Chapter 43 (Retreat)

“Not much left,” Jeremy grunted, slashing through another giant fowl, feeling the resistance of its feathers give way beneath his blade. “We can do this, Owen!”

But just as they thought victory was within reach, one of the fowls let out a furious caw, rallying the remaining beasts. They charged in a united front, their beaks snapping and wings flapping with renewed fury.

“Chickens!” Owen shouted, instinctively moving closer to Jeremy. He threw needles with desperation, each one aimed with precision, but the sheer number of beasts began to overwhelm them. The air thickened with the scent of blood, and the cacophony of squawking filled their ears.

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“Here!” Jeremy shouted as he slashed through the last of the fowls, a wild swing that sent blood spraying across the ground, soaking Owen’s legs.

The last chicken crumpled to the earth, its beady eyes rolling back, and for a moment, silence fell over the battlefield.

**[Wave 3 has been completed]**

**[Wave 4/7 underway]**

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