***
Amid the vastness of the magical canopy in Old Elevian, time seemed to blur as a Dark Beast lunged at me with malevolent intent. My instincts screamed to flee, but I planted my feet and raised my holy-infused shield to intercept its monstrous form.
Despite my outward resolve, the relentless barrage of claws and ethereal roars sent ripples of panic through my very core. Each block and parry was driven more by desperation than skill. The heavy force behind every strike had me teetering precariously on the edge of hopelessness.
"Max!" Agnes's voice cut through the chaos like a beacon, "Still your mind. Open your eyes, and *really* see them. Their movements, their patterns. Predict, don't react!"
