[The mana signature is also an Orange Core, and like the panther, it is three stars. ]
[This leads me to believe it is a neighboring rival.]
David could still hear the Shadow Panther roaring off in the distance, but now, a piercing screech cut through.
David tilted his head, listening carefully, that screech sounded familiar, he had heard that call somewhere before.
Again, the screech rang out, and David instantly recognized it.
It was a Gale Hawk, one of the creatures that he had feared so much when he had lived in Copper Vein.
They were known to be as fast as they were deadly, and were known to roam around the outskirts of settlement, looking for stray livestock, or children.
For a moment, David hesitated. He could turn back now, whilst the Shadow Panther was distracted. He could return to the hut, and try another day.
