Scythe Beetles are only about the size of a computer chair, relatively small among Insectoids. In terms of combat power, they aren't considered too strong within the Insectoid race, even a notch below the Red-Crested Beetles.
But the reason they are called "human flesh harvesters" is because they can fly, and fly extremely fast. Coupled with their terrifyingly sharp scythe-like mandibles, their killing efficiency is absurdly high. With just a few "snips," they can harvest several heads, as fast as humans reaping wheat!
"That... that's a Scythe Beetle? Ah, no! Quick, close the windows!"
Seeing a dozen or so Scythe Beetles buzzing and darting around outside the academic building, their red compound eyes playfully searching for prey, several students yelled frantically, their scalps tingling. They rushed to close the windows, but Li Jiayu patted their shoulders and said:
"Don't be silly. A Scythe Beetle's impact force is stronger than a motorcycle's. A mere layer of glass won't stop it at all... You guys hurry and hide under the desks, protect yourselves!"
Hearing this, the girls quickly ran to the desks in the corner, curling up and hiding. Some boys also showed panic, hesitated, and finally ran to hide under desks as well.
In the end, only five boys remained standing beside Li Jiayu. Their bodies trembled slightly, breathing heavily, but their eyes held complex emotions: fear, excitement, and a faint desire to fight.
In this world, even if cowards and escapists formed the majority, there were always a few hot-blooded men who, knowing the odds were impossible, dared to muster their courage and stir up more waves amidst the perilous tides.
"You guys go hide too. I don't need your assistance," Li Jiayu glanced at them indifferently
"Li Jiayu! Don't look down on us!"
The leader, Lin Zhibin, slapped his own face, forcing himself to calm down. He clenched his fists, veins bulging:
"You, Li Jiayu, are usually just a sissy. Now even you dare to pick up a weapon and face such terrifying insects alone... I'm tall and strong, and I've even learned some Sanda (Chinese kickboxing). How can I let you face this alone? Besides, I already said I'd protect Zhou Jiamin, so I won't hide! If that Scythe Beetle wants to harm Zhou Jiamin... it has to step over my dead body!"
"That's right!"
A thin, weak boy exclaimed, unable to suppress his excitement:
"I... although my physique is poor, I... I don't want to be a coward hiding in my shell! I... I actually... also long to be a hero just once... Really, it's already the end of the world... I, I don't want to be a coward anymore, laughed at for having no guts... I want to die gloriously!"
"Oh? You're not afraid of death? You don't feel fear?" Li Jiayu's tone softened slightly. Although still tinged with faint disdain, still – these five were better than cowards.
"Afraid, of course, we're afraid... But I feel it's better to rely on ourselves than others. Rather than hiding in fear, it's better to fight, at least we can strive for a slim chance... Besides, you're so confident, I believe with you here, the insect will definitely be killed!"
The one who spoke up was Sun Weiwei. At this moment, she seemed to have mustered her courage too, climbing out from under the desk with a flushed face, holding a "fitter's hammer" she had made during an internship. Clearly, she also wanted to join the fight.
"Alright, since you've decided, I won't stop you. However, try your best not to engage directly in combat. Your main job is to attract the Scythe Beetle's attention. Remember to be clever. If it really comes down to it, dodge even if you have to roll on the ground!"
Li Jiayu said, then extended a hand towards Sun Weiwei, his expression unchanged:
"You wet your pants just now too, right? I can smell the strange odor. Give me your underwear. And you guys," he gestured to the hiding girls, "throw your underwear over here too. Hurry up, we're short on time!"
"What?"
Hearing this, everyone in the class looked at each other, stunned. Sun Weiwei and the other girls blushed crimson to the roots of their necks – this, these words were too vulgar, weren't they? What kind of pervert would directly ask girls for their underwear?
"You misunderstand. I just want to use your scent-laden underwear to attract the Scythe Beetle's attention! Uh... if that doesn't work, bring your stockings, denim skirts, or something similar as substitutes! Quick, what are you being shy about now? I don't even mind your pee, what are you still being reserved for!"
At the end, Li Jiayu shouted loudly, his voice intimidating. The girls gritted their teeth and quickly took off their odor-filled stockings, throwing them in front of Li Jiayu. One bold girl with ulterior motives even threw her underwear over!
Under everyone's strange gazes, Li Jiayu calmly picked up the stockings and underwear, waved them twice, wrinkled his nose slightly, and smacked his lips:
"Er... the smell seems a bit strong, but it's perfect for attracting the Scythe Beetle... Hey, you few, what are you standing around for? Hurry up and grab some chairs as weapons! The Scythe Beetle's carapace isn't very hard, and their leg joints and eyes are weak points. Also, their wings are very sensitive; if they get hurt, they can't fly!"
Just as Li Jiayu finished speaking, a Scythe Beetle was already whistling about twenty meters outside the window, staring at him, its scarlet compound eyes glowing – clearly, it had locked onto Li Jiayu!
"Ah, it's coming! It's charging over!"
The five boys and Sun Weiwei who had decided to fight felt an inexplicable wave of panic. Although they had made up their minds, actually facing the Scythe Beetle was still terrifying. Their legs trembled uncontrollably, but the five boys quickly reacted, hastily grabbing the nearest chairs to use as weapons.
"Swish!"
The Scythe Beetle vibrated its wings, swift as a martin, like a black bolt of lightning. Everyone felt only a "blur before their eyes," and the Scythe Beetle had already reached the window!
"Crash! Clatter!"
In an instant, the sturdy window glass shattered like paper under the Scythe Beetle's terrifying impact, scattering into tiny fragments all over the floor!
"Ugh... so fast. This body hasn't been trained or strengthened; the nerve reflex speed is deadly slow... But, luckily I mastered 'Dynamic Vision,' otherwise, I would have had trouble blocking it..."
Muttering inwardly, Li Jiayu's perception suddenly slowed down, and the Scythe Beetle's speed, in his eyes, seemed halved!
(My current mental power is very weak... I can only sustain 'Dynamic Vision' for half a second... but that's enough!)
As he thought, the Scythe Beetle lunged straight at Li Jiayu, its compound eyes fixed deadly on his precious head, hissing. The foul wind rushing towards him made Li Jiayu's hair stand on end!
"Hah!"
Li Jiayu pivoted on his left foot, flashing sideways. Following immediately, his hand moved, the fire axe tracing a cold glint, like a dazzling meteor, ruthlessly meeting the ferocious Scythe Beetle head-on!