The forest echoed with the bear's guttural roar as its severed arm fell heavily to the ground. Dark ichor seeped from the wound, pooling around its feet and painting the soil black. Adam stood ready, his sword in hand, watching every movement of the monstrous creature. His sharp instincts screamed that the battle was far from over.
Behind him, Lily steadied her trembling hands. Her black eyes narrowed in concentration as she gripped her sword tighter.
Channeling her mana into the blade, she willed it to glow with an ethereal blue light. With a quick step forward, she swung her sword, releasing a powerful flash of mana aimed directly at the bear.
The streak of light tore through the air, illuminating the battlefield.
For a brief moment, it seemed like the attack would strike true. However, the bear reacted with terrifying speed, opening its massive maw.
