Chapter 680 - 17: Preparations Before Battle (Part 2)
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After soaking the oil, Chen Zhou handed the little fur ball to Paul and asked him to find a way to create some sparks or a small flame to ignite the fur ball.
Then he returned to the half-disemboweled Beaver and began disassembling the round Bone Armor’s outer shell.
Whenever he closely interacted with nature’s creations, Chen Zhou marveled at the ingenuity of biological evolution.
From the outside of the Beaver’s shell, most of these bone plates are rhombic, with some hexagonal or pentagonal shapes, and the surface features smaller regular patterns, resembling anti-slip designs on floor tiles.
Inside the Beaver’s armor, all bone plates are connected by a tough inner layer; prying a piece from the edge with a knife reveals each piece is 2.5~5cm thick — considerably thicker than rhino skin, and since Beaver’s plates are a bony layer, their defense far exceeds that of a rhino.
If it weren’t for drastic climate changes compounded by humanity’s rise, Beavers might still have a place in Earth’s ecology in the 21st century.
Emptying the Beaver’s insides, its outer shell structure remains intact, prompting Chen Zhou to consider that if he kills a sufficiently large Beaver, he might use its shell directly to fashion a compact Shelter — this integrated bone structure is far sturdier than a shelter made of broken branches.
Unfortunately, he neither intends to settle here nor plans on lugging the heavy Beaver shell around.
After removing the first piece at the edge of the shell, his actions became increasingly adept, quickly dismantling dozens of varied bone plates.
Apart from these pieces, which can be made into armor by drilling a hole and lashing with rope, Chen Zhou also eyed the Beaver’s tail.
This Beaver wasn’t particularly large, but its entire hammer-shaped tail, from "hammerhead" to "handle" combined, weighs approximately 50 kilograms.
The tailbones interlink, with a diameter exceeding 20cm, encased by developed muscles on both sides and protected by an outer bone layer.
Individually disassembled, the tailbone connections are notably tight, leaving almost no room for movement, meaning with simple reinforcement, the entire tailbone can transform into a hammer weighing 50 kilograms.
Such a heavy weapon might pose an unbearable burden on an average person, but for Chen Zhou it’s just right—
Very handy.
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Chen Zhou’s disassembly work was exceptionally smooth. Meanwhile, with the selfless offerings of the little Serrated Tiger Cubs and Beaver, Paul successfully lit a fire.
The oil-soaked Tiger fur ball emitted the protein-burning characteristic odor.
Flames spread through the oil, and Paul protected the flame with his numb hands from pulling the Fire Bow, gently placing oil-smeared leaves and twigs on top.
Three little Serrated Tiger Cubs, seemingly anticipating a meal, wailed anxiously, crawling from the Beaver’s organs towards Paul, enchanted by the aroma of burning oil yet fearful of the searing flame, hesitatingly wanting to move forward but frightened, creating a rather amusing scene.
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The ground was excessively damp, placing the kindling directly on it would soon extinguish it, so Paul adopted a platform-building method to set the kindling.
In his wilderness survival training, this fire-starting method has a sacred name—
"Temple Fire."
This temple refers to a platform elevated above the ground and suspended in midair.
Building the platform requires at least four vertical branches, resting wooden sticks at their intersections, then covering with a layer of soil to set the kindling.
If needed, another wooden stick can be horizontally placed on diagonally paired branches to hang water containers.
Unfortunately, there are no water containers; the only thing able to potentially hold water for boiling is the Beaver’s skull, but Chen Zhou, busy dismantling Bone Armor, paid no mind to the Beaver’s head.
An entire night without hot food, soaked by the rain, Paul felt close to a fever; finally lighting a fire, he eagerly sought to expand the kindling, then roast some oiled meat slices, replenishing energy vigorously, filling his stomach before considering other matters.
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Despite crude circumstances, the fresh ingredients were an advantage.
Gathered around the "Temple Fire," Chen Zhou and Paul each held half a Beaver rib while smearing oil on it, occasionally slicing a heart piece to roast over the fire, eating until their mouths dripped with oil.
The little Tigers enjoyed the company of the pair, squatting between Chen Zhou and Paul, soon receiving slices of roasted Beaver meat.
Wild animals are exceptionally resilient; shivering from the previous night’s rain, the little ones brightened up after eating meat, strengthening legs, lifting drooping eyelids, and becoming lively.
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With fire, not only did food security improve, but they could dry their bodies and clothes, warming themselves near the flames.
After eating, Paul appeared much better, though the wind made him sneeze involuntarily, prompting Chen Zhou to worry about his health.
Yet upon inquiry, Paul stubbornly replied—
"I’m fine, I’m fine..."
Seeing this, Chen Zhou could only stop asking, but secretly noted to find some herbs for treating cold or flu for Paul.
During two years in the present day, he’d frequently venture into remote places for skiing, rock climbing, diving, or wing flying.
Through interactions with locals, Chen Zhou learned to identify many medicinal herbs.
But that was in the 21st century — here is the Prehistoric World; he has no idea if he can locate those herbs, even if he finds similar plants, it’s difficult to verify their authenticity.
Thinking carefully, the most likely place to obtain medication remains the temporary camp of the two challengers.
Paul has five survival items, including a multi-functional Military Saber, alcohol, fire starter, needle and thread, and compass.
Based on this, the two challengers should have a total of ten survival items — apart from tree-felling tools like knives or axes, and fire-starting tools, at least eight items remain.
These eight items are not mysterious rewards randomly granted on the island, and likely include medication.
Chen Zhou doesn’t expect miracle cold remedies, just common anti-inflammatory medication to help Paul withstand the fever and preserve his life.
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Glancing at the sky, after last night’s rainstorm, the sky was spotless and blue.
After a morning’s work, eating the roasted Beaver meat, the sun hung overhead; warmth evaporated water lingering in the earth and plant stems, enveloping the woodland with a sauna-like feeling.
Carefully calculating time, Chen Zhou estimated that with maximum effort, he could craft a simple chest armor, a pair of Arm Armor, and a pair of Leg Armor by sunset.
If Paul assisted, they could whittle ten new Long Spears. Combined with the retained Beaver tail, weapons and armor would nearly be complete.
Provided there’s no rain tonight, and no unexpected disturbances all afternoon, they could proceed with the attack plan at night, stealthily reaching the old position based on gathered intelligence and launch their attack.
Originally, Chen Zhou worried "Size 45" and the Japanese might discover exploration traces he and Paul left on the Mound while venturing outside during the day.
However, last night’s rain was substantial enough to erase their footprints and wash away left sticks on the Mound’s side.
If fortunate, river levels might surge, possibly flooding the adversaries’ camp, leaving them occupied with cleaning silt or helplessly seeking materials to build a new Shelter in a higher place.
Now guarding by the Beaver’s burrow entrance, they can stash the three Tiger cubs inside before operation, sealing the burrow entrance to liberate them for unrestrained movement.
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Having devised a plan, Chen Zhou informed Paul of the new arrangement.
Naturally, Paul had no objections, hence they split tasks, seeking il grass for binding Bone Armor and hardwood for crafting Long Spears in the woodland, commencing preparations for battle.