Mike crouched in the shadows, his heart pounding with a mixture of fear and anticipation. The black panther lay just ahead, its sleek, powerful body rising and falling with every deep, sleeping breath. It was the same panther that had filled him with dread when he first saw it—its terrifying speed, the way it had effortlessly torn into the dead black wolf. The memory sent a shiver down his spine. But now, things were different.
He wasn't the same person he had been.
The soft hum of his Chaos Armor vibrated around him, its stealth mode rendering him invisible to the sleeping predator. His Eyes of Chaos glowed faintly, revealing the swirling energies around the beast. This time, he could clearly see its realm—6th Rank Earthly Beast. The realization made his throat tighten.
"Sixth Rank… no wonder it terrified me before. If I hadn't run, I'd be dead."
He swallowed the fear that crept back, forcing himself to stay focused. He'd barely escaped last time, fleeing before the panther arrived at the site of his battle with the black wolf. He still remembered hearing the sounds of flesh being torn apart as the panther devoured the wolf's body.
"But now…"
A grin tugged at his lips. This time, things would be different. He wasn't just some helpless fool running for his life. He had power now. The chaotic energy pulsed through him, ready to be unleashed at his command.
"I'll kill it. And maybe tonight, I'll finally get to taste some meat for the first time in this world."
The idea of fresh, roasted meat made his stomach rumble. It had been days since he'd eaten anything substantial—just fruits and water. But the thought of eating this panther, of carving through its flesh after bringing it down, made his mouth water.
He crouched lower, scanning the terrain. The forest around them was thick, shadows clinging to every corner. Massive roots snaked out of the ground, forming natural cover, while the towering trees formed a thick canopy overhead. The air smelled damp, earthy, a reminder of the rain that had passed earlier. Leaves and branches rustled in the cool breeze, but the panther's deep breathing remained steady, unbothered by its surroundings.
Mike took a deep breath, steadying his own racing heart. His mind raced as he considered his options. The panther might be asleep now, but it was still a 6th Rank beast, and that meant it was dangerous, even in its slumber.
"You have the armor now. You have the strength. Don't get cocky, though." He reminded himself, forcing down the overconfidence rising within him. The last thing he wanted was to underestimate this creature. A single mistake could cost him everything.
His Chaos Armor was his greatest asset. Not only did it allow him to remain hidden, but it also provided the protection he desperately needed. It had saved him before when the blood-red thunder descended, absorbing over seventy percent of its terrifying power. And now, he felt confident in its defense.
But even more than that, he trusted in its stealth.
"It hasn't sensed me yet. Good." Mike's eyes darted back to the panther as he slowly moved forward, testing the armor's stealth capabilities. Each step was silent, the armor blending perfectly into the surroundings. It was almost too easy. A sense of pride filled him.
"This is the perfect moment to strike. But first…"
Mike paused, crouching low as he activated the Eyes of Chaos once more, scanning the area around him. As expected, he picked up on the energy of other nearby beasts—some resting, others moving silently in the distance. He could see the energy threads clearly, identifying their realms with ease. Most were weaker than the panther, their energy small in comparison.
But then, his eyes widened as he sensed something else.
A wave of pressure, so overwhelming it made his breath catch in his throat. His Eyes of Chaos flickered for a moment, unable to process the energy he was witnessing. He felt a cold sweat run down his back, the suffocating presence nearly forcing him to his knees.
"What… what is that?" His hands clenched tightly, his heart racing with fear. He couldn't see the realm—couldn't even begin to comprehend the power behind it—but he knew one thing for sure: whatever it was, it was far beyond him. Far more dangerous than anything he'd encountered before.
His body froze for a moment, but he quickly forced himself to look away, deactivating his Eyes of Chaos. He couldn't afford to linger on that power. Not now.
"Just focus on the panther. You're safe. They can't sense you."
The stealth mode was still active. None of the beasts around him had noticed his presence, not even the terrifying ones that made his skin crawl. Mike took a deep breath, calming his nerves. He couldn't let fear control him. Not when he had a chance to win.
His eyes locked onto the panther once again. The beast was still asleep, unaware of the threat looming over it. Mike's grin returned, his heart pounding with excitement this time.
"It's time."
He felt a surge of energy pulse through his veins as he activated the Chaos Armor's speed boost, his legs tensing with the sudden rush of power. His movements became faster, sharper. He approached the panther, his blades glinting in the moonlight.
This was it—the moment he had been waiting for. The moment he would finally prove his strength, not just to the panther, but to himself.
Mike's breathing was steady as he moved closer to the panther, his heart racing with anticipation. Every step was calculated, and his Chaos Armor was working perfectly—silently, stealthily. The panther remained asleep, unaware of its impending doom.
"This is it. No more running. No more hiding. This time, I'm in control."
The confidence that surged through Mike was intoxicating. He was no longer the prey in this deadly game—he was the hunter.
The panther stirred slightly, its sleek, muscular form shifting under the moonlight. But it didn't wake. Mike crouched low, his Chaos Armor blending into the shadows. His gauntlets, sharp and lethal, gleamed faintly as he prepared to strike.
"Let's see how you handle this, beast."
Without hesitation, Mike launched himself forward. The enhanced speed of his armor made him a blur, crossing the short distance between them in an instant. His gauntlet blades slashed downward, aiming directly for the panther's exposed side.
The impact was swift and brutal.
The panther's eyes shot open in shock, a loud roar of pain filling the night as Mike's blades sliced through its fur and into its flesh. The beast leaped to its feet, but Mike was already ahead, darting around with his Chaos Steps, his movements too quick for the panther to follow.
"I've got you." Mike grinned, adrenaline pumping through his veins. He could feel the power coursing through him, his chaotic energy sharpening every sense, every movement. The panther lashed out with its massive claws, but Mike was faster, his Chaos Steps keeping him just out of reach.
The panther roared again, trying to get its bearings, but Mike didn't let up. He attacked from different angles, slashing and cutting with precision, always staying one step ahead. Every blow landed, and with each hit, the panther grew more frantic.
"You're not so terrifying now, are you?" Mike thought, his grin widening. His confidence was building with each strike, his movements becoming more fluid, more natural. The panther, despite its size and power, couldn't keep up.
For the first time, Mike truly felt the difference in his abilities. The hours of training, the painful tempering of his body—it was all paying off. He was faster, stronger, and his armor gave him the perfect edge. The Eyes of Chaos kept him aware of every movement the panther made, allowing him to predict its attacks before they came.
The beast tried to pounce, its powerful muscles tensing as it lunged at Mike. But Mike was ready. With a quick burst of speed, he sidestepped the attack, his blades slicing across the panther's side again as it landed with a heavy thud on the forest floor.
Blood splattered across the ground, the metallic scent mixing with the damp, earthy smell of the forest. The trees loomed around them, their thick trunks creating a cage of shadows, but Mike barely noticed. His focus was entirely on the panther.
"This is easier than I thought." He smirked, feeling the rush of power. His Chaos Armor was practically humming with energy, his body moving as if it were weightless. The panther snarled, its movements becoming more erratic, more desperate.
Mike could see the exhaustion in the beast's eyes. The fight was turning in his favor, and he knew it.
"I've got you now."
He darted in again, slashing at the panther's legs this time, forcing it to stumble. The beast let out another enraged roar, its eyes burning with fury. But Mike wasn't intimidated. He was winning.
The panther swiped at him again, but it was slower this time, its strength waning. Mike easily dodged the attack, using his enhanced speed to stay ahead of the beast.
"It's almost over." Mike could feel the end of the fight drawing near. The panther was weakening, its movements becoming sluggish. It wouldn't be long before he delivered the final blow.
But just as Mike was about to close in for the kill, something shifted.
The panther's eyes locked onto his, and for a brief moment, Mike felt a flicker of unease. There was something different in the beast's gaze—something dangerous.
Before he could react, the panther let out a deafening roar, its entire body tensing. Mike felt the air around him vibrate, the hairs on the back of his neck standing on end.
"What the hell…?"
Suddenly, the panther's eyes glowed a deep, menacing red. Its body seemed to swell with energy, muscles rippling under its sleek black fur. A violent aura exploded from the beast, sending a shockwave of power through the air.
Mike's instincts screamed at him to back away, but it was too late. The panther charged at him with a speed and ferocity unlike anything he'd seen before.
"What the…?"
The panther's claws slashed through the air, and Mike barely managed to block the attack with his gauntlets. The force of the impact sent him skidding backward, his feet digging into the ground as he struggled to stay upright.
"This is bad."
The panther's sudden transformation had completely changed the flow of the battle. Mike's confidence wavered as the beast let out another furious roar, its blood-red eyes locked onto him with a savage hunger.
This wasn't going to be as easy as he thought.
Mike's breath was heavy as he faced the black panther, which had awoken from its slumber. The beast's eyes, previously closed in repose, now glowed a menacing blood-red. A wave of oppressive energy emanated from the panther, pushing against Mike with a palpable pressure that seemed to stifle his every movement. The air crackled with raw power, and Mike could feel a chilling shiver run down his spine.
Without warning, the panther's muscular body tensed, and with an explosive burst of speed, it was upon Mike. The beast's claws, now elongated and glinting with a predatory gleam, swiped with blinding swiftness. Mike barely managed to raise his arms in defense. The Abyssal Armor's dark iron surface absorbed the impact, but the force was so overwhelming that Mike was thrown back, his footing faltering.
The panther's eyes, burning with a fierce, crimson light, were now a terrifying sight. The Brisker state had transformed the beast into a nearly unstoppable force. Its movements were a blur of shadow and aggression, each swipe of its claws more vicious than the last. The forest around them seemed to shrink in the face of this primal ferocity.
Mike's mind raced as he tried to comprehend the beast's newfound strength. His initial confidence faltered as he felt the impact of the panther's blows through the Abyssal Armor. "This is beyond anything I anticipated," he thought, his heart pounding in his chest. The beast's attacks were relentless, each one coming faster than the last, pushing Mike to the brink of his endurance.
As he struggled to maintain his balance, Mike activated the speed formation in his boots, his movements becoming a blur as he dodged the panther's claw strikes. The Abyssal Armor's defensive formations flared brightly, absorbing the brunt of each attack and redirecting the energy away from Mike's body. He gritted his teeth, forcing himself to stay focused.
The panther's Brisker state was disorienting. Its eyes glowed with an almost malevolent intelligence, tracking Mike's every move with precision. The beast roared, a guttural sound that reverberated through the forest, shaking the leaves and sending a cascade of twigs and debris scattering. Mike's mind raced to keep up with the panther's speed and power.
He decided to test the armor's horn formations. Activating the sharp, metallic protrusions on his helmet, Mike prepared for a defensive maneuver. As the panther lunged, he thrust his head forward, the helmet's horns making contact with the panther's claws. The force of the impact jolted Mike, but the horns deflected most of the blow, buying him a precious moment.
Seizing the opportunity, Mike unleashed a series of swift, precise strikes. His gauntlet's retractable blades gleamed in the dim light as he aimed for the panther's underbelly and joints. Each attack was a calculated move, his muscles straining with the effort to maintain the pace. The Abyssal Armor's offensive formations hummed with energy, enhancing the impact of each strike.
Despite Mike's efforts, the panther was a formidable opponent. Its agility and reflexes allowed it to evade many of Mike's attacks. The beast's claws continued to rake across Mike's armor, sending shocks of pain through his body. The Abyssal Armor absorbed the impacts, but the strain was beginning to show. Mike's breath came in ragged gasps as he struggled to keep up with the panther's relentless pace.
Mike's emotions were a volatile mix of fear, frustration, and fierce determination. He could feel his strength waning, but he refused to surrender. "I can't afford to lose here," he thought, his mind sharpening with resolve. "I have to find a way to overcome this."
The panther's attacks grew more aggressive, its blood-red eyes flashing with an almost frenzied intensity. The beast's movements were a blur, and Mike could barely keep track of its swipes and lunges. Each time he managed to land a hit, the panther retaliated with renewed ferocity, making it difficult for Mike to gain the upper hand.
Mike's strategy shifted as he tried to anticipate the panther's movements. He used his agility and the speed formation to his advantage, weaving and dodging with increased skill. The Abyssal Armor's formations continued to absorb and redirect the panther's energy, but the constant barrage was taking its toll. Mike's muscles ached, and sweat dripped from his brow as he fought to stay on his feet.
The forest around them seemed to close in as the battle raged on. The trees swayed with the force of the panther's roars, and the underbrush rustled with each movement. The panther's Brisker state made it a nearly unstoppable force, and Mike knew that he had to endure until he could find an opening. He could feel the weight of the fight pressing down on him, but his resolve remained unshaken.
The clash between Mike and the panther was a brutal test of endurance and skill. Mike's internal dialogue was a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. He knew that the fight was far from over and that he had to remain focused. Each breath was a struggle, but he pushed through, determined to turn the tide of the battle.
The battle had raged on for what felt like hours, with Mike and the black panther locked in a relentless struggle. The panther's Brisker state had pushed Mike to his limits, but the fight was far from over. As the beast's ferocity began to wane, its crimson eyes flickered, signaling the end of its temporary enhancement. The panther let out a low, menacing growl, its once-blazing gaze now dulling as the Brisker state dissipated.
Mike seized the opportunity, his heart pounding with renewed determination. The Abyssal Armor, though battered, still held strong. The dark iron plates glimmered in the dim forest light, reflecting the scattered beams of moonlight that pierced through the canopy. With the panther's power fading, Mike knew it was his chance to end the fight.
Drawing on his remaining strength, Mike activated the Chaos Steps technique, his speed surging as he closed the distance between himself and the exhausted panther. The panther, now visibly fatigued, struggled to maintain its footing. Its once-fluid movements were now sluggish, and its breathing came in ragged, labored gasps.
Mike's focus sharpened as he readied his gauntlets, the retractable blades gleaming with a deadly edge. He had made a plan during the fight, analyzing the panther's weaknesses and waiting for the perfect moment to strike. The Abyssal Armor's formations, though depleted, still offered a measure of protection, and Mike knew he had to use this to his advantage.
With a decisive move, Mike launched himself at the panther. He aimed a powerful strike at the beast's side, his blade slicing through the air with lethal precision. The panther, too slow to react, was caught off guard. The blade cut deep into its flesh, eliciting a pained roar from the beast. Blood sprayed from the wound, staining the forest floor with dark crimson.
The panther retaliated with a desperate swipe of its claws, but Mike's quick reflexes and the armor's defensive formations allowed him to deflect the attack. He countered with a series of rapid strikes, each one aimed at the panther's vital points. The Abyssal Armor's energy formations surged with renewed intensity, amplifying the force of each blow.
As the panther staggered from the relentless assault, Mike pressed his advantage. His movements were a blur of controlled aggression, each strike a testament to his mastery of the Chaos Steps and the combat techniques he had developed. The panther's resistance was waning, its once-mighty strength now a mere shadow of its former self.
In a final, desperate move, the panther attempted to launch one last offensive. It roared with a mixture of defiance and pain, its claws slashing through the air with the last of its strength. Mike, anticipating the move, sidestepped with fluid grace. The panther's attack missed its mark, and Mike saw his chance.
With a powerful lunge, Mike brought his gauntlet's blades down with crushing force. The blades connected with the panther's neck, slicing through flesh and bone with brutal efficiency. The beast let out a final, mournful roar before collapsing to the ground, its once-vibrant eyes now lifeless.
Mike stood over the fallen panther, his chest heaving as he caught his breath. The forest was eerily silent, the only sounds the distant rustle of leaves and the fading echoes of the battle. The Abyssal Armor, though scarred and battered, had held up remarkably well, a testament to its formidable design and the strength of its wearer.
Exhausted but victorious, Mike allowed himself a moment of respite. He examined the panther's body, noting the deep, fatal wounds and the stillness of the beast's form. Despite the intense fight, a sense of accomplishment washed over him. He had faced his fears and emerged victorious, proving the effectiveness of the Abyssal Armor and his own growth as a fighter.
As he prepared to leave the site of the battle, Mike's thoughts turned to the prospect of finally enjoying meat for the first time since his arrival in this world. The victory was bittersweet, but it was a crucial step on his journey. With a sense of resolve, he began the task of preparing the panther for consumption, his mind already turning to the challenges and adventures that lay ahead.