While Carlo was "fishing," the Dilophosauruses were also fishing.
Wait, why would a Dilophosaurus fish? Ahem. As established previously, "fishing" has three distinct characteristics. If an activity meets those three, how can it not be called fishing? After all, most dinosaurs only have two goals in life: victory, and... well, "reproduction training."
Take Carnotaurus Two, for instance. She was currently occupied with the former.
Since being moved into the Primeval Ecological Zone, she hadn't successfully brought down a single kill. It wasn't that she was a weak Carnotaurus; it was that her opponents were just too cracked.
I mean, seriously. Can you imagine a herd of Ankylosaurus seeing you and not even bothering to look up? Talk about a total lack of respect!
(Note: These two wouldn't usually meet in nature; one lived in North America, the other in Argentina.)
If she hadn't charged in and let out a few roars, they probably would have assumed she was a herbivore! Eventually, she had retreated, only because she felt insulted, mind you. It definitely wasn't because their clubbed tails could snap trees like toothpicks. Definitely not.
Carnotaurus Two had failed again, but a Carnotaurus never loses heart.
…
Carlo rose from the water's edge, lake water dripping steadily from his frame.
Boring...
The fish in the lake refused to play along with his "trap." Only two or three were willing to cooperate, and out of gratitude, Carlo helped them experience the world outside the water.
He shook his body, flinging the residual droplets from his skin, and glanced back at Mom and Dad.
The Duo: (¯︶¯)
So lame. Dreaming again.
Even Carlo didn't know why these two Giganotosauruses slept so much. Was it to conserve energy? Or did extra sleep lead to a longer lifespan? Carlo couldn't figure it out.
However, their lethargy provided him with plenty of opportunities. Activating his stealth mode, he lightened his footsteps and quietly slipped away. Hehehe.
The cameras caught Carlo dodging his parents, providing yet another piece of excellent footage. Watching this, Grant couldn't help but let his lips curl into a smile. Perhaps this was part of the meaning of paleontology, making people realize that these massive creatures were never just monsters, but wondrous living beings just like themselves.
"That little guy is truly remarkable, isn't he?"
The woman standing next to Grant spoke up. Yes, the same employee who previously thought the Ceratosauruses sharing a Parasaurolophus leg was romantic. Today, it was finally her shift to monitor the Giganotosaurus paddock. Aside from the "flirty" Ceratosaur duo, this sub-adult individual was her biggest interest.
Dr. Grant looked a bit puzzled but remained silent.
"This dinosaur feels different from the others to me," she continued, almost talking to herself. "To my eyes, all the other dinosaurs are just eating and sleeping, surviving day to day."
"But he's different. He's exploring the world."
"He really is like a child, full of curiosity about everything. If he wants to do something, he just goes and does it." She paused, turning to Grant. "Doctor, do you understand... that feeling?"
"It's like the first time I truly realized that everything around me is actually alive. I mean, I knew that already, obviously. But I used to treat them as background noise, as interludes."
"But since I came here and saw how these dinos live, I finally understand: every 'interlude' you've ever heard is actually a 'main theme' you just didn't know yet."
Her eyes were full of longing; her soul was brimming with curiosity for these prehistoric creatures. Grant looked at her and gave a soft smile.
"I understand."
Ever since the day Ellie Sattler chose to leave all those years ago, he had understood. Even if we crave to be an island, the sea will always connect us.
Just like Carnotaurus Two. She had finally managed to snag a kill, and the last thing she wanted right now was to run into someone higher up the food chain.
Yet, Carlo found her anyway.
"ROAR!"
She bellowed at Carlo, attempting to intimidate him into backing off.
Wait, this scene feels familiar.
Facing the Carnotaurus's roar, Carlo didn't care at all. With practiced ease, he struck the same pose he'd used during his first meeting with the Ceratosauruses.
Crouch, head shake, tail lift, all in one smooth motion.
Just like Ceratosaurus One, Carnotaurus Two, who had assumed he was there to steal her food, was completely floored.
What's the deal?
Could... could it be... is he courting me?!
It wasn't surprising she thought so. After all, what was the life motto of a dinosaur? Victory! Then reproduction!
Carnotaurus Two looked down at her Ornithomimus kill and felt that, as a dowry, it was a bit pathetic.
Wait, no!
He's trying to scam me out of my dowry!
"ROAR—!!"
The Carnotaurus was furious. I finally let my guard down for a moment and you try to play me like—
Just kidding.
This Carnotaurus... isn't into shota from other species.
Carlo had no idea he was being mistaken for a beast in heat; he was just surprised his "friendly signal" hadn't been received this time.
"Hrrr... purrr—"
Carlo's jaw parted slightly as he activated his "King Engine," emitting a continuous, low-frequency rumble. He widened his stance and lowered his center of gravity, shifting into a combat trial.
Carnotaurus Two: So if you can't have me, you'll destroy me??
In reality, Carlo had been looking forward to testing his skills against a dinosaur of similar or larger size. He hadn't forgotten that a certain "Ultimate Weapon" was destined to break out of this seemingly peaceful park.
Although, after seeing his parents' stat panels, he felt he could probably just win via "numerical crushing," it was always better to be cautious and accumulate combat experience.
Wait, why do I feel like a bratty kid sneaking out to get into a street fight?
Carlo paused for a second.
No, I'm fighting to protect my parents. Therefore, I'm a good kid.
Aha! The Mental Victory Method! Everyone, stand back!
Carnotaurus Two lowered her body, eyes locked onto her opponent. She slowly shifted her weight, stepping over the Ornithomimus carcass as she circled to the right.
Seeing this, Carlo didn't hesitate; he began circling to his own right.
The path of the two dinosaurs formed an irregular circle. This was the classic duel of carnivores, a contest of experience and patience.
Like European knights jousting on horseback, both dinos were covered in openings while in motion. The challenge was figuring out how to seize an opening one step ahead of the opponent.
In a duel like this, the most important thing was not to "lose your cool." It started as a test of skill, sparring until a point was made. But if one side got angry, it would quickly escalate into a life-or-death struggle. Even the winner might see their life cut short due to infection, blood loss, or lingering internal injuries.
Undoubtedly, the Carnotaurus, with the advantage of height, held the upper hand in this posture. Striking the opponent's armored back to cause pain and force a retreat was the best option. But if Carlo bit a vital, soft part of her body...
Then there would be no stopping.
"Roar…"
Carlo let out a soft huff and stepped closer, shortening the radius of the circle. He bypassed the Ornithomimus carcass, bringing the two dinos closer together.
"Roar…"
Carnotaurus Two refused to back down. She felt a twinge of regret that her little trap hadn't worked; if the opponent had stumbled while stepping over the carcass, it would have been the perfect moment to strike.
The battle was on the verge of erupting.