David crouched low beneath the thick canopy of the forest, his eyes scanning the dense underbrush for any sign of movement. The world around him was quiet, but not the peaceful kind of silence—this was the kind that came before something struck. He had learned that lesson the hard way during his weeks of hunting, scavenging, and battling through this hostile environment.This place, though filled with monsters and constant danger, was also full of opportunities. He had come to realize that not all his power could come from fighting beasts. The forest held other secrets—plants, fruits, and even the meat of certain creatures that could boost his affinities and enhance his strength in ways he hadn't anticipated. It hadn't been easy to find these things, and even harder to obtain them, but each one had been worth the struggle.David shifted his weight slightly, careful not to make any noise. His latest target was somewhere nearby, and he couldn't afford to let his guard down. He had come this far for a rare find—a fruit known as Stormpetal Berries. According to the system's brief description, they were highly prized for boosting lightning affinity. The berries grew on a specific tree deep in the heart of the forest, but the area was guarded by a creature he wasn't eager to meet again.The Thunderhowl Panther.It wasn't the strongest beast he'd fought—probably a Peak Gold-tier creature—but it was fast. Very fast. The last time he had encountered it, it had left him with deep gashes across his chest and legs before he'd even realized what was happening. Only sheer luck and the defensive power of his Darkscale Stalker form had saved him, giving him enough time to escape.Now, he was back, better prepared and armed with new abilities. He couldn't leave without those berries. His Storm Raptor form would become even more powerful with the added affinity boost, and that was an edge he desperately needed for future battles.A faint rustling broke the stillness, and David's muscles tensed. His eyes darted toward the source of the sound, and there it was—the panther, its sleek, black body rippling with muscle as it prowled through the shadows. Its eyes gleamed, a dangerous mix of predatory instinct and lightning energy crackling across its fur.David exhaled slowly, lowering himself even more into the undergrowth. He needed to approach this carefully. The Stormpetal Berries were just beyond the panther, hanging on a twisted, thorny tree. The fruit glowed faintly with a blue hue, their electrical charge visible even from here. They were tantalizing, and David could almost feel the power they held, but he couldn't rush in.With a practiced ease, he activated his Shadowbane Wolf form, letting the shadows coil around him. His body melted into the darkness, his presence becoming nothing more than a whisper in the wind. The panther's keen senses wouldn't detect him like this—at least, not until he was ready to strike.He crept forward, silent and patient. The panther sniffed the air, its ears twitching as it scanned its surroundings. David paused, holding his breath. He had learned from experience that these beasts were unpredictable, always on edge, ready to leap at the slightest provocation. But this time, he had the upper hand.When the panther turned its back to him, David moved swiftly. He darted from the shadows, using his stealth to sneak a short distance behind the beast. Before it could react, he struck with his claws, slashing at its hind legs. The panther yowled in pain, spinning around to face him, but David was already gone—melting back into the shadows, waiting for his next opportunity.The fight was just beginning.David could feel the Stormpetal Berries calling to him, but the panther was far from defeated. It roared, lightning dancing across its fur, and lunged in his direction. He barely had time to dodge, the panther's claws raking the air where he had been standing moments before. He could feel the static charge in the air, the sheer power of the creature pressing down on him.He cursed under his breath. This wasn't going to be easy.Shifting forms quickly, David activated his Storm Raptor form, lightning surging through his veins. He shot forward, his speed a blur as he circled the panther, striking at its sides with quick, precise jabs. The panther growled, its tail lashing out in retaliation, but David was already gone, darting around to attack from another angle.Each hit sent a jolt of electricity through the panther's body, but it wasn't enough. The creature's thick hide absorbed most of the damage, and it retaliated with brutal efficiency. David dodged, but not quickly enough—one of the panther's claws caught him across the arm, tearing through his armor and sending him stumbling back.Pain flared in his side, but he pushed through it, using the Shadowbane Wolf form again to sneak away before the panther could follow up with another attack. He was breathing hard now, his body trembling from the effort. The Thunderhowl Panther was relentless, faster than any creature he had faced before.He had to end this soon.David shifted into Duskhorn Wyrm form, his body elongating as shadow magic flowed through him. He unleashed a wave of Shadow Surge, dark tendrils wrapping around the panther's legs, trying to hold it in place. The panther snarled, struggling against the bindings, but they held—for now.David didn't waste time. He darted in, his claws raking at the panther's exposed side, but it wasn't enough. The panther's lightning-charged fur crackled with energy, and with a sudden burst of power, it broke free from the shadows, its roar echoing through the trees.The beast lunged at him, and David barely had time to react. Its claws slashed across his chest, sending him tumbling backward into the dirt. He gasped for breath, the pain searing through him. He could feel the blood dripping down his side, but there was no time to stop. The panther was closing in, its eyes glowing with predatory intent.David's heart pounded as he scrambled to his feet. He transformed into his Darkscale Stalker form, his muscles and scales absorbing the impact of the next blow. The panther slammed into him, but he held his ground, hissing against the pain.But even the scales of Darkscale Stalker wasn't enough to fully protect him. The panther's strength was overwhelming, and David knew he couldn't take many more hits like that.He needed a new plan. Fast.Panting heavily, David shifted back into his human form. He was faster and more agile like this—more in control. But he was also more vulnerable. His daggers flashed in his hands as he lunged at the panther, aiming for its weak spots. His strikes were quick, precise, but each time the panther's lightning-infused fur deflected the blows, sending jolts of pain through his hands.With a loud crack, one of his daggers shattered, the blade splintering against the panther's hide. David froze, staring at the broken hilt in disbelief.The panther roared and lunged.David barely managed to dodge, the beast's claws grazing his side and sending him sprawling across the ground. Pain shot through his ribs, and for a moment, he thought this was it. The panther circled him, its eyes glowing with malice, its body crackling with electric energy.Desperation clawed at David's mind. He used the stealth of his wolf form again, vanishing into the shadows just as the panther lunged. His heart pounded in his chest as he slipped behind a tree, pressing his back against the rough bark. He was bleeding, exhausted, and his body was screaming in pain, but he couldn't give up now.The panther prowled the clearing, its nose sniffing the air, searching for him. Its senses were sharp, but its vision wasn't great. As long as he stayed hidden, he had a chance.David gritted his teeth, clutching his side as he watched the panther from the shadows. He couldn't fight it head-on anymore. His weapons were broken, his strength fading. He needed a way out—a way to grab the berries and escape before it found him again.His eyes flicked to the tree where the Stormpetal Berries hung, their blue light glowing softly in the dim clearing. He just needed to get close enough…Taking a deep breath, David activated Shadow Surge one last time, and then used the cover of the forest to rush directly to the base of the tree, his fingers brushing the glowing berries as he yanked them free. The panther snarled, realizing what had happened, but David was already moving, darting into the shadows and disappearing before it could react.The panther let out a frustrated roar, charging through the clearing in search of him, but David was already gone, slipping away into the depths of the forest with the berries in hand.His chest heaved with exhaustion as he finally slowed, leaning against a tree to catch his breath. Blood dripped from his wounds, and his limbs trembled from the strain, but he had done it. He had the Stormpetal Berries.But he wasn't unscathed. His side throbbed painfully, and if another beast stumbled upon him now, he wouldn't stand a chance. He needed to rest, to heal—but for now, he had what he came for.