Infinite Evolution-The End of Bugs

THUD!

The collision came faster than Chu Xun could process - an obsidian blur met tawny muscle in thunderous impact.

True terror of mutant hounds revealed itself upon contact. The larger canine's mass overpowered the Xenomorph, slamming it against earth. Razor-sharp fangs descended toward the alien's smooth cranium with bone-crushing force.

CRUNCH!

Metallic canines pierced through the Xenomorph's armored skullplate. Hydraulic jaw muscles drove the fangs deeper, fracturing chitinous armor. A single strike had wounded the ultimate predator - testament to the mutant hound's lethality.

But victory proved fleeting. The Xenomorph's claws speared through the hound's skull flesh, anchoring its head. Neck muscles strained against alien-enhanced strength. With tortured whine, the canine disengaged, thrashing wildly.

Dagger-like claws raked the Xenomorph's carapace in desperation. Yet the alien's biomechanical armor proved impervious - only faint white scratches marred its surface.

Retaliation came swift and brutal. Securing the hound's skull between clawed hands, the Xenomorph's inner jaw SNAPPED forward like ballistic steel.

CRACK!

Though bred to withstand small-arms fire, the hound's reinforced skull collapsed like eggshell. Crimson canine blood and gray matter erupted from the cratered forehead. The alpha twitched once before stilling.

Instant kill.

"ROOOOARRR!"

The pack's hunting protocol unfolded. Four fresh challengers lunged while others encircled their prey. Two broke formation, charging Chu Xun with saliva-dripping jaws.

"Shit!" The youth abandoned concern for his alien ally. Twin blades flashed - combat blade in right hand, second-grade alloy dagger in left. He surged toward the nearest beast.

No room for error. Unlike his armored companion, human flesh offered no protection here.

The charging hound bayed with bloodlust. Chu Xun's survival hinged on exploiting his sole advantage - raw strength.

"Die!" His blade descended with bone-shattering force. The cheap steel bit into canine skull with sickening CRUNCH, hilt groaning under monstrous pressure.

SNAP!

Blade shattered upon impact, sending Chu Xun staggering back. His right arm throbbed - torn palm bleeding freely. The hound lay motionless yards away, cranium split like overripe melon.

"Fuck!" Discarding the broken hilt, Chu Xun gripped his dagger two-handed. The remaining hound circled warily, intelligence gleaming in yellow eyes.

Stalemate lasted mere seconds. Drawing deep breath, Chu Xun lunged.

The beast proved cunning. Instead of meeting the charge, it pivoted with unnatural agility, flanking its prey.

Wind whistled behind.

Instinct saved him. Spinning blindly, dagger slashed upward.

SCHLICK!

Severed paw flew through air, arterial spray drenching Chu Xun. But agony exploded across his torso - remaining claws ripped through flesh to bone. Putrid breath washed over his face as fanged maw descended.

"FUCK YOU!" Primal survival instinct unleashed ant-enhanced fury. A bloodied fist hammered the hound's sensitive nasal cavity.

CRUNCH!

Canine blood fountained as cartilage collapsed. Chu Xun's forearm now missing chunks of flesh, he tackled the disoriented beast. Dagger plunged thrice into its skull until movement ceased.

Gasping atop the corpse, Chu Xun surveyed the carnage. Blood loss blurred vision; right arm hung useless. Even a zombie could finish him now.

Then he glimpsed the Xenomorph's battle.

His breath caught.

The clearing had become charnel ground. Four hound carcasses lay eviscerated, the Xenomorph itself bearing multiple wounds. Acid blood sizzled where fangs had pierced its armor. Yet the pack's remnants fought with renewed frenzy - seven remaining beasts coordinating attacks from all sides.

Worse yet - the Xenomorph's movements slowed. Its tail lashed out in delayed arcs, claws missing targets by centimeters. Chu Xun's enhanced vision detected ominous details: hairline fractures spreading across its skullplate, acid blood flow diminishing.

The ultimate predator... was weakening.