Ayame had mentioned that adaptation was different from learning. His body could adapt to resist and negate effects, but casting spells required understanding and manipulating mana.
Blake wondered, 'However, given the unique nature of my powers, might there be more to it?'
Perhaps, with his Adaptation Sage Authority, Blake could develop an intuitive grasp of the magic he adapted to, gaining not only immunity but also an understanding of how to wield it.
It was a tantalizing possibility that he was eager to explore as he ventured further into the mystical forest, with Ayame's guidance and the support of the Surveillance Mirror.
However, Blake's exploration which had been peaceful was soon met with danger.
The forest, once serene, was now shrouded in an eerie silence. Blake could feel the tension in the air, and his senses heightened as he moved cautiously.
Suddenly, a shadow darted from his periphery, and before he could react, a searing pain shot through his right leg.
He looked down to see a Shadow Panther retreating, a chunk of his leg in its jaws.
Blake gritted his teeth against the pain, watching as his leg quickly regenerated, thanks to his Adaptation Sage Authority.
The Shadow Panthers were almost invisible, their fur absorbing the light, making them perfect nighttime predators. All he could see were their glowing red eyes as they circled him.
Another blur, another bite, and Blake's arm was torn from his body.
He felt the intense pain of loss but saw the limb regrow almost instantaneously.
Each attack was swift, leaving only a shadowy blur and the sudden realization of another lost limb. Blood splattered around him, creating a gruesome scene.
Ayame's voice came through the Surveillance Mirror, filled with concern. "Blake! Are you alright? What's happening?"
Blake, despite the pain and the grim situation, managed a smirk and replied, "Tis nothing but a scratch."
His voice carried a touch of humor, even as his left arm was ripped away.
Ayame was visibly distressed but understood Blake's resilience.
"Let the Surveillance Orb fly above the forest," Blake suggested. "We can't risk it being destroyed. I'll handle this."
Reluctantly, Ayame agreed, allowing the orb to ascend, giving her a bird's-eye view of the forest and Blake's predicament. She trusted Blake and his Adaptation Sage Authority.
For several minutes, the Shadow Panthers continued their assault. Blake's body was a canvas of regeneration and loss, each wound closing as quickly as it appeared.
His mind raced to find a solution, and slowly, he noticed his vision sharpening. His Adaptation Sage Authority was kicking in, enhancing his eyesight to see through the Panthers' stealth and granting him night vision.
Another attack came, but this time, Blake saw it coming. His eyes tracked the Shadow Panther, seeing its sleek form clearly in the darkness.
The Shadow Panther lunged, aiming for his arm, but instead of a clean bite, it found its teeth clamping down on what felt like rock. Blake's body had adapted, becoming as durable as stone.
The Panther growled in confusion, and Blake seized the opportunity. With his free hand, he gripped the creature's neck and slammed it into the ground with all his might.
The force of the impact broke its neck and left a small crater in the forest floor.
Ayame, watching from above, let out a sigh of relief. "You did it, Blake!"
Blake looked at the fallen Shadow Panther, his chest heaving. "One down, but there are more out there."
His eyes scanned the surroundings, now fully adapted to the darkness.
The other Shadow Panthers, seeing their fallen comrade, hesitated.
They were predators, but they understood when prey was no longer easy. Blake's new durability and enhanced vision made him a formidable opponent.
Blake took a defensive stance, ready for the next wave.
The Shadow Panthers circled him, testing his resolve.
One Shadow Panther tried a frontal assault, but Blake met it head-on, delivering a powerful punch that sent it flying into a tree. The sound of breaking bones echoed through the night.
Another Shadow Panther attempted to attack from behind, but Blake spun around, catching it mid-air and hurling it against the ground. The Shadow Panther yelped, its body crumpling from the force.
Blake's eyes blazed with determination as he locked onto another Shadow Panther. This time, he decided to show them the true meaning of dominance.
"Raaaaaagh!"
With a primal roar, he sprinted towards one of the Shadow Panthers. The beast barely had time to react before Blake was upon it.
Moving with animalistic fury, he grabbed the Panther by its neck, his grip like a vice.
In a shocking display of brutality, Blake bit down on the creature's neck, his teeth sinking into its flesh. The taste of blood filled his mouth as he tore a chunk from its neck, ending its life in a grisly manner.
The other Panthers froze, their red eyes widening in fear. They had never encountered prey that fought back with such ferocity, especially from a human.
In their eyes, Blake was like a predator in human clothing.
Blake's savage attack sent a clear message to them: he was not to be trifled with.
The remaining Shadow Panthers, seeing the swift defeat of their packmates, reconsidered their strategy.
They tried to melt back into the shadows, but Blake's enhanced vision tracked their movements easily. He moved with calculated precision, picking them off one by one.
The last Shadow Panther stood its ground, its red eyes blazing with fury. It lunged with desperate ferocity, but Blake was ready.
He sidestepped and caught it by the throat, lifting it off the ground. With a final, decisive motion, he eliminated it by crushing its neck and bashing its skull on the ground.
Breathing heavily, Blake surveyed the aftermath.
The forest floor was littered with the bodies of the Shadow Panthers.
His own body, though battered, had fully healed from the brutal assault. He felt a surge of satisfaction and relief.
Ayame's voice broke through his thoughts. "Blake, that was incredible. Are you okay?"