Stronger Every Time I Die

Chapter 494 The Canyon's Secret

Everywhere in the cabin, there were traces of Benjamin's life, even though it might have been a long time since he lived there. Arthur could still feel his grandfather's presence in the habits left behind in the cabin. It felt like returning to his childhood, to the warm embrace of his kind grandfather. As Arthur inspected each part of the cabin, he was not only reminiscing but also searching for any clue left by Benjamin. Unfortunately, Arthur found no useful leads. That's when the team leader came to report. "Mr. Gray, I just used the binoculars to check our previous location at the cave entrance. There was indeed a large pack of wolves ambushing us! The number was much greater than last night!" The team leader looked grave and relieved that they had consulted Arthur before acting. If they had ventured out then, the consequences would have been unimaginable. Everyone felt a chill down their spine hearing this. Timothy had doubted the presence of wolves at the entrance and had wanted to go back. If he had acted on his doubt and moved the rocks blocking the entrance, the results would have been catastrophic. They also had to acknowledge again that the wolves were much smarter than they had anticipated. They had observed for so long without any sign. A large pack of wolves, not trained like a human military unit, had managed to stay completely silent at the entrance for so long. Their patience and intelligence were indeed frightening. Arthur took the binoculars to look at the wolf pack by the cave entrance and said, "There are many traps set up around here; wild animals can't get in. We should rest and heal here for now, and once the wolf pack disperses, we can leave." Then, turning to the team leader, Arthur instructed, "Continue trying to contact the outside world for reinforcements." The presence of the wolves outside remained a concern. Even if they waited for the wolves to disperse before leaving, there was no guarantee they wouldn't encounter the pack in the forest. With many wounded and their ammunition nearly depleted, escaping a wolf attack would be nearly impossible.Given the wolves' tenacity to ambush them undetected all night, they wouldn’t give up until the last. Arthur had surveyed the area around the canyon. The lush grass indicated no large animals had been there. Benjamin had set various traps around the perimeter to keep wild animals away. Even if the wolves discovered them, they likely couldn't enter the canyon. For now, they were safe here, benefiting from Benjamin's precautions. The doctor treated Ashley's wounds, and thankfully, there was no infection. Despite the poor signal deep in the forest, they tried several times without success to make a call. Reluctantly, the group settled down to stay temporarily. The next morning, the team leader came running back excitedly. "Mr. Gray! I just got my phone to work!" "What!" Arthur and Ashley stood up in surprise, joined quickly by everyone else. "That's great news! Finally, some communication!" The cheerful news lightened the previously tense atmosphere in the cabin. The team leader continued, "I've arranged for someone to come and help us. They should be here by noon." Hearing this, the group cheered. At that moment, the lookout at the canyon's edge came to report. "Mr. Gray, the wolf pack has moved on!" Hearing this, the crowd cheered again. Finally, they could relax, knowing their ordeal might soon be over. The wolves had shown incredible endurance by ambushing silently for two days. Probably, failing to lure them out, the wolves had left, needing to find food elsewhere. With the immediate danger gone, the group's tension from the past two days eased. Now, they just had to wait calmly for their rescue to arrive. Their supplies of food and medicine wouldn't last much longer. If they hadn't made contact with the rescue team today, they weren't sure how many more days they could endure.Venturing out to hunt would mean leaving the safety of the canyon. Despite the wolves dispersing, no one knew if they might encounter the pack again once they left the canyon. After the initial celebration, everyone dispersed to handle their tasks. The team leader continued intermittently contacting the rescue team, given the spotty signal in the area.

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