The Apex Predator of the Floating Island
Just because the bears of the Floating Island were smaller than those of the outside world did not mean they were weak. They were incredibly strong. At least in the lower levels of the Floating Island, they always reigned at the very top of the food chain.
Even when crocodiles appeared during the sweltering season, or when the Ant-wolves ran rampant during the colder months to claim the title of apex predator, the bears were always right there beside them. They were among the largest creatures living in the lower forest of the Floating Island.
Their sheer size alone was intimidating, but they were also armed with coarse fur, thick hide, layers of fat, and dense muscle, making them virtually impervious to ordinary attacks. To put their strength into perspective, bears on the Floating Island rarely died of anything other than old age. To make matters worse, during this season, much like the Ant-wolves, they actively expanded their territories and hunted aggressively to prepare for hibernation.
— Grrrrrrr!
— Bark! Bark!
On that day, a pack of thirteen Ant-wolves crossed paths with a single bear.
The Ant-wolves surrounded the bear stealthily, launching a coordinated ambush as they usually did, but their attacks did little more than scratch the bear's thick hide. In contrast, the bear snapped the neck of an Ant-wolf charging head-on with a single, effortless swipe of its forepaw, killing it instantly.
— Roaaar!
Having slaughtered one Ant-wolf, the bear thrashed wildly on the spot. With three Ant-wolves still clinging to its back, it lunged at another. One by one, the bear systematically brutalized the pack, leaving those it didn't kill outright with fatal, gaping wounds.
Although the Ant-wolves were ferocious enough during this season to attempt hunting even a bear, it was never an easy fight. They had to risk their lives. The real problem was that during this time of year, their hormones seemed to drive them completely mad. Usually clever enough to retreat at the slightest hint of danger, they became relentlessly stubborn—just like the pack that had kept throwing themselves at Chester until only three remained. These Ant-wolves, too, continued to charge the bear even as their packmates fell dead around them.
And a short while later, in a corner of the forest stained crimson with Ant-wolf blood, the bear leisurely enjoyed its feast. It was a stark contrast to other beasts that would hurriedly wolf down their food or drag their prey to a safe haven out of fear that the scent of blood and death would attract rivals. This was a slow, majestic, and utterly unbothered meal.
Chester inspected a mark carved into a tree. It was a territorial marker, made by a bear standing on its hind legs and scratching the bark with its claws. Gently tracing the grooves, Chester felt the heavy realization settle in: they had officially entered the Bear Territory.
Nothing had outwardly changed. The air hadn't suddenly grown cold, nor was there any strange, ominous vibe. But as the saying goes, you only see as much as you know. Knowing exactly how sensitive bears were about their territory, Chester felt a wave of tension and dread wash over him the moment they crossed the boundary. Sensing his unease, Monia and Ant naturally tensed up as well.
A bear. Monia had heard time and time again from Chester just how terrifying these creatures were. He had once told her that if he had to choose between facing twenty Ant-wolves or a single bear, he would gladly take on the twenty Ant-wolves without a second thought.
Are they really that strong?
To Monia, who had never personally experienced the terror of a bear, they seemed like one of the few cute creatures on this island. Round ears, tiny eyes, and a plump, fluffy appearance thanks to their thick fur. Looking at them from afar, it was hard to associate them with fear.
However, Monia trusted Chester's experience and knowledge far more than her own superficial impressions. If Chester said it was dangerous, it was dangerous. And it didn't take long for her to understand exactly why.
"Eek!"
"Hmm."
Not long after entering the Bear Territory, the two humans and their animal companion stumbled upon a scene of absolute carnage. Blood was splattered everywhere, staining the forest floor crimson. Chunks of flesh lay scattered in all directions, with insects and small scavengers already swarming over the entrails and raw meat. As the lush green forest suddenly gave way to a gruesome, blood-soaked slaughterhouse, Monia recoiled in horror.
"...What is this?"
"The work of a bear, most likely."
"...Why would it do something so horrific?"
"Huh? No, the bear was just hunting. Looking at the carcasses... are these Ant-wolves?"
Chester examined the tracks, then decided it was best to retreat.
"Let's take a detour. Judging by the state of things, it's been a few hours since the hunt, but we shouldn't linger close by."
Turning around, he explained, "The bear didn't tear them apart out of cruelty."
"What? Then why?"
"The Ant-wolves probably kept throwing themselves at the bear even after being mauled. In the struggle, blood got sprayed everywhere."
At the same time, because the bear was killing them in different spots as they swarmed it, the bodies naturally ended up scattered. After the bear ate its fill and left, other beasts must have scavenged the remains, scattering them even further.
"But it's an undeniable fact that the bear was the one who inflicted wounds deep enough to spray this much blood."
Chester pointed toward one of the carcasses.
"See that?"
As Chester pointed out a specific wound on the remains, Monia leaned in to inspect it closely.
"..."
"Do you know what that is?"
"No... wait."
"The bone was snapped clean in two. And that's a bone buried deep inside a thick thigh."
Thigh bones are thick and sturdy. Moreover, the thigh is a major structural pillar of the body, packed with more muscle and fat than most other parts. This is true for humans, dogs, horses, and even chickens running around a yard or frogs singing by a stream. Yet, that thick thigh—bone and all—had been shattered in a single blow.
If it's that thick...
Monia compared the Ant-wolf's thigh to her own. No matter how slender she was, the difference in basic physical build meant her thigh was much sturdier and thicker. Even so, she doubted she would survive a blow capable of pulverizing a bone like that.
"Ugh..."
Seeing Monia's pale face, Chester nodded.
"We need to be extremely careful."
"Yes. I completely agree."
After making sure Monia was on high alert, Chester looked down at Ant. Ever since they had stumbled upon the scene, Ant had been pacing restlessly around Chester's legs. Terrified, the pup had tucked his tail tightly between his hind legs, making his gait awkward and hesitant.
Even Ant is scared.
He understood. Chester himself was feeling the pressure.
Even if they're small, a bear is still a bear.
Up until now, Chester had only observed the bears from a safe distance, always choosing to slip away quietly. Seeing such vivid proof of their hunting prowess made him silently praise himself for his cautious decisions.
Yet, despite the danger, Chester continued to lead Monia and Ant deeper into the Bear Territory. They had discovered so many new things when exploring the Ant-wolf Territory. Perhaps there was something in this Bear Territory that could aid their survival, help them escape the island, or get them through the upcoming winter. With such possibilities on the line—and now armed with their newly crafted Chili Powder Bombs—he couldn't afford to pass up this opportunity.
The three of them roamed the forest in silence for a long time. As they walked, they occasionally stumbled upon new discoveries.
"Chester, isn't this the same kind of wood we used for our shelter?"
"You're right. It's much smaller than the one we live in, but this is the first time I've seen a sapling of it."
The tree they used as their home was the hardest wood they had found on the Floating Island. Being the hardest meant it was tougher than stone or even their machete.
This is definitely worth taking.
Chester and Monia dug up the sapling—which was about two fingers thick and reached up to their waists—roots and all, and placed it in their basket. Having secured the wood, they continued their trek.
They found plants they had never seen before, and spotted unfamiliar small animals. Of course, since they couldn't visit the Bear Territory regularly, it was hard to gain any long-term benefits from these discoveries. Still, simply confirming whether there was anything "worth exploring" in this area was valuable in itself. If there wasn't, they would never have to set foot here again.
"..."
Monia walked through the forest, constantly glancing around in tense apprehension. It wasn't her usual curious exploration; she was scanning her surroundings out of sheer dread.
Please let there be nothing useful here!
If there was nothing, they would never have to return!
She completely took back her earlier thought about bears looking cute from a distance. A monster capable of creating such a gruesome scene looked cute on the outside? That only made it more horrifying. Monia desperately wanted to avoid running into one.
Fortunately, Ant, who had been so tense moments ago, seemed to have relaxed a bit as they continued their exploration, trotting around normally again. Monia tried to find her own composure by watching him, but it was easier said than done. She could only pray that their search would end without incident.
But the world rarely moves according to one's prayers.
"Ah!"
A sharp gasp, bordering on a cry. Surprisingly, it didn't come from Monia, but from Chester.
"Eek?! W-What is it?! What's wrong?!"
Monia stammered in panic, but Chester didn't answer. Instead, he pulled her into his arms and quickly dragged her behind cover.
"...!"
After gesturing for Ant to hide as well, Chester pointed toward a nearby clearing.
"There's a bear over there."
At those words, Monia's entire body froze solid.