digging toward the nearby mountain, we could find useful mineral deposits. We need specialized equipment, like high-powered drills, to advance."

Alex frowned, studying the holographic map closely. The farm needed these advancements, but the cost of obtaining the resources was increasing.

"So, in summary, we need more materials to keep improving the farm," Alex said, letting his mental fatigue show in his voice.

"Exactly. Without them, the improvements will be compromised. The tractor and heavy machinery require spare parts we no longer have, and the excavation tools need to be built from scratch."

Before Ariel could continue explaining, Alex raised a hand.

"Yes, yes, I get it. But I'm not following through with your 'loot the city' plan," he said, using a tone of irony.

Ariel paused before responding with calculated logic. "I don't understand your refusal. According to satellite images, the nearby city is completely abandoned. I've located several stores and depots that contain enough materials to supply us for months. Currently, no one is using those resources, and the situation in the cities is chaotic. Governments are barely maintaining order in some places, while mutated animals become more dangerous every day. The risk of going to the city is minimal compared to the rewards."

Alex sighed, feeling the weight of an internal moral struggle. He knew Ariel was right in practical terms, but the idea of breaking into a devastated city, not knowing what he might find, made him hesitate.

Suddenly, a piercing alarm shattered the silence.

"What's happening?" Alex asked, startled, as he straightened up and looked at the screens.

"Something has breached the electric fence," Ariel responded quickly, displaying an image on the monitors. "It's a high-voltage grid installed with the help of the fungi. So far, it has kept wolves, squirrels, and other minor threats at bay. But this time is different. According to the surveillance drones, a bear, approximately five meters tall, is heading towards the farm."

Alex's eyes widened at the news. "Did you say… a five-meter bear?"

Ariel projected an image on the main screen, and Alex saw what looked like a nightmare made real. A gigantic bear, of almost unnatural size and appearance, was slowly moving through the snow. Its fur was matted and dark, with patches missing that revealed exposed, rotting flesh in some areas. Its eyes glowed with a deep red hue, and each step seemed to shake the ground beneath its feet.

"That… that can't be a bear," Alex murmured, his throat dry.

"According to my analysis, it is a bear," Ariel replied calmly. "However, its appearance suggests extreme mutation, possibly combined with disease or failure in absorbing the Omega particle. I can't determine the exact cause without a closer analysis."

"I know it's a bear! But what happened to it? Why does it look like that?" Alex asked, still in shock as he watched the screen.

"My hypothesis is that it's a failed mutation," Ariel explained. "Its body likely tried to adapt to the Omega particles, but something went wrong. Currently, the farm is on red alert. Defenses are activated."

The air grew tense as Alex watched the monitor showing the giant bear slowly approaching the farm. Each step of the creature seemed to make the ground tremble, and its presence felt like a tangible threat on the horizon.

Ariel, wasting no time, activated the first defense device. A metallic structure emerged from the hangar floor and began moving toward the battlefield. The heavy vehicle, with robust tracks and two large mechanical arms, moved with relentless precision, its engines growling under the weight of its armored body. On the screen, Alex could see the prototype advancing without hesitation, its tracks crushing the snow in its path.

"Prototype B1, activated," Ariel announced with unsettling calm.

The metal beast reached the bear in seconds. Without preamble, the prototype raised one of its massive mechanical arms and slammed it into the bear's side with impressive force. The sound of the impact echoed like thunder, metal clashing against the hardened flesh of the mutated bear. Alex watched, wide-eyed, as the prototype struck again with its other mechanical arm, this time aiming for the animal's head.

The bear let out a guttural roar, a mix of fury and pain. Its titanic body wavered for a moment, but to Alex's surprise, the creature didn't fall. Instead, it turned with impressive speed, using its massive claws to grab one of the prototype's arms. The metal groaned under the bear's pressure, and although the robotic arm tried to break free, the animal twisted it with a force that could only be described as superhuman.

"Ariel, the prototype is in trouble," Alex warned as he watched the bear pull on the robotic arm, warping it with a crunching sound.

"Implementing countermeasures," Ariel responded, unfazed.

The prototype's second arm swung toward the bear's head, landing a direct blow to its skull. For a moment, the enormous animal staggered, reeling from the force of the impact. But the victory was short-lived. The bear, in an almost instinctive move, twisted violently and, with a ferocious roar, tore apart the mechanical arm it was holding. The metal gave way under the pressure, and the arm hung uselessly at its side.

The prototype, though designed to withstand great impacts, couldn't hold up against the bear's fury. The beast, now in control of the situation, lunged at the machine, using its claws to tear into the metal body of Prototype B1. The engines groaned as they tried to resist, but the bear ripped off one of the side panels, exposing the delicate internal mechanisms. With one final brutal strike, the bear demolished the prototype, which collapsed, lifeless, into the snow.

"Prototype B1 has been destroyed," Ariel reported coldly.

Alex watched as the remains of the prototype scattered across the field, broken metal pieces and smoke rising into the icy air. His hands trembled as he saw the bear roar again, its gaze fixed on the farm.

—What else do we have? —Alex asked, swallowing hard. He knew Ariel had more tricks up her sleeve, but he hadn't expected the bear to be so relentless.

—Activating additional defense systems, —Ariel said as other vehicles and drones began appearing on the screen.

From various points around the farm, a series of small robots quickly mobilized, armed with automatic rifles mounted on their metal bodies. The drones buzzed in the air, circling the bear, and automated turrets emerged from several points along the perimeter. The bear was now at the center of a technological ambush.

—Opening fire, —Ariel announced.

The drones and robots began firing, bullets cutting through the air and striking the bear's thick fur. While some shots managed to slightly wound the animal, they didn't seem to cause much damage. The bullets either bounced off or became embedded superficially in the bear's skin, hardened by mutation. Despite the constant gunfire, the bear advanced slowly, roaring with a fury that made the air around it vibrate.

One of the larger robots, a vehicle armed with a high-caliber cannon, fired directly at the bear. The explosion echoed across the field as the projectile hit the animal's shoulder, making it stagger for a moment. However, the bear did not fall. Instead, it quickly turned and struck the vehicle with one of its massive claws, flipping it over in the snow. The metal twisted under the force of the impact, leaving the robot immobilized.

Meanwhile, the drones buzzed around the creature, firing bursts of bullets from different angles. The bear, irritated by the buzzing and superficial wounds, began attacking randomly, swatting at several drones that flew too close. One by one, the drones fell, their bodies shattered as they crashed into the ground.

Despite the destruction of the robots and drones, the automated turrets kept firing. However, the bullets barely slowed the bear, which continued its relentless march toward the farm. Its red eyes glowed with inhuman rage, and its heavy breathing formed clouds of vapor in the cold air.

—The firearms are not having the desired effect, —Ariel reported. —The bear's fur and massive size are protecting it from most of the projectiles. Deploying higher-caliber weaponry.

Suddenly, a louder explosion echoed across the field. One of the ground-mounted turrets had fired a larger projectile, hitting the bear's side directly. This time, the animal let out a roar of pain and staggered back several steps, wobbling. However, even with that explosion, the bear remained standing, though visibly affected.

—It's not enough! —Alex shouted as he watched the bear, injured but still advancing toward the farm.

The bear cast a hateful glare at the turrets that had hurt it, and in a fit of rage, charged toward them. With devastating force, it knocked down one of the turrets in a single blow, smashing the device into pieces. The machine crunched under its weight as the bear reduced it to scrap.

—This monster is unstoppable, —Alex whispered, feeling a mix of helplessness and terror as he watched the destruction the bear was causing.

—The defenses are being overwhelmed, —Ariel confirmed. —I'm preparing a final line of defense, but you'll need to make a decision soon.

Alex watched the screen with clenched fists. The bear kept advancing, destroying machines and defenses, but its gaze was no longer on the robots or drones. The colossal beast seemed to have set its sights on the farm, and Alex knew that if the monster reached it, nothing would be left. Ariel had activated everything they had, and still, it wasn't enough.

—We don't have another option, Alex, —Ariel's voice resonated in his mind, firm but without its usual coldness. —If that bear reaches the farm, nothing will stop it.

Alex swallowed hard, his heart pounding in his throat. His hands trembled over the controls. He didn't want to send his animal companions into battle. He hadn't trained Vela and the others to be soldiers. But Ariel was right—there were no more defenses. After them, the farm was doomed.

—No… —Alex murmured, looking at his dogs and the three dinosaurs lined up at the main gate, waiting for orders. —I can't do this to them. I can't risk their lives like this.

—We have no other choice, —Ariel responded. —These animals are strong enough to face the creature. If you don't let them go, we're all lost.

Alex closed his eyes for a moment, feeling the tension in his body. Vela and the other dinosaurs were ready, shifting restlessly, while the dogs, now much larger, stood tense but determined. They knew something was wrong. They knew their home was in danger.

—Alright… —Alex whispered, his voice breaking with emotion. —Go!

Ariel wasted no time, activating the gates, and the eight animals charged toward the bear. The three dinosaurs, led by Vela, were the fastest, covering the distance with impressive agility, while the five dogs, now larger than before, followed behind, forming an organized attack line.

The first to reach the bear was Vela. The enormous dinosaur-chicken leaped into the air with superhuman strength and slashed at the bear's head with her sharp claws. The impact was brutal, causing the bear to stagger back a few steps. However, the beast, though injured, did not fall. Its red eyes glowed with fury as it swiped at Vela.

Vela, always quick, narrowly dodged the attack, moving to the side and delivering another blow, this time to the bear's hind legs. Her sharp claws tore into the animal's flesh, but the bear, enraged, struck her with its massive paw. Vela flew several meters back, landing heavily in the snow, but quickly got up, shaking the snow off her body and preparing for the next attack.

Meanwhile, Rex and Duke, the largest and strongest dogs, attacked from the sides. Rex leaped toward the bear's neck, biting down with all his might, while Duke lunged at the animal's legs, trying to immobilize it. The bear roared, thrashing violently to shake off the dogs, but Rex held on, his jaws firmly locked onto the bear's thick skin, which growled and struggled, trying to break free.

Bear, the enormous Saint Bernard, ran toward the bear's back and, with his massive weight, rammed into the animal, causing its hind legs to wobble. Max, the Border Collie, used his speed and agility to run circles around the bear, distracting it and delivering quick bites, while Yuki, the Akita, lunged directly at the bear's front legs, trying to knock it off balance.

The remaining three dinosaurs, all slightly smaller than Vela but just as fierce, took advantage of the dogs' attacks. One of them jumped onto the bear's back, clawing and biting at its neck, while another attacked from the front, biting the bear's front legs with impressive force.

Despite the coordinated and furious assault, the bear continued to resist. With every bite and slash, the creature let out agonizing roars, but it refused to fall. Its flesh was torn in several places, and its blood soaked the snow around it, but its size and fury made it nearly unstoppable.

At one point, the bear managed to free itself from Rex and Duke, who were trying to bring it down. With a deafening roar, the bear delivered a devastating swipe with its claw, hitting Yuki and sending him flying through the air, landing heavily several meters away. Alex, watching from the monitor, felt his heart stop as he saw his loyal companion fall.

—Yuki! —Alex shouted, his hands gripping the controls in helplessness. —Ariel, Yuki is hurt!

—Yuki's vital signs are still active, but he's seriously injured. We need to act fast, —Ariel responded, always composed.

Vela, furious at the attack on one of her companions, launched an even more violent assault. She leaped at the bear with all her strength, sinking her claws deep into the animal's side and biting with fury. The other dinosaurs, seeing the opportunity, attacked together, tearing into the bear's flesh in several places.

Though grievously wounded, the bear shook itself with inhuman strength, sending the dinosaurs and dogs flying through the air. They all crashed heavily to the ground, panting, injured, and exhausted, but not defeated. The bear, staggering from its wounds, rose once more. Its body was covered in deep cuts, and its breathing was labored, but it seemed unwilling to fall.

The dogs struggled to their feet, limping toward the monster, while the dinosaurs prepared for another attack. Alex, watching the scene from the safety of the farm, felt a mixture of fear and despair. He knew they were reaching their limit, but he also knew they couldn't afford to stop.

The battle had reached a stalemate. Neither side seemed willing to surrender. The creatures fought with every ounce of energy they had left, but Alex could see that the fight was far from over.