The source of the growl was unlike anything Jack had ever seen. The beast was enormous, its form twisted and unnatural, as though born from the chaotic fusion of nature and magic. Its body shimmered faintly, as though it were partly composed of the same mana crystals embedded in the walls. Sharp crystalline spikes jutted from its back, reflecting the light in dazzling but deadly patterns. Its eyes glowed an unearthly blue, and its maw opened to reveal rows of jagged teeth that dripped with a strange, viscous liquid that hissed when it hit the ground.
"What… is that?" Missy whispered, her voice trembling as she instinctively moved closer to Jack.
Alisha's expression hardened as she stepped forward, her staff raised and her stance unwavering.
"A mana-infused beast," she said, her tone grim. "It must have absorbed the energy from these crystals. That would explain its size—and its aggression."
