Chapter 21: Yo, No Lunch for You Either? Want to Go Steal Some?

The Carnotaurus’ hunting techniques were top-tier, but Carlo simply thought: Can't learn that. I'm out. He decided to head home and snack on his own family's leftovers. However, not every dinosaur was getting a meal today.

Ceratosaurus One was currently soaking in the lake, cleaning his wounds. A few fish were drawn to the scent of blood, but Ceratosaurus One wasn't desperate enough to eat food he didn't like. His injury was the result of a mistake while hunting a herd of Sinoceratops; it wasn't deep or life-threatening, but a secondary infection could still kill him.

A rustle came from the nearby woods. Ceratosaurus One stood up from the water, narrowing his eyes at the sound. Soon, Ceratosaurus Two emerged from the forest. Seeing it was one of his own kind, Ceratosaurus One settled back into the water. Unlike Carnotaurus, Ceratosaurus are willing to share territory to an extent, provided things don't get too crowded.

Especially between a male and a female.

Two waded in beside One, also soaking in the lake. She seemed to be cleaning herself as well, though One couldn't see where she might be hurt.

"Roar…" You didn't catch anything either, huh.

Ceratosaurus One let out a low rumble, breaking the silence.

"Roar…" Mind your own business. 

Ceratosaurus Two’s tone carried a hint of defensive embarrassment, though her posture remained lazy and relaxed. One wasn't quite sure if she was actually angry, so he didn't dare speak again.

The two dinosaurs sat side-by-side by the lake, watching the sky turn a dusty amber. The air was quiet, and the atmosphere was pleasant. If it were mating season, they would surely be engaged in... other activities. But it wasn't, and more importantly, neither of them had eaten.

One enjoyed this feeling; it was far more comfortable than his old enclosure. If he could just get a full belly, life would be perfect.

In a daze, he felt something nudge him. He turned to find Ceratosaurus Two leaning against him. For a moment, he panicked.

"Roar…" Do you want to go get some food?

Ceratosaurus Two rumbled at Ceratosaurus One, her tone suggesting something devious.

"Roar…" Yes.                                  

Ceratosaurus One only had two states of being: hungry or flustered. Currently, he was both.

Ceratosaurus Two let out a series of low growls, explaining her plan. On her way back from her failed hunt, she had caught the scent of fresh blood. She’d peeked through the trees and saw a dinosaur slightly larger than themselves had made a successful kill. She had come back to recruit Ceratosaurus One for a raid.

Ceratosaurus One, the "pure-hearted" one, readily agreed.

…

Dr. Grant remained in the monitoring room. He had to ensure the Primeval Ecological Zone was functioning as intended.

"Doctor, Ceratosaurus One is moving toward Carnotaurus One’s position. Estimated contact in five minutes," a staff member called out, raising a hand.

Grant, who had been resting his eyes on the sofa, scrambled up instantly. The staff could work in shifts; he couldn't.

"Put the feed on the main screen."

Grant was tense. The main event had finally arrived. Conflicts between carnivores would determine if the ecosystem was sustainable, and more importantly, validate his long-held theories on dinosaur ethology.

"Only one?" Grant scanned the monitor for the second Ceratosaurus, but failed to find her.

"Just the one," the technician confirmed. "Number Two has left her habitat as well, but she isn't moving toward the Carnotaurus."

Grant’s confusion deepened. According to his theories, Ceratosaurus were likely cooperative hunters. If they hadn't caught anything all day, they shouldn't be acting solo.

But there was no time for deeper thought. Ceratosaurus One and Carnotaurus One had made contact.

"ROAR!"

"ROAR!"

The two theropods bellowed at each other. Fresh Parasaurolophus blood still stained the snout of the Carnotaurus; he had clearly been in the middle of a feast. Luckily, he had noticed the stranger's approach, or he would have been ambushed.

The Carnotaurus stared at the slightly smaller intruder. The stranger’s eyes were fixed on the carcass. He’s here to steal my kill?

"ROAR!" He bellowed again, trying to intimidate the intruder into retreating.

"ROAR!" The Ceratosaurus stood his ground, shouting back.

It seemed a fight was inevitable. The Carnotaurus led with a direct charge, intending to use his superior mass to break the opponent's spirit. Ceratosaurus One didn't flinch, standing his ground to take the hit.

The Carnotaurus was taken aback. Something was wrong, this opponent didn't look like he could handle a head-on collision. He slowed his pace slightly, his caution overriding his aggression.

He was quickly left bewildered. Even though he had pulled his strength back to about 70%, the impact sent the Ceratosaurus tumbling backward through the dirt.

"Aunnng!"

Ceratosaurus One let out a pathetic wail but scrambled back to his feet immediately, resuming his defensive stance.

The Carnotaurus was even more confused now. Seriously, buddy? You're not leaving? I just flipped you!

He studied the Ceratosaurus again. The intruder had no visible injuries—was he faking it? That made no sense. If the Carnotaurus followed through with a killing blow, the stranger would be dead.

Facing an unpredictable opponent, the Carnotaurus remained wary, weighing his options. He was already about 70% full; the nutrients from this kill would last him days. Continuing the fight might result in an unnecessary injury.

"Roar."

The Carnotaurus let out a low huff and stepped back. He planned to tear off one more large chunk of meat for himself and leave the rest of the "scraps" to the intruder.

Suddenly, the "scared" Ceratosaurus One charged at him like he’d lost his mind!

Shocked, the Carnotaurus braced himself to counter. 10 meters... 5 meters... 3 meters... 2... 5 meters?!

Just before entering striking range, Ceratosaurus One swerved, sprinting in the opposite direction. He kept running, getting further and further away until he disappeared into the trees.

The Carnotaurus stood frozen, a very human-like look of utter bafflement in his eyes. He didn't react until the intruder was long gone.

He left? Just like that?!

The Carnotaurus relaxed, letting out a triumphant roar toward the treeline. Regardless of the weirdness, he had won the dispute. He was the king of this sector now; every other creature would have to walk around him. Heh heh.

Still, he knew it wasn't entirely safe. Desperate, hungry predators could be unpredictable, just like that stranger. He turned back to his kill, intending to drag it back to his own territory. After all, a half-eaten carcass isn't that heavy.

Wait... he could have sworn his prey had two legs left. Why was there only one? Had he remembered wrong?

That’s impossible. How do you run on one leg?

The Carnotaurus was deeply confused. But there were no other dinosaurs around to give him an answer.