The Tigo advanced toward Caitrin, its gaze fixed intently upon her. Fear gripped her, rendering her speechless and immobile. As she retreated slowly, Tatsumi leaped from a nearby rock, landing gracefully on the ground.

"Are you alright?" he asked, turning to Caitrin.

"I'm fine, but we have a bigger problem. And where were you?" Caitrin replied nervously.

Tatsumi glanced at the creature. "While you were investigating the other carriage, I discovered claw marks elsewhere. At first, I thought they were only from the attack on the vehicles. But the marks led me to its nest. I searched there, but unfortunately, I found nothing. The creature's absence indicated it was somewhere else. That's why I arrived late."

The creature leaped down from the rock, joining them.

"It must be furious that we entered its territory," Caitrin muttered to herself.

Tatsumi drew his sword. "From now on, we need to be extra cautious. We have no choice but to fight."

As the creature approached them, its growl deepened, and its eyes blazed with anger. Caitrin unsheathed her sword, a newfound determination fueling her. "We've faced creatures before. I can handle this. I need to help Tatsumi."

Before she could act, the creature and Tatsumi charged at each other. Caitrin shouted in alarm, "Tatsumi!"

Ignoring her warning, Tatsumi clashed with the creature, their swords and crystallized ankles meeting in a fierce duel. Despite their differing physical strengths, they fought with equal intensity. After a brief exchange, the creature retreated, raised its paws, and prepared to strike Tatsumi from above.

Tatsumi leaped backward to evade the creature's attack and counter. However, the creature's crystallized ankles proved formidable, blocking his every strike. In a desperate attempt, Tatsumi parried the creature's blow, sending his sword flying.

As the creature growled menacingly, Tatsumi punched it in the face, forcing it to recoil. But the creature's anger only intensified. It struck Tatsumi in the waist, sending his bag flying and knocking him back. He steadied himself, sliding to a stop beside Caitrin.

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"Why did you attack so recklessly?" Caitrin scolded. "We need to work together as a team."

Orano's attention was drawn to his bag, which lay behind the creature. "I still haven't found a weak spot, and I dropped my bag. I need to get behind it and retrieve it before the situation worsens."

A thought occurred to him. "I have an idea."

He turned to Caitrin. "This creature has weaknesses, but they're difficult to exploit. We'll use a different strategy. I'll distract the creature and signal you. Run towards me, jump, and strike the creature from above. Understand?"

Caitrin was surprised by his quick acceptance of her suggestion. "Alright," she replied, nodding.

"Don't move until I signal," Tatsumi instructed, focusing on the creature.

He charged at the creature, which responded in kind. Their swords and crystallized limbs clashed with renewed ferocity. As they locked eyes, Tatsumi shouted, "Now!"

The creature believed it had thwarted the attack but was caught off guard by Caitrin's descent. She struck the creature from above, causing it to groan in pain.

"We're attacking again-" Orano began, but the creature launched a surprise attack. Despite the unexpected assault, Orano reacted swiftly, grasping the creature's mouth from both sides. He exerted all his strength to prevent it from closing.

The creature glared at Orano, its eyes wide, and pushed back with renewed force.

Tatsumi shouted, "Caitrin! Attack its belly! It's a weak point!"

Caitrin launched herself at the creature, aiming for its belly. However, the crystals on the creature's back formed a protective circle, deflecting her attack. As her sword struck the crystals, a powerful vibration coursed through her body.

The creature's attention shifted to Caitrin, its gaze filled with fury.

"Not again!" Caitrin exclaimed nervously.

The creature roared, its anger palpable. Tatsumi seized the opportunity, striking the creature's head with the non-cutting edge of his sword, sending it flying backward. It was reminiscent of his battle with the giant snake, but this Tigo didn't travel as far. After a brief stumble, it regained its footing.

"What was that?" Caitrin asked, bewildered.

Orano explained, "Tigos use their crystals not only for offensive attacks but also for defensive purposes. Despite their slow movement, they are highly skilled at using crystals to shield themselves from attacks."

"But that's like impenetrable armor," Caitrin argued. "How can we attack it?"

Orano studied the creature. "We'll attack simultaneously, but from different angles. I'll take the right, and you'll take the left. When you get close, feint an attack, and I'll strike. This way, we can prevent it from crystallizing its body."

Caitrin nodded, her confidence renewed. She turned to the creature, ready to execute the plan.